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PM KAKAR FOR ACCELERATED EFFORTS TO CURB POWER THEFT IN AJK, SINDH

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Thursday, 26 October, 2023 I 9 Rabi us Sani, 1445

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SAYS IT’S INTERIM SETUP’S RESPONSIBILITY TO LEAVE BEHIND ESTABLISHED SYSTEM FOR NEXT GOVT

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SAYS PAKISTAN COMMITTED g MEETS CHINESE AMBASSADOR, TO IMPLEMENTING TERMS BRI GUARANTOR OF PROJECTS RECENTLY DEVELOPMENT, PROSPERITY CONCLUDED WITH CHINA OF ENTIRE REGION

STAFF REPORT

ARETAKER Prime Minister (PM) Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to accelerate their efforts to curb electricity theft in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Sindh and Quetta.

The prime minister, chairing a review meeting on the anti-power theft campaign, also instructed to speed up the solarisation of agriculture tube-wells.

He also sought a comprehensive report on the resistance faced during the anti-power theft drive in Balochistan and other allied issues.

The prime minister told the participants of the meeting that it was the caretaker government’s responsibility to leave behind an established system for the next democratic government concerning the steps like anti-power theft campaign.

PM Kakar was briefed on the outcomes of the campaign since its launch.

He was told that the process was going on successfully in collaboration with the provincial governments.

It was informed that under the campaign, a total of 19,415 power thieves were arrested and 39,836 First Information Reports were registered against

power theft since September. Around 189 government officials had also been suspended over their involvement in the electricity theft.

The meeting was told that the campaign against the electricity theft remained the most successful in Mardan where the power theft ratio declined from 43 percent to 13 percent.

The participants were told that Rs 14 billion had been recovered under the campaign till September 30.

PM Kakar lauded the performance of

Interior Ministry stamps red warrants to bring back PTI’s Zulfi Bukhari ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 116 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition

In a significant development, the Ministry of Interior has approved the issuance of a red warrant for prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister for overseas Pakistanis, Zulfi Bukhari. The decisionsignifies a new chapter in the ongoing legal proceedings against the PTI leader who has been residing abroad.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Interior directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to forward a formal request to the Interpol Secretariat in France, seeking the issuance of a red warrant for Zulfi Bukhari.

This move is part of a concerted effort to arrest and extradite him to Pakistan for his alleged involvement in a case registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Golra police station on March 18.

The case against Zulfi Bukhari stems from his participation in the PTI’s “Jail Bharo Tehreek,” which commenced on February 22. He was the first to court arrest as part of the party’s protest, but he subsequently left the country.

As many as 47 PTI workers and leaders who had surrendered to the police during the campaign were taken to Adiala jail and later transferred to Shahpur jail in Sargodha.

Rana Sanaullah, the former interior minister and a prominent figure in the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N), had alleged that Zulfi Bukhari and two other PTI leaders departed the country as part of a conspiracy. In response, Bukhari vehemently denied these claims and criticised Sanaullah’s allegations.

Bukhari stated, “I’m putting up my departure details and the airport. I left for business and was scheduled to return on 6th May. It doesn’t take this much effort and airtime to figure it out,” in response to Sanaullah’s comments made during a TV show.

He found it amusing that the former minister was attempting to portray his departure as a major conspiracy.

the Energy Ministry, power distribution companies, and relevant federal and provincial authorities for the successes achieved in the campaign.

The meeting was also apprised of the outcomes of the countrywide analysis to find out the causes behind the power theft.

Caretaker federal ministers for interior, energy and information & broadcasting, provincial chief secretaries and relevant federal secretaries attended the meeting.

‘Recent accords with China to add new vigour to CPEC’

Earlier in the day, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said that Pakistan was committed to the implementation of projects recently concluded with China in diverse sectors.

He said the recent agreements between the two countries would add a new chapter to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, he said China’s Belt and Road Initiative was the guarantor of the development and prosperity of the entire region.

The prime minister expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership for the warm welcome and arrangements during his recent visit to China.

“Pakistan will take strong steps to implement the Memorandum of Understanding and agreements signed during my recent visit to China,” he said.

He said the friendship between China and Pakistan was “higher than the towering mountains and deeper than the deep seas”. He mentioned that the people of both countries were benefiting from the fruits of CPEC. The Chinese ambassador assured the prime minister of China’s full cooperation in the development and economic stability of Pakistan.

Aitzaz Ahsan moves SC against ‘enforced disappearances’ of citizens ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Former PPPP senator and senior legal expert Aitzaz Ahsan on Wednesday filed a constitutional petition in the Supreme Court, challenging “the illegal and unlawful practice of enforced disappearances.” The move comes amid the PTI’s complaints as it faces a months-long crackdown following the May 9 riots that occurred due to party chairman Imran Khan’s arrest.

Last month, anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan was back home after remaining missing for four months. This month, four PTI-affiliated politicians who were said to have been “missing” — namely Farrukh Habib, Usman Dar, Sadaqat Ali Abbasi and Sheikh Rashid, resurfaced and condemned the party’s policies.

Today, Ahsan filed the petition under Article 184(3) of the Constitution (original jurisdiction of Supreme Court) through senior advocate Sardar Latif Khosa.

The plea has made the state, the governments and inspector generals of police (IGP) of all four provinces, the Islamabad IGP, and the ‘Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances’ (CIED) respondents in the case.

It urged the apex court to accept the instant petition and declare that enforced disappearances are “violative of, inter alia, Articles 4 (right of individuals to be

dealt with in accordance with law, etc), 9 (security of person), 10 (safeguards as to arrest and detention), 14 (inviolability of dignity of man, etc), 19 (freedom of speech, etc) and 25 (equality of citizens) of the Constitution.

The petition further requested the top court to declare that the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances “does not adequately comply with legal and international standards”.

Instead, Ahsan sought the formation of an “effective and purposeful commission” led by a Supreme Court justice with two years ahead of them in office and comprising 11 others — including presidents of the Pakistan Bar Council and the high courts’ bar associations, chairpersons of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and National Commission on Status of Women.

The proposed commission would also include the director general (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence, the additional DG of the Intelligence Bureau and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists president.

The plea urged the apex court to “direct the concerned authority to ensure legal and international standards in formation of the commission, so that the amount expended out of the national exchequer for its expenses should be accounted for”.

It further requested for direc-

tives to be issued to the federal government and the provincial governments to submit a list of all disappeared persons in state custody to the court.

The petition also sought directives to the same parties to “prepare and submit a report probing and identifying the law enforcement and other officers responsible for the practice of enforced disappearances” in the Supreme Court within four weeks.

Lastly, it asked the court to “issue a writ of habeas corpus for the release of all disappeared persons in the custody of the State, and, order that all such disappeared persons be produced within four weeks” before a high court of competent jurisdiction.

In the plea, Ahsan contended that “recently, there has been a surge of enforced disappearances, and ‘re-appearances’ of citizens”.

“Such victims include journalists, politicians, bureaucrats and other dissenting voices,” he added.

It went on to mention the cases of Riaz as well as Rashid and the three PTI leaders who “went missing for weeks, only to ‘re-appear’ on media via talk shows/press conferences delivering from a predictable script”.

The PPP leader asserted, “The same illegal and unlawful practice of enforced disappearances and ‘re-appearances’ also befell bureaucrats such as Azam Khan and Muhammad Ahmad Bhatti.

Fake passports: Govt gives go-ahead for legal action against Afghan nationals ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Ministry of Interior on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to initiate legal proceedings against Afghan nationals caught in Saudi Arabia with fake Pakistani passports and identity cards.

According to the Federal Investigation Bureau (FIA) sources, in light of Ministry of Interior directives, the relevant authorities decided to issue the notice under section 18 of the NADRA ordinance to 12,500 Afghan nationals.

Sources within the FIA revealed that the fake Pakistani identity cards to the 593 Afghan nationals were issued from Islamabad, while a total of 5,500 Pakistani identity cards were issued from Quetta and Peshawar.

NADRA authorities have initiated official legal action against Afghan nationals possessing fake Pakistani passports and national identity cards.

Sources further stated that NADRA officially issued special instructions to the relevant authorities of all centers including Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. Meanwhile, the Afghan nationals caught in Saudi Arabia with counterfeit Pakistani passports and identity cards will face immediate cancellation and confiscation of the fraudulent documents.

Deportation drive not against Afghans, but all illegal residents: Bugti ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday said the government’s message about action against illegal residents was misunderstood and its deportation drive was against all those living illegally in the country, not just Afghans.

The statement comes as only a week remains to the government’s October 31 deadline for illegal immigrants to leave Pakistan. On October 3, the interim government had announced that otherwise, all law enforcement agencies would deport those living illegally in the country.

Bugti had said then that 1.73 million unregistered illegal Afghans were living in the country. State media had previously reported that the decision to evict 1.1m foreigners living illegally was because of their involvement in funding and facilitating terrorists and other illegal activities. The announcement drew criticism from several quarters with many saying the drive was aimed at Afghan refugees.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Interior today, Bugti said the government’s announcement was misconstrued and an incorrect message was delivered.

“We were talking about deporting illegal residents but it was conveyed through our announcement [as if] we are only deporting Afghans. The government’s message was not just for the Afghans. The announcement was for all illegal residents,” the interior minister clarified.

He said that anyone who had a refugee card or a visa was “our guest”, adding that the government was also similarly deporting illegal entrants coming from Iran belonging to the Baloch community.

“The perception is being given that this is an ethnic issue,” Bugti said and rebuffed any such notion, reiterating that the matter at hand was only about deporting illegal residents from the country.

The interior minister said that no country in the world allowed someone to come and begin living there illegally. Questioned by reporters later on an extension in the deadline, Bugti said there was no proposal to this effect for now and all stakeholders would deliberate if any arrived.

“Our hope is to establish a one-document regime after November 1. Anyone who wants to travel to Pakistan will bring a passport,” he said, adding that the government had devised phased plans to deport those living illegally in the country.

Bugti reiterated that there was no ethnic angle to the issue and there was no diplomatic interference in the matter, adding that “nor is there any need for it”.

A day ago, Sindh Home Minister retired Brig Haris Nawaz had similarly said that the impression that the operation was only against those belonging to one country was not correct, adding that the crackdown was against all foreigners who were illegally staying in the country.

President Alvi doubts elections being held in January ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday cast doubt on the scheduled timing of general elections, saying that he is not sure that the polls will be held in January as suggested by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

“When i wrote a letter to the ECP and proposed to resolve the issue amicably, they replied that “it is not necessary””, President Dr Arif Alvi recalled during an interview with a private TV channel here on Wednesday.

President Alvi reaffirmed his loyalty to his party chief, saying that Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is still his leader, adding that if he was not in the President’s House, he would have been in jail today.

The ECP in September had announced that elections would be held in the last week of January 2024 as the delimitation process would be completed by Nov 30, followed by a 54-day election programme period before the general elections. Apparently, the eagerly awaited announcement cleared the fog of political ambiguity and rekindled hopes for a resurgence of political and economic stabil-

ity but despite clearing the air about polls’ timing, the ECP did not announce the exact elections date, leaving room for speculation.

Several PTI leaders and workers were put behind bars following the May 9 riots that ensued after Imran Khan was arrested the same day. Most of the PTI leaders later disassociated themselves from the former ruling party following a crackdown against it by the law enforcers in response to attacks on military installations including the GHQ in Rawalpindi and Corps Commander’s House in Lahore, also known as Jinnah House on May 9. President Alvi said that had he not gone to Hajj pilgrimage, amendment to the Election Act 2017 would not have signed, citing it against the Constitution. He said Article 57/1 was amended in the Act and that is why he did not sign it.

Earlier in August, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja had refused to meet President Alvi to finalise the date for the next general elections, citing recent amendments to the Elections Act 2017.

Raja said that after the Elections Act (Amendment) Bill 2023 was enacted into law, announcing the date for polls was the sole prerogative of the ECP. In today’s inter-

view, Alvi clarified that he did not send the reference against Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa but it came from the Prime Minister’s House, adding that later the former prime minister Imran Khan also refused sending the reference on his own.

In an apparent reference to former army chief General Bajwa, Khan had said in May that the reference against Justice Isa during his tenure as premier was filed on the orders of an “authority” which was “even superior” to the then DG ISI Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed.

In May 2019, President Arif Alvi, on the advice of former PM Imran Khan, had filed a reference against Justice Isa, who was not the chief justice then. The reference alleged that the judge had acquired three properties in London on lease in the name of his wife and children between 2011 and 2015, but did not disclose them in his wealth returns.

Later, in a rejoinder to the assertions made by the attorney general for Pakistan, Justice Isa stated that he was not under obligation to provide the money trail for his family’s properties, saying his wife and adult children were not his dependents and conducted their own affairs.

PTI urges constitutional adherence, transparent polls

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson termed the President Dr. Arif Alvi’s interview to a private TV channel as an unbiased comprehensive review of the country’s prevailing situation highlighting the need and importance of the solution of the ongoing political and constitutional crises in the country.

PTI spokesperson urged that the state should hammer out a strategy in the light of the President’s interview to ensure a meaningful solution to the current crises rather than insisting on the tradition of deviating from the constitution and igniting tension through the illegal and immoral use of coercion and force.

He highlighted that in his interview, the head of the state’s talks about the inevitability of public mandate through transparent elections echoed of national aspirations.

PTI spokesperson further said that the

President’s unequivocal testimony about PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s financial integrity and patriotism reflected the reality of the nation’s trust in Imran Khan.

He underlined the need that the solution to Pakistan’s complex political, legal, judicial and economic crises was undoubtedly hidden in the supremacy and respect of the constitution and upholding the rule of law.

PTI spokesperson went on to say that free, fair and transparent elections were the key to the survival and continuity of democracy in the country and the guarantor to the protection of the sanctity and status of the Parliament. However, he made it clear that the concept of clean and transparent elections was unthinkable and farce without providing level playing field for election campaigns, political activities and press and broadcasting for all political parties and groups desiring to participate in the elections. STAFF REPORT

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36 LEADING PAKISTANI BEAUTY AND COSMETIC COMPANIES TO EXHIBIT IN DUBAI NEWS

1700 exhibitors from 60 countries to be part of Beautyworld Middle East

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Thrsday, 26 October, 2023 | LAHORE

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AKISTAN is set to make a significant mark in the global beauty and wellness industry as 36 prominent Pakistani companies gear up to participate in the 27th edition of Beautyworld Middle East, scheduled to take place in Dubai from October 30th to November 1st, 2023. With 1700 exhibitors from 60 countries, the event is poised to be a hub of innovation, showcasing the latest trends and products in the world of cosmetics and fashion.

Nominated by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan will be represented by both direct exhibitors and companies under the TDAP pavilion. This presence underscores the country’s prowess in the beauty industry and its commitment to global trade partnerships.

