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PRAYERS, PROTESTS AND CLASHES IN JERUSALEM AND WEST BANK AS GAZA WAR RAGES Saturday, 28 October, 2023 I 11 Rabi us Sani, 1445

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Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 118 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition

g IN WEST BANK, ISRAELI HAMAS CALLS ON WORLD g UN SECRETARY GENERAL TO ‘ACT IMMEDIATELY’ TO REPEATS CALL FOR TROOPS KILL 4 PALESTINIANS STOP ISRAEL’S HUMANITARIAN CEASEFIRE, DURING RAIDS TAKING TOLL BOMBARDMENT OF GAZA DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN AID TO 110 IN THE AREA

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JERUSALEM/ RAMALLAH AGENCIES

SRAELI security forces restricted young Palestinians from entering Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem for prayers on Friday and deployed in strength across the Old City and beyond to quell any unrest spilling over from the conflict in Gaza.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli troops killed four Palestinians during raids, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said.

Large numbers of Israeli police kept guard around Al-Aqsa, a perennial flashpoint and often the scene of clashes, as Palestinians gathered for Friday prayers, Reuters journalists said. At one point they fired teargas.

United States Secretary General António Guterres posted on X, erstwhile twitter, that everyone must assume their responsibilities.

“This is a moment of truth.History is judging us all.”

He repeated call for humanitarian ceasefire in Middle East, unconditional release of all hostages & delivery of humanitarian aid.

On the other hand, dozens of explosions rock northern Gaza as Israeli forces intensify attacks on Palestinian enclave.

Israel cuts off internet and communications across Gaza as it attacks the Palestinian enclave with heavy bombing.

Mohammad Al Kassim reports from Occupied East Jerusalem.

ECP ‘likely’ to fix Jan 28 as date for general elections ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is considering fixing January 28 as the date for the General Elections 2024, sources said on Friday.

The top electoral body, commencing its preparations for upcoming elections, is expected to apprise the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) in writing within the next two days, the sources added. The ECP is set to apprise the SC after the top court sought the commission’s response in the case of timely elections.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, earlier this week, during the apex court’s hearing on the issue of timely elections observed that it was “not possible” to meet the 90-day deadline for holding elections and lamented the lack of preparations of the petitioners.

The CJP’s remarks came as he is leading a threemember bench comprising himself, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan to hear the petitions filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and others seeking elections within the 90-day constitutional limit.

During the hearing, the SCBA lawyer apprised the court that the “90-day period will complete on November 3″. To this, CJP Isa inquired whether it would even be possible to hold the polls within 90 days, to which the lawyer conceded that even if the top court gives the order even then it will not be possible to hold the elections within 90 days.

AMBIGUITY OVER POLLS: The Shehbaz Sharifled government dissolved the National Assembly on August 9, while Sindh and Balochistan assemblies were also prematurely dissolved to allow the electoral authority to hold elections in the country within 90 days.

Had the assemblies been dissolved on time, the electoral body was constitutionally bound to hold polls in 60 days. However, the ECP decided against holding polls within the stipulated time as the Council of Common Interest (CCI), days before the dissolution of the assemblies, approved the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023. The CCI approval made it mandatory for the commission to hold elections following fresh delimitations in light of the results of the census.

Subsequently, on August 17, the ECP announced the schedule of new delimitations to be carried out as per the new census approved by the CCI. But in September, the commission announced that general elections in the country would take place in the last week of January 2024.

“Dozens of explosions rock northern Gaza as Israeli forces intensify attacks on Palestinian enclav”, Mustafa Fatih Yavuz reports from Israel-Gaza border Hamas calls on world to ‘act immediately’ to stop Israel Hamas has called on the world to “act immediately” to stop Israel’s bombard-

ment of Gaza, as intense strikes pounded the Palestinian territory, AFP reports.

“We call on the Arab and Muslim countries and the international community to take responsibility and act immediately to stop the crimes and series of massacres against our people,” Hamas said in a statement.

People in Gaza ‘totally disconnected’ from each other, outside world as internet, mobile phone networks collapse Communications cut across Gaza as Israel conducts heavy bombing raids focused on the northern part of the besieged Palestinian enclave.

People in Gaza ‘totally disconnected’ from each other and outside world as internet and mobile phone networks collapse, reports Al Jazeera’s Safwat Kahlout.

Israeli military spokesman says ground forces expanding operations as air and ground forces are stepping up operations, according to Israel’s chief military spokesperson, amid reports of heavy bombing of the besieged Gaza Strip, where internet and mobile phone services were cut off.

SJC serves show cause notice on Justice Naqvi over misconduct complaints

Continued on page 03

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

In a majority decision of 3 to 2, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on Friday issued a show cause notice to Supreme Court judge, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi.

The SJC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Justice Qazi Faez Isa, issued the notice in response to multiple complaints of misconduct against Justice Naqvi, particularly in light of an audio leak scandal that surfaced a few months ago.

The SJC deliberated the matter during the twohour-long meeting, which was attended by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Ejazul Ahsan, Chief Justice Lahore High Court Amir Bhatti, and Chief Justice Balochistan High Court Naeem Afghan.

Justice Naqvi is now required to submit a written response to the show cause notice by November 10, as instructed by the Supreme Judicial Council. This notice was issued based on complaints lodged by the Supreme Court Bar, Pakistan Bar, and other prominent lawyers’ organisations, sources told Express News.

According to insiders, the show cause notice was supported by a majority of three members of the Supreme Judicial Council, while two members expressed reservations against it. The legal community and various lawyers’ organisations had demanded accountability and even the resignation of Justice Naqvi due to his alleged involvement in the audio leak scandal.

In the upcoming proceedings, the Attorney General for Pakistan is expected to appear as the prosecutor during the Supreme Judicial Council’s deliberations. Justice Naqvi will have the opportunity to challenge the council’s actions in open court.

Furthermore, it is important to note that Justice Naqvi will remain entitled to receive pension and other benefits should he choose to resign from his position as a judge.

This development stems from a total of ten complaints that were submitted to the Supreme Judicial Council against Justice Naqvi. The responsibility of providing a legal opinion on these complaints was

assigned to Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, who subsequently submitted his findings to the Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council. Following the receipt of Justice Masood’s opinion, the Council decided to issue the show cause notice.

It is worth mentioning that Justice Masood has also provided legal opinions in the past regarding complaints against other prominent figures in the judiciary, including former chief justices Saqib Nisar, and Umar Atta Bandial; Justice Ijazul Ahsan, and Justice Ayesha Malik.

REFERENCE AGAINST NAB CHAIRMAN DISMISSED: In a separate matter, the Supreme Judicial Council dismissed references against the former chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal, as inadmissible.

These references were filed in 2019, and at that time, the SJC was not the appropriate forum for inquiries against the chairman of NAB. However, it is worth noting that recent amendments to NAB rules in 2022 have expanded the jurisdiction of the Supreme Judicial Council to review complaints against the chairman of NAB. In a final note, the council also issued a notice to a complainant who had filed a complaint of misconduct against Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, citing a lack of supporting documents.

Cabinet allows Fly Jinnah’s expansion to international routes ISLAMABAD

AHMAD AHMADANI

The federal cabinet, through circulation of summary, has now allowed Fly Jinnah’s expansion onto the international routes, it was reliably learnt on Friday.

According to sources, Fly Jinnah on 23rd August 2023 had earlier requested the Ministry of Aviation to consider its request under the aegis of the Air Services Agreements (ASAs) as a designated airline of Pakistan. And, the Prime Minister on 19th October, 2023 had granted its approval for circulation of the summary titled” Designation of Fly Jinnah on International Routes” to the federal cabinet for seeking approval for designation of M/s Fly Jinnah on international routes.

After getting premiers’ approval for circulation of a summary regarding designation of Fly Jinnah on international routes to the cabinet, ministry of aviation requested the federal cabinet to approve in principle the request of M/s Fly Jinnah for its designation to Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkiye and UAE, said sources, adding, that the federal cabinet through circulation of summary has now allowed designation of Fly Jinnah on international routes.

“Sky is the limit for the Fly Jinnah airline following the decision made by the federal cabinet regarding Fly Jinnah’s international route expansion,” said the sources.

M/s Fly Jinnah was issued Regular Public Transport (RPT) License on September 25, 2021. The airline is conducting domestic flight operation since October 31, 2022 with a fleet size of three aircrafts.

It is relevant to note that paragraph 3.2.1.1. (9) of National Aviation Policy (NAP-23) stipulates that “Pakistani designated airlines shall be eligible to commence operations on international routes after one year of continued satisfactory operations on domestic routes.”

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), in a summary for the federal cabinet, intimated that M/s Fly Jinnah has requested for its designation to Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkiye and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Air Service Agreements with these states contain provisions for multiple designation of airline operators except for Azerbaijan.

According to the terms of bilateral ASAs (air service agreements), federal cabinet is the competent authority to approve designation of Pakistani airlines to other countries, and relaxation of condition of socioeconomic routes as per paragraph 3.2.2.1(9)(a) of NAP-2023.

Earlier, Prime Minister authorized submission of the summary to the Cabinet members through circulation.

Regular Public Transport (RPT) operators are the primary contributors to commercial air transport operations and form significant share in aviation’s contribution to the economic development of a country and National Aviation Policy 2023 (NAP-23) gives several conditions which shall be met by an airline before starting international operations.

According to the conditions for Regular Public Transport (RPT) operations, minimum of three airworthy aircraft of similar capacity on ownership or dry lease basis to start domestic RPT operations and minimum of five airworthy aircraft on ownership or dry lease basis to start international RPT operations.

Cypher Case: IHC rejects Imran’s bail, quashment pleas ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday rejected former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s bail plea in the cypher case.

Chief Justice IHC Aamer Farooq, who had reserved his decision on Imran’s bail application earlier, announced the reserved decision on Friday.

The court also dismissed a petition seeking quashment of the case. Imran is currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail on judicial remand in the cypher case.

On Thursday, the IHC had rejected Imran’s request for halting the trial of cypher case, being conducted by a special court formed under the Official Secrets Act (OSA), and reserved its ruling on his bail application.

At least three different benches of the IHC heard various petitions filed by Imran.

Imran’s lawyer Salman Safdar argued that they had been provided the copies of the challan on Oct 17, while the court Indicted Imran on Oct 23, without giving a seven-day

time. He added that the copy of the cypher was not part of the challan, therefore, they did not know what the charges were.

In his ruling, the chief justice turned down the PTI chief’s plea to stop the trial.

However, on the issue related to the indictment of the accused, the court said that the petitioner had the right to a transparent trial.

FIRST INFORMATION REPORT (FIR): The first information report (FIR) was registered on August 15 under the Official Secrets Act. It was registered on the complaint of the Home Secretary.

Former prime minister Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi were nominated in the report, while names of former principal secretary Azam Khan and former planning minister Asad Umar were also mentioned.

The FIR stated that the former prime minister and foreign minister distorted the facts of the diplomatic cipher. “A conspiracy was launched to misuse the contents of the cipher to fulfill nefarious purposes”, it added. It further stated that the former premier and top diplomat endangered the state interests.

LAWYERS MEET PTI CHAIRMAN: Separately, PTI’s lawyers Sardar Latif Khosa, Umair Niazi, Gohar Ali, Naeem Haider Panjotha and others met the PTI chairman for about an hour at the Adiala Jail and discussed with him the legal issues pertaining to his cases.

CYPHER CASE HEARING ADJOURNED: Meanwhile, a special court on Friday adjourned the hearing of cypher case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi till October 31.

Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain heard the case in Adiala Jail under the Official Secrets Act 2023. The court adjourned the hearing due to the issuance of detailed verdict in cypher case bail pleas.

The Special Court will now record statements of official witnesses against Imran Khan and Qureshi and has summoned 28 witnesses of the government. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team will present the witnesses. After the statements, the lawyers will cross-examine them.

Strict security arrangements have also been made outside the jail.

imran has no confidence in iHC chief justice: lawyer

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has no confidence in Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, his lawyer said on Friday following the rejection of former’s bail plea in the cypher case. The IHC chief justice, who had previously reserved his decision on Imran Khan’s bail plea, announced the reserved decision on Friday. The court also dismissed a petition seeking the dismissal of the case.

Currently, Imran Khan is imprisoned in Adiala Jail on judicial remand in the cypher case.

Speaking to the media after the hearing of the cypher case in Adiala Jail, PTI chief’s lawyer Salman Safdar stated that his client’s morale remained high. He expressed concern that lawyers for other co-accused, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, were not permitted to meet the incarcerated PTI leader. The lawyer argued that it was unjust to treat the cypher as a “secret” when it had been discussed in the National Security Committee. Salman Safdar went on to describe the cypher case as baseless, likening it to the “Toshakhana case” and contending that Imran Khan was facing a biased trial.

He asserted, “It is known what the judges want,” without providing further details. He also mentioned that all cases related to the cypher case would be taken to the Supreme Court.

Salman Safdar disclosed that Imran Khan had stated in court that he had not committed any crime and that he was a patriotic citizen of the country. The lawyer accused those behind the cypher case of using it to oust Imran Khan from politics and expressed that the rejection of Imran’s bail was not surprising, as the PTI chief had already expressed his lack of confidence in IHC Chief Justice Amir Faroqq.

The lawyer emphasised that in the future, PTI would object to inclusion of the IHC chief justice in any bench formed to hear the petitions of their leaders, lamenting that both of their pleas had been dismissed by the IHC chief justice. AGENCIES

02 NEWS

WORLD CUP 2023: SOUTH AFRICA DEFEAT PAKISTAN

BY ONE WICKET IN NAIL-BITING THRILLER

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ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

OUTH AFRICA survived a late charge from Pakistan to pull off a thrilling one-wicket win and move closer to the semi-finals of the World Cup on Friday.