The Pakistani contingent will exhibit a diverse range of products, including Fragrances, Cosmetics & Skincare, Beauty Tech, Personal Care & Hygiene, Hair, Nails, and Salon Supplies. Among the participating companies are renowned names such as Bonanza Satrangi, Face Fresh, Faiza Beauty Cream, Golden Pearl Cosmetics, and

Mohammad Hashim Tajir Surma, highlighting the country’s rich heritage of beauty products. With over 50,000 trade buyers expected to attend the event, including a substantial number from Pakistan, Beautyworld Middle East 2023 will provide a platform for importers of beauty products, salon, and spa owners to explore new products. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend master classes, gaining insights into the latest beauty techniques and trends that are reshaping the industry.

Expressing enthusiasm about the event, Ghulam Abbas, a representative from one of the participating Pakistani companies,

stated, “This exhibition is not just a platform to showcase our products but also an opportunity to learn from global trends and innovations. We are proud to represent Pakistan on this international stage and look forward to forging valuable partnerships.”

Apart from Pakistan, the event will feature country pavilions from China, Italy, Japan, Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, emphasizing the

event’s international significance. It is expected that collaborations and partnerships formed during this exhibition will further strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global beauty market.

The event promises not only a vibrant display of products but also a platform for knowledge exchange and fruitful business engagements, paving the way for a more interconnected and dynamic beauty market.

SBP expects rise in remittances as labor migration increased in recent years Punjab CM approves new 250-bed heart hospital in Lahore LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

In order to reduce the rush of heart disease patients at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday has approved the construction of a new 250-bed heart hospital in Lahore. According to media reports, the new hospital, to be named the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, will be built on the site of the ongoing Jinnah Hospital Emergency and Trauma Center project. The Emergency and Trauma Center will be shifted to Jinnah Hospital. The Caretaker Chief Minister visited the under-construction project site on Wednesday and ordered that the foundation of the building be completed by the middle of next month. The Jinnah Institute of Cardiology will be a 7-story building with 250 beds. It will have all the latest facilities and equipment for the treatment of heart diseases. Provincial Ministers Dr. Javed Akram and Aamir Mir, Secretaries Health, Construction and Communication, Special Secretary Health, Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College, MS Jinnah Hospital and related officials were also present on the occasion. The construction of the new heart hospital is a welcome development for the people of Lahore and Punjab. It will help to reduce the burden on PIC and provide better healthcare to heart patients.

Court issues permanent arrest warrants for 10 PTI leaders ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

An Anti-Terrorism Court Islamabad on Wednesday has issued perpetual arrest warrants for 10 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including former ministers Murad Saeed, Umar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur and Shahbaz Gill.

According to media reports, the court issued the warrants in a case related to the attack and vandalism on the Islamabad Judicial Complex in 2022. The accused have been absent from court despite being summoned, and the court has declared them proclaimed offenders. The court has ordered that the accused be arrested and brought to court whenever they are seen. The PTI leaders have denied the charges against them and have accused the government of political persecution.

Additionally, the district and sessions courts Islamabad has also issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill in the sedition case. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra heard the case on Wednesday and directed the SHO to arrest the proclaimed offender and produce him before the court. The court ended the trial of co-accused Ammad Yousaf following the Supreme Court direction.

Thar Block II generates over 17,000 jobs for locals ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The power plants at Engro Thar Block II, developed within the framework of ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), serve as more than just coal-fired stations utilizing indigenous resources to generate power for the country, Gwadar Pro reported on Wednesday. In fact, the development of Thar Block II has resulted in the creation of over 17,000 employment opportunities for the local community. Khushhal Thar, an initiative by the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), has played a pivotal role in providing the local community access to employment across various projects in Block II. The Gwadar Pro quoting a statement issued by SEMSC, stated “To promote inclusivity, Khushhal Thar has facilitated over 28,000 employment opportunities, accounting for a significant 61% of the total employment in Thar Block II.” This indicates that 17,080 individuals, making up 61% of the total workforce, have been engaged in various roles within Thar Block II. The statement, released on Tuesday evening, further emphasizes SECMC’s commitment to empowering the local community.

g In FY23, around 0.8m Pakistani workers were registered through Bureau of Emigration and

Overseas Employment and Overseas Employment Corporation PROFIT

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is anticipating an improvement in remittance inflows to Pakistan as labor migration has significantly increased in recent years.

Compared to the preceding two years, Pakistan has seen a notable rise in labor migration in FY22 and FY23.

Data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) reveals that this surge is not unprecedented, as the country has experienced similar spikes in the past, notably during FY15 and FY16.

In FY23, around 0.8 million Pakistani workers were registered through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) and the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC). Of these, 55.6 percent were registered for Saudi Arabia, 19.3 percent for the newS DeSk

UAE, 8.6 percent for Oman, and 7.8 percent for Qatar.

However, it’s worth noting that workers’ remittances experienced a decline in FY23 for the first time in six years. After reaching a record high of $31.3 billion in FY22, remittances dropped by 13.6 percent to $27.0 billion in FY23. This decline affected all major remittance corridors except the United States.

According to a recent SBP report, the composition of Pakistan’s labor migration flow by skills shows that highly-qualified and highly-skilled labor forces each account for an average of only 2.0 percent of the overall emigration between FY20 and FY23. The number of migrants under each skill composition increased during FY23 and FY22 following a significant dip in FY21. The recent surge in emigration may be attributed to the postpandemic resumption of international travel and the

opening up of host economies.

Migration under occupational trades identified as highly-qualified and highly-skilled has been increasing between FY20 and FY23. However, due to their small proportion of emigrants, they have had a limited impact on remittances. Most workers recruited for overseas employment in FY23 were in blue-collar jobs.

Additionally, a comparison shows that remittances in US dollars declined in FY23, while remittances in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) were on an upward trend.

This indicates that exchange rate depreciation has led to lower remittances in US dollars, as a lower dollar amount results in higher remittances in rupee terms compared to the previous year. The dominance of bluecollar workers in the migration mix results in a lower average remittance amount in US dollars.

Pakistan requests $1bn Saudi oil facility ahead of IMF review PROFIT

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Pakistan has formally requested a $1 billion oil facility from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on a deferred payment basis for the calendar year 2024, just ahead of upcoming IMF review talks. According to official sources cited by The News, negotiations are underway, and the exact terms and conditions of the Saudi oil facility are yet to be finalized in the coming months. This request for the Saudi oil facility is part of the financing plan developed with the IMF to support Pakistan’s economy, with the goal of maintaining a $3 billion Standby Arrangement (SBA) program until March 2024.

The current oil facility is set to expire in December 2023, and Pakistan has already received $300 million during the last three months of the current fiscal year. The KSA had previously disbursed a total of $700 million between March and September 2023 under the existing SOF, and there is a possibility of an additional $300 million disbursement by the end of December 2023.

While the request to Saudi Arabia is viewed positively, there are concerns related to the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Initially committing to providing $3.3 billion under the ITFC mechanism for one year during the last financial year, the IsDB is now considering reducing its commitment from $1 billion to approximately $250–500 million in syndicated loan facilities for the current fiscal year.

However, a final decision is expected during the IsDB’s upcoming board meeting in December 2023. The reduction is attributed to challenges in securing dollar loans from international financial institutions, influenced by the current higher global interest rates.

The Ministry of Finance has been actively working to align with the IMF’s requirements, including efforts to control the budget deficit target. However, a significant challenge lies in the growing debt servicing requirements, projected to exceed the initially targeted Rs7.3 trillion due to the higher policy rate set by the State Bank of Pakistan, reaching a range of Rs8.3 trillion to Rs8.5 trillion for the current fiscal year 2023–24.Migration under occupational trades identified as highly-qualified and highly-skilled has been increasing between FY20 and FY23. However, due to their small proportion of emigrants, they have had a limited impact on remittances. Most workers recruited for overseas employment in FY23 were in blue-collar jobs.

Additionally, a comparison shows that remittances in US dollars declined in FY23, while remittances in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) were on an upward trend.

This indicates that exchange rate depreciation has led to lower remittances in US dollars, as a lower dollar amount results in higher remittances in rupee terms compared to the previous year. The dominance of bluecollar workers in the migration mix results in a lower average remittance amount in US dollars.

LHC puts Imran's bail pleas off day's cause list LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The Lahore High Court (LHC) cause list for Wednesday, which included the former prime minister Imran Khan's plea challenging the dismissal of his pre-arrest bails by the antiterrorism court (ATC) in seven cases, was cancelled without prior notice.

A division bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC), led

by Justice Aalia Neelum, was supposed to hear the regular cases on the cause list. However, due to a prior engagement, the cases on the cause list were cancelled.

Imran had challenged the ATC’s decision to dismiss his pre-arrest bail in seven different cases, including the Jinnah House attack case.

In his petition, filed through Barrister Salman Safdar, the former prime minister had argued that he is currently in Attock jail due to the imprisonment imposed by the trial court in the Toshakhana case. Therefore, he questioned how it could be possible to ensure his presence in court when he is in jail.

The petitioner found himself implicated in seven cases involving offences under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) in conjunction with Sections 6/7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. To avoid arrest, Imran obtained protective bail from LHC and voluntarily surrendered before an ATC judge.

Subsequently, ad-interim pre-arrest bail was granted for all seven cases, and he also cooperated with the investigation.

He also made physical appearances before the trial court and continued to present himself before ATC. However, despite these efforts, the bail petitions were not heard, and the cases were adjourned after marking attendance.

The ATC considered the comprehensive arguments presented by both parties about two pre-arrest bail applications associated with case FIR No. 388/23 and 410/23, ultimately reserving the same for a final order.

On August 8, 2023, all seven bail applications, filed under Section 498 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, were set for final arguments and a verdict before ATC in Lahore. On behalf of the petitioner, an application was presented seeking an exemption from personal appearance, along with a prayer requesting an order for the petitioner's production from Attock Jail. Subsequently, notices were issued to the state, and the case was scheduled for August

11 to determine the maintainability of the application filed on behalf of the petitioner, with the following direction: "An application is submitted on behalf of petitioner Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi for his exemption on the ground that he is in prison and is unable to attend the court and requested an adjournment while dispensing with his attendance. Since the accused/petitioner is a convicted prisoner, notice to the prosecution is also given, and learned counsel for the petitioner is directed to argue upon the point of the maintainability of said application".

Regrettably, instead of rendering a judgment based on the merits of the pending pre-arrest bail applications and simply ordering the petitioner's production from Attock jail, the ATC judge dismissed all seven bail applications due to the petitioner's non-appearance before the court.

The petitioner now seeks its annulment primarily on the following grounds: (A) The Impugned Order dated August 11, 2023, violates the principles enshrined in Article 4 and 10-A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973.

(B) The scope of Article 10-A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, extends beyond just trials and encompasses all stages of proceedings, including bail and investigation.

(C) The petitioner's absence was neither intentional nor deliberate, and Learned Respondent No.1 failed to properly grasp the actual facts and circumstances surrounding the matter.

(D) The precedent set by the Judgment of the Supreme Court reported as PLD 2021 SC 886 has been misapplied and erroneously interpreted in isolation.

(E) The ATC Judge did not appropriately exercise their unrestricted powers and discretion vested under Section 21D of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

(F) On August 9, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, while handling the petitioner's Pre-Arrest Bail, explicitly directed the investigating authority not to apprehend the petitioner in that specific case.

(G) Since the Supreme Court of Pakistan did not dismiss the petitioner's Pre-Arrest Bail due to absence on August 9, 2023, the Impugned Order dated August 11, 2023, passed by the ATC judge is in clear violation of the law and directly conflicts with the order issued by the apex Court on August 9.

Canadian Mineral Investment Company explores investment opportunities in KPK PESHAWAR

aziz BuneRi

A high-level delegation of Canadian Mineral Sector Investment Company “TYTAN COPPER”, called on the caretaker commerce minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr.Aamir Abdullah, in his office, at Civil Secretariat Peshawar and expressed their interest in investing in the mineral sector of the province.The delegation was headed by chairman of the company, David Michael Thompson, while Secretary of Mines and Mineral Development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Hamidullah Shah, Director Exploration Muhammad Amir, and other relevant officers were also present in the meeting. During the meeting, the Canadian company working in the mineral sector informed the caretaker minister about its activities in various sectors of minerals and expressed its desire to invest in the mineral sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially related to copper deposits. The delegation told the caretaker minister that the same company wants to invest in the province in mineral exploration and safe mining of copper and other precious natural resources. During the meeting, the delegation indicated that the company can also invest in marble and granite in the province. On this occasion, the caretaker minister welcomed the Canadian investor’s delegation to invest in the province and said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government values foreign investment in the province and assured them that investing here would be beneficial for the economic prosperity of the province. He expressed that all possible facilities will be provided to the company for investing in the province and the said company will be encouraged here.

Suicide blast at check post in Khyber district injures 3 officials PESHAWAR

Staff RepoRt

Three officials were injured in a suicide blast at a check post in Khyber district on Wednesday morning. According to the police, the suicide bomber rammed a car full of explosives into the Qam Akakhel Sarozey check post in Tirah valley of Khyber district, resulting in injuries to three personnel. The injured officials, Subedar Muhammad Israr, Sepoy Iftikhar and Sepoy Shafiq Narul, were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The initial reports suggest that the suicide bomber was targeting security forces at the check post. The blast caused significant damage to the check post and nearby vehicles.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident.

Two teenagers killed as roof of under construction building collapses Two teenage boys were killed when roof of an under construction building located at Aimanabad road of Sialkot suddenly came down on Wednesday. Rescue sources said that the incident took place in village Dharmkot where roof of an under construction building collapsed. Two youngsters including Abdullah 18, and Husnain 16, were killed in the incident. Six vehicles of rescue took part in the operation, pulled out the bodies and handed them over to heirs. A state of grief and sorrow prevailed upon in the area over accidental death of two teenagers.

Thrsday, 26 October, 2023 | LAHORE

03

HONDA, GM SCRAP $5BN PLAN TO CO-DEVELOP CHEAPER EVS

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NEWS

PROFIT

ReuteRS

ONDA Motor (7267.T) and General Motors (GM) (GM.N) are scrapping a plan to jointly develop affordable electric vehicles (EVs), the companies said on Wednesday, just a year after they agreed to work together in a $5 billion effort to try to beat Tesla (TSLA.O) in sales.

The decision underscores GM’s strategic shift to slow the launch of several EV models to focus on profitability, as it

LHC dissatisfied over CCPO’s report in Khadija Shah case

grapples with the rising cost of United Auto Workers strikes, which surged to $200 million a week this month.

The U.S. automaker on Tuesday withdrew its previous 2023 profit outlook.

After extensive studies and analysis, we have come to a mutual decision to discontinue the program. Each company remains committed to affordability in the EV market,” the companies said in a joint statement. Honda said there was no change in its plan to sell only electrified vehicles by 2040. GM cited a joint statement that pointed to the projects the companies are

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday expressed displeasure over a report of the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) submitted to the court in relation to Khadija Shah’s case of incitement following the riots of May 9. Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, in his order mentioned that “the report submitted by the CCPO Lahore through the learned law officer appears to be unsatisfactory, therefore, he is directed to explain his position by appearing in person on the next date of hearing”. Further, Justice Najafi fixed October 27 for the next hearing. It is pertinent to mention that Khadija, a PTI social activist, and a well-known fashion designer had filed a plea seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against police high-ups over her arrest in a third case. The case was linked to an unknown FIR that was not revealed to the court. However, the LHC’s division bench headed by Justice Aalia Neelum granted post-arrest bail to Khadija in the aforementioned two FIRs. As the LHC granted her bail, the police again arrested her in another FIR for allegedly abetting in the Rahat Bakery arson case. Moreover, Justice Najafi directed the CCPO Lahore to appear before the court and answer why the petitioner was arrested in another FIR. On October 23, as the CCPO appeared, Justice Najafi asked in which cases was the petitioner nominated. The police official replied that Khadija was wanted in two FIRs. Justice Najafi adjourned the proceedings by October 27. The court also issued an order that directed the CCPO to appear in person on the next date to explain his position on this matter.

China-Pakistan Youth Community helps flood victims in Bahawalnagar

EV partnership. The two firms agreed in April last year to develop a series of lowerpriced EVs based on a new joint platform, producing potentially millions of cars from 2027. The automakers had said the deal was for “affordable” EVs, including compact crossover vehicles, built using GM’s Ultium battery technology.

“After studying this for a year, we decided that this would be difficult as a business, so at the moment, we are ending development of an affordable EV,” Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe was quoted by Bloomberg as saying in an interview.

In a display of solidarity and generosity, the ChinaPakistan Youth Exchange Community (CPYEC) recently distributed food packages to 300 flood-affected families, which are expected to benefit more than 1,800 people in Bahawalnagar and surrounding disaster areas.

The heart- warming drive was organized in collaboration with the Beijing One Heart Sphere Charity Foundation, according to a Gwadar Pro’s report.

CPYEC is a non-profit organization that aims to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the youth of China and Pakistan. The organization has been actively involved in various social and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan, including disaster relief efforts. Following the outbreak of the Century Flood in Pakistan in August 2022, another major flood occurred in Bahawalnagar and other areas of Pakistan in May 2023, destroying a large number of dams and villages, killing 196 people, injuring thousands, and displacing more than 16,627 people.

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) bench formed to hear former premier Imran Khan's plea in the Al-Qadir Trust case and the Toshakhana case was dissolved on Wednesday following Justice Babar Sattar's recusal.

Chief Justice (CJ) Aamer Farooq and Justice Sattar heard the petition in the presence of Imran's counsel, Latif Khosa.

The court asked the PTI counsel whether chairman's Imran's detention should not be considered an arrest, to which Khosa replied that NAB has its own procedures and has given a statement that he was not arrested.

Khosa added that it is NAB's procedure to issue an arrest warrant, and the NAB prosecutor replied that an arrest warrant exists for the former premier.

When the court inquired

regarding a delay in the investigation by NAB, the accountability body's prosecutor replied that investigation in both cases is underway.

The bench expressed displeasure and announced that they would place the case before another bench. Justice Farooq said that on November 6, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri will schedule the case on the same day.

Justice Babar Sattar also asked

why an investigation was not being conducted when an individual has been arrested.

Imran's counsel’s requested for the interim bail to be restored which was rejected by Justice Babar, referring to Imran's current arrest. Khosa said that another second bench of the same court has restored interim bail in six cases.

The new bench will comprise CJ Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Jahangiri.

g Honda, Toyota and Suzuki were violating auto policy, says EDB

ISLAMABAD

ShahzaD paRacha

An attached department of the Ministry of Industries and Production, Engineering Development Board (EDB) has suspended the manufacturing licenses of three automobile companies.

Sources inside the ministry reported that the car manufacturers have reportedly violated a number of conditions of the auto policy due to which their licenses have been suspended. These manufacturers are the biggest automobile manufacturers of Pakistan namely, Pak Suzuki Motor Company, Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan, and Indus Motor Company Limited (Toyota). The manufacturers are not fulfilling localization conditions as they have not increased local production of vehicles under the auto policy.

According to the auto policy, automakers are bound to produce auto as well as spare parts locally.

Moreover, car manufacturers are bound to export two percent of vehicles in 2023, 4 percent in 2024, 7 percent in 2025 and 10 percent by 2026,.

Not only are these manufacturers not producing spare parts, they have also not fulfilled the 2% export requirement.

Sources said that there may be some relaxation if car manufacturers provide written assurances of auto policy enforcement.

A senior official of EDB on the condition of anonymity said that the EDB cannot suspend the current licenses for long. Companies have already applied for the renewal of their licenses and the process will be completed in two to three days upon provision of written assurances.

g Under invoicing of imports, fake currency notes, and bank fraud also discussed in meeting

ISLAMABAD

The senate’s standing committee on Finance and Revenue has sought details from the Federal Board of Revenue about discrepancies worth $7.51 billion in imports and exports statistics with four major trading partners. The meeting of the Senate committee was held under the chair of Senator Saleem Mandviwala which discussed the matter.

It was reported that Pakistani traders have allegedly been found involved in under-invoicing of imported goods of over $7.51 billion to four major trading partners namely: China, Singapore, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The four trading partners reported exports of $26.30 billion to Pakistan in 2022 whereas Pakistan reported $18.88 billion import from these countries, showing a disparity of $7.51 billion.

The chairman of the committee said that invoicing is being done on the items on which duty is not applicable. He also pointed to the under invoicing done in the case of solar panels that was reported last month. The chairman FBR said that investigation of this matter is under way and sought a week’s time for furnishing a report. He said that there is a gap of $3-

4 billion in trade volume with China and the FBR is working to acquire real-time data from China. He said that similar trade gaps exist in other countries as well. The chairman FBR also said that Beijing has also agreed to share regulatory data. He also said that efforts are underway to exchange import-export data with China. While deliberating on the news regarding “world bank urging Pakistan to eliminate tax exemptions” the committee was apprised that the news article had been examined in detail and the world bank acquired the exemption in taxation of real estate and agricultural sector and exemption threshold on personal income tax. It was informed by the FBR that no formal communication in this regard had been made by the world bank.

The FBR explained to the committee that tax on agricultural income is a provincial subject and the federal government cannot impose tax or grant exemptions on agricultural income. With regards to the exemption threshold of both salaried and business individuals, the committee was told that the threshold is at R/s 600,000/- per annum. It was apprised that neither any policy proposal is under consideration by the FBR to change this current

exemption threshold nor the world bank has recommended the FBR to lower this threshold for this class.

The chairman FBR debated that provinces are failing to impose taxes on the agricultural sector.

He further informed that the number of taxpayers has reached 4.9 million which is a significant improvement from previous years. He said that in Pakistan, the tax cannot be applied on the low income which is 65% of the population, and further regretted that in Pakistan, 15 million people do not pay taxes, he said that the tax gap can only be bridged if 15 million people start paying tax.

The committee sought from the FBR a detailed briefing on taxpayers, its applicability and revenue generated besides the volume of direct and indirect taxes. The committee also sought details regarding smuggling and an estimate of the amount of tax evaded.

The committee also took up the matter of withdrawal of money from accounts of private bank account holders. It was briefed by the Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on five billion rupees fraud in Bank Al Habib Faisalabad, the money for which was withdrawn from various accounts.

The Governor SBP said that the total

amount is about 254 million on which action has been initiated against the manager, the representatives of the affected families who were also present in the meeting said that the amount was around 350 million. Of this amount, 270 million has already been reverted to the accounts within 6 weeks. The committee emphasised that such frauds in the banking sector should be monitored and action should be taken against those responsible.

The committee inquired whether or not there are any other victims in this matter, to which the Governor State Bank replied that, no other affected person has come forward in this case. The committee also discussed fake currency notes which are circulating in the market. The chairman committee said that the most fake currency notes are Rs 1,000 denomination, and said that fake currency notes are also coming out of ATM machines. The Governor State Bank has assured to change the security features of currency notes and said that this will help in curbing fake currency notes, he said that he also plans to introduce polymer currency in the future and said that It also has a higher lifeline. The committee suggested the introduction of plastic currency to discourage fake currency notes.

Pakistani handicraft enterprise aiming to increase offline presence in China ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

“We have many partnerships, and people enjoy using our products. We foresee an increase in the number of our physical stores in China,” said Yang Han, sales manager of a China-based Pakistani art enterprise, told China Economic Net (CEN) in an exclusive interview at the 2023 Beijing International Cultural and Tourism Consumption Expo.

The Pakistani brand, specializing in premium handmade scarves and carpets from Pakistan, India and Iran, boasts nine offline stores in major Chinese cities

IMF mission to visit Pakistan on Nov 2 for vital SBA review PROFIT

newS DeSk

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission is scheduled to visit Pakistan on November 2nd to conduct the first review of the country’s $3 billion standby arrangement (SBA). The announcement was made by the IMF’s resident representative to Pakistan, Esther Perez Ruiz. Pakistan is currently under a caretaker government as it seeks to navigate a path to economic recovery. This comes in the aftermath of an IMF loan program, approved in July, which played a crucial role in preventing a sovereign debt default. Under the terms of this program, Pakistan received an initial disbursement of $1.2 billion from the IMF in July. The upcoming mission to Pakistan, led by Nathan Porter, will focus on the first review of the current Stand-By Arrangement. In preparation for the impending IMF review, the Ministry of Finance has scheduled an important meeting with various ministries, divisions, and departments to gather updates on structural benchmarks, indicative criteria, and performance criteria previously agreed with the IMF. The Ministry of Finance has been actively working to align with the IMF’s requirements, including efforts to control the budget deficit target. Provinces have been advised to curb their spending, and preliminary estimates indicate that Punjab and Sindh have taken steps to limit their expenditures. However, a significant challenge lies in the growing debt servicing requirements, projected to exceed the initially targeted Rs7.3 trillion due to the higher policy rate set by the State Bank of Pakistan, reaching a range of Rs8.3 trillion to Rs8.5 trillion for the current fiscal year 2023–24.

SC to take up case about general elections on Nov 2 ISLAMABAD

Finance committee seeks detail from FBR about $7.5 bn discrepancy in imports ShahzaD paRacha

A Honda spokesperson said its separate partnership with GM and its Cruise unit would not be impacted by a recent safety incident in California which led to a suspension of the robotaxi firm’s driverless testing permit in the U.S. state. California on Tuesday ordered Cruise to remove its driverless cars from state roads, calling the vehicles a risk to the public and saying the company had “misrepresented” the safety of the technology.

Honda said last week it aimed to establish a joint venture with GM and Cruise in the first half of 2024 to begin a driverless ride service in Japan in early 2026.

IHC bench hearing Imran’s pleas dissolved

Manufacturing licenses of ‘Big Three’ auto companies suspended

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

still working on together in acknowledging the end of EV plan. GM shares were nearly flat at $28.52 in pre-market trading on Wednesday.

Honda closed up 0.8% in Tokyo before the decision was announced.

JOINT PLATFORM: GM CEO Mary Barra said on Tuesday during an earnings conference call that the U.S. automaker was shifting its EV push from efforts in the entry-level segments, that included a $5 billion commitment over the next several years to GM’s Bolt EV. A spokesperson confirmed she was referring to the Honda

including Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xi’an, Nanjing, and Tianjin, the sales manager told CEN. With an effective distribution network based in Hangzhou, Asiya has become increasingly popular in China. “Our products from Pakistan, India and Iran normally arrive in Hangzhou first, and then they are distributed to offline shops in other cities,” Yang informed CEN, adding that the handicrafts have the potential to penetrate smaller markets as well.

To this end, the company has formed a dedicated expo team to promote its products at various exhibitions in China.

Staff RepoRt

The Supreme Court (SC) will take up the case pertaining to the holding general elections within 90 days after dissolution of the assemblies for hearing on November 2. A three-member SC bench headed

by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Amin ud Din Khan will hear the case. In the last hearing, the court had sought replies from the Federation and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) and others have filed petitions for holding of general elections in 90 days of the assemblies’ dissolution.

04 COMMENT

Global absentia trials and Pakistan

Thursday, 26 October, 2023

Caretakers questioned

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CJP raises an important issue

HE Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, has raised a very pertinent issue when he asked what was the utility of the caretaker governments. He asked this while presiding over a bench hearing a petition asking for simultaneous elections to the National Assembly and all four provincial assemblies. One of the counsel, former Senate Chirman Farooq H. Naek, noted that the Constitution laid down that power was to be exercised through the chosen representatives of the people, which meant that governments were supposed to be elected, not selected, as caretaker governments were. He also noted that the Election Commission of Pakistan was tasked with conducting elections, so the caretakers did not seem to have.

This debate over the role of the caretakers has become particularly relevant now that the caretakers are being used for a purpose not contemplated even in the constitutional provision creating them, which was not in the original constitutional scheme, but which was introduced by Ziaul Haq’s RCO. They were supposed to end accusations by the opposition of rigging, and had as their backdrop the 1977 elections, when the sitting government remained in place during the elections, as was supposed to happen in all countries practising the parliamentary form of government. The accusations of rigging have not died down, and have merely been shifted to the caretakers. Also, caretakers have now become a way for the powers that be to put together a government of technocrats that make long-term plans they have no business making.

The example of Bangladesh shows the dilemma.

Since the caretaker system was removed, the Awami League has had an unbroken chain of victories in elections, where there had been an alternation of power before. The caretakers were only abolished after one caretaker government overstayed its mandate, the so-called ‘Bangladesh model’, where the Bangladesh Army backed this overstaying, and used this as an alternative to taking over. The caretaker provision may need to be abolished, but that can only be done by a constitutional amendment, which can only be done by Parliament, to which elections are yet to be held.

Indeed, a date is yet to be set for the polls.

Interest has recently grown in Pakistan

RIALS in absentia, a legal practice in which court procedures take place without the accused present, represents a difficult and divisive topic in the field of criminal justice.

Particularly in situations where defendants decline to present, flee the scene of the crime, or are hampered by health issues, such trials involve complex considerations regarding preserving the concepts of justice, due process, and the rights of the accused.

Trials in absentia were first used in the postWorld War II International Military Tribunals at Nuremberg. Their fundamental legal document, the Nuremberg Charter, expressly supported holding trials in absentia. It reaffirmed the tribunal’s power to bring charges against people accused of serious crimes even when they are not present.

Due process is upheld in the USA by ensuring that criminal defendants have the right to attend their trial. However, a legal basis was established in a key 1884 decision (Hopt v. Utah). According to this rule, which is based on the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, a defendant may voluntarily renounce the right to appear in court if he does so after carefully considering all of his options. The court may view the defendant’s absence as an intentional and legal waiver as long as they were aware of the trial schedule and received notification that proceedings would continue without them.

The legal system in South Asian nations like Bangladesh and India permits trials to continue even when the accused is not present. As stated in Section 339B of the country’s Criminal Procedure Code, titled “Trial in Absentia,” judicial proceedings in Bangladesh may be conducted while the accused is not present. In India, the judge presiding over the trial has the authority to question witnesses submitted by the prosecution even when the accused is not present under Section 299 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Here are a few specific instances from different nations that demonstrate the legal and procedural components of trials held in absentia: DAWOOD IBRAHIM (INDIA): A renowned mobster and terrorist from India, Dawood Ibrahim has been tried in absentia for a number of crimes by Indian courts.