Aiden Markram hit a solid 91 and at 206-4 South Africa were well on course to comfortably chase down a 271-run target.

However, it was left to the last pair of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi to score 11 runs while surviving 11 balls.

Shamsi survived a leg-before appeal that went to umpire’s call off fast bowler Haris Rauf with eight needed before Maharaj hit spinner Mohammad Nawaz to the square-leg boundary to pull off the win in 47.2 overs, sparking wild celebrations in his team’s

Kashmiris on both sides of LoC, world observe Black Day ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and across the world are observing Kashmir Black Day on Friday to convey to the world that India had occupied their motherland illegally on October 27, 1947. It was on October 27, 1947 when Indian troops in total violation of the spirit of the Partition Plan of the Subcontinent had militarily invaded Jammu and Kashmir and illegally occupied it against the will of the Kashmiri people. The day is being marked by a complete shutdown in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Protest marches, rallies and seminars are being held across the country including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and all over the world to condemn the invasion of Indian Army on October 27, 1947 as well as the revocation of special status of occupied Kashmir by the Modi-led fascist government on August 5, 2019. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has urged the international community to take practical steps to hold India accountable for its excesses in the occupied Kashmir. In his message on day, he said an intensified campaign to ‘Indianize’ Kashmir and transform Kashmiris into a disempowered community in their own land has been in full swing since 5 August 2019. He Indian Occupation has taken a number of steps to realize these nefarious designs, including gerrymandering of the electoral constituencies, addition of non-Kashmiris to voter rolls, issuance of domicile certificates to outsiders, and introduction of new laws on ownership of land and property.

Khadija Shah sent on judicial remand in arson case LAHORE

staff RepoRt

Social activist Khadija Shah was sent to judicial remand for 14 days by the Anti-Terrorism Court Lahore in an arson case outside Rahat Bakery on May 9. The case was registered against her by the Sarwar Road police station. The Lahore High Court also summoned the Inspector General of Punjab Police (IG Punjab) in person on November 3 in Khadija Shah’s contempt of court petition against the police officers. Justice Ali Baqir Najafi of the Lahore High Court heard the petition and expressed dissatisfaction with the report submitted by the police. He said that the report was not satisfactory and that the IG Punjab should appear in court for the next hearing. Khadija Shah’s lawyer told the court that the Anti-Terrorism Court had sent her to judicial remand till today in the new case. The court asked the lawyer if he had challenged the order of the ATC, to which he replied that he had not. The Lahore High Court then summoned the IG Punjab in person on November 3 to hear the contempt of court petition against the police officers.

Saturday, 28 October, 2023 | LAHORE

dressing room.

Maharaj (seven not out) also added 10 runs for the ninth wicket with Lungi Ngidi (four) but Rauf took a stunning catch off his own bowling to send Ngidi back.

The win took South Africa top of the table with 10 points from five wins in six matches. Pakistan, however, have lost four in succession after opening the tournament with back-to-back wins.

They have four points and will need results to fall in their favour if they are to sneak into the semi-finals. This was only the seventh one-wicket by a team in all World Cups and second by South Africa.

Left-arm spinner Shamsi took 4-60 in Pakistan’s 270 all out in 46.4 overs with 52 from Saud Shakeel, 50 from skipper Babar Azam and 43 from Shadab Khan.

Markram shone and with a 70-run stand

for the fifth wicket with David Miller who scored a 33-ball 29 with two sixes and as

‘Hunting Trip’: Cabinet okays Rangers deployment for security of UAE dignitaries ISLAMABAD

The federal cabinet, through circulation of a summary, allowed the deployment of three companies of Rangers to provide security during the upcoming visit of United Arab Emirates (UAE) dignitaries to Pakistan for hunting expedition, it was learnt on Friday.

According to sources, on the request of Punjab government, the federal cabinet through circulation of Interior Ministry’s summary, approved the deployment of Rangers personnel for the security of Arab princes coming from UAE to Punjab province for hunting houbara bustard.

After the federal cabinet’s approval, three companies of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) will be deployed to provide security to the UAE dignitaries in Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan on their upcoming hunting expedition to Pakistan, said sources.

Sources also said that Ministry of Interior, through the summary, informed the federal cabinet that a team of Arab dignitaries from UAE would visit Pakistan for hunting expedition comprising His Highness Sheikh Muhammad Bin

Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of UAE and His Highness Sheikh Hamadan Bin Muhammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Crown Prince of Emirates of Dubai.

They said that the Arab dignitaries will visit Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan for the hunting expedition. They said the matter pertain to the deployment of three companies Rangers (Punjab) was earlier placed before the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law & Order in its 11th meeting held on 15-092023, wherein the Committee approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) for the security and protection of UAE dignitaries. In the summary, the

ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s foreign trade faces a critical challenge with the detection of over 55 interceptions, primarily mangoes with fruit fly and without treatment, in various shipments of rice and food items destined to the European Union (EU) this year. These interceptions not only sully Pakistan’s international standing regarding food safety measures but also pose a grave threat to its exports to the EU, should these issues persist unresolved.

Recent documents obtained shed light on the severity of the situation. A letter, dated October 4, 2023, from Pakistan’s mission in Brussels, addressed to the Ministry of Commerce and other pertinent authorities, underscores the alarming extent of the problem. The letter revealed that 39 interceptions were reported in rice consignments imported from Pakistan, with an additional 16 interceptions in non-rice food products. This interception rate of Pakistani food goods to EU member countries is very high and if these are not reduced with appropriate sanitary and phytosanitary measures, these may lead to a ban on the import of Pakistani rice in EU member countries, similar to India, which is already facing similar challenges on similar interceptions.

Interior Ministry further informed the Cabinet that Punjab Home Department had requested to immediately made available three Companies with Wing Headquarters of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) for deployment till March 31, 2023, for security/protection of Arab dignitaries under Section 4(2) & 5 of AntiTerrorism Act, 1997 & under Section 7(b) and Section 10 of Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, said sources.

It is also pertinent to mention that the caretaker government of Punjab had earlier approved deployment of Rangers personnel for the security of Arab dignitaries coming to the provinces for hunting purposes.

Special event held to celebrate 100th anniversary of Republic of Turkiye ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye, a special event was organized at Pakistan Embassy.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid hosted Turkish dignitaries including Governor Ankara Vasip Sahin , Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, MP Ali Sahin, MP Burhan Kayaturk, MP Mehmet Emin Simsek , MP Mustafa Kaya, MP Muhammet Mufit Aydin, MP Adurrahim Dusak, Mehmet Mehdi Eker Former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Rector Ostim University Murat Yulek, President SDE Guray Alpar, President ANKASAM Prof Mehmet Seyfettin Erol, former Turkish ambassadors to Pakistan Rauf Engin Soysal, Mustafa Yurdakul, DDG TRT Omer Faruk Tanriverdi and dignitaries from academia, business and media at a traditional Pakistani brunch.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Pakistan Turkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group Ali Sahin stated that Pakistan Turkiye relations are a gift from Allah Almighty for the peoples of both countries. These centuries old brotherly and strategic relations are not

The EU has placed Pakistan and India on the list for an increased frequency of controls on aflatoxins in rice under provisions of Regulation (EC) 669/2009.

The interceptions in rice consignments were attributed to various factors including aflatoxins, pesticide residues, chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, hexaconazole, imidacloprid, the presence of metal and plastic, migration of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) from packaging material, and document discrepancies. These issues were identified in multiple EU member states, with Germany and Italy witnessing the highest number of interceptions.

Aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, were identified in the rice consignments. Aflatoxins are genotoxic and carcinogenic, posing acute and chronic health risks to humans. Pesticide residues were also found in these shipments, which can cause both acute and chronic health effects.

According to sources, the EU has set maximum aflatoxin levels due to B1 @ 2 µg/kg and sum of B1, B2, G1, and G2 @ 4 µg/kg for imported rice and food items in EU member countries, in contrast to the Codex Alimentarius limit of 15 ppb. Additionally, EU accepts a maximum residue limit (MRL) in food items @ MRL of 0.01 mg/kg.

balls following Azam’s dismissal at 141.

Shadab hit two sixes and three boundaries while Shakeel’s second fifty in the tournament had seven hits to the rope. It was Jansen who hit Pakistan early with the wickets of openers Abdullah Shafique (nine) and Imam-ul-Haq (12) in the first seven overs.

Azam added 48 runs for the third wicket with Mohammad Rizwan who made 31 with a six and four boundaries.

The skipper added another 43 for the next wicket with Iftikhar Ahmed who scored 21 with a six and a boundary.

Shamsi dismissed Iftikhar caught at long-on and Azam behind the wicket sweeping to derail the innings until Shakeel and Shadab rebuilt. Fast bowler Gerald Cotzee broke the stand by dismissing Shadab in the 40th over while Shamsi sent back Shakeel and Shaheen (two).

Power distribution work starts for Gwadar Free Zone North ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

ahmad ahmadani

only a source of mutual strength but also serve as an anchor for regional stability under the direction and vision of the leaderships of both countries.

Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas underscored that Pakistan Turkiye enjoy deep rooted historical, cultural and brotherly ties and this friendship would grow stronger in the years to come, based on our shared values and mutual interests.

In his remarks, Governor Ankara Vasip Sahin stated that Pakistan and Turkiye relations are exemplary as both countries have always stood together in times of need and have consistently supported each other on regional and global platforms.

While congratulating the Turkish nation in his closing remarks, Ambassador Dr Yousaf Junaid paid rich tribute to Turkiye’s founder Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s leadership in war of liberation and subsequent founding of Republic. He further stated that the centenary of the Republic is a testament to the unwavering commitment and vision of the Turkish leadership and people, who have worked tirelessly to build a prosperous and democratic nation despite serious challenges. The

Noncompliance of EU export standards Ghulam abbas

many boundaries. At that moment the Proteas seemed on course for a straightforward win.

But late drama unfolded at Chidambaram Stadium as Pakistan fought back as South Africa slipped to 250-8 from 206-4.

Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Miller in the 34th over while Rauf had Marco Jansen for 20 three overs later. Markram hit three sixes and seven boundaries off 93 balls, his fourth fifty in the World Cup, also completing 2,000 ODI runs in his 61st match.

Earlier, it was Shamsi and Jansen who derailed Pakistan’s innings. The 33-year-old leg-spinner finished with figures of 4-60 while pace bowler Jansen took 3-43 after Pakistan won the toss and batted, looking for a win to revive their World Cup hopes.

Pakistan would have scored fewer runs had Shakeel and Shadab not lifted them with an 84-run stand for the sixth wicket off 71

However, a study of maximum aflatoxin levels in food items in Pakistan shows that Pakistani food items mostly contain aflatoxin levels above 30 µg/kg due to poor storage conditions, inappropriate packing, and defective supply chains. The food also comprises a high level of MRL due to the harvesting of crops by farmers before the recommended post-harvest interval of pesticides. This issue is further exacerbated by the expansion of pesticide labels onto other food crops like rice, maize, and vegetables without scientific justification, as well as the absence of proper regulation and standardization of pesticides by provincial agricultural departments.

Insiders informed that the Ministry of National Food Security and Ministry of Commerce has also restricted the Department of Plant Protection from checking Aflatoxin and MRL of rice shipments exportable to EU member countries prior to the issuance of a phytosanitary certificate.

Both ministries have not coordinated with the Punjab and Sindh agriculture departments and food safety authorities to arrange awareness campaigns among farmers to harvest rice crops after the recommended postharvest interval of pesticides and improve storage and packing of food items. Instead, both ministries have facilitated rice ex-

ambassador also highlighted that under the visionary leadership of President H.E Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkiye’s progress and development achieved new heights and Turkiye emerged as a strong prosperous country in the comity of nations.

The ambassador underscored that this is a mutual celebration of Turkiye’s remarkable journey and achievements over the past century. Highlighting glorious Pakistan Turkiye bilateral relations, the ambassador reiterated that ‘One Nation- Two States’ best describe the fraternal Pakistan Turkiye relationship, founded on common religious , cultural and linguistic affinities and a shared history.

He underscored that these exemplary fraternal ties, have no match in the world in terms of warmth, depth and unanimity of views. These relations trace their roots in the centuries old people to people relations and common views reflected in the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the national poets of the two countries. This is a sacred trust and it is our duty to pass on this friendship to our future generations stronger, the ambassador added. porters to implement food safety measures on their own without the intervention of the relevant department.

Importantly, these interceptions did not stem from a single exporter. Six interceptions were linked to M/s Zubair Enterprises, while M/s Sarwar Foods and M/s Rice Expert each accounted for 3 interceptions. M/s Modem Rice & General Mills and several other exporters also faced scrutiny. The Department of Plant Protection, as a regulator, is responsible for restricting these exporters for further export to EU member countries until corrective measures and good manufacturing practices are implemented from farm to destination.

Apart from rice consignments, 16 interceptions were reported for non-rice food products, including herbs, spices, nuts and seeds, mixed supari, milk and milk products, meat products, and confectionery. These interceptions were documented across various EU countries, with Germany registering the highest incidence, followed by Sweden, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Poland, and Portugal.

To address this pressing issue, the letter

by Pakistan’s mission in Brussels, proposes a series of strategic recommendations. These include engaging and sensitizing relevant regulatory bodies and exporters regarding European food safety regulations, advising exporters to ensure stringent compliance, and urging a reduction in the use of pesticides and fertilizers that lead to elevated lev-

Power distribution work has commenced for providing 5 Mega Watts (MW) of electricity to Gwadar Free Zone North by erecting power polls and laying electricity wires in two phases simultaneously. It will take two months to complete the work, Gwadar Pro reported on Friday. In the first phase, the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has started installing power infrastructure from the grid station to the perimeter walls of Gwadar Free Zone North.

In the second phase, local company SIGMA Engineering Ltd has started laying the electricity distribution system from the walls of Gwadar Free Zone to the buildings of various industrial sites. SIGMA Engineering Ltd has been outsourced by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Limited, a GPA official told Gwadar Pro. “After completion of the entire project, the per unit power tariff charged to factories will be around Rs 57 according to the government rate prescribed for industries.

Currently, generator-based electricity is being provided to all operational factories in Gwadar Free Zone North temporarily,” he added.

Progress was made after the successful joint feasibility study conducted by Quetta Electric Power Supply Company (QEPSC) and China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC).

The Deep Sea Port sole grid station was established in 2019 exclusively for Gwadar port and Free Zone through 3 feeders. The grid station will provide electricity from three sources – the national grid station of Quetta, Gabd-Remdan on the Iran border, and NagBesima section on another border with Iran.

IPP to hold political rallies in nine districts KHANEWAL

staff RepoRt

The Istehkam-e- Pakistan Party (IPP) will begin its political rallies from Khanewal on Saturday in a show of political power. The venue for the rally is being prepared at Jahanian Stadium. The IPP has released a schedule of meetings from October 28 to December 9, according to which rallies will be held in 9 districts in the first phase as on Khanewal – October 28, Hafizabad – November 3, Narowal – November 9, Leh – November 12, Kasur – November 17, Gujranwala – November 20, Kojhang – November 24, Sahiwal – December 2, Faisalabad – December 9 Patron Chief Jahangir Khan Tareen and Party President Abdul Aleem Khan will address the rallies.

The IPP is a relatively new political party, but it has quickly become a major player in Pakistani politics. It is reportedly said, the party is seen as being close to the country establishment and it is expected to challenge the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in the next general election. els of certain substances in rice intended for export to the EU. Furthermore, the letter advocates for collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, and the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan. However, this matter cannot be resolved without involving the Department of Plant Protection, which currently lacks the necessary technical officers. The aim is to compile a comprehensive report detailing the corrective measures implemented to prevent rice interceptions in the EU. This report, once compiled, will be shared with EU authorities to underscore the quality and safety of Pakistani rice for human consumption in the EU market.

The Pakistani mission in Brussels has committed to monitoring the progress of these recommendations closely and will provide regular updates to the relevant authorities. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated; it not only imperils Pakistan’s trade relations but also casts a shadow over its reputation in the global food export market. Efforts to rectify these issues must be swift and comprehensive to safeguard Pakistan’s exports and restore confidence in its products on the international stage.

Experts believe that the absence of experts and relevant officials in key positions in concerned government departments is also contributing to the mess being created in the country’s exports.

NEWS 03

Saturday, 28 October, 2023 | LAHORE

NAB LAHORE INTENSIFIES SCRUTINY OF HOUSING SOCIETIES AMID SOARING COMPLAINTS

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LAHORE

Shahab omeR

HE National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore has intensified “critical scrutiny “of housing societies such as Al-Haram Garden, Khyaban Amin Housing Society, Rehman Garden Phase-4, and Lahore Garden, following a litany of grievances of ‘alleged foul play.’

In a recent open court organized by NAB Lahore, numerous individuals adversely affected by these housing societies gave vent to their complaints to the Director General (DG) of NAB. Among the grievances were accusations against Al-Haram Garden’s administration for selling land without procuring necessary approvals from the respective regulatory bodies.

Al-Haram Garden, situated on Fer-

Lawmakers, activists remind UK of responsibility on Kashmir

ozepur Road in Lahore, faced a similar debacle in 2018 when the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) sealed its office due to its illegal standing. The DG of NAB Lahore was informed of a multitude of complaints against Al-Haram Garden, with NAB already gearing up for stern action against its administration. Other projects managed by Al-Haram Garden’s administration, Safari Garden and Hajveri Homes, have also garnered NAB’s attention. According to NAB Lahore, the disputes within Khyaban Amin’s administration have caused significant distress to the affected individuals. NAB Lahore has therefore appealed to the higher judiciary to permit the sale of properties registered under the names of the accused, Sahir Chaudhary and Allah Ditta Heera, to provide recompense to the affected parties. Subsequently, the land belonging to the mentioned society has been

LONDON

Staff RepoRt

Lawmakers, activists, professionals and students, emphasizing the need for mass awareness regarding the right to selfdetermination, reminded the British government of its responsibility on Kashmir.

During a roundtable conference hosted by Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK President, Fahim Kayani, in the British parliament to commemorate 76 years of illegal occupation of Kashmir by India, the participants discussed the highly militarized situation in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Chaired by Shadow Minister Jess Phillips, the roundtable conference in “unequivocal terms extended its support to the just cause of Kashmiris which is right to self-determination” as enshrined in various resolutions passed by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. Among the participants were Debbie Abraham, MP and Chairperson of All Parties Kashmir Parliamentary Group for Kashmir, Andrew Gwynne, MP and Chairman of Labour Friends of Kashmir, Kim Leadbeater, MP, Yasmin Qureshi MP, Paul Blomfield, MP, Muhammad Yasin, MP, Rachel Hopkins, MP, Lord Wajid Khan and Simon Lightwood, MP. Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Shaista Safi presented testimonies of war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by India in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The duo are natives of IIOJK, living in exile. India sent its forces to occupy Jammu and Kashmir on October 27, 1947, which triggered a mass mobilization against New Delhi’s illegal military rule.

Sindh govt okays Rs30m for Katcha operation KASHMORE

Staff RepoRt

The Sindh government on Friday approved a provision of Rs30 million for katcha operation against bandits. The funds of Rs30 million were approved for police in a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Muhammad Fakhre Alam Irfan in Karachi. The funds were approved at the request of the Sindh police.

The funds will be used for the provision of food and fuel to police during katcha operation. Furthermore, new police pickets will be established in Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad and Sukkur to make the operation effective. The katcha area is 176 kilometers long and 25 KM wide. Caretaker chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab have decided to launch a joint operation against bandits in katcha areas. In a meeting of the chief ministers, a strategy was also discussed about the operation. “Tagging of Sindh and Punjab’s katcha area was made in the session,” a spokesperson said. IG Punjab Usman Anwar briefed the session about police strategy in katcha area.

seized by NAB Lahore, prohibiting any sales without NAB’s authorization.

It’s worth noting that around six years ago, NAB Lahore initiated inquiries against Khayaban-e-Amin over a multi-million rupee corruption scandal. In 2018, during a Regional Board Meeting (RBM) at NAB Headquarters chaired by then-Director General Shahzad Saleem, a direct inquiry was authorized against the owners of Khayabane-Amin. This decision followed the registration of more than 250 complaints concerning a scam amounting to Rs221.65 million. The investigation, spurred by numerous complaints regarding fraudulent possession of homes, flats, and plots despite full payment, has yet to conclude even after six years, leaving the complainants in a lurch.

However, the DG NAB has directed action against the administration of Rahman Garden Phase 4 based on the com-

plaints received in the open forum. Additionally, the DG of NAB has mandated stringent measures against other seemingly illegal housing ventures of Lahore Garden administration, in light of the extensive complaints from petitioners.

Although the specifics of the orders by DG NAB Lahore were not revealed, the DG affirmed NAB’s commitment to addressing the issues of the general populace promptly, as per the vision of NAB’s Chairman. The DG of NAB Lahore reiterated NAB’s dedication to ensuring the timely development of private societies while adhering to the constitution and law.

He emphasized that NAB’s doors remain open to provide redressal for victims in the housing sector and other corruption-related cases, instructing investigative teams to promptly address the grievances of the affected individuals.

Prayers, protests and clashes in Jerusalem and West Bank as Gaza war rages CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

“In addition to the attacks carried out in the last few days, ground forces are expanding their operations tonight,” Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told a televised news briefing, Reuters reports.

The Israeli army calimed that intensify Gaza strikes ‘very significantly.’

The Israeli military has said it has increased its strikes on Gaza “in a very significant way”, as AFP live footage captured intense bombardment of the territory’s north. “We will continue to strike in Gaza City and around,” military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a televised address. It was the third week in row that Palestinians have been restricted from praying at the mosque following the

Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7 and the ensuing Israeli bombardment and siege of Hamas-ruled Gaza.

They were made to say prayers outside the Old City, gathering by roadsides while Israeli security forces watched.

Eventually about 5,000 elderly worshippers were allowed to enter. The authority in charge of the mosque, the Jerusalem Islamic Endowments Department, said that normally about 50,000 would take part. The mosque is sited on a hill known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as The Noble Sanctuary. In the West Bank, the Israeli military said that during arrest operations, its troops came under attack in the city of Jenin and fired back, killing two men.

The Islamic Jihad, a fighter group,

confirmed one of them belonged to it, and Hamas said one its fighters was killed in the Jenin fighting.

PROTESTS ALSO TOOK PLACE IN HEBRON IN THE WEST BANK: In the capital of neighbouring Jordan, thousands of people took to the streets to denounce Israel and voice support for the Palestinians. Many waved the green, red white and black Palestinian flag. “We are with Palestinians and with Gazans. We also came to stress that we are standing behind the resistance until the end,” said participant Mahmoud Aqalan. Another protester, Hassan Sultan, said: “It is our brothers who are being killed in Gaza.

This is the least we could do – to make our position known to the world.”

PIA’s long dispute with airplane leasing company seems to have ended CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

When it was time to return the plane, the PIA asked the company to come and inspect the A320s in Pakistan. Due to travel restrictions, they could not come to Pakistan so the AACL hired a third party company FL Technic for this job which is a global provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services, headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The plane was taken to Jakarta, where it was thoroughly inspected. According to our source, the plane did not undergo a C Check before leaving – which is a vital inspection. When it got to Jakarta, it became clear that the plane would require repairs. The plane arrived in Jakarta via Kuala Lumpur on September 19th 2021 via ferry.

It was planned that the aircraft will be redelivered in six to eight months after repairs. However, this schedule could not be followed. This led to exchange of claims and counterclaims between AACL and PIA as to the responsibility for the delay, actual amount of the lease rent, penalties and interest to be paid to AACL. In fact, even till a year later, the plane was neither fixed, nor redelivered. “We had initially asked that the team come to Pakistan to inspect the plane but then because of travel restrictions and security concerns Jakarta was chosen. There is an engineering facility there and we have been paying the rent for the plane but nothing else – the parking fee is covered.” said PIA spokesperson while talking to Profit in June, 2022. So not only was PIA supposed to compensate for the delay, but was also paying the rent for the time that it was grounded in Jakarta.

The PIA bled upwards of $5 million just on paying the rent for two planes they were not even using.

WHAT NOW? The dispute in relation to the payment of lease rent led to litigation on two previous occasions, in 2019 and 2021, as a consequence of which PIA was forced to pay $12.058 million to AACL. Since April 2022, PIA has extensively tried to reach out to AACL through inter alia visits by senior officials to their headquarters at Kuala Lumpur, but they remained largely unresponsive.

However on 11, September, PIA received a Court Notice through AACL’s UK based counsels Herbert Smith Freehills for immediate payment of $ 31.3 million against outstanding rent, redelivery rent, maintenance reserve and interest charges for the two aircrafts.

PIA acknowledged the court notice and on its instructions, PIA’s UK-based counsel Norton Rose & Fullbright sought time from High Court of Justice, England and Wales, London to reply to AACL’s claims. Accordingly, the next date of hearing is now for October 30, 2023.

At the same time, PIA’s counsels have categorically opined that PIA’s position in this matter is quite weak. They have recommended that PIA may find an out of court resolution with AACL not only with respect to the claimed amounts but also future liabilities with regard to rental payments and redelivery of the aircrafts. The envisaged settlement as revealed by the sources, could be one of the three modes i.e. payment of cash, maintenance buyout or purchase of one or both aircraft. The counsel further stated that since AACL’s claim does not involve factual controversy, it may be decided on a summary judgement for which the case could be heard in around six weeks.

It is self-evident that an adverse decision against PIA is likely to result in binding compulsion to pay the claimed amount and its failure to do so may lead

to impounding of its aircraft or attachment of its properties. Moreover, the lease of two aircraft will not end and the rent and other redelivery related liabilities of the aircraft will continue, along with subsequent claims.

Taking cognizance of the matter, the PIA board recommended that two board members and the Secretary Aviation should negotiate with AACL for an out of court settlement in the larger interest of the company. On submission of this recommendation, the Prime Minister had allowed the negotiation team to proceed to Kuala Lumpur on 9th October, 2023. After having five rounds of negotiation with the Chief Executive Officer, Air Asia Aviation group and his team negotiation succeeded in convincing them to settle the matter at a consolidated amount of $26 million which includes transfer of titles of two aircraft in two instalments.

Sources said that PM approved in principle to conclude the negotiation with the AACL on the loans and placed the case before the ECC for a provision of a grant of PKR 7.3 billion to PIA. Letter of intent to settle the matter in the above terms agreed between PIA and AACL besides comments of Finance and Privatisation Divisions were invited on 13, October, 2023. Both the divisions have supported financial support of Rs 7.3 billion to PIA. However, the finance division informed that a supplementary grant cannot be granted during the period of SBA with the IMF and advised to arrange financial facility from the market against the balance of guarantee ceiling i.e Rs 7.5 billion. According to the finance division, ECC decided to approve the proposal of Aviation Division for bridge financing through Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) resources amounting to Rs 8 Billion for PIA to meet emergent requirements related to overdue payments.

Currency in circulation has declined sharply in 2023’s third quarter.

What’s behind unusual drop?

CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

After the government managed to sign an agreement with the International Monetary Fund in June, fears of a potential default were finally put to rest, and foreign exchange reserves nearly doubled to over $8 billion after funds were received from the IMF, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Mustafa said the decline in CIC was a positive development as it signalled public confidence in economic recovery, and could eventually lead to lower inflation. When the currency in circulation is high, it fuels demand, which in turn leads to higher inflation. Pakistan is an import-dependent country, so when demand rises, imports also rise, putting pressure on the foreign exchange reserves. One of the ways that the SBP, or any central bank, seeks to reduce inflation is by increasing the interest rate. This makes it more profitable for people to deposit money in bank accounts and earn interest compared to spending it or investing elsewhere; this way demand is suppressed and currency in circulation reduces, leading to lower inflation.