ADEM JASHARI (KOSOVO / YUGOSLAVIA): Jashari, the leader of the Kosovo Liberation Army, was found guilty in absentia by a Yugoslav court in 1997, demonstrating the usefulness of such proceedings even in areas rife with violence.

MULLAH OMAR (AFGHANISTAN): Mullah Omar, the Taliban’s founder and spiritual leader, was tried in absentia by the Afghan government for his role in providing Osama bin Laden with protection.

SALIM MOINUDDIN (BANGLADESH): Moinuddin was a main defendant in the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack and was found guilty and given the death penalty by a Bangladeshi court after being prosecuted in absentia.

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

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

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Executive Editor

oMay aiMen

RYSZARD KUKLISKI (POLAND): In 1984, a communist court in the Polish People’s Republic sentenced Kukliski to death in absentia for his role in Cold War espionage and as a communist traitor.

Like many other nations, Pakistan has provisions for trials in absentia in its legal system. The criminal justice system in Pakistan permits absconders to be tried in absentia, and under Section 172 of Pakistan Penal Code specifically provides deterrence for avoiding appearance / notices / summons before a criminal court absconders. Due to its ramifications in cases involving issues of national security, anti-state activities, and propaganda, the practice of trials in absentia in Pakistan has received a lot of attention recently. These instances have highlighted the problem of trials in absentia and prompted debate over how to strike a balance between the rights of the accused and the interests of justice.

By issuing Red Notices, Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organisation, plays a significant role in instances requiring trials in absentia. A Red Notice is a request to track down and temporarily detain a person pending extradition. It serves as a global request to locate and detain wanted individuals even if it is not an arrest warrant. A Red Notice can be helpful in finding and apprehending an accused person who has fled the jurisdiction and is being tried in absentia.

This publication informs law enforcement organisations around the world of the fugitive’s whereabouts, potentially facilitating their capture and extradition.

Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) Sections 512

The issue goes back to 1948

Rashid MehMood

N 1947, the United Nations adopted Resolution 181, also known as the partition plan, meant to divide the British Mandate of Palestine into Arab and Jewish States, after this resolution. The state of Israel was created on 14 May 1948.

After the creation of this state, the first Arab-Israel war was fought, which ended in 1949. In this war, around one million Palestinians were displaced, and Israel was declared the winner. The territory was divided into three pats: the West Bank (of the Jordan River, the state of Israel, and the Gaza Strip, and 750,000 Palestinians were displaced Since its beginning in 1948, this territory became a region of tension between Israel, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. During the 1956 Suez Crisis, the Israel invasion of the Sinai Peninsula, Jordan, Syria, and Egypt compelled four countries to sign a mutual defense pact. In June 1967, the then Egyptian President Abdel Gemal Nasser, was in office. Israel preemptively attacked the Syrian and Egyptian Air forces, and thre was then a six-day war. Israel gained control over the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria, and the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan.

Six years later, the three countries tried to regain the occupied territory from Israel in the Yom Kippur War or October War. The attack did not result in significant gains; however, the then-Egyptian president, Anwar Al-Sadat, declared this war a victory for the Egyptians. The prolonged wars between these states led to a cease-war in 1979.

The Palestine Islamist group Hamas fired rockets on Southern Israel on June 7 at about 6.30 a.m. Sirens of war are heard as far away as Tel Aviv and Beersheba. This surprise attack was launched at dawn on Saturday when the Jews celebrated the high holiday named Simchat Torah. In his recorded message, the leader of the Islamist group, Muhammad Deif, conveyed that the group had decided to launch an operation to tell the enemy that the time of their rampaging without accountability had ended. He also declared that the occupation of Israel on the West Bank, captured in 1967 during the Arab-Israel War, would be ended. Deif also insisted that the raids of Israeli police on innocent Palestians at Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem could no longer be accepted and the war meant to get the release of thousands of Palestinians in Israeli jails.

After the October 7 attack, the Israel De-

regime, especially US President Joe Biden, the so-called peaceful leader of the entire world.

The massacres in Palestine from 1948 onwards show that Tel Aviv has a rich history of being behind these massacres.

The recent raid of Israeli defense on Al Ahli Hospital marks a new low in the brutal conflict. Israel even blamed the Palestinian Islamic Jihad for misfiring a missile that hit the health facility. The raid killed more than 500 people. Tel Aviv has denied the responsibility and the outfit says that the accusation of Islamic Jihad is baseless. The Muslim countries are silent on the brutality of Israel. The situation is worsening day by day. The flame of this war may be expanded to other countries if prevention measures were not taken on time.

The writer is a freelance columnist based in Islamabad.

He can be reached at rashidmehmoodkayani@gmail.com

The recent raid of Israeli defense on Al Ahli Hospital marks a new low in the brutal conflict. Israel even blamed the Palestinian Islamic Jihad for misfiring a missile that hit the health facility.

The raid killed more than 500 people. Tel Aviv has denied the responsibility and the outfit says that the accusation of Islamic Jihad is baseless. The Muslim countries are silent on the brutality of Israel. The situation is worsening day by day.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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The author frequently contributes on issues concerning national and regional security, focusing on matters having critical impact in these milieus.

She can be reached omayaimen333@gmail.com.

In order to ensure that justice is done while preserving the fundamental principles of equal treatment under the law, the concept of a fair trial in absentia necessitates a careful balance of legal, ethical, and procedural issues. It is a developing area of law that is still the focus of research, discussion, and international collaboration

A look at the IsraelPalestine conflict fence Force declared a prolonged war against Hamas to carry out a complete siege of Gaza.

The Israeli government ordered more than one million Palestinians to evacuate Gaza. The Palestinian people in Gaza face severe starvation, running out of water and food supplies, and suffering lack of fuel amid an Israeli aid blockade. The conflict is spreading like fire to other borders of Palestine, like Lebanon and Syria. Since then, the two sides have traded daily rocket fire. The hostilities of Israel have murdered more than 3600 innocent Palestinians, including 1,000 children. The question arises: where are the UN resolutions against human rights violations, and why is the socalled international court of justice not taking action against Israel’s brutal actions in Gaza and Khan Yunis?

Even in this critical situation, many Western leaders have headed for Tel Aviv by showing their solidarity with Israel at this murderous

and 514 essentially control Pakistan’s legal framework for trials conducted in absentia. Instances where the accused is required to appear in court but disobeys the summons are addressed in Section 512 CrPC. If certain requirements and protections are met, such as the issuance of a warrant for the accused’s arrest, the court may proceed with the trial without the accused present.

When the accused, who initially appeared before the court during the trial, flees or purposefully stays away, Section 514 CrPC is activated. In these situations, the court has the authority to carry on with the trial and issue a decision without the accused being present.

Conducting trials in absentia enables judicial systems to move forward with the case when the defendant is wilfully avoiding justice or poses a flight risk.

This ensures that justice is not hindered and prevents the legal system from being manipulated.

As in many other nations, Pakistan’s legal system permits trials in absentia, especially in situations involving fugitives and problems of national security.

In order to track down and capture fugitives who are facing trials in absentia, Interpol Red Notices can be quite helpful. In order to ensure that justice is done while preserving the fundamental principles of equal treatment under the law, the concept of a fair trial in absentia necessitates a careful balance of legal, ethical, and procedural issues. It is a developing area of law that is still the focus of research, discussion, and international collaboration.

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Water supply concerns

FIRSTLY, there have been frequent disruptions in the water supply in our locality. The inconsistent availability of clean and safe drinking water is a matter of great concern for the residents. It not only hampers our daily activities but also poses a risk to our health and hygiene.

Secondly, the quality of the water supplied to our homes needs to be closely monitored. There have been instances where the water has had a strange odour or taste, raising doubts about its purity. It is essential to ensure that the water we consume meets the necessary quality standards to safeguard our well-being.

Furthermore, the ageing infrastructure of the water supply system is in dire need of repair and maintenance. Frequent leaks, burst pipes, and low water pressure are common issues faced by residents. These not only lead to the wastage of water but also inconvenience the community.

I would like to urge the concerned authorities to take immediate action to address these issues. It is crucial to invest in upgrading the infrastructure, conducting regular quality checks, and implementing measures to ensure uninterrupted water supply to all residents.

In conclusion, access to clean and reliable water is a basic necessity, and it is imperative that we work together to resolve the challenges faced by our water supply system. I hope that through your platform, we can raise awareness and prompt the necessary actions to improve the situation.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to seeing positive changes in our water supply system.

AREEBA SIKANDAR KARACHI

Underpaid teaching faculty

IT is evident from various facts that the standard of education is rapidly declining in our education sector due to a myriad of challenges and a plethora of reasons. It is also evident from existing precedents that students, parents, and even teachers are dissatisfied with the quality of education in the country. Every stakeholder detects issues in the process, but nobody wants or even intends to address the problem for various reasons.

Teaching, generally known as one of the most revered professions in the country, lacks an ample amount of the requisite funds and paraphernalia essential for this profession. Most often, this profession is chosen by educated youth when they fail to find suitable jobs in various sectors. They are compelled to embrace this profession to support their families.

It is a sad reality that most individuals do not willingly choose this profession out of passion but rather out of necessity to avoid financial hardship. Additionally, this profession lacks guidance and mentorship, as it is not considered an ideal profession in our society. After receiving an education for more than sixteen years, candidates are offered meagre salaries ranging from ten to twenty thousand per month, which is barely enough for survival. The gruelling working environment spanning more than seven to eight hours, six days a week, further burdens those in this profession. The excessive workload at the workplace also tarnishes the sanctity of this noble profession. It is absurd that many individuals resort to corrupt practices primarily due to a lack of financial opportunities. In contemporary life, being inadequately paid is seen as a crime. If individuals cannot provide for their families, they struggle to maintain their integrity.

Lack of infrastructure is another impediment in our education sector.

Even in the government sector, basic amenities like clean drinking water, electricity, and appropriate furniture are often unavailable in schools. This allows some “ghost schools” and staff to operate with impunity, serving the interests of the affluent. For a nation with dreams of becoming one of the world’s greatest nations, it is disheartening that only 1.5% of the total GDP is allocated to the education sector. More than 27 million children are estimated to be out of school at their school-going age, leading to a bleak future for them.

SAJJAD LAHORE

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

Worldwide sustainable water management needed

Thursday, 26 October, 2023

T

The problem can be handled asiM ali and aRsalan ateel

HE global water crisis is worsening, with alarming rates of water wastage worldwide. Despite water’s vital role, inefficient consumption and pollution persist. Agriculture significantly contributes to the issue, often employing waterintensive practices. Industrial processes, coupled with growing urbanization, further strain water resources.

Mismanagement of this limited resource threatens ecosystems and biodiversity. Urgent collective action is required to address this crisis, promoting sustainable water usage and conservation. Public awareness campaigns and policy interventions are essential to curb wasteful practices and ensure a water-secure future for all.

Adopting sustainable practices is crucial for ensuring water security for future generations. With a growing population and the impact of climate change, water resources are under threat. Sustainable practices, such as efficient water use and pollution reduction, safeguard the quality and availability of water. This proactive approach not only addresses current challenges but also preserves this essential resource for the well-being of generations to come.

Water wastage occurs when we use more water than needed or waste it due to leakage or inappropriate water systems. This can happen through activities like leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth, overwatering plants, or using more water than needed for tasks like washing dishes or taking long showers. Conserving water is important to ensure its availability for future generations. Water is a valuable natural asset, and even if you live in a water-rich area, it matters greatly whether you save every drop of water. Keep in mind that water is not the only thing at stake when extra gallons are wasted.

The reality is that although over 70 percent of the Earth is covered in water, only 2 percent of this is fresh, with 1.6 percent of that locked in glaciers and polar ice caps, leaving just 0.4 percent of the world’s water for nearly 8 billion people to survive on. Globally, water consumption and wastage are significant concerns. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of the world’s population lacks access to clean water, while around 1.8 billion people consume contaminated water, risking health issues. The agriculture sector contributes heavily to water wastage, accounting for approximately 70 percent of global water consumption. Inefficient irrigation techniques and the cultivation of water-intensive crops are primary drivers.

Additionally, industrial activities contribute to water wastage, particularly through the manufacturing process and inadequate wastewater treatment. Domestic use also plays a role, with leaky pipes, excessive household consumption, and improper water management contributing to water wastage. Addressing these sectors’ practices is crucial to mitigating global water scarcity.

INSUFFICIENT LANDSCAPING: Choosing landscaping designs and plants that require excessive watering, or failing to mulch and use water-efficient landscaping techniques, can result in wastage. Over-irrigation of lawns and gardens, especially during the heat of the day, can lead to water wastage. Watering systems that do not have a rain sensor or timer can lead to overwatering.

OVER-IRRIGATION IN AGRICULTURE: Overirrigation, or using more water than crops actually require, is a common source of water wastage in agriculture. It can lead to waterlogging, which can damage plant roots and reduce crop yields. Monoculture farming practices, where a single crop is grown over large areas, can result in inefficient water use and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, leading to greater water demand.

UNATTENDED WATER COOLERS AND FILTERS: If you have a water cooler or a water filter system, make sure to turn them off when not in use. Some models may continue to filter water or run the cooler even when not needed.

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT: Climate change plays a significant role in worsening water scarcity around the world. Rising global temperatures lead to increased evaporation rates, reducing the overall availability of freshwater resources. Changes in precipitation patterns result in uneven distribution, causing droughts in some regions and intense rainfall in others, leading to water scarcity and waterlogged areas simultaneously.

Melting glaciers and polar ice caps contribute to sea-level rise, which contaminates freshwater supplies and reduces the amount of available drinking water. Additionally, climate change intensifies the occurrence of extreme weather events such as hurricanes and cyclones, further disrupting water systems and worsening water scarcity in affected areas. Overall, the impact of climate change on water scarcity highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and efforts to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate.

Some of the regions facing severe water stress and scarcity include: THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA): This region, with limited freshwater resources and a rapidly growing population, including countries like Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Jordan, is in a constant struggle to meet the demand for clean water.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: Particularly arid and semiarid regions, such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Africa, struggle with droughts, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of access to safe drinking water, exacerbating water stress.

CENTRAL ASIA: The Aral Sea crisis has left countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan battling severe water scarcity. The diversion of major rivers for irrigation purposes has caused the Aral Sea to shrink drastically, leading to substantial environmental and socio-economic consequences.

SOUTH ASIA: Certain regions in South Asia, including parts of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, are experiencing high levels of water stress due to rapid population growth, agricultural demands, and insufficient water management systems.

WESTERN UNITED STATES: Particularly California, is grappling with a prolonged and severe drought, resulting in a significant water crisis. The combination of climate change, population growth, and overuse of water resources has created water stress in this region.

AUSTRALIA: Particularly the southeastern part of the country, faces frequent droughts and water scarcity due to factors such as an arid climate, sporadic rainfall, and over-extraction of groundwater.

EUROPE: Parts of Europe, especially the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean region, are facing water stress due to rising temperatures, irregular precipitation patterns,

and increased water demands from agriculture and tourism.