WILL CIC CONTINUE TO DECLINE? According to Khan, it depends on whether the rupee continues to appreciate. If that happens, speculators may see greater returns in rupeedenominated assets, he said. “If this is corroborated with decline in commodity prices such as sugar wheat etc. then this trend may well continue.” He added, “I still think the crackdown by law enforcement agencies will continue to be the major factor behind bringing wealth back into the formal system and hence, put pressure on CiC. But long term reforms to formalise the economy are needed to bring a sustainable decline in CiC.” Mustafa said as long as the economy — which was plagued by uncertainty and fears of default for at least half this year — continued to improve, more people would move their cash into assets and money would move to the banking system.

Mobile SIMs in women’s names used for extortion in KP ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Imran Shahid has revealed that mobile SIMs are being used in the name of women for terrorism and extortion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to media reports, in a video statement, Shahid said that Pakistani numbers are used along with Afghani SIMs in extortion calls, and during the investigation several SIMs have been issued in the name of women. He added that women are often given a thumbs up for other schemes including the BISP (Bizarre Income Support Program) and do not know that SIMs are used in their names. Shahid said that they are working together with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to block ID cards and investigate the matter further. The CTD has urged women to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

AC Judge Muhammad Bashir to retire on March 14, 2024 ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday issued a notification regarding the retirement of Accountability Court (AC) Judge Muhammad Bashir. As per the notification, Judge Muhammad Bashir would retire on March 14, 2024. Judge Muhammad Bashir had heard references against six former prime ministers including Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Sayed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Shaukat Aziz and PTI chairman. He also heard references against former president Asif Ali Zardari.

Punjab, Sindh CMs inspect work on Rawalpindi Ring Road project RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi along with Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Maqbool Baqar on Friday visited the Rawalpindi Ring Road Project to review progress of the construction work.

Chief Minister Naqvi appreciated the Commissioner Rawalpindi and Frontier Works Organization over their performance. The work on the project should be completed swiftly, he said and directed the authorities to provide necessary project drawings to NESPAK as soon as possible. The Sinch CM appreciated the ongoing projects in Punjab, especially the construction work of Rawalpindi Ring Road. He said the problems being faced by the commuters in Karachi could be resolved through the Lyari Expressway and Karachi Circular Railway projects. Mohsin Naqvi offered full support of the Punjab government to his Sindh counterpart in the execution of different projects in the province.

CM Naqvi drove the vehicle himself and inspected the project site with the Sindh chief minister.

They also reviewed the progress of the project at Union Council Trahia. In order to speed up the work on the Ring Road, CM Naqvi directed the authorities to use additional road leveling machinery at the project site. He said the Rawalpindi Ring Road was an important project of public interest and all-out efforts

should be made to complete it before the stipulated time frame. He directed the authorities to ensure construction work on the project in three shifts so that the targets could be achieved as soon as possible. The completion of Ring Road would permanently resolve the traffic congestion problem in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Mohsin Naqvi added.

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04 COMMENT

The Great and the Ordinary

Things begin to fall apart

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The difference between the two

Pressures begin mounting on the salaried class, and on the economy

S investment bankers Goldman Sachs has produced a report predicting the decline of the rupee, just as it began rising once again after two months of falling against dollar, following administrative measures and anti-smuggling operations, even as the SBP forex reserves fell to their lowest level since July. It seems that former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was merely expressing a financial orthodoxy when he said that inflation was mainly imported, and tried to bring down the rupee parity, so as to decrease inflation. The caretakers, and their backers, apparently share this view, and have tried to reduce inflation by bringing down the rupee parity.

The way the rupee has been declining of late shows that the administrative measures taken may have gone as far as they could, and now there is nothing left.

Actually, there is some truth in the view that a declining rupee causes inflation. One of the main effects of a change in the exchange rate is the cost of oil. The decline increased the effects of an increase in the cost of fuel, which the IMF insisted could not be given any subsidies, but its decline enabled two consecutive fortnightly decreases in the fuel price. That meant that not only was there a direct decline in the cost of maintaining a vehicle, but fares and goods transport costs would decline.

Further, the cost of fuel, a pass-through item for the electricity consumer, would decline, However, even before either of these two events could occur, the rupee has begun sinking again, even though inflation, according to the latest Sensitive Price Index reading, is still running at 35 percent, still punitively high.

That means that the man in the street continues to suffer, but it further means that the tendency continues of people leaving the corporate sector, and moving into areas like real estate, which are not as heavily taxed. The disadvantages of being a corporate employee means having to bear the brunt of taxation, with the recent increase in income tax slabs coming as an example. There is no apparent will to tackle the real problems of the economy. But simply to keep the IMF happy, which seems to mean continuing to inflict pain on the consumers, with taxation being inflicted through power bills as well.

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aSkari raza MaLik

N old cliché reads: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.” There are a number of determinants that set them apart, the great and the ordinary.

In the Islamic truism it is not the lineage, social status, colour, caste or creed that make one great. The character distinguishes one from the other.

The human behaviour in prosperity or adversity, while in power or having lost it, is one criterion. The nobility of character or its bankruptcy stands out.

To guard against nature’s traps, truthful introspection is advised. But it often turns into wishful thinking. That is why shura or mutual consultation is emphasized. Consultation with subordinates on crucial issues could also be fatal. It has to be all inclusive encompassing the mainstream scholars, thinkers, experts and opinion makers.

Some seek guidance from the holy book to judge their own actions or plans. This is often done without catering for the basics. General Zia-ur-Rehman of Bangladesh fell into this grave error. He had, according to his own statement, done the istekhara (seeking guidance) from the Quran. In his understanding, the answer was in the affirmative. That’s why he had gone about slaughtering thousands of West Pakistanis, including women and children. Guidance is sought from the Quran in legitimate matters, not for committing sin or indulging in an unlawful activity.

Zia-ur-Rehman was guilty of both.

A great leader is true to himself, God, his cause and mission. Lust and greed destroy the soul. Ego kills the man and gives birth to the devil in him. A leader bids farewell to wisdom as soon as ‘how dare you’ enters his mind. According to Imam Ali (RA), “The fountainhead of merit is the overcoming of anger and the eradication of desire”. Pride in one’s ability to destroy the weak constitutes arrogance, that is direct defiance of the Almighty. It invites God’s wrath and brings disgrace. Tempting fate too often ends in grief. The history brings to mind the departure of Field Marshal Ayub Khan, the most successful ruler Pakistan has ever had. The people kicked him out shouting ‘death to the dog Ayub’.

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi

Great leaders have the ability to rise above the mundane. Living in the present is illusory. Dreaming the past is futile. A true leader places himself in the eye of the storm with a vision well into the future.

That is how he excludes the routine hullabaloo, is able to concentrate and focuses objectively. He has to imagine himself sitting on the fence. While in the midst, impulses, emotions and obsessions befog the judgement, mistakes abound and the soul gnawing remorse becomes inevitable.

God consciousness is another essential. According to the last Mughal king, Bahadur Shah Zafar, “he is not to be considered a human being who ignores God in luxury and disregards the fear of God in anger”. The Sovereignty belongs to the Almighty.

The usurpation of power by force or fraud earns curses of the present and future generations. The ordinary are overwhelmed by overblown ego, power and greed. When power is usurped to oblige a foreign power, friend or foe, it becomes treachery. Those empowered by the people turning against the interest or will of the people are like the dogs in the animal kingdom turned against the lion king.

There is no room for corruption in the realm of leadership. The corrupt should never be categorized as leaders. They remain thieves only wherever they might belong. In the world of Islam, it is called the betrayal of a trust, which is inexcusable and unforgivable. The Prophet (PBUH) is also absolutely firm about the gifts received by a government official. All such gifts belong to the public exchequer. The recipients, big or small, are obliged to declare and deposit the gifts in the government treasury. The thieves steal from the government treasury, the rightful follow the procedures. Here is another difference between the ordinary and the great.

The great are endowed with the gift of generosity. The ordinary continue to fall in the abyss of meanness. Pursuit of across-the-board justice is not meanness even if the criminals abound. Oppression, excesses and persecution of the innocent are meanness. The Prophet (PBUH) had forgiven all when they were completely at his mercy. He forgave his own enemies and those of his family including the killer of his dear uncle and friend Hamza and even the woman who had ordered mutilation of his dead body to chew his heart. That is the pinnacle of generosity, while Saddam executing his own sons-inlaw in revenge is the nadir of disgrace. While Omer bin Abdul Aziz is known as a mujaddid of his century, Hajjaj bin Yusuf will remain as the icon of satanic force.

The Constitution is the mother of all laws.

Executive Editor

The place where conflict might erupt

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Saher Liaqat

HE escalating tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea represent a worrisome flashpoint in a region already fraught with geopolitical complexities. The South China Sea, a hotbed of territorial disputes, is increasingly becoming a focal point for superpower competition, with the USA supporting the Philippines in asserting its claims.

The Philippine coastguard, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s directives, has recently dismantled a floating barricade placed by China at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, historically known as Huangyan Island, in the South China Sea. This move was prompted by the Philippines’ vehement objections to the barrier’s presence, deeming it a violation of international law and an impediment to regional navigation and fishing activities. This development underscores the potential for heightened regional tensions, long fueled by disputes over sovereignty and fishing rights.

The South China Sea plays a pivotal role in global trade, serving as a vital maritime route for approximately one-third of worldwide shipping, facilitating the transportation of goods like oil, natural gas, and consumer products between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Disputes in this region have the potential to disrupt these critical trade routes, leading to shipping delays, increased transportation costs, and potential disruptions in global supply chains. Additionally, the South China Sea holds significant fisheries and substantial oil and gas reserves, making territorial disputes directly impact these economic resources, affecting the livelihoods of many in

the region and posing energy security concerns for multiple countries.

This incident transpired amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions between China and the Philippines, notably centred on the disputed Spratly Islands. China’s extensive territorial claims, encompassing approximately 90 percent of the South China Sea, have led to overlapping exclusive economic zones with Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

In 2012, China took control of the Scarborough Shoal, displacing Filipino fishermen.

Under Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, China allowed them to return, but tensions resurfaced when Ferdinand Marcos Jr assumed office.

China recently removed a barrier blocking Filipino fishermen from their exclusive economic zone, prompting a warning from Beijing. Despite a 2016 ruling in favour of the Philippines by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, China refuses to acknowledge the decision, maintaining its territorial claims.

China’s Foreign Ministry has defended the actions of its coastguard as “necessary measures” following the alleged intrusion of a Philippine bureau of fisheries vessel into its waters on Friday. This exchange of accusations highlights the strained relations between China and the Philippines, occurring as Manila deepens its military ties with the USA, a move that has raised tensions with Beijing. Since 2012, the Scarborough Shoal, of strategic significance, has remained under Chinese control with a continuous presence of coast guard and fishing trawlers. The Philippines’ recent shift back to strengthening security ties with the USA under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has further strained relations with China, as it bolsters Washington’s regional alliance network from Japan and South Korea in the north to Australia in the south.

Under the leadership of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines had maintained a relatively peaceful coexistence between Chinese and Filipino fishermen at the Scarborough Shoal since 2017. However, recent tensions have arisen due to China’s installation of a floating barrier at the shoal, viewed by the Philippines as a violation of international law and a threat to its sovereignty and the livelihood of its fisherfolk.

China’s recent extensive land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea, particularly in the Spratly Islands, have entailed the construction of

The China-Philippines conflict in the South China Sea serves as a critical litmus test for international diplomacy, regional stability, and the potential for superpower showdowns. As tensions persist and strategic alliances solidify, the world finds itself at a crossroads, confronted by a pressing question Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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artificial islands with military infrastructure like airstrips, radar systems, and missile defences.

This has significantly bolstered China’s military presence in the region, leading neighbouring countries to respond with increased military activities. The USA has conducted Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) challenging China’s maritime claims, resulting in frequent encounters between US and Chinese naval forces, while countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, with South China Sea claims, have also enhanced their military capabilities and conducted patrols to protect their interests.

The South China Sea dispute has fueled intensified strategic competition across the IndoPacific. Concerns over China’s growing influence have driven the USA, Australia, Japan and India to bolster ties with nations like the Philippines and Vietnam, resulting in a network of alliances aimed at countering China’s regional dominance. Through military cooperation, joint exercises, and increased defence commitments, these nations strive to ensure regional stability and uphold international norms, particularly concerning the South China Sea disputes. The US defence treaty with the Philippines further compounds the situation, obligating US intervention in the event of conflict, and potentially transforming a regional dispute into a superpower standoff.

The active engagement of the USA in the South China Sea issue reflects its commitment to upholding a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region. It has expressed legitimate concerns about China’s influence and territorial expansion, which could disrupt regional stability and freedom of navigation.

Moreover, the USA has conducted military exercises to ensure open commerce and strengthen alliances with like-minded nations, reaffirming its role as a responsible global leader committed to peace and stability amid evolving geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

In retrospect, the China-Philippines conflict in the South China Sea serves as a critical litmus test for international diplomacy, regional stability, and the potential for superpower showdowns. As tensions persist and strategic alliances solidify, the world finds itself at a crossroads, confronted by a pressing question: Can peaceful negotiations ultimately triumph in the face of competing national interests and global power rivalries or are we witnessing the inception of a new era of superpower competition, the full scope of which is yet to be fully comprehended?

The answer to this question holds immense significance, not just for the directly involved nations, but for the intricate balance of power in an ever-evolving international arena.