These global water stress hotspots highlight the urgent need for effective water management strategies, investments in infrastructure, and sustainable use of available water resources to address the increasing demand for water in these regions and mitigate the impact of water stress.

Advancements in technology have led to several innovative solutions aimed at conserving water resources.

These technologies not only help individuals and businesses save water but also promote sustainable and efficient water management practices. One such technology is smart irrigation systems. These systems utilize sensors and weather data to optimize watering schedules and avoid over-watering plants. By constantly monitoring soil moisture levels, these systems can provide plants with just the right amount of water they need, resulting in significant water savings. Water recycling technologies are also making waves in the conservation industry. These systems treat and purify wastewater for reuse in various applications such as irrigation, industrial processes, and even drinking water. By treating and reusing water that would otherwise go to waste, these technologies can help alleviate the strain on freshwater resources. Precision agriculture is another area where water conservation technologies are making tremendous progress. Using data analytics, geospatial mapping, and satellite imagery, precision agriculture allows farmers to optimize water usage for crops. This technology helps farmers identify areas of the field that require more or less water, reducing water waste and improving overall efficiency.

Furthermore, graywater systems have gained popularity in recent years. These systems collect and treat wastewater from showers, sinks, and washing machines to be reused for purposes like toilet flushing or irrigation.

Graywater systems not only save a significant amount of water but also reduce the demand for freshwater sources.

Innovations such as cloud-based water management platforms have also emerged to help institutions, municipalities, and industrial sites monitor and manage their water usage. These platforms use real-time data to identify water leaks, measure consumption patterns, and implement efficient water management practices. Sustainable farming methods that promote water conservation include drip irrigation, agroforestry, and soil moisture management.

At the industrial level, industries can enhance water efficiency by implementing advanced technologies such as water recycling systems and real-time monitoring to minimize wastage. Adopting closed-loop systems enables the reuse of water in various manufacturing processes, reducing overall consumption. Implementing rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling further bolsters sustainable water practices.

Efficient water management strategies include optimizing cooling systems, minimizing leaks, and utilizing eco-friendly water treatment methods. Industries can also invest in waterefficient equipment and processes, promoting sustainability and cost savings. Regular maintenance and upgrades to machinery contribute to reducing water usage in the long term.

In urban areas, there are several methodologies for water conservation: WATER-EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE: Implementing water-efficient technologies and infrastructure is essential in urban areas. This may include the use of low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, smart irrigation systems, and rainwater harvesting systems. These measures can significantly reduce water consumption in homes, businesses, and public spaces.

The West’s refusal to call for a ceasefire is a green light to Israel’s ethnic cleansing demning Israel’s policies and practices, but taking no proposed preventive or punitive action in response, has been repeated over and over again, which explains Palestinian disillusionment with the UN and international law.

I

MIDDLE EAST EYE RichaRd falk

N the avalanche of emotionally fraught commentary on the 7 October attack by Palestinian fighters against Israel and the subsequent Israeli assault on Gaza, media and political leaders appear to have forgotten that from the perspective of international law, Gaza remains an occupied territory subject to the Fourth Geneva Convention (Geneva IV).

Although Israel unilaterally proclaimed its “disengagement” from Gaza in 2005 - withdrawing its troops, dismantling 21 settlements and ejecting 8,000 settlers (somewhat offset by giving each unlawful settler family hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation) - this did not end Israel’s obligations under international law.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has drawn this conclusion on the basis that Israel’s disengagement did not end the existential realities of Israeli control over Gaza, nor did it allow the territory to enjoy the benefits of autonomous political development.

Rather, the process involved an intrusive redeployment of occupying military and police forces on Gaza’s borders, including total control over the entry and exit of Palestinians and goods at border crossings, as well as continuing exclusive dominance over Gaza’s air and sea space. This post-2005 structure of occupation was reinforced by frequent Israeli incursions, including targeted assassinations of Hamas political and military officials, frightening sonic booms of overflying Israeli fighter jets, and major military operations in 2008-09, 2012, 2014 and 2021, during which Israel committed many war crimes.

In addition, since 2007, a harsh and punitive blockade has left the impoverished population of Gaza facing the world’s highest unemployment rate and a collective experience of life-threatening economic decline.

Israel’s record of criminality towards Gaza was most notably documented in the UN’s 2009 Goldstone report, whose policy recommendations were left unimplemented due to political pressures exerted on Israel’s behalf.

This typical experience of con-

DISPROPORTIONATE RESPONSE: The question of Gaza’s legal status is extremely relevant to the indiscriminate and disproportionate Israeli retaliation, which has been justified by Israel and its supporters as exacting vengeance while pursuing the goal of destroying Hamas.

The 7 October Palestinian fighters’ operation inside Israel, accounting for more than 1,400 Israeli deaths and the capture of around 200 hostages, was itself a distinct war crime.

Neither the Palestinian fighters’ attack nor Israel’s response are free from the restraints of law and morality. In the simplest terms, the crimes committed do not give legal impunity to retaliatory Israeli war crimes. The central point thus far lost in the public discourse is this: just as the Palestinian armed factions had no authority to commit war crimes because they were intensely provoked by decades of Israeli criminal actions, nor does Israel have the authority to act outside the constraints of law when retaliating.

The proper international framing of the relationship between Israel and Hamas - despite being crucial to interpreting the legal, moral and political issues at stake - has been revealingly absent from most media treatments and the policy postures of influential western political leaders.

Israel has used the most inflammatory and expansive language to vindicate its retaliatory responses. This lawless Israeli extremism has been blandly endorsed by governments in the US, France, Germany and the UK. Such pronouncements neglect to mention the obligation of the occupying power to administer the territories under its control in ways that give priority to the protection and wellbeing of the occupied civilian population. The occupier does enjoy a reciprocal right to maintain its security in ways that respect and protect non-combatants.

From such a perspective, it is conceptually misleading and normatively unacceptable for Israel to declare war against an occupied territory, as if the indigenous administrative authority was an enemy foreign government - but this is exactly what Israel has done, including claims of self-defence that do not fit the situation of belligerent occupation.

GENOCIDAL SIEGE: Israel has declared a total war on Gaza, imposing a genocidal siege that has cut off supplies of food, electricity and fuel, making no provision whatsoever to exempt

civilians - most of whom have no direct contact with the military activities of Hamas.

Article 55 of Geneva IV sets forth the duty of Israel as occupying power to ensure that the people living in the territory it “occupies” have adequate food, water and medicines. But Israel’s indiscriminate retaliation has included repeated night-time aerial bombardments of residential areas, alongside the forbidden targeting of hospitals, schools and UN buildings, where many Palestinians have sought shelter under these extraordinary conditions.

A 24-hour evacuation order directed at 1.1 million Palestinians living in northern Gaza, without the provision of reasonable time to arrange such a dangerous departure from long-term places of residence, was aggravated by the lack of a safe and habitable place for Palestinians to go, thus intensifying the dangers facing civilians in Gaza - and their suffering. Such a measure amounts to extreme collective punishment, which is prohibited by Article 33 of Geneva IV. It has less to do with security than with driving Palestinians out of Gaza, thereby implementing the end-game visions of Israel’s extremist coalition government.

It is relevant to note that Michael Lynk, the UN’s special rapporteur for Palestine, submitted a detailed report to the agency on why Israel’s authority as occupying power should be terminated, given its failure to comply with applicable international human rights law.

This recommendation was ignored by the UN, but the General Assembly was sufficiently distressed by Israel’s pattern of behaviour in occupied Palestine that it requested an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the continuing legality of Israel’s status as an occupying power within the framework of Geneva IV. The case is currently under consideration by the court. If the West continues to endorse the double standards on display during the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, it will serve as a reminder that the post-colonial world retains an ethos of Orientalist racism when it comes to addressing issues of peace and justice in the Middle East.

By failing to advocate for a ceasefire, western states have given a green light to Israel’s agenda of collective punishment, which might itself be grotesque cover for the regime’s end goal of massive dispossession and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.

Richard Falk is an international law and international relations scholar who taught at Princeton University for forty years. In 2008 he was also appointed by the UN to serve a six-year term as the Special Rapporteur on Palestinian human rights.

PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS: Raising awareness about the importance of water conservation is crucial to foster behavior change. Public awareness campaigns can include educational programs in schools, community workshops, and advertising campaigns that highlight the value of water, such as water scarcity issues, the impact of wasteful water practices, and simple tips for water conservation.

SMART CITY INITIATIVES: Leveraging technology and data can play a significant role in promoting water conservation. Smart city initiatives can involve the use of sensors and automation to monitor water usage, detect leaks, and optimize water distribution. By analyzing data, authorities can identify areas of high water consumption and implement targeted conservation strategies.

Additionally, real-time feedback to residents through mobile apps can encourage responsible water use.

WATER PRICING AND INCENTIVES: Implementing a tiered water pricing structure can incentivize water conservation. This means charging higher rates for excessive water consumption, thus encouraging residents and businesses to use water more efficiently. Additionally, offering financial incentives can motivate individuals to adopt water-efficient technologies and practices, such as providing rebates for installing lowflow fixtures or rainwater harvesting systems.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND INVOLVEMENT: Engaging with communities is crucial for addressing water conservation in urban areas. This can involve establishing partnerships with community organizations, engaging with local stakeholders, and involving residents in decision-making processes. Community-led initiatives, such as neighborhood water conservation projects, can also mobilize citizens to take collective action in conserving water.

GREYWATER RECYCLING AND REUSE: Promoting the use of greywater (wastewater from baths, sinks, and washing machines) for non-potable purposes like flushing toilets or irrigation can significantly reduce the demand for freshwater. Educating residents and businesses about the benefits and safety measures associated with greywater recycling can encourage its adoption.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE: Incorporating green spaces and sustainable urban design can support water conservation efforts. Green infrastructure, such as rooftop gardens, permeable pavements, and rain gardens, allows rainwater to be absorbed into the ground instead of overwhelming sewer systems. This reduces the strain on water resources and helps recharge groundwater supplies.

Collaboration between government bodies, water utilities, communities, and private entities is essential for the successful implementation of these initiatives. By proactively promoting water conservation practices, we can ensure a sustainable water future for urban areas. Global cooperation is vital for addressing water scarcity, as it transcends borders and fosters shared solutions. Initiatives like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 promote crosscountry collaboration to ensure access to clean water and sanitation. International organizations, such as the World Bank, work with nations to implement projects for sustainable water management. Joint efforts leverage expertise and resources, making it possible to tackle the complex issue of water scarcity on a global scale.

How to tell if your boss is a corporate psychopath

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The writer is a freelance columnist

TELEGRAPH, UK

Melissa lawfoRd

O you ever feel like your boss is always taking credit for your work while belittling you and focusing on themselves? If so, your manager might be a corporate psychopath.

Clive Boddy, professor of management at Anglia Ruskin University, will present his research on “ruthlessly self-serving” psychopathic bosses and what they mean for the economy at the Chelmsford Science Festival.

Prof Boddy has pioneered the study of the corporate psychopath in academia, arguing that the unique combination of character traits they possess contributed to the 2008 financial crisis among other disasters. Psychopathy is not officially recognised as a medical or mental health condition but is seen as a personality disorder.

Psychopaths are wired to feel no shame or empathy and estimates suggest they make up around 1pc of the adult population. They are drawn to positions of power, particularly in the City. “What they are really after is money, power and control, and those are things that are to be found more in the financial sector than, for example, the caring professions,” says Prof Boddy.

Previous research has found that 3.9pc of people in senior management positions are psychopathic. In financial services, Boddy reckons it could be closer to 8pc. “There was one New York psychiatrist who said that about 10pc of his Wall Street patients were psychopathic.” These people are what are sometimes known as “successful psychopaths”. They function within society – and in fact do very well. “Essentially, they realise that robbing a post office will send you to jail, but taking money through more legal means within a corporate structure is much safer and more rewarding,” says Prof Boddy. These individuals often get very rich. However, they also have a track record for driving companies into bankruptcy.

Notable figures exemplifying corporate psychopathic traits through history include Bernie Madoff, architect of the world’s largest ever ponzi scheme, who scammed people out of $18bn; the newspaperman Robert Maxwell, who stole £400m from his employees’ pension funds; the US executive Albert Dunlap who was known as “Chainsaw Al” because of his brutal mass layoffs and whose career ended in a massive accounting scandal; and Ken Lay, the founder of Enron, the commodities company that imploded in one of the biggest accounting scandals of all time.

How do they get away with it? Corporate psychopaths can be dazzling. They are glamorous, grandiose, and obsessed with the minutiae of their self-image – think Patrick Bateman jealously admiring a rival’s business card in American Psycho. The biggest sign of a corporate psychopath is a marked difference in how they behave to junior and senior colleagues. “They tend to be seen as stars by those above them because they are so good at impression management, whereas their subordinates tend to think they’re the devil in a suit,” says Prof Boddy. Psychopaths are often sarcastic and enjoy belittling people in public. “They make people cry in the office in front of other people.”

As a result, corporate psychopaths tend to hollow out companies. Prof Boddy says: “As soon as they arrive, good people start to leave. That leaves a dearth of experience in the organisation and a lack of ability to train newcomers. “Not only do people leave under the leadership of a corporate psychopath, it undermines their self confidence and willingness to work.” However, spotting and weeding out corporate psychopaths can be difficult. They are very good at interviews.

“Selection panels are bamboozled by their display of charm,” says Prof Boddy. Psychopaths are particularly good at lying and claiming the work of other people as their own. Reference checks are typically made to people’s former bosses, who are often satisfied with the work. However, those who have worked below a corporate psychopath may have a very different view.

Corporate psychopaths champion more selfish, short-termist systems of rewards. They push for immediate personal bonuses rather than making decisions for long-term growth. Prof Boddy has argued that it was this outlook that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. “It explains the culture of greed and lack of ethics and selling of derivative products when no one really understood the risks associated with them.”

While corporate psychopaths are a minority in the workforce, almost everyone feels the effects of their management style given their impact on companies as a whole. The problem goes beyond the City. Politics is also a fertile ground for corporate psychopaths, says Prof Boddy, as is law and, alas, the media.

What can be done? Prof Boddy argues that employers should improve reference checks and increase the use of psychometric testing, which can measure people’s personality traits. This is particularly important for senior appointments, he says. A more radical suggestion is that regulators could give companies psychopathy ratings, he suggests.

Some may argue that solving the problem of corporate psychopathy is simply not worth the effort. But Prof Boddy believes it is a scourge that must be addressed. “Some people I have spoken to [who worked under corporate psychopaths] have taken a few years to get back to their normal levels of self belief and self confidence. “That represents a net reduction in what would otherwise have been the productivity of the economy. That will ultimately have an effect in terms of gross national product.” Put simply, it is a matter of national importance – not just a case of rooting out a few rotten apples.

06 NEWS

STOP WAR, OPEN URGENT AID CORRIDOR TO GAZA, PAKISTAN TELLS UNSC

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UNITED NATIONS Agencies

AKISTAN’S Permanent Representative to the United Nations Munir Akram demanded the immediate opening of the Aid Corridor to Gaza. Addressing the Security Council meeting, he said that Pakistan demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. He warned that Israeli aggression could lead to a wider and more dangerous conflict.