Saher Liaqat is associated with the ChinaPakistan Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and a Research Fellow at Hanns Seidel Foundation, Pakistan.

She can be reached at saherliaqat2000@gmail.com She tweets @thesaherrajput

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The great are endowed with the gift of generosity. The ordinary continue to fall in the abyss of meanness. Pursuit of across-theboard justice is not meanness even if the criminals abound.

Oppression, excesses and persecution of the innocent are meanness. The Prophet (PBUH) had forgiven all when they were completely at his mercy.

Extra-constitutional acts are unlawful, shorn of God’s grace and support. These acts bring shame, disrepute and eternal curse. The Constitution lays down individual and group responsibilities, obligations, rights and privileges. It is an umbrella that keeps all the segments of society together under its protective fold. It charters the course of political development and nurtures a political culture. When the Constitution is violated, it does not only disrupt the course of political development, it withdraws the umbrella leaving the society fragmented and prone to dismemberment. Pakistan’s Constitution should be treated with utmost sanctity. The great do that with religious zeal. George Washington, when offered, flatly refused the third term as the US President.

A great leader, like the chief judge, must base his judgement on the facts of law. He is responsible to God alone, in here and the Hereafter.

The key word is Taqwa or God consciousness.

When I meet my God, said Jinnah, I would want to hear, “well done Ali”. All great leaders must aspire to hear the same. The ordinary do not have the brains to understand the subtleness of the idea.

The writer has served in the Pakistan Army as a Major General

The key word is Taqwa or God consciousness. When I meet my God, said Jinnah, I would want to hear, „well done Ali‰. All great leaders must aspire to hear the same. The ordinary do not have the brains to understand the subtleness of the idea

South China Sea and the Superpower Standoff Joint Editor

Saturday, 28 October, 2023

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

Landhi Korangi Zoo in Karachi

THE situation at Karachi’s Landhi Korangi Zoo presents a gloomy image, with the animals’ health being of grave concern. These once-vibrant species today reside in habitats that are hardly hospitable to their wellbeing. The animals’ enclosures are frequently crowded and lack the amenities they need to survive. As a result of long-term neglect at this zoo, many of the animals exhibit signs of suffering and unsanitary living conditions. In addition to their physical health, which has been harmed, the animals’ emotional and psychological well-being has also been affected.

As custodians of the animal realm, it is not only our duty to consider the well-being of these helpless animals when contemplating the dire situation of the Landhi Korangi Zoo, but also to act swiftly and decisively.

SHAHWAIZ MANZOOR KARACHI

Digital learning

DIGITAL learning plays a significant role in today’s era. Digital learning encompasses the use of technologies such as mobile phones, computers, and educational apps that provide vast amounts of information. In the past, people referred to books and dedicated numerous hours to gaining knowledge, but in today’s era, digital learning has taken precedence, particularly in recent years.

During the pandemic, digital learning has had a significant impact.

Students and adults alike continued their studies and work through online educational apps, courses, and virtual meetings. Digital learning breaks down the barriers of time and location, allowing us to learn at our own pace and style. Moreover, digital learning has become a remarkable tool in today’s world, empowering individuals to acquire knowledge and skills in a modern and accessible way. It offers flexible and convenient learning experiences and enables connections with others globally to share knowledge and enhance the quality of education.

Digital learning provides not only a wealth of information but also translates our skills and qualifications into employable skills through various websites, apps, and digital tools, enabling freelancing and earning money from our own location. Furthermore, digital learning can be a valuable asset in achieving career goals, opening doors to career growth and advancement. Nowadays, digital learning is the preferred choice for countless individuals because it offers endless opportunities.

SAIMA NAIKBAKHT TURBAT

Air pollution

AIR pollution in Pakistan and across South Asia is a grave concern, significantly reducing life expectancy and adversely impacting the overall quality of life. These distressing revelations are brought to light in the University of Chicago’s annual Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report. This document serves as a resounding wake-up call, not only to policymakers within Pakistan but also to the broader South Asian region.

The report underscores that South Asia is now the global epicentre of pollution, emphasising that pollution is not merely an environmental issue; it is a profound public health crisis. Lahore, often dubbed Pakistan’s most polluted city, faces an alarming reality. According to weather reports, residents of Punjab’s capital and those living in Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Peshawar are witnessing a staggering reduction in their life expectancy by approximately 7 years due to the dire state of air quality. This stark reality places South Asia at the forefront of a health crisis caused by polluted air. The AQLI study makes a crucial observation, highlighting that with political will and the allocation of necessary resources, positive change is indeed possible.

SHAMSHA NADIL KARACHI

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Not a war but a genocide

COMMENT 05

Saturday, 28 October, 2023

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Silence is complicity

Maha Bilal

ROM past few decades we’ve seen that the mass destruction and genocide of innocent Palestinians committed by the Israeli military forces has been termed as conflict. Since the very beginning of the Zionist movement, the German government officially encouraged the immigration of the Jews out of their state by sending them to Africa, Palestine and other states that accepted the German Jew immigrants in their states.

However, there were so few of them. It was said that Adolf Hitler blamed Jews for their defeat in World War I. When the Nazi Party took power in Germany in 1933 its anti-Semitic racism became their official government policy. From 1933 till 1942 Jews continued to leave Germany as they were forced to and approximately six million European Jews were murdered in the direction of Nazis during World War II when Germans conquered most of Europe. That genocide was later known as the Holocaust.

Many of the Jews came to seek refuge in Palestine.

But soon the immigration of Jews in Palestine started to take a turn that resulted in the occupation of Palestine, the formation of Israel on occupied Palestine, With Jews claiming their own state on the land of Palestine, killing innocent people, bombing houses and building, depriving people of basic humanitarian needs.

Seventy-five years of oppression, brutality, genocide and violence against the Palestinians have still not been enough for the United Nations to impose sanctions, to take action on the extreme violation of basic human rights. How easy it is for the Western media to censor, shadow-ban and ban all the accounts that are posting and tweeting the real image of Gaza on every social media platform right now. Israel continuously receives military aid and Palestinians are even deprived of the most basic human needs.

Whereas when we talk about the support that Palestinians should receive from Muslim countries we see Muslim nations busy in their own games of interest.

Making their foreign policies a priority instead of helping their religious brother. These powerful Gulf states are still not powerful enough to make only one bottle of water to reach the people of Palestine, they are still not powerful enough to speak in any international organization for the rights of innocent Muslims being slaughtered mercilessly all around the world.

The European Union’s spokesperson recently held a press conference on the ongoing situation in Palestine, saying that Israel’s cutting off water, food, electricity and Internet in Palestine is Israel’s right to defend itself in the war. How can an occupier call itself a defender?

It is Israel which is bombing Gaza, carrying out non-stop airstrikes, killing thousands of innocent people and children. It is the Israelis who occupied the land of Palestine, forcefully claimed their state on the occupied land, and it is the USA and all the European states supporting and facilitating this genocide. The occupier does not have the right to defend itself, as it is in the interna-

tional law definition that the occupier itself is in an offensive posture, so the notion of Israel defending itself is as absurd as an oppressor claiming to be oppressed by defenceless and helpless people.

Over 7000 innocent Palestinians have been martyred since October 7. There is no news of ceasefire, the airstrikes in Gaza are destroying homes of thousands of Palestinians. The 20 trucks of humanitarian aid that enter Palestine is just a distraction from Israel’s murderous genocide against the innocent Palestinians. It is a small beginning that is far from enough, hundreds of trucks are waiting for a green light at the Rafah border in Egypt poised to deliver lifesaving aid to 2.3 million besieged people in Gaza strip. Amid continuous airstrikes and bombardment more than 3000 tonnes of aid is waiting.

Water continues to be among the most precious commodities, according to UN relief agencies for Palestinians refugees.

The ongoing bombing and airstrikes has displaced one million people, almost half of the population. Israeli occupation forced the evacuation of the people of Gaza for southern areas resulting in many people becoming homeless and continuing to sleep in streets now amid the nonstop bombardment. The evacuation order has put more pressure on an already fragile, overwhelmed and damaged health system, with supplies rapidly depleting across the enclave.

All over the world we are witnessing the biased statements of several countries and they use the most strong and robust language to describe the crimes against humanity of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, but they will not use the same strength of lan-

The ongoing bombing and airstrikes have displaced one million people, almost half of the population. Israeli occupation forced the evacuation of the people of Gaza for southern areas resulting in many people becoming homeless and continuing to sleep in streets now amid the nonstop bombardment.

As international media is spreading misinformation, our role becomes even bigger to help the true voice of Palestinians reach everyone!

May the Almighty give our Palestinians brothers and sisters more strength to fight and stand for themselves and May He give them victory guage when it comes to describe Israel’s inhumane treatment of Palestinians is an example of on going Western hypocrisy. They will force you to condemn Russia for invading Ukraine but turn a blind eye to Israel occupying and destroying Palestine for 75 years. They condemn the murder of George Floyd as racism against the people of colour but stay ignorant on the murder in America of an innocent six-year-old Palestinian stabbed 26 times.

When one side is armed with nuclear weapons it is not a war. When one side is cut off from water, food and electricity it is not war. When one side has billions dollars of military aid it is not war. It is a genocide, a mass destruction, oppression and ethnic cleansing.

Palestine wants us to speak up, we have to speak for our brothers and sister that are fighting for their motherland, for their lives, for their religion, we have to speak up for all those innocent children that were martyred by Israeli occupying forces, for all those mothers who lost their newborn, for all those innocent people who lost their loved ones, their homes, for their right to live a peaceful life as others in this world. How many more lives should be taken so that we will raise our voice?

How many more innocent children have to die for the world to wake up?

How we can live our own lives normally turning a blind eye to the genocide in Palestine?It is our duty to speak up, to raise ourselves against this severe violence, to protest, to donate, to pray for them, to help them in every way possible. Your silence isn’t maturity or diplomacy, we should remember that staying silent on a crime is equal to supporting the crime.

As international media is spreading misinformation, our role becomes even bigger to help the true voice of Palestinians reach everyone! May the Almighty give our Palestinians brothers and sisters more strength to fight and stand for themselves and May He give them victory.

How Israel’s war on Gaza exposed the West’s hatred of Palestinians The writer is a freelance columnist.

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MIDDLE EAST EYE Joseph Massad

HE ongoing Palestinian-Israeli war has galvanised massive western support for Israeli Jews coupled with genocidal calls to “finish” off the Palestinians from across the western political spectrum. Indeed, even voices sympathetic to the Palestinians condemned the breakout against their Israeli prison guards on 7 October. They also rushed to adopt Israeli propaganda, including the outlandish claims of decapitated babies and rapes, which were later quietly retracted by the very same western outlets like CNN and the Los Angeles Times that initially helped spread these fabrications.

This fanatical western hatred of the Palestinians and adoration of Israel have shocked most Arabs, even those who already considered the West the main enemy of the Palestinian people.

Over the last four decades, there has been a prevailing misconception by liberal and pro-western Arab intellectuals, businesspeople, and political elites that western liberals, and even some conservatives, had changed their views of Palestinians and become less hostile.

I have spent the better part of the last three decades, however, arguing that this change in the western perception of Palestinians is limited to their being no more than victims of massacres. But this has not translated into western support for their right to resist their sadistic colonisers, and any sympathy they receive always co-exists with the undying western support for Israel regardless of how many Palestinians it kills.

The white western contempt for the Palestinian people is a solid tradition that goes back to the 19th century. At the time, indigenous Palestinians resisted white American, British, and German evangelical Protestant fanatics who sought to establish colonies in Palestine.

The British had also sponsored a project of converting European Jews to Protestantism and dispatching them to Palestine to colonise it. But as this project achieved limited success, it led to the rise of Jewish Zionism.

The Jewish Zionists of the late 19th century onwards showed similar contempt for the Palestinian people whose defeat, death, and expulsion they sought in order to fulfil their project of settler-colonisation of the country.

The British Balfour Declaration and the League of Nations, which adopted Balfour’s pledge after World War One, considered the Palestinian people at best an annoyance and at worst dispensable for the purpose of securing the transfer of European Jews from Europe to Palestine as colonists.

European and American racist contempt for the Palestinians was informed by traditional white colonial attitudes towards nonwhite peoples before World War Two. After the war and in the wake of the European genocide of European Jews, the same European Christians and their Zionist Jewish al-

It is the status of European Jews in the West that governs how westerners view Jews in relation to Palestine, and how European Jews are viewed in the Arab world, especially by Palestinians

lies would make Palestinians pay the price for Christian Europe’s crimes by forcing them to surrender their homeland to the invading Zionists. After the Zionists expelled the majority of the people in 1948, the onceagain dispensable Palestinians were considered no more than the “Arab refugee problem”, as UN resolutions would begin to refer to them, and were forgotten and relegated to the dustbin of history.

AMBIVALENT SYMPATHY: The status of Palestinians appeared to change in later decades. A new dynamism seemed to have infiltrated the static notions that ordinarily characterised Palestinians in the US and Europe. Commentators and policymakers from across the western political spectrum began to express views of Palestinians they had not voiced before.

These changes in the characterisation of Palestinians in the West were not inspired by a recalibration of western (im)morality, but rather by developments in the mid-1960s onwards that brought the Palestinian people to the fore of world politics.

Events like the rise of the Palestinian guerrilla movement, which began to attack the Israeli colonial regime to gain independence, followed by Israel’s brutal 1982 invasion of Lebanon and the massacres that ensued, and the 1987-1993 first Palestinian uprising, or Intifada, instantiated a certain shift in the status of the Palestinians in the West.

In view of the Palestinian guerrilla anticolonial operations between 1968 and 1981, Palestinians who failed to register on the moral radar of the West for two decades were now being condemned as savage terrorists, or indeed as “animals”, for attacking a peaceful Israel, which was and is still seen as an extension of the colonial West. But after the Sabra and Shatila massacres in September 1982, with images of slaughtered Palestinian civilians on the covers of mainstream magazines, western political commentators began to range in their views of the Palestinians, from the critical and hostile to the critical and friendly.