Muneer Akram lamented that the ceasefire resolution could not be passed, placing heavy responsibility on those responsible for escalating the conflict.

“Continuation of the Israeli campaign in the Gaza will lead to further massive civilian casualties and could trigger a wider and more dangerous conflict,” the Pakistani envoy told the meeting addressed by a total of 86 speakers from countries and regional groups – including more than 20 ministers – that pushed the conflict to the centre of

world geopolitics.

In his speech to the Security Council, Ambassador Akram conveyed Pakistan’s full support and solidarity with Palestinian brothers and sisters in these tragic and challenging times.

Israel’s relentless and indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza over the last 17 days has killed more than 5,000 people and injured another 15,000, the Pakistani envoy said, “strongly and unequivocally” condemning Israel’s airstrikes and military actions in Gaza, particularly attacks on schools, residential buildings and hospitals.

VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW “These Israeli attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructure, blockade of water, food and fuel as well as the forced transfer of people from the occupied territory, are flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes.,” he said, adding, “Those responsible for these atrocity crimes must be held accountable.”

Ambassador Akram regretted the Security Council has been unable to issue a call for a ceasefire. In this regard, a heavy responsibility rests on those who contribute to the prolongation of this conflict, he said.

“Any attempt to create a false equivalence between Israel, the occupying power, and the Palestinians, the victims of this occupation, is untenable – legally, morally and politically,” he added.

Akram demanded that the Council must reject Israel’s attempts to displace the Gazans, within or outside Gaza.

Under international law, he said, the struggle of people living under foreign occupation for self-determination and national liberation is legitimate and cannot be equated with terrorism.

“It is the suppression of this struggle, which is illegal,” the Pakistani envoy said, pointing out that throughout history, colonial powers have portrayed national liberation movements as terrorism.

“Some in this Council have offered protection to their allies who are oppressing oc-

cupied peoples in Palestine or Kashmir,” he said. “Under the UN Charter, States have the right of self-defence against attacks on their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Yet, a State, which is in forcible occupation of a foreign territory, cannot invoke the ‘right to self-defence’ against those whose territory it has illegally occupied,” PAKISTAN SUPPORTS PALESTINE AS AL-QUDS AL-SHARIF AS ITS CAPITAL Ambassador Akram added, “The perpetuation of Israeli occupation will not bring peace to the Holy Land. Durable peace will emerge from the internationally agreed two-state solution and from the creation of a secure, viable, contiguous, and sovereign state of Palestine on the basis of the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.”

UNSC FAILS TO ADOPT 2 RESOLUTIONS FOR CEASEFIRE IN GAZA Last week, the Security Council failed to adopt two previous draft resolutions addressing the escalation in the Middle East. The first from Russia calling for an immediate

Turkey’s Erdogan says Hamas is not terrorist organisation ANKARA

Agencies

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, in his strongest comments yet on the Gaza conflict, said on Wednesday the Palestinian group Hamas was not a terrorist organisation but a liberation group fighting to protect Palestinian lands and people.

NATO member Turkey condemned the civilian deaths caused by Hamas’ Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel, but also urged Israeli forces to act with restraint.

As the violence and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza have worsened, Ankara has strongly criticised Israel’s bombardment of the territory.

“Hamas is not a terrorist organisation, it is a liberation group, ‘mujahideen’ waging a battle to protect its lands and people,” he told lawmakers from his ruling AK Party, using an Arabic word denoting those who

fight for their faith.

Unlike many of its NATO allies and the European Union, Turkey does not consider Hamas a terrorist organisation and hosts members of the group on its territory. Ankara backs a two-state solution to the decades-old Israel-Palestinian conflict. Erdogan also slammed Western powers for supporting Israel’s bombing of Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire, the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and for Muslim countries to work together to stop the violence.

“The perpetrators of the massacre and the destruction taking place in Gaza are those providing unlimited support for Israel,” Erdogan said. “Israel’s attacks on Gaza, for both itself and those supporting them, amount to murder and mental illness.”

Erdogan’s comments drew a swift rebuke from Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who said they were “grave and disgusting and did not help with

de-escalation”. He urged Italy’s foreign minister to lodge a formal protest with Ankara.

VISIT CANCELLED The fighting in Gaza comes at a time when Turkey is working to mend its ties with Israel after years of acrimony, focusing on energy as an area of cooperation.

Indicating that those normalisation efforts were now suspended, Erdogan accused Israel of taking advantage of Turkey’s “good intentions” and said he had cancelled a previously planned visit to Israel.

“I shook the hand of this man named Netanyahu one time in my life,” Erdogan said, referring to his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month.

“If he (Netanyahu) had continued with good intentions, our relations might have been different, but now unfortunately, that will not happen either because they took advantage of our good intentions,” he added.

Xi stresses support for China-US cooperation BEIJING

MiAn AbrAr

Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that China’s policy toward the US is consistent, which is mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, noting China will continue to work in this direction and hopes that the US will work with China in the same direction, when meeting with California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday in Beijing.

Experts said that such a high-level reception for Newsom shows that China attaches great importance toward building stable and mutually beneficial ties with the US, and values its relationship with US states, as well as people-to-people friendship between the two countries.

The recent interactions between Beijing and Washington at various levels provide a window of opportunity for the two countries to stabilize ties that have been spiraling, and pave the way for higher level meetings in the future, experts said.

But they also warned the opening will not last long, so if the US is eager to improve

ties, it should take more actions and show more sincerity before the window closes.

Xi met with Newsom, governor of the US state of California, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday.

Noting that China and the US, as the world’s two largest economies, account for more than a third of the global economy and nearly a quarter of the world’s population, and bilateral trade accounts for about a fifth of the global total, Xi said the interests of both sides are closely intertwined. Xi said that the achievements of China-US relations have not come easily and should be cherished all the more. The foundation of China-US relations lies in the people, and the hope is in the people, the future is in the youth, and the vitality is in the localities, said Xi, noting that he highly values and supports exchanges between various sectors of China and the US, and cooperation at the local level.

Xi said that he hopes Newsom’s visit will enhance mutual understanding and play a positive role in expanding cooperation between China and California and

promoting the healthy and stable development of China-US relations.

Newsom said that there is no relationship more important than US-China relations in the world, and it concerns the future of the US and the well-being of the people.

Exchanges at the local level are an important part of US-China relations. Newsom said he agrees with the principles for developing US-China relations proposed by Xi and that he is willing to promote California’s exchanges and communication with China in the spirit of those principles, closely cooperate in areas such as climate change and new energy. California is willing to be a long-term, stable, and strong partner for China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with Newsom in Beijing on Wednesday morning.

The high-level reception received by Newsom signals that China has always attached great importance to its relationship with the US, hoping to build stable, mutually beneficial bilateral ties, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

He said Xi’s meeting with Newsom shows that China values ties with US states and people-to-people friendship.

As the first US governor to visit China in more than four years, Newsom expressed his high appreciation for relations with China and recalled the first sister cities established between China and the US in 1980: Shanghai and San Francisco. He hopes to contribute to the resumption of exchanges and cooperation between China and the US, CGTN reported on Wednesday.

Newsom embarked on his week-long trip to China on Monday, focusing on issues such as climate change and economic cooperation. He visited Shenzhen on Tuesday, where he learned about the city’s successful bus electrification program and took a test drive in an SUV made by Chinese electric carmaker BYD. “This is another leap in technology, the next-level leap,” Newsom said with a thumbs-up after the test drive. When asked if he wanted to take one back to Sacramento, the governor jokingly said: “No, I want two,” Shenzhen Daily reported.

Queen Rania: Arabs shocked over ‘glaring double standards’ of West AMMAN

Agencies

Queen Rania of Jordan on Tuesday blasted Western leaders for their “glaring double standard” as deadly Israeli bombardment in Gaza and blockade worsened the humanitarian crisis.

Over 5,700 Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip have been martyred in the air strikes, including over 2,300 children, 1,200 women and 295 elderly people. According to Gaza officials, over 16,200 are wounded as hospitals warn of collapse in the wake of low supplies due

to Israeli blockade since October 7 in response to Hamas attacks. In an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Queen Rania who is also of Palestinian descent said, “The people all around the Middle East, including in Jordan, we are just shocked and disappointed by the world’s reaction to this catastrophe that is unfolding.”

She regretted the Western world’s “glaring double standard” and added that Arabs perceive the criminal support to Israel as “aiding and abetting” the mass killings of civilians in Gaza. “When October 7 happened, the world immediately

and unequivocally stood by Israel and its right to defend itself and condemned the attack that happened … but what we’re seeing in the last couple of weeks, we’re seeing silence in the world,” Queen Rania said.

“This is the first time in modern history that there is such human suffering and the world is not even calling for a ceasefire,” Queen Rania added. “So the silence is deafening – and to many in our region, it makes the Western world complicit.” “Are we being told that it is wrong to kill a family, an entire family, at gunpoint, but it’s OK to shell them to death? I mean, there is a glaring double standard here,” she said. “It is just shocking to the Arab world.”

UN webinar celebrates Azerbaijan’s historic victory in Patriotic War and Karabakh liberation LAHORE

stAff report

Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan H.E. Khazar Farhadov showed great respect for soldiers and officers and all the martyrs who fought heroically in the patriotic war and waved the Azerbaijan flag in the liberated lands from Armenia.

The envoy highly appreciated the visionary leadership of the President Ilham Aliyev enabling the liberation of illegally occupied territories of Azerbai-

jan during the famous 44 days Patriotic War. Addressing an international webinar titled, “Liberation of Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan from Armenia Occupation: Implementation of the UN Security Council’s Resolutions”.

The webinar was jointly hosted by the Center of South Asia & International Studies (CSAIS) Islamabad and the Institute of Legal Studies Lahore. It was jointly arranged to celebrate the United Nation Day October 24.

Thursday, 26 October, 2023 | LAHORE

ceasefire, failed to get enough votes, while a Brazilian draft was vetoed by the United States. Although it called for humanitarian pauses for aid access, the US determined objected to the fact it did not mention Israel’s right to self-defence.

The UAE minister HE Reem Al Hashimy joined Arab foreign ministers in an Arab Group press stakeout at the headquarters of the UN. The Group also emphasised that the war’s continuation will only lead to more destruction and will not bring anyone security or peace. Furthermore, it recalled the need for justice for the Palestinian people by granting them their right to establish their state on the June 4, 1967 borders, highlighting that this conflict did not begin today, nor did it begin this month, but rather that it is the occupation that continues to oppress the Palestinian people.

The ministers reiterated the unity of the Arab position and announced that there will be further joint efforts to address the war and the threat it poses to regional security.

China’s top legislature adopts regulations on protection of minors in cyberspace BEIJING

stAff correspondent

Draft bills and revised laws, including China’s first regulations on the protection of minors in cyberspace, were passed by Chinese lawmakers as the sixth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC). The Chinese lawmakers also voted to adopt the Patriotic Education Law and a revised Marine Environment Protection Law, both of which will take effect on January 1, 2024. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed an order of the State Council to issue a set of regulations to protect minors in cyberspace. The regulatory document, comprising 60 articles in seven chapters, will also come into effect on January 1, 2024, according to an official statement.

In June, the number of internet users in China reached 1.07 billion, while the number of minor internet users exceeding 191 million. While the internet expands the space for minors to learn and live, it has also encountered some problems, such as the lack of awareness and ability of minors to use the internet safely and reasonably, the impact of illegal and harmful online information on the physical and mental health of minors, the indiscriminate collection and use of personal information of minors, as well as minors’ addiction to the internet. As China’s first regulations on the protection of minors in cyberspace, the regulations aim to create an online environment conducive to the physical and mental health of minors, protect their legitimate rights and interests and provide a strong legal guarantee for the protection of minors in cyberspace. The primary areas of concern in the regulations include protecting minors’ personal information, shielding them from internet addiction, as well as improving the systems and mechanisms dedicated to protecting minors online. In terms of personal information protection, the regulations stipulate that guardians should educate and direct minors in order to strengthen their awareness and ability to protect their personal information, as well as instruct them on exercising their relevant rights. The regulations specify requirements for emergency responses to security incidents by personal information handlers when there is or may be a leakage, tampering or loss of minors’ personal information. To curb internet addiction, the regulations require the enhancement of teachers’ early identification and intervention capabilities and strengthening of guardians’ guidance when it comes to minors’ safe and reasonable use of the internet.

Thursday, 26 October, 2023 | LAHORE

CORPORATE CORNER

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Siemens Healthinners hosts a Breast Cancer Awareness Forum with Dr Asma Usman, Consultant Radiologist SKMT in Lahore. PR

Culprit involved in theft of NTDC transmission line material caught red-handed from Islamabad forest area

NTDC Headquarter, WAPDA House Lahore-25 October 2023-Under the directions of the Managing Director National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited (NTDC), Engr. Dr. Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan, a comprehensive security and theft control operation has been launched for 500kV and 220kV Transmission Lines towers. While elaborating the details, the NTDC spokesman said that on the night of 24 October 2023, patrolling teams and security personals arrested a thief red handed while steeling material from 220kV RawatUniversity Islamabad Circuit I-II, near Lake View Park, Islamabad. Stolen material and tools used for cutting braces/nut-bolts were recovered from him, in a joint effort of line staff and Islamabad Police.

The individual was handed over to Police and case was registered against him.This initiative will continue until all security concerns in theft-prone areas are resolved. These inspection and patrolling activities are being carried out under the team comprising of General Manager (AM) North, Chief Engineer (AM) North and Manager (AM) Rawat circle.Managing Director NTDC, Engr. Dr. Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan appreciated the efforts of concerned NTDC teams and Islamabad Police. PR

Infinix Unveils ZERO 30 5G : Ultimate 4K 60FPS vlogging experience takes center stage!

ONE MAJOR CONCERN IS ABSENCE OF FORECAST ABOUT POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PAP ON END-CONSUMER TARIFFS AND DISCOS' OVERALL OPERATIONAL COSTS PROFIT

NEWS DESK

HE National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) convened a crucial hearing to address pressing concerns surrounding the Power Distribution Companies’ (Discos) five-year Power Acquisition Program (PAP) for the period 2022-23 to 202627. The meeting, presided over by NEPRA Chairman Waseem Mukhtar and attended by several NEPRA members, delved into the lack of alignment of the PAP with the Integrated Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) and the Transmission System Expansion Plan (TSEP) of the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC).

NEPRA expressed its perplexity as the proposed PAP failed to align with vital energy plans. The lack of integration with IGCEP and TSEP left questions

lingering about the PAP’s effectiveness.

The NEPRA Authority, comprising experts in technical, tariff and finance, and legal fields, initiated a dialogue aimed at resolving these discrepancies.

One major concern was the absence of a forecast regarding the potential impact of the PAP on end-consumer tariffs and the Discos’ overall operational costs.

During consultative sessions, it became evident that the Discos lacked the tools necessary for conducting an impact analysis on consumer end tariffs.