While the varying levels of hostility and friendliness seemed to reflect fundamental differences, they, in fact, shared the same basic assumptions. A hostile critic like conservative American political commentator George Will, for example, opposed Palestinian statehood and self-determination and vehemently defended what he considered to be Israeli interests. Still, Will was able to muster some words of sympathy for the Palestinians after the massacres: “Palestinians have now had their Babi Yar, their Lidice. The Beirut massacre has altered the moral algebra of the Middle East producing a new symmetry of suffering.”

Following the first Palestinian uprising, which was largely unarmed, western commentators seemed ambivalent, showing some sympathy for an unarmed people fighting colonialism but still condemning them when they endangered Israel’s colonial soldiers.

The late Anthony Lewis, then a liberal

columnist for The New York Times, occupied the other end of the mainstream spectrum from Will. He provided qualified support for Palestinian rights during the intifada.

Despite his recognition of some Palestinian rights, however, Lewis demanded in 1990 that Yasser Arafat condemn a retaliatory guerrilla attack by the Palestine Liberation Front, a PLO member organisation, on Israel’s shores near Tel Aviv, which did not result in any Israeli casualties. Yet Lewis made no such demands on then-Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir in the wake of an Israeli gunman’s massacre of seven Palestinian workers from Gaza at a bus stop in Rishon LeZion a few days earlier and the ensuing killings of 19 Palestinians, including a 14-year-old boy, and the injuring of 700 others by the Israeli army in the West Bank.

The only discernible difference between the views of Lewis and Israel’s zealous supporters is related to the unavoidable issue of real Palestinian physical victimisation deaths, injuries, deportation, detention, and torture. Lewis supported Palestinians insofar as Palestinians were physical passive victims, objects of Israeli violence. But his support did not surpass this limit by much.

Palestinians who assumed an active subject role would be met with condemnations, almost an outrage that objects had presumptuously assumed the role of subjects. This is why when Palestinians resist then or today, they are labelled “barbaric” and “evil”.

Here we begin to understand the progression of post-1948 western attitudes toward the Palestinians: beginning with utter contempt and dismissal in the 1948-1968 period, moving to intense condemnation and hostility in the 1968-1981 period, the manifestation of some sympathy for Palestinian victims of massacres in the 1982-1987 period, and finally ambivalent sympathy and condemnation in the 1987-1993 period. In the post-1993 period, that latest iteration of ambivalent sympathy and condemnation would predominate.

FANATICAL HATRED: To many Palestinians and Arabs, western ambivalence towards the Palestinians, though modest in its sympathy, seemed a promising transformation. Excited liberal Palestinian intellectuals, businesspeople, and political elites felt that the ambivalence would help advance the Palestinian struggle.

The problem, however, with this liberal Palestinian excitement is the misrecognition of the nature of this western ambivalence.

They failed to grasp that the underlying convictions governing where Palestinians fit in western morality are derived not from what Palestinians do or do not do, but from how they relate to European Jews.

It is the status of European Jews in the West that governs how westerners view Jews in relation to Palestine, and how European Jews are viewed in the Arab world, especially

by Palestinians. Whereas in the West, European Jews are depicted as refugees fleeing the Nazis and the subsequent horrors of post-

While some westerners may sympathise with Palestinians as victims of Israeli oppression, they do not sympathise with any form of resistance the Palestinians adopt

Holocaust Europe, survivors of a war of annihilation and victims of British commitments to the Arabs, Palestinians view European Jews from their own direct experiences.

For Palestinians, European Jews did not arrive as refugees but as invaders whose sole purpose was to appropriate Palestine by any possible means to realise Zionist colonial aspirations, which began half a century before the rise of Hitler to power. This is why Palestinians view European Jews not as helpless refugees, but as armed colonists committing massacres. It is this perspective that Edward Said wanted to convey in his classic essay “Zionism from the Standpoint of its Victims”.

While much of Israel’s violence is therefore “explained” in the West by the pre-Israel status of European Jews, Palestinian resistance is also viewed through the same status of those same Jews, and not through the history of the Zionist colonial conquest of the land of the Palestinians.

Israel’s actions are presented as stemming from the status of those Jews who arrived on the shores of Palestine after fleeing the Nazi regime and the Holocaust, only to be confronted by yet another violent “antisemitic” campaign, this time by Palestinian Arabs and Arabs from neighbouring countries intent on expelling them from their last and only haven. Thus, Israel’s violence, regrettable as it may be on occasion, is in effect viewed as always self-defensive in nature.

In the same vein, Palestinian resistance, peaceful or violent, which has always been and remains in self-defence against foreign invading colonists, is explained as part of an “antisemitic” campaign against Jewish refugees rather than resistance to Zionist colonists. This means that while some westerners may sympathise with Palestinians as victims of Israeli oppression, they do not sympathise with any form of resistance the Palestinians adopt that could succeed in overthrowing the Israeli colonial and racist regime.

The most recent earthquake that the Palestinian resistance operation “Al-Aqsa Flood” brought about has caused westerners of all political stripes to revert to a default position, namely that of outright condemnation of the resistance of indigenous Palestini-

ans and support for their European colonisers who were depicted as victims, not of the resistance of an indigenous people they have subjugated at least since 1948, but of yet another Holocaust-type violence by Nazi-like antisemites.

This western support of Israel is not due to a sense of western horror at the regrettable and always horrifying death of civilians, but that they were Israeli Jewish civilians. Never has there been a comparable expression of horror at the deliberate Israeli killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians and other Arabs.

This criminal impudence on the part of the Palestinian resistance, many seem to argue, should be avenged with Dresden-like bombings of all Palestinians in Gaza, and holding all Palestinians responsible for daring to resist Israel, as Israeli President Isaac Herzog asserted.

In view of this history, there is little reason that this western hatred of the Palestinian people should shock anyone in the Arab world. This fanaticism has been constant since the 19th century. Those Arabs who are shocked seem to have mistaken some western sympathy for the Palestinians as victims of massacres as support for Palestinian resistance and liberation.

Yet most western liberals who sympathise with the plight of the Palestinians as victims of Israeli oppression have rarely, if ever, defended their right to overthrow the racist colonial system that Israel instituted since 1948.

Those few who do defend that right want the Palestinians to overthrow colonial racism and oppression by “peaceful” means – perhaps by throwing flowers at Israeli tanks or writing letters to the United Nations. At most, western expressions of sympathy sought to mitigate an oppression that they believe the Palestinians must endure nobly as victims of unceasing Israeli colonial violence without ever threatening Israel with any form of retaliatory violence. The moment Palestinians did on 7 October, all the sympathy disappeared.

Joseph Massad is professor of modern Arab politics and intellectual history at Columbia University, New York.

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06 NEWS

Saturday, 28 October, 2023 | LAHORE

FORMER CHINESE PREMIER LI KEQIANG PASSES AWAY

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BEIJING

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

I Keqiang, former premier of the State Council of China and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 17th, 18th and 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) central committees, passed away on Friday in Shanghai. He was 68.

Li died of a sudden heart attack at 00:10 on Friday after all-out rescue efforts failed, according to an official obituary notice issued on Friday.

Li was extolled as an excellent CPC member, a time-tested and loyal communist soldier and an outstanding proletarian revolutionist, statesman and leader of the Party and the state.

The obituary notice was jointly issued by the CPC Central Committee, the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, the State Council and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Born in July 1955, Li was from Dingyuan, east China’s Anhui Province. In March 1974, he went to Dongling Brigade, Damiao Commune, Fengyang County of Anhui as an educated youth. He became a CPC member in May 1976.

Between November 1976 and March 1978, Li served as the Party chief of Damiao Brigade.

Li went to study at the Department of Law at Peking University between March 1978 and February 1982. He once served as the head of the Students’ Union of the university.

Since February 1982, Li had successively served as

Askari Bank to establish exchange company with Rs1b initial capital PROFIT

NEWS DESK

Askari Bank Limited (PSX: AKBL) has approved the establishment of a wholly-owned Exchange Company with an initial capital of Rs1 billion.

According to a stock filing by the bank at PSX today, this move is pending approval from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and compliance with regulatory requirements. The decision demonstrates the bank’s commitment to expanding its presence in the financial sector and diversifying its services, pending regulatory clearance. Read This: Big banks are all set to run the open market. What does it solve and what it doesn’t This move is part of a broader effort to combat illicit activities in the black market. The SBP is implementing structural reforms in the exchange company sector to strengthen oversight, governance structures, internal controls, and compliance procedures. The SBP has also increased the minimum capital requirement for exchange companies from Rs 200 million to Rs 500 million, with the added condition that the capital must be free of losses.

Askari Bank Limited joins several major banks, including United Bank Limited (UBL), Meezan Bank, MCB Bank Limited (MCB).

secretary of the Peking University Committee of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC), a member of the Standing Committee of the CYLC Central Committee, director of the School Department of the CYLC Central Committee and secretary-general of the AllChina Students’ Federation, an alternate member of the Secretariat of the CYLC Central Committee, a member of the Secretariat of the CYLC Central Committee and vice chairman of the All-China Youth Federation, and the head of the National Working Committee of the Chinese Young Pioneers.

In March 1993, he began to serve as the first member of the Secretariat of the CYLC Central Committee, president of the China Youth University of Political Studies, and a member of the Standing Committee of the 8th NPC. Starting from June 1998, Li served successively as

deputy secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee, acting governor of Henan, and later governor of Henan; secretary of CPC Henan Provincial Committee and governor of Henan; and secretary of CPC Henan Provincial Committee and chairman of the standing committee of Henan Provincial People’s Congress.

He put forward the goal of realizing the rise of central China and pushed for huge progress in various causes in Henan’s economic and social sectors.

Starting from December 2004, Li served as the secretary of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee, and later the secretary of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and concurrently chairman of the standing committee of Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress.

He firmly seized the combined opportunities of both the revitalization of northeast China and the opening up of coastal areas, and scored marked achievements in the revitalization of the old industrial bases in Liaoning.

In October 2007, Li was elected member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and its standing committee at the first plenary session of the 17th CPC Central Committee.

In March 2008, Li was appointed vice premier of the State Council and served as deputy secretary of its Leading Party Members Group. He was in charge of the State Council’s day-to-day work.

He assisted in the work regarding responding to the international financial crisis, accelerating economic restructuring, deepening the implementation of the coordinated regional development strategy, promoting energy conservation, emission reduction and environmental protection, and furthering the reform of the medical and healthcare systems.

Pakistani leaders mourn sad demise of former Chinese premier Li Keqiang ISLAMABAD

MIAN ABRAR

Pakistani leadership on Friday condoled to the government and people of China and the bereaved family over his sudden demise of of former Chinese premier Li Keqiang who died in Shanghai at 68.

President Dr. Arif Alvi expresses his condolence on the death of former Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang.

“I am deeply grieved to hear about the passing away of former Chinese Premier Le Keqiang. Pakistan today lost a great friend who was a strong advocate and supporter of Pak-China economic and strategic relations. Le Keqiang was a visionary leader and I express my condolences on behalf of the people of Pakistan to his family, the Chinese people and its leadership in this hour of grief,” he wrote in a post on social media site, X. “During my solidarity visit to China in March 2020, I had the honour to meet him at the Great Hall of the people in Beijing. I found him a sincere friend and he was enthusiastic to further cement our AllWeather Friendship,” he concluded.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday said he was “deeply saddened and shocked” to learn about China’s former premier of State Council Li Keqiang’s passing and called him a “great friend of Pakistan”.

“We fondly remember Li’s visit to Pakistan in 2013. Our thoughts and sympathies are with late premier Li, his family and with the Chinese nation at this hour of grief,” he said on a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani remembered Li as a “statesman”, adding that he contributed to “strengthening” ties between Pakistan and China.

“As the then-foreign secretary, I organised his visit to Pakistan in May 2013. My thoughts are with premier Li, his family and the Chinese people,” he said.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed also took to social media blogging site, X, to register his condolence over Li’s demise.

“Fond memories of late Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Pakistan in May 2013, when he addressed Senate; a brilliant economist with Doctorate from Peking University, the popular, affable former Youth leader will be remembered for 2 key contributions: promoting CPEC & pushing China’s rise to world’s second largest economy!,” he wrote.

During his 10-year tenure as premier under Xi, Li cultivated an image as a more modern Communist Party loyalist compared to his stiffer colleagues. A career bureaucrat who spoke fluent English, he voiced support for economic reforms during his time in office.

Ukraine war orders starting to boost revenues for big US defense contractors PROFIT

REUTERS

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is starting to boost defense contractors’ revenues, as customers such as the U.S. government restock supplies shipped to Ukraine and countries around Europe arm themselves with an eye on Moscow’s aggressions.

U.S. defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), General Dynamics (GD.N) and others expect that existing orders for hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, hundreds of Patriot missile interceptors and a surge in orders for armored vehicles expected in the months ahead will underpin their results in coming quarters.

New contracts to supply Ukraine directly – or backfill U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine – were signed late last year, and now revenue is flowing to the big defense contractors. Lockheed, General Dynamics and RTX (RTX.N) all reported better than expected results over the past several days, and executives expect both the conflict in Ukraine and Israel’s war with Palestinian militant group Hamas to drive up near-term demand.

“We’ve gone from 14,000 (artillery) rounds per month to 20,000 very quickly. We’re working ahead of schedule to accelerate that production capacity up to 85,000, even as high as 100,000

rounds per month,” Jason Aiken, General Dynamics’ chief financial officer, said on a call with Wall Street analysts on Wednesday. “And I think the Israel situation is only going to put upward pressure on that demand.”