Discos acknowledged that they had not calculated the financial impact of the PAP on consumers. Notably, while the PAP ensured the inclusion of committee projects, concerns were raised about the exclusion of optimized projects. The issue of the Kot Addu Power Company (Kapco) was brought to the table, with representatives advocating for its utilization to enhance load factor and distributing its financial impact to consumers

nationwide, as a single entity was reluctant to bear the burden alone. However, TESCO contested this proposal. Furthermore, a 600 MWp solar project in Muzaffargarh was notably absent from the committed projects. Chairman Waseem Mukhtar highlighted the critical importance of the power system’s reliability. He voiced concerns about approving the PAP without ensuring system stability, emphasizing that the inclusion of plants ensuring system stability was imperative for a comprehensive plan.

An official clarified that the PAP was firmly linked to the forthcoming IGCEP and was not an indicative document. Projections of the government’s average GDP growth in the range of 3.2 percent to 3.5pc over the next few years were considered in the context of the PAP. During the hearing, it was disclosed that the proposed PAP would encompass 12 projects, with 10 being bagasse-fired and two hydropower projects by 2026.

Exploring Smokeless Tobacco Alternatives as Effective Substitutes for Cigarettes in Pakistan

Pakistan faces a significant public health challenge due to high smoking rates. Over the past decade, Pakistan has witnessed a very slow decline in smoking rates highlighting the need of adopting effective strategies to reduce smoking prevalence in the country. The economic burden of smoking in Pakistan amounts to Rs 615.07 billion (US$3.85 billion), which accounts for 1.6% of the country's GDP. Given the persistent health and economic challenges associated with combustible cigarettes, exploring smokeless tobacco alternatives presents a promising avenue for harm reduction. Smokeless tobacco products, such as snus, chewing tobacco, and nicotine

pouches, offer a potentially and comparatively less harmful option for individuals who are unwilling to quit nicotine use altogether.

These products reduce the harmful effects of smoking, such as inhaling smoke and tar, while still providing the desired nicotine satisfaction.

Some countries have already adopted smokeless tobacco alternatives as a successful strategy against cigarette smoking. For example, Sweden has the lowest smoking prevalence in Europe, largely due to the widespread use of snus . Snus has been shown to be less harmful than cigarettes and to help smokers quit or reduce their cigarette consumption . Similarly, the US has seen a decline in smoking rates,

partly attributed to the increased use of e-cigarettes and other non-combustible tobacco products .

Pakistan can learn from these countries and explore the potential of smokeless tobacco alternatives as an effective tool to reduce its large number of smokers. To effectively address the smoking epidemic in Pakistan, policymakers, public health authorities should prioritize exploring and promoting smokeless tobacco alternatives. Implementing evidence-based regulations, awareness campaigns, and programs tailored to these alternatives can help reduce smoking prevalence, improve public health outcomes, and alleviate the health and economic burden caused by tobacco consumption.

Dr Saif highlights govt's revolutionary initiatives for boosting IT exports LAHORE: Infinix, Pakistan’s highest selling smartphone brand hosted an unprecedented grand launch of its flagship ZERO 30 Series featuring 60FPS 4K video recording. This monumental event, hosted in Lahore, stands as the crowning achievement of the brand's unwavering commitment to the Pakistani market, where it has consistently introduced groundbreaking products across all its series throughout the year – and now, the vlogging champion ZERO 30 series.The anticipated event was attended by an array of esteemed guests representing various facets of the tech, lifestyle, media, and influencer. In a true spectacle, the stunning Kinza Hashmi, the brand ambassador for Infinix ZERO 30 Series, took center stage and unveiled the flagship ZERO 30 Series. She was joined by prominent figures in the Infinix leadership team, including Saad Shams, Head of Marketing for Infinix Pakistan, Simon Feng, CEO of Infinix Pakistan, and Joe Hu, CEO of Transsion Holdings. The event was an unforgettable fusion of innovation and entertainment, featuring an electrifying musical performance by the youth pop sensation Shamoon Ismail, and a captivating dance performance by The Colony, which added a thrilling new dimension to the evening. PR

NBP records pre-tax profit of PKR 70.6B, up 46% YoY

KARACHI: The Board of Directors approved the results of the National Bank of Pakistan for the ninemonth period ending September 30, 2023 in its meeting held on October 24, 2023.The strong financial performance of the Bank is a consequence its continued efforts in serving the national agenda of extending financing to priority sectors as well as extending access to financial services to those segments of the country’s populace that lack facilities. The Bank’s results are a balance of a focus on prudent financial management and the Bank’s tradition of serving the nation which has led to NBP being a Bank that is trusted by its stakeholders. The Bank demonstrated an exceptional performance by reporting a profit before tax of PKR 70.6 Bn, depicting an impressive 46% increase YoY as compared to PKR 48.3 Bn for 9M’22. These results were driven by robust performance in revenue streams as well as an effective cost management.

Despite a persistently challenging environment, the Bank's profit after tax doubled to PKR 38.2 Bn, reflecting a substantial increase of 99.1% over the PKR 19.2 Bn in the same period of the previous year.

Consequently, Earnings Per Share closed at PKR 17.9, up from PKR 9.0 in 9M’22. This outstanding performance was a result of an efficient portfolio mix, mature risk profiling, effective risk management, and maintaining a stable funding pool that contributed to an improved and sustainable operating performance.

In an environment of rising interest rates, gross interest income recorded a YoY increase of 119.4% to close at PKR 728.7 Bn, a significant rise from PKR 332.2 Bn for the same period in 2022. Similarly, the Bank's cost of funds also increased by 141.7% YoY, closing at PKR 608.1 Bn. Consequently, net interest income closed at PKR 120.6 Bn, representing a YoY increase of 49.6%. PR

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NEPRA EXPRESSES CONCERNS OVER POWER ACQUISITION PROGRAM NEWS

ISLAMABAD APP

Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Dr Umar Saif on Wednesday highlighted the revolutionary initiatives undertaken by the ministry in the last two months to bolster exports of the IT and telecom sectors.

Addressing a press conference along with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi, he said the government would provide interest-free loans to free-lancers for establishing e-working centers.

He said each freelancer would receive financial assistance of Rs 100,000 to set up their own e-working center. The initiative was aimed at addressing the challenge of lack of suitable workplaces for freelancers so that they could work in a conducive and peaceful environment, he added.

Dr Saif asserted that each freelancer could earn upto $30,000 annually which would significantly contribute to the national economy. He projected that the measures could increase IT sector's exports by $3 billion.

The minister said the government was also working for easy access to loans and investments for IT startups, with the expectation of attracting external investments of upto $1 billion within the next six months.

Referring to the skill gap within the IT workforce, Dr Saif said the Pakistani universities currently produced 20,000 to 22,000 IT graduates, but only 2,000 of them managed to secure employment.

The IT Ministry would introduce a standardized quality test in all the universities across Pakistan to ensure job opportunities for fresh graduates, he added.

"We have made significant decisions to revamp IT education in universities in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission, the National Computing Accreditation Council, the Examination Testing

Council, the Pakistan Software Export Board, and the Pakistan Software Houses Association." Dr. Umar Saif said while emphasizing that students who passed the test would be offered job opportunities through the Industry Placement Programme.

"We will allocate funds to support special industry courses in universities, designed to prepare students in accordance with current industry trends and needs."

The minister further explained that the National Computing Accreditation Council would consider the passing rate of students to determine a university's rating.

He stressed the importance of aligning educational institutions with industry requirements and facilitating industry-specific training.

Highlighting Pakistan’s status as the seventhlargest mobile phone market with 194 million users, Dr Saif outlined the government’s vision to promote local manufacturing of affordable, high-quality mobile phones. The initiative aimed to reduce reliance on imported phones, conserve foreign exchange, and create employment opportunities in the high-tech industry.

The minister said the Federal Cabinet had approved the Telecom Infrastructure Sharing Framework and the formation of a committee for 5G spectrum auction.

Under the infrastructure-sharing framework, telecom companies would have the option to jointly utilize resources such as towers, antennas, cable ducts, and other critical infrastructure items, he said, adding the sharing mechanism was aimed at fostering cooperation among telecom players, streamline resource usage, and potentially reduce operating costs.

Furthermore, he said, the framework’s adoption would open doors for new companies to enter the domestic telecom space. The increased cooperation and shared resources could facilitate a more competitive environment, potentially benefiting consumers by offering a broader range of services and options.

MCB continues growth momentum in Q3-2023 with impressive increase of 71% in profit before tax

LAHORE: The Board of Directors of MCB Bank Limited (MCB) in its meeting under the Chairmanship of Mian Mohammad Mansha, on October 25, 2023, reviewed performance of the Bank and approved the interim financial statements for the nine months’ period ended September 30, 2023. The Board of Directors has declared a 3rd interim cash dividend of Rs. 8.0 per share i.e. 80%, in addition to 130% already paid, bringing the total cash dividend for the nine months period ended September 30, 2023 to 210%.

Through focused efforts of the Bank’s management in building no-cost deposits and optimizing its earning assets mix, MCB successfully sustained its growth momentum in core earnings to post historically high nine months Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 88.1 billion; registering an impressive increase of 71% on a year-on-year basis. The Profit After Tax (PAT) was recorded at Rs. 44.1 billion (+122%) and translated into an Earning Per Share (EPS) of Rs. 37.25 compared to an EPS of Rs. 16.75 reported in the corresponding period last year. PR

Sparx Smartphones unveils revolutionary ‘Edge Series’ at mega launch in Thailand

KARACHI: Sparx smartphones, powered by the Deploy Group, proudly introduces its Edge series, comprising three pioneering models; Edge 20, Edge 20 Pro and Edge X. Each handset from the Edge series is a testament to technological innovation, boasting a mesmerizing 3D curved AMOLED 6.8-inch display.

Unveiling in the opulent setting of a seven-star hotel in Thailand, Deploy Group presents this innovation to its over 200 sales partners, dedicated staff and media representatives. In a gesture of immense was the latest model of Mercedes Benz. PR

The total committed capacity addition was projected to be 13,762 MW, involving various energy sources such as local coal, imported coal, hydropower, net metering, solar, wind, bagasse, crossborder imports, and RLNG. A representative from Shah Taj Sugar Mill voiced criticism of NTDC for frequently changing the IGCEP. These abrupt changes were reportedly detrimental to the sugar industry, causing disruptions and impacting investThe power acquisition ments. department of NTDC indicated its intention to evacuate power after the introduction of the new IGCEP. Chairman Waseem Mukhtar concluded the discussion by emphasizing that the NEPRA Authority’s questions were aimed at fully understanding the issues at hand. He underscored the Authority’s responsibility to make decisions that safeguard consumer interests and protect the energy sector.

CUI Wah Campus Convocation 2023

ISLAMABAD: The Convocation of COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Wah Campus was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at Jinnah Convention Center, Islamabad in which degrees were conferred to 938 graduating students of Wah Campus at undergraduate and graduate levels in the discipline of Management Sciences, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics. 36 graduates were awarded with gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Institute and Campus level on account of their excellent academic performance. 20 graduates were awarded with the PhD degrees in the disciplines of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Management Sciences. PR

NCRC convenes inaugural meeting of religious scholars on child rights

ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) convened a significant consultative meeting of "Working Group of Religious Scholars on Child Rights." The NCRC, an independent statutory body, was established by the Government of Pakistan to advocate for and protect the rights of children, in accordance with the National Commission on the Rights of Child Act, 2017.

The primary objective of this working group is to deliberate on issues pertaining to child rights, drawing upon the collective wisdom and expertise of esteemed religious scholars. The formation of the working group of religious scholars on child rights is a significant step forward in our mission to safeguard the rights and welfare of children.

The meeting commenced with a dialogue on the critical intersection of religious teachings and child rights. Scholars emphasized the protection of children's rights, fostering a shared vision for a brighter future for the nation's children. PR

Special export processing zone planned in Karachi: Dagha

KARACHI: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been considering a special export processing zone on the land of 15,000 acres near Pakistan Steel to boost the industrial activities in the commercial capital mainly through a proposed allocated land for Small and Medium Sized (SMEs) businesses.This was stated by Younus Dagha, Caretaker Provincial Minister for Commerce and Industries while talking to the business community at Federal B Areas Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI).He said that the government is considering to introduce a law to ban the frequent trading of industrial land in a new industrial estate to control the upward spiral of the land prices in the industrial zone.Addressing the issues of industries, he said that the government is considering constituting Works and Coordination Committees in the industrial zone of Karachi to resolve the issues of infrastructure, water and sewerage, street lights, and law and order. These committees will be given the status of a company which will work on a self-sustainable basis. PR

IESCO Chief Executive to listen to customers complaints via facebook live tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: Chief Executive IESCO Dr. Muhammad Amjad Khan will conduct facebook live E Kachary on Friday 27th October 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Consumers can contact Chief Executive IESCO via Facebook ID CEO-IESCO EKachery or call at Tel No. 051-9253105 according to above given scheduled to register and resolve their electricity-related issues. While registering complaints, customers are required to provide their name, bill reference number, and contact number. PR

Thursday, 26 October, 2023

THE FLOODGATES ARE OPEN: TOYOTA, HYUNDAI, AND HONDA ALL REDUCE PRICES NEWS

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REDUCTIONS RANGE FROM ANYWHERE BETWEEN RS 1 LAKH TO RS 13 LAKH PROFIT

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR SUNRISE

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Steel industry urges SBP to slash interest rates g

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MANY SMALL-SCALE MILLS CLOSED DUE TO LIQUIDITY CONCERNS, MORE TO FOLLOW SUIT PROFIT

DANIYAL AHMAD

OLLOWING KIA’s lead three weeks ago, and MG’s a week later, Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda have all slashed their prices dramatically. Like dominoes, all three have announced their price cuts within a span of two days — with Hyundai and Honda being just hours apart.

The most noteworthy reduction across all models is the Fortuner G, which has seen its price plummet by a staggering Rs 13 lakh. Toyota also holds the distinction for the largest average reduction across its range — with an average cut of Rs 5 lakh, while Honda and Hyundai lag behind at approximately Rs 2 lakh per vehicle.

What catalysed these drastic price slashes? The immediate catalyst is the stabilisation of the Pakistani Rupee at a rate of $1:Rs 280 after enduring months

GHULAM ABBAS

of volatility. The official interbank rate for the Pakistani Rupee did not mirror the tumult that automotive companies grappled with on importing parts — they experienced significant fluctuations in the open market and liquidity shortages through official channels for various parts of the summer.

However, another contributing factor is automotive manufacturers aligning their prices with the values of vehicles in the secondary market. Syed Asif Ahmed, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at MG Motors, expounded on the significance of both fac-

OGRA restrains CNG stations from selling flare gas PROFIT

AHMAD AHMADANI

Ostensibly owing to quality and safety constraints, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has now restrained all the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations from the sale of flare gas.

OGRA, in a letter dated 19th October, 2023 to the Managing Directors/Chief Executive Officers of 39 major companies associated with the business of gas, has advised them all to ensure that their dealers must abstain from selling/use of flare gas at their stations in order to ensure public safety at large.