The General Dynamics’ Combat Systems unit, which makes armored vehicles, tanks and the artillery Ukraine uses, saw its revenue rise almost 25% versus the same period a year ago.

RTX, which makes AMRAAM rockets used in Ukraine, said on Tuesday’s earnings call with Wall Street analysts it has received $3 billion of orders since Russia’s February 2022 invasion that are related to replenishing Ukraine and U.S. war stocks, and the company expects more.

Third-quarter sales for Northrop Grumman’s (NOC.N) Defense Systems segment rose 6% on high demand for ammunition and rocket motors used in guided multiple-launch rocket systems (GMLRS), which play a crucial role in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russian forces.

This is part of a global trend. Sweden’s Saab (SAABb.ST) raised its fullyear sales outlook on Thursday on the back of strong defense demand and Germany’s Rheinmetall (RHMG.DE) said third-quarter profit jumped on strong demand for weapons and ammunition.

NAPA reelects Chairman and Board of Directors

KARACHI: The National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in its 19th Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 26 October, reelected the Chairman and Members of the Board for another term of three years. Outgoing members who were reelected include Chairman Syed Jawaid Iqbal, Mr. Tariq Kirmani, Senator (Retd) Javed Jabbar, Mr. Anwar Rammal, Mrs. Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, Mr. Shahrukh Hasan, Mr. Satish Anand, Ms. Fawzia Naqvi, Senator (Retd) Roshan Khursheed Bharucha and Mrs. Salima Hashmi. The Board also approved appointment of Ms. Rukhshanda Naz, KP Ombudsperson for Harassment against Women as a member of the Board. Federal Secretary Finance, Federal Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division, Secretary Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives Department Sindh and CEO NAPA are ex-officio members of the Board of Directors. PR

Spotify elevates Pakistani artist Maanu from RADAR to global spotlight

KARACHI: Spotify continues to celebrate the music in Pakistan with its listeners while also connecting local artists with new fans globally. This time, RADAR Pakistan, Spotify’s flagship music program for emerging local artists, is celebrating its 1 year anniversary in Pakistan with RADAR Fest Pakistan, and the music streaming platform has kicked off promotions with a bang. Launching RADAR Fest Pakistan as a grand affair, Spotify has elevated last quarter’s RADAR artist Maanu onto the global stage by featuring him not only at the digital billboard of Times Square, New York City, but also on four other iconic global locations, including Penn Plaza, New York, The Reef, Los Angeles, Leicester Square, London, and Cardiff, Wales as part of RADAR’s global creative approach. PR

Experience Delight in Every Portrait: vivo V29 5G now available for sale in Pakistan

Vivo, a renowned technology brand, today announced the availability of its latest V29 5G smartphone in Pakistan at an exciting price of PKR 159,999. vivo is committed to strengthening its smartphone portfolio to offer an unparalleled and seamless experience to its customers.

With the newly launched smartphone, vivo V29 5G, the brand intends to offer an absolute delight in every portrait with the Smart Aura Light Portrait, blended with the stunning appearance of 120Hz 3D Curved Screen, and enduring performance with 80W FlashCharge. PR

China’s macro economic figures show stable recovery ISLAMABAD

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

China’s government agencies released macroeconomic figures on Friday, indicating that the economy is still on the right track of recovery.

Analysts said a raft of targeted macro-policies and the issuance of an additional 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion) in special treasury bonds will inject new impetus into the economy and contribute to the achievement of its preset annual GDP growth rate target of around 5 percent. China’s major industrial firms saw their profits surge 11.9 percent in September from the same period last year, data from the National Bureau.

Saturday, 28 October, 2023 | LAHORE

CORPORATE CORNER Third Shaukat Khanum Hospital: Pakistan’s Biggest Cancer Facility in Karachi

The need to bridge the gap in cancer care “I am a retired teacher from Sindh and a father of four children. I travelled 1,200 km via train to reach Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore for treatment of suspected mouth cancer. I had to leave behind my family for the duration of treatment and stay in a shelter in Lahore,” shared Umar. Many cancer patients and families continue to struggle under the burden of cancer in the absence of a specialist cancer hospital in the region that provides comprehensive cancer care under one roof, irrespective of a patient’s paying power. PR

Roadshow for 600 MWp Solar PV project in Muzaffargarh held in Dubai

Federal Minister for Energy, Mr. Muhammad Ali, opened the proceedings of roadshow in Dubai for a 600MWp solar PV project in Punjab, Pakistan. In his virtual speech, he informed the participants of the roadshow about the investment opportunities in Pakistan and the measures the GOP is taking to increase the share of renewable energy in the overall generation mix and to reduce the existing circular debt, including but not limited to outsourcing management of Distribution Companies, tracking theft, recovering electricity bills, and strengthening of transmission/distribution networks. Mr Ali vows the local and international investors and developers for their active participation in the bidding process. The roadshow comprised of a high-level delegation led by the Managing Director of PPIB. The delegation included Chairman NEPRA, CEO CPPA and officials from USAID. This is the first project planned to be developed in Kot Addu, Punjab through an international competitive bidding process under the GOP initiative of substituting expensive imported fossil fuel. The Project will not only help reduce the overall generation cost, but also help to arrest the drain of precious foreign exchange spent on import of fossil fuel. A total of 6000MWp is targeted to be developed under the said initiative. PR

Construction work on 500KV Suki-Kinari Transmission Line Project continues on war-footing

IT MINISTER MENTIONS THAT IT COMPANIES ARE NOW PERMITTED TO RETAIN 50 PERCENT OF THEIR REVENUE IN US DOLLAR ACCOUNTS

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HE caretaker government has unveiled plans to establish a ‘Pakistan Startup Fund’ to attract venture capital investAdditionally, the ment. government aims to introduce next-generation 5G internet by mid-2024, according to the Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif.

Dr. Umar Saif revealed that the interim administration has allocated over Rs2 billion for the creation of this fund, which will be matched by private investors. Furthermore, commitments from venture capitalists are set to provide an additional Rs8 billion in Series ‘A’ financing for startups that graduate from the fund.

This announcement came following a strategic partnership signing ceremony between Habib Bank Ltd (HBL)

and the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). The Information Minister highlighted that co-working spaces will be established to accommodate around half a million IT freelancers, promoting a conducive

UN FAO official advocates poultry as a cottage business catalyst in developing nations

The Karachi University Poultry Science Society hosted a seminar regarding the promotion of poultry as a cottage industry that was attended by the Senior Program Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, James Robert Okoth, a seasoned livestock specialist and Program Manager at UN’s FAO, Dr Syed Noman Ali, subject scholars and experts including Dr Aslam Jalali, Dr Musarat Pathan, Dr Amjad, Dr Shahan, and others.The KU Department of Physiology hosted the event at its auditorium where field experts share their expertise and insights with the students and the faculty.James Robert emphasized the importance of poultry as a cottage business in developing nations, particularly Pakistan, throughout his presentation.

He underlines its economic advantages, pointing out that it creates employment possibilities, particularly for small-scale farmers, and helps to increase food security and reduce poverty. PR

EU reaffirms commitment to addressing malnutrition in Sindh NTDC Headquarters, WAPDA House Lahore, 26 October 2023 - The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has expedited construction work on the 500 kV Suki Kinari transmission line to ensure its completion as per the defined target. In spite of the harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain, all construction activities are being carried out without any significant stoppage. In a recent development, the stringing work on the transmission line has also commenced. The spokesperson for NTDC said that this 75-kilometerlong 500 kV double-circuit transmission line is being constructed to add 884 MW of clean and green energy to the National Grid from the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, which is a part of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The transmission line will strengthen the NTDC transmission network and contribute to the development of industrialization in the region, creating employment opportunities and improving the socio-economic conditions of the country. PR

KP-IT Board, WB host roundtable discussion to promote BPO Spaces in Peshawar and Abbottabad

KARACHI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board in collaboration with World Bank and Tech Valley Pakistan, recently concluded a highly successful consultative session in Karachi, the economic hub of Pakistan. The event brought together industry leaders, and key stakeholders to discuss and strategize the growth and potential of "Workaround" which is Pakistan's first publicly funded Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Ready Facility in Abbottabad and Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PR

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Govt to launch Pakistan startuP Fund, 5G internet by mid-2024 NEWS

environment for tech-driven innovation.

He said that the interim administration is working diligently on the project, with the expectation of completing the groundwork before the newly elected administration takes office. The plan

NBP stands strong for breast cancer awareness in Pinktober

KARACHI: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) hosted a special Pinktober event at its head office, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and equality. NBP recognizes the importance of breast cancer awareness and stands firmly with those affected by this disease.The event was graced by Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie, President and CEO of NBP, Senior Executives of the Bank, and Mr. Omer Aftab, CEO and founder of Pink Ribbon. Ms. Mariam Malik, a member of Pink Ribbon highlighted the need to have conversations within families to fight against this disease.Together, they discussed the critical role organizations like Pink Ribbon play in raising awareness and promoting early detection.Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie, President and CEO of NBP, expressed the bank’s commitment to the cause, stating, "Breast cancer affects countless lives, and NBP is proud to support initiatives that promote awareness and early detection. As a bank, we are committed to play a positive role in the betterment of our employees and all lives, standing in solidarity with survivors and those fighting this battle."During a compelling panel discussion, Mr. Aftab shed light on the challenges faced by Pink Ribbon and the importance of early detection. PR

Rotary organizes free medical camp in Mera Abadi F-12 Islamabad

In response to the rising malnutrition crisis in Sindh, a two-year support action, funded by the European Union, aimed at strengthening community based organizations in 5 districts of Sindh to combat malnutrition was launched at a ceremony in Karachi. The initiative aims at addressing malnutrition in five adversely affected districts of Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Nosheroferoze in Sindh province. The 6 million EUR project, co-funded by the European Union, will be implemented jointly by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF) and the Strengthening Participatory. PR

The Rotary Club Islamabad Metropolitan, in collaboration with Directorate Health, CDA, organized a free medical camp at Mera Abadi, F-12 sector Islamabad dated 27th Oct 2023. The primary objectives of this medical camp were to provide medical care to the underprivileged community and ensure that children who had missed their polio vaccinations received them. More than 500 patients received free check-ups, including 120 children, 220 women, and 50 men. Additionally, 30 children vaccinated polio drops, and 20 children received routine immunizations. The impressive efforts of EPI technicians and CDA staff played a vital role in making this health camp a resounding success. PR

easypaisa, EFU Life and Roche unite to pioneer cancer awareness and care

Pakistan Auto Show 2023: PAAPAM urges tax cuts to boost local manufacturing

ISLAMABAD: In honor of World Breast Cancer Day, easypaisa, EFU Life Assurance Ltd., and Roche joined forces to unveil an innovative “Cancer Cover Plan." This pioneering initiative reflects the partners’ unwavering commitment to providing individuals and families with vital support and financial security during one of life's most formidable challenges. The plan assures access to dedicated patient support and complementary cancer medication through Roche's Unmol Patient Support Program.Through this collaboration, easypaisa customers will benefit from a comprehensive cancer insurance plan, of up to PKR 1 million, which is easily accessible through a user-friendly Mini-App of EFU integrated within the easypaisa app. This streamlined application ensures a swift and convenient process, designed with simplicity in mind, enabling individuals to take their first step towards securing their future. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of key figures, including Farhan Hassan, Head of easypaisa Wallet Business, TMB & easypaisa, Mr. Mohammed Ali Ahmed, MD & CEO of EFU Life, Ms. Nilofer Sohail, DGM & Head Channel Strategy. PR

also includes the initiation of the 5G auction process.

Dr. Saif acknowledged the contributions of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and mentioned that IT companies are now permitted to retain 50 percent of their revenue in US dollar accounts. Corporate debit cards will also be issued by banks to these companies, facilitating international payments and boosting export earnings.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, President and CEO of HBL, expressed his confidence in the potential of the IT industry as a major driver of economic growth and job creation in Pakistan. He underlined HBL’s commitment to becoming a ‘Technology Company with a Banking License’ and the collaboration’s role in engaging with key stakeholders in the IT, freelancer, software, and gaming industry to provide innovative financial solutions and services tailored to the IT sector’s specific needs.

KARACHI: The government should realize that its treatment of the auto industry as a cash cow by burdening it with taxes ranging between 37 and 43 per cent per locally produced car, is hampering the growth of the auto industry.” This was stated by Abdul Rehman Aizaz, Chairman of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) in the inauguration ceremony of the Pakistan Auto Show 2023.Chairman PAAPAM said that around 300 companies in Pakistan are manufacturing thousands of components for car manufacturers in Pakistan, generating sizable employment and contributing heavily to the industrial output of the country. “Majority of low-tech components and certain hi-tech components of this segment are made in Pakistan,” he said, however, he added that it doesn't mean that the localization goal is near completion like in Motorcycle and Tractor segments due to various reasons including low Volumes, certain non-tariff barriers, reluctance in the transfer of technology by international companies etc. PR

Khushhali Microfinance Bank Ltd collaborates with AlFirdous Community Model School & College, Bara Kahu, Islamabad, to promote financial literacy and creativity among schoolchildren. The Khushhali Bank Corporate Office team, led by Mr. Kashif Ahmed Khan, Head of Liability and ADC Sales, attended an art exhibition with the theme of “financial literacy, women empowerment, and environmental conservation”, organized by the school’s students.

They also distributed school bags to bright young stars. PR

Jazz and Careem extend partnership to enrich customers’ experience

Jazz and Careem have extended their long-term partnership to enrich mutual customers’ experience.

The photo shows Sana Shakeel, Associate Director Business Development - Careem (bottom left), and Ali Khan, Director Partnerships & Digital Products Jazz (bottom right) signing the MoU in the presence of leadership and respective teams from both organizations. Jazz, Pakistan's largest digital operator, and Careem, the pioneer of ride-hailing services in Pakistan, have extended their longstanding partnership to bring unparalleled benefits and innovation to their mutual customers. The collaboration, rooted in a shared commitment to empowering Pakistanis through technology, continues to strengthen, exemplifying the mutual dedication of both organizations. PR

PNSC convenes 45th annual general meeting for financial year 2022-23

The Board of Directors of PNSC on Wednesday 27th September 2023, announced the financial results for the year ended June 30, 2023. According to results announced, the earnings per share of the PNSC (Group) is Rs.227.11 as against Rs. 42.75 in the comparable period last year. PNSC has declared final cash dividend of Rs.15 per share (150%), which is also the highest ever in the history of PNSC. Earlier during the year (2022-23). PNSC had announced interim dividend of Rs. 5 per share (50%), making total cash dividend for the year, Rs. 20 per share (200%). Cumulatively, the Group achieved a turnover of Rs.54.8 billion as compared to Rs.27.8 billion last year. The major increase in freight revenue was observed from the transportation of liquid cargo which increased by Rs.22 billion. During the year PNSC was able to successfully add to its fleet two Aframax Oil Tankers (M.T. Sargodha & M.T. Mardan). The Dry Cargo segment (including slot charter) increased by Rs.2.62 billion due to major increase in slot charter revenue business from Public Interest Entities. PR

GOVT INFORMS SC: COMMITTEE FORMED TO ‘IMPLEMENT’ FAIZABAD VERDICT NewS

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STAFF REPORT

HE federal government on Friday informed the Supreme Court (SC) that it had formed a committee pertaining to the compliance of the Faizabad sitin case verdict.

The move comes days ahead of the next hearing, slated for November 1, of eight review petitions challenging the apex court’s 2019 judgment, then authored by now Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa. The federal government, which had submitted an application before the top court to withdraw its review petition – along with other petitioners including the Ministry of Defence (ISI), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P),

facts pertaining to the matter.

The court observed that “adjournments have been sought” and “certain parties are not in attendance” while “some have publicly stated that they knew what had happened, yet the judgment did not consider their point of view”.

“This is surprising given that it was noted in paragraph 17 of the judgment that: All the hearings in this case were conducted in open court. We had permitted those aggrieved and those whose interest may be affected to come forward and had also permitted them to file documents and written submission,” the apex court noted in its written order.

“In any event we are providing another opportunity to all to submit in writing through affidavits if they want to disclose facts pertaining to this matter.

The learned AG (Attorney General of Pakistan) however states that the matter attends to events of a certain period and its scope should not be extended,” the written order stated.

In its written order, the top court recounted the questions that were raised at

after the case was fixed for hearing – has urged the court again to accept its plea for withdrawal.

The Centre apprised the court that a fact-finding committee has been formed comprising the additional secretaries of the ministries of defence and interior and the director of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The committee held its first meeting on October 26 and will be presenting its findings to the Ministry of Defence on November 1, informed the state.

It further mentioned that in case an extension is needed by the committee to complete its task, it will seek time from the defence ministry.

Earlier, on September 28, the SC invited all persons and organisations to disclose facts pertaining to the Faizabad sit-in by October 27, 2023 as the court will resume proceedings on eight review petitions filed against the Feb 2019 verdict on November 1.

In a written order, the court invited all individuals and parties – civil, private or governmental – to submit in writing through affidavits if they wish to disclose

Nawaz’s remarks against women draw ire in Senate ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s remarks against women during his speech to homecoming rally came under fire in a Senate session on Friday.

Nawaz had compared PML-N’s women supporters with PTI’s — without naming the party — and implied that his supporters were more “decent”.

“Where are our sisters? Look how respectfully our sisters are listening to this rally. There is no one dancing to music here. Do you understand what I am saying or not,” he had said.

Nawaz’s remarks were condemned by politicians like ex-PTI MNA Maleeka Bokhari and journalists alike.

The matter reached the Senate, where PTI’s Senator Walid Iqbal took aim at Nawaz’s remarks.

Iqbal, while referring to the late PML-N senator Rana Maqbool, stated that he respected women and he should have taught his leader how to respect women. “[MQM head] Altaf Hussain also talked against women and had to apologise later,” Iqbal added.

“Please do not make political statements,” said Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani.

“I am not making a political statement,” Iqbal replied.

Sexism in Pakistan’s political system is not new, nor is it new to the PML-N party.

Recently, senior PML-N leader Khawaja Asif made a statement on the floor of parliament, using a derogatory reference for PTI’s women members of parliament. A few years ago, he referred to a senior female PTI member as a “tractor trolley”. Instead of retracting his words in the face of backlash, he took complete ownership of what was said.

Rana Sanaullah, while speaking to reporters outside the Punjab Assembly in 2018, made inappropriate comments about the women who attended the rally at Lahore’s Minar-i-Pakistan, saying: “The women who attended the rally were not from honourable families because their dance moves implied where they had actually come from.”

Fawad Chaudhry described former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar as a “low-IQ woman” whose claim to fame lies in her handbag and sunglasses. In recent times, there is only one pleasant example that comes to mind, when the PPP issued a show cause notice to Nabil Gabol and asked for an explanation after he joked about rape.

Resolution condemns state terrorism, violation of international law in held Kashmir The Senate also moved a resolution condemning the “brutal state terrorism and killing of the innocent Kashmiris” by the Indian forces as well as the “blatant violation of international laws” in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

“This House strongly condemns the killing of thousands of innocent Kashmiris (who are martyred) in Indian Occupied Kashmir by Indian forces,” the resolution reads, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com. The resolution urged the international community for the expedited formation of the Commission of Inquiry to investigate the “gross human rights violations” in held Kashmir, as the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also recommended it.

The resolution rejected the conduct of “fake elections” in India-held Kashmir by the Indian government, adding that these actions violated UN Security Council resolutions which stipulate that the final disposition of the Kashmir dispute would be made in accordance with the will of the locals through a free and impartial plebiscite to be conducted under the auspices of the UN. “This House re-affirms its solidarity and commitment to the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir in their just struggle for their rights to self-determination and reiterates its continuing political, moral and diplomatic support,” the resolution reads.

the previous hearing: Why the matter was not taken up by the apex court in the past four years? The simultaneous filing of these review petitions and the reason behind doing so. Whether constitutional and statutory bodies acted independently in filing the same. Whether, as claimed by some, the Feb 2019 judgment has been implemented.

CASE HISTORY: Several review petitions were filed against the verdict authored by now Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa on Feb 6, 2019. This judgment pertained to a sit-in staged by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Faizabad in 2017.

In this scathing judgment, authored

by Justice Isa, it directed the country’s intelligence agencies, including the ISI, IB, Military Intelligence (MI), and the army’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), not to exceed their constitutional mandate. The judgment specifically addressed the role of intelligence agencies during a 20-day sit-in organised by the TLP at the intersection of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in Nov 2017.

Currency in circulation has declined sharply in 2023’s third quarter.

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CURRENCY IN CIRCULATION DECREASED BY 9% QOQ, A PACE NOT WITNESSED IN DECADES PROFIT

UROOJ IMRAN

As the world continues to move towards digitalisation in all things, including monetary transactions, cash remains the king in Pakistan. Over the years, the country’s currency in circulation — the amount of notes and coins issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) that are out of the banking system — has continued to grow, reaching Rs 7.68 trillion by December 31, 2023.

Given the trend, it appeared that this year would be no different. That is, until data shared by the SBP showed the currency in circulation (CIC) declined by 9% quarter-on-quarter in September (according to data analysed till September 22). According to a report by brokerage house JS Global Capital, this pace of decline has not been seen in many decades. After all, in the last quarter — April to June — CIC grew 11%, a pace that was last recorded 23 quarters ago.

And the average historical quarterly growth is 3%.

One reason for the decline in currency in circulation is the increase in deposit mobilisation (excluding interbank deposits, deposits of government and foreign constituents). According to SBP data, deposit mobilisation in 2023’s third quarter was up 1.7% compared to the April-June period. The biggest contribution to this increase was by individuals (personal segment), which accounted for 60% of the total new deposits, followed by non-banking financial institutions at 11%, the power sector at 10%, and non-financial public sector enterprises at 8%. For context, almost half of Pakistan’s total deposits in commercial banks are of the personal segment, which include salaried and self-employed individuals, according to the JS Global Capital report.

In its report, JS Global Capital said higher savings rates following the central bank’s decision to

hike the policy rate by 100 basis points to 22% in June could be among the key reasons for the shift from cash to deposits. It added that other possible factors such as the ongoing crackdown on various segments of the economy, and relative stability in the USD-PKR exchange rate cannot be ruled out.

Law enforcement agencies had launched a crackdown on illegal foreign exchange trading and smuggling in various sectors of the economy in early September after the rupee fell to record lows of Rs 307.09 and Rs 334 per dollar in the interbank and open markets, respectively. This was followed by structural reforms for exchange companies, which have been directed by the SBP to consolidate into a single category by December this year. Resultantly, the rupee has been recovering steadily — from Sep 6 to 28, the rupee gained Rs 19.24 per dollar or 6.26% in the interbank market and Rs 24 per dollar or 7.69% in the open market.

Faizan Kamran Khan, CEO of FRIM Ventures, also said the CIC decline can be attributed to the operation against smuggling and foreign currency hoarding by law enforcement agencies that led to the rupee’s sharp appreciation. “Speculators rushed to sell off their dollars and bring their funds back into the banking system to be safe from investigations into their informal wealth,” he elaborated.

Meanwhile, Ahfaz Mustafa, CEO of Ismail Iqbal Securities, said currency in circulation decreased because people regained confidence in the markets and “probably opted to come back into the system and take advantage of higher rates”.

“As things improve and fear of bankruptcy subsides, we see people coming and deploying money in the formal sector and taking advantage of higher interest rates,” Mustafa added.

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Nighat Dad joins UN Secretary General’s advisory board on AI ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Digital Rights Foundation’s (DRF) executive director Nighat Dad has joined the United Nations Secretary General’s high-level advisory board on Artificial Intelligence (AI) along with distinguished individuals from across the globe, it emerged on Friday. As per a press release, the board will address the overarching theme of addressing global governance of AI. The advisory body’s interim recommendations by the end of the year will focus on three main areas – the international governance of AI, generative AI and shared understanding of risks and challenges associated with deployment of these technologies.

The body will also be addressing key opportunities and enablers for

leveraging AI to accelerate the delivery of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

The Pakistani lawyer said she felt honoured to serve on the highlevel advisory board and was “excited to bring a global majority world perspective to our discussions and emphasize the importance of recognizing the potential human rights issues that may affect marginalised communities worldwide as we embrace new technologies”.

She stated that her goal is to “address real-time threats and vulnerabilities faced by these [marginalised) communities and shed light on emerging problems through an intersectional lens while considering global AI governance”.

The press release further stated that the board will also bolster the need for member states to “act deliberately and quickly on existing

and upcoming governance structures on AI being adopted by states”.

The board will develop AI governance mechanisms for member states and over the years assist and facilitate in implementation of these governance mechanisms from a human rights and digital rights perspective. They believe that while a global majority of member states are still in the process of deploying AI-facilitated technologies, there needs to be education and awareness of the implications these technologies would pose.

DRF is a registered researchbased NGO in Pakistan. Founded in 2012, it focuses on ICTs to support human rights, inclusiveness, democratic processes, and digital governance. Its mandate includes issues of online free speech, privacy, data protection and online violence against women.

Saturday, 28 October, 2023

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ECC APPROVES RS8B FINANCING FOR REACHING SETTLEMENT PROFIT

SHAHNAWAZ ALI

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved a Rs 8 Billion bailout for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to meet emergent requirements related to overdue payments.

Since the last few years, the PIA has been the singlebiggest loss making enterprise owned by the government of Pakistan and has been incrementally bleeding billions of rupees every passing year. It faced losses of Rs 97 billion during the calendar year 2022, which is 94% more than its losses in the previous year. The total accumulated losses of PIA have been rising and stand upwards of Rs 500 billion.

The Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar presided over a meeting of the ECC of the Cabinet, today. The meeting was held with the sole agenda of PIA, and throughout the meeting the primary topic of discussion were the two A320 aircrafts that the PIA leased from Asia Aviation Capital Limited (AACL) in 2015.

The Story: PIA obtained two A320 aircrafts Al -BLY (MSN 2926) and AP-BLZ (MSN 2944) on lease for six years from Asia Aviation Capital Limited (AACL) in 2015.

As per a previous report by Profit, the planes were leased at a monthly rent of nearly $550,000 according to a spokesperson of the PIA – which includes rent for the plane, maintenance costs, as well as insurance.

For the next six years, the planes flew as part of PIA’s fleet registered as planes AP-BLZ and APBLY. It is important to note here that most of the planes that are in the PIA’s fleet are older models that have been leased or bought from other airlines.

These two A320s were flown for a while as part of AirAsia – the Malaysian multinational air carrier.

In the case of airplane lease or rental, the airplane after the stipulated time, needs to be returned (redelivered) to the original owner in its original state. Meaning that any damages to its condition or parts are upon the person who borrowed it.

However, in the case of these two aircrafts redelivery process was not a simple one especially with COVID 19 induced lockdowns and travel restrictions. The process can at times take up to a few months, and until it is complete the airline that leased the planes is expected to continue paying rent for the plane minus its maintenance cost since the plane is grounded.

LHC summons Punjab IGP over Khadija Shah’s detention

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LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The Lahore High Court (LHC) summoned on Friday the Punjab IGP in a personal capacity by November 3 in response to a dissatisfactory report submitted by the City Police Officer (CCPO) in designer Khadija Shah’s case.

Shah, who was nabbed in connection with May 9 protests over social media posts in support of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has filed a plea seeking contempt proceedings against police high-ups for arresting her in a third case and deceiving the court by not disclosing two FIRs against her when the court sought details regarding the same.

Though she acquired bail from LHC