According to OGRA, its enforcement teams have observed illegal sale of flare gas at CNG stations associated with retail outlets of certain Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) which may have resulted into a severe safety hazard.

In this regard, OGRA has restrained all CNG stations from the use of flare gas at their fuel stations due to quality and safety constraints, said the OGRA letter titled Use of Flare Gas at CNG Stations Associated with Retail Outlets.

It is also learnt from OGRA’s letter that all CNG stations owners were already directed through public notices to refrain from selling of flare gas, and to avoid any such modifications/alteration of works at their CNG stations, failing which the OGRA shall initiate strict action against them as per applicable laws/rules inter-alia including revocation of CNG license.

It is relevant to note that an unlicensed Konnect Gas had allegedly been involved in the illegal sale of unprocessed gas to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations since 2020 and caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar took notice on the complaint of Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) regarding unauthorized third-party gas sale by Konnect Gas (Private) Limited to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations. And, Prime Minister’s Office, in a most immediate letter to Secretary Petroleum Division on 16th October, 2023, had directed to furnish comments regarding a complaint filed by the Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) regarding unauthorized third-party gas sale by Konnect Gas (Private) Limited to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations.

It is pertinent to mention that Transparency International Pakistan (TIP), in a letter dated October 2, 2023, titled “Complaint on the Violation of Pakistan Petroleum (E&P) Rules 2001 and Natural Gas Regulatory (Licensing) Rules 2002 Due to Unauthorized Third-Party Gas Sale by Konnect Gas (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of Jura Corporation,” to Director General (DG) Petroleum Concession (PC), Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), requested to look into the allegations of the complaint and if found to be correct, take action against M/s Konnect Gas (Pvt.) Ltd for its illegal activities of providing unprocessed gas to CNG stations posing threat to the lives of citizens under applicable laws and rules.

Gas flaring is the burning of the natural gas associated with oil extraction. The practice has persisted since the beginning of oil production over 160 years ago. The flares are the giant flames often seen coming out of smokestacks on oil installations.

At oil and gas extraction sites, gas flares are similarly used for a variety of startup, maintenance, testing, safety, and emergency purposes.In a practice known as production flaring, they may also be used to dispose of large amounts of unwanted associated petroleum gas, possibly throughout the life of an oil well.

According to the International Energy Agency IEA), around 140 bcm (Billion Cubic Meters) of natural gas is flared globally each year. This is a major source of CO2 emissions, methane and black soot, and is damaging to health.

tors to Profit last week when MG decided to revise its prices.

In essence, Ahmed had forecasted to Profit that more price reductions were on the horizon due to the Rupee’s newfound stability and because of the markdown prices vehicles were commanding in the secondary market. For what it’s worth, Ahmed’s prediction proved accurate. Vehicles, even brand new ones, were trading at substantial discounts in the secondary market — ranging from Rs 80,000 to Rs 20 lakh.

The timing of these downward revisions is also noteworthy. One reason why

vehicles were selling for markdown prices in the secondary market is due to a significant contraction in vehicle demand over the past year. Our three protagonists have all seen better days, with their current sales figures paling in comparison to those they achieved in 2021 and 2022.

Will these price reductions breathe new life into sales? According to Muhammad Sabir Shaikh, Chairman of the Association of Pakistan Motorcycle Assemblers, “Sales are likely to remain subdued because prices remain prohibitively high and due to constraints imposed by the State Bank on automotive leasing”.

CCoE expected to cease free electricity facility today for WAPDA, DISCOs, GENCOs, NTDC, and PITC officers PROFIT AHMAD AHMADANI

The Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) scheduled to meet today (Thursday-26th October 2023) is likely to give an end to the free electricity facility for the officers of the electricity companies.

Available copy of CCoE agenda discloses that the meeting of the CCoE is scheduled on Thursday under the chair Minister of Energy, Power and Petroleum Muhammad Ali to take up six agenda items including approval of certain matters related to TAPI host government agreement between ministry of energy (petroleum division) of Pakistan and TAPI Pipeline Company Limited on implementing TAPI gas pipeline project, Monetization of free electricity units admissible to employees of WAPDA, and XWAPDA Company (DISCOs), power generation companies (GENCOs), National Transmission and Despacth Company (NTDC) and Power Information Technology Company (PITC), winter incentive package for industrial electricity consumers on incremental consumption, monthly progress report on circular debt, monthly progress report on Competitive Bilateral Contracts Market (CTCBM) and monthly report sheet of power plants operated out of merit order.

According to sources, if the CCoE grants its approval to end the free electricity units admissible to the officers of WAPDA, DISCOs, GENCOs, NTDC and PITC then all the in-service employees in grade 17 and above shall pay the electricity bills issued by the respective DISCO against the reference numbers already available with the DISCOs. They said that Power Division, in its summary for CCoE, has recommended to stop providing monthly free units to Grade 17 to Grade 21 officers. And abolishing the facility of free units will save more than Rs 6 billion annually, said sources.

Sharing details of proposed end to monthly free units to Grade 17 to Grade 21 officers of WAPDA, DISCOs, GENCOs, NTDC and PITC, the sources

informed that a grade 17 officer of the non-generation (Electricity) companies is currently getting 450 free units each month. However, it is recommended to give Rs 15,858 per month instead of providing 450 units a month. Similarly, it is recommended to give Rs 21,996/month to a grade 18 officer instead of supply 600 units/month. Likewise, it is recommended to give Rs 37,594/month instead of providing 880 units a month to an officer of grade 19.

Furthermore, it is recommended to give Rs 46,992/month to a grade 20 officer instead of supplying 1100 units/month and Rs 55,536/month to grade 21 officers instead of supplying them 1300 free units each month.

As per sources, it is also recommended to give Rs 24,570 per month to grade 17 officers attached with generation companies (GENCOs) instead of supplying them 650 free units/month. They said that instead of giving 700 units to grade 18 officers of GENCOs, it is recommended to give them Rs 26,460/month. They said it is also recommended to give Rs 42,720/month to grade 19 officers instead of supply them free 1000 units while Rs 46,992/month to grade 20 officers of GENCOs instead of supplying them 1100 units/month. Instead of supplying 1300 free units to grade 21 officers of GENCOs, it is recommended to give them Rs 55,536/month, said sources.

WAPDA employees were not included initially in the proposal. However, they have been added now in the light of discussion held in a meeting at Prime Minister’s Office dated 27th August 2023 duly attended by Chairman, sources added.

It is also learnt from sources that WAPDA employees were enjoying free electricity facility since 1974 and some of them allegedly used to sell the free electricity facility to earn money. They said that the supply of free electricity to officers of grade 16 will continue while free units left over each month are rolled over to subsequent months. The monetization rate for officers will remain fixed at the July 2023 tariff, said sources.

The steel industry in Pakistan is sounding a desperate alarm as it calls upon the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to reduce interest rates during the upcoming Monetary Policy meeting. This urgent plea comes amidst a crisis that, according to the industry, could have severe consequences for the nation’s economy. In a letter addressed to concerned ministries, the Pakistan Association of Large Steel Producers (PALSP) highlighted the critical role played by the steel industry in Pakistan’s economic landscape. The industry provides direct employment to over 300,000 individuals and acts as a robust support system for numerous downstream industries, influencing a staggering 7.5 million jobs across various sectors.

However, this crucial industry now faces an existential crisis due to an unprecedented liquidity crunch, stemming from a combination of reduced working capital and weakened purchasing power of mills due to colossal capital requirements. This dire situation has already resulted in the closure of several small to medium-sized steel mills, leading to significant job losses. If the current high interest rates persist, the steel industry’s sustainability remains in jeopardy, and the impending unemployment crisis could become a significant national issue, requiring immediate attention from the SBP and the government.

Presently, the SBP’s key interest rate stands at 22%, a level not seen since early 2011. This interest rate surpasses those of many other countries, rendering Pakistan’s domestic steel industry uncompetitive.

While Pakistan’s central bank’s interest rate for industries is 22%, neighboring countries maintain significantly lower rates, such as 6.5% in India, 3.45% in China, 6.5% in Bangladesh, 2.5% in Thailand, 6% in Indonesia, 3.65% in Vietnam, 10% in Sri Lanka, 1.875% in Taiwan, and 3% in Malaysia.

The harsh reality of these interest rates makes it nearly impossible for the steel industry to access credit from financial institutions, resulting in halted expansions and discouraging steel manufacturers from making further investments. As a consequence, the once-promising expansion of existing industries has come to a grinding halt.

A recent report by JS Global indicates, “Based on a 12-month forward CPI, real interest rates have turned positive since September 2023 and are expected to experience a significant expansion with the current Policy Rate at 22%. In the absence of negative CPI surprises, the SBP has an opportunity to initiate monetary easing sooner than anticipated.”

Looking ahead, the next 12 months’ CPI is expected to average at 19%, reflecting a positive real effective interest rate of 300 basis points. By January 2024, the 12-month forward CPI shows a 7.25 basis point positive real interest rate. In light of these developments, the SBP must consider a substantial interest rate reduction of 500 basis points in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

Wajid Bukhari, Secretary General of PALSP, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that, “Due to high interest rates, Government of Pakistan’s debt servicing has shot up to Rs 7.6 trillion, consuming the majority of the net income of the Federal Government. These rates just don’t make sense, and SBP must act urgently to aid in creating fiscal space for the government to undertake infrastructure projects, which are needed after the record flooding witnessed in Pakistan.”

He says that “The government must realize the gravity of the crisis and implement immediate measures to support businesses and encourage investment in the country.

Imran challenges indictment in Cypher case in IHC ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Wednesday moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against his indictment in Cypher case. In the petition filed through advocate Salman Safdar and advocate Khalid Yusuf, the PTI chief sought to annul the process of indictment citing concerns about the haste with which it was carried out.

The petition named plaintiff Yusuf Naseem Khokhar and the state as parties. It contended that, as per the law, charges can only be framed seven days after the distribution of the case copy – a requirement seemingly overlooked by the trial court.

Imran also pointed out the absence of a directive from the IHC to expedite the trial or to conduct daily proceedings, and argued that rushing the trial could infringe upon his fundamental constitutional rights.

The ex-prime minister further highlighted that the lack of central evidence, particularly related to the cypher telegraphs had been overlooked. The PTI chief prayed that the IHC set aside and annul the order rejecting Imran’s plea seeking deferment in the process.

Two days ago, Imran and ex-foreign minister Shah

Mahmood Qureshi pleaded ‘not guilty’ as the two PTI leaders were indicted in the cypher case.

During the hearing, prosecutor Shah Khawar termed Imran’s plea seeking deferment in the indictment process a “delaying tactic” and requested the court to reject it, stating that today’s hearing was fixed only for indictment.

Presiding over the hearing, Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain of the special court summoned government officials listed as witnesses in the case for October 27.

“This is a false, fabricated case, designed to exact political revenge. Will prove my innocence,” the PTI chief had reportedly said as he denied the charges.

‘Imran feels safe inside jail’ Separately, earlier in the day, Special Court judge Abul Hasnaat Zulqarnain – presiding over the cypher case – told Imran’s spokesperson for legal affairs Naeem Panjotha that the PTI chief had himself “told me that he considers himself safe in jail”.

Judge Zulqarnain further remarked that the proceedings were being smoothly conducted at the prison with a primary focus on ensuring the PTI chief’s safety.

The judge’s remarks came as Panjotha appeared before his court seeking implementation of his orders from Adial jail officials where the former prime minister is

currently incarcerated.

Panjotha raised concerns about certain court orders not being implemented, particularly regarding lawyers being granted access to the PTI chairman in jail.

Judge Zulqarnain stated that there were administrative matters to consider. He noted that certain matters will need to be carefully managed if multiple lawyers have to meet Imran.

To this, Panjotha argued that the superintendent of Adiala jail will only follow your orders. Raising further concerns regarding the case, the spokesperson stated that the case was being conducted so secretively that even journalists were not being allowed to cover the proceedings. “If journalists are not allowed to attend the hearing at least lawyers should be allowed to attend them,” he said. However, the judge observed that the cypher case was filed under the 1923 Secret Act, and that if it was upto him he would not have an objection to journalists covering the case.

Regarding the complaint about physical space constraints in the Adiala jail courtroom, the judge remarked at Imran’s legal aide that he already had a wall of the ex-premier’s jail cell demolished, asking him if he would rather have the PTI chief’s entire room demolished?

Afghan diplomat says Taliban govt already declared ‘attack on Pakistan not jihad’ PESHAWAR

STAFF REPORT

A top Afghanistan diplomat said Wednesday that the Islamic Emirate — or the Taliban administration — had already issued a fatwa (decree) that launching attacks in “Pakistan is not jihad” (holy war).

Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir, the acting consul general at the Afghan Consulate in Peshawar, stated that the neighbouring country’s defence ministry had also made it clear that attacking Pakistan did not fall under jihad.

The Pakistani government has time and again stressed that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists have safe havens in Afghanistan and that the neighbouring nation’s

soil was being used for attacks on Pakistan.

Since the Afghan Taliban took over the reins of government in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terror incidents with 2023 being the deadliest in eight years, despite months left in its conclusion, with officials also saying that Afghan nationals were involved in attacks on security forces.

Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s special representative on Afghanistan, said that the banned TTP’s attacks on Pakistan along the borders have increased and that they were “taking shelter on the Afghan soil”.

In response to Pakistan’s repeated insistence on taking action, the interim Afghan rulers arrested 200 suspected militants involved in attacks against Pakistan, Voice of America reported last month, citing Pak-

istani officials privy to the development.

Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Taliban counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, met on the sidelines of a China-hosted international conference earlier this month.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said Jilani “underscored that challenges confronting regional peace and stability be addressed in collaborative spirit through collective strategies”.

Shakir said the TTP militants had migrated to Afghanistan during former USbacked Afghan president Ashraf Ghani’s tenure — 2014-2021. He was overthrown by the Taliban.

“I want to make it clear: No attacks will be launched from Afghanistan on Pakistan,” the envoy added.

The government in Islamabad has ordered illegal Afghan refugees in Pakistan to exit the country by November 1 or face deportation, with the deadline just five days away and millions of Afghans residing in the country.

“We have no objections to the decision taken regarding Afghan refugees, but an appropriate method should be adopted to send them back,” the acting Afghan consul general said. He said it would be better if the Afghan refugees were given time to wrap up their affairs in Pakistan. “We have also made arrangments for their arrival [in Afghanistan],” he added.

“People can now continue doing their business in Afghanistan. But indeed, it will be hard for Afghan refugees initially when they come back,” Shakir also said.

The caretaker government, earlier this month, had directed all “aliens” — including 1.73 million Afghan nationals — to leave the country following a series of terrorist attacks in which Afghan nationals were found to be responsible for 14 of 24 suicide bombings.

The United Nations (UN) has also said that refugees residing in Pakistan should be allowed to exit the country voluntarily and no pressure should be exerted on them.

Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees since the Soviet Union’s invasion in 1979. The United States has also “strongly” encouraged Afghanistan’s neighbours, including Pakistan, to allow entry for Afghans seeking protection and urged them to uphold obligations in the treatment of refugees, the US State Department said last week.

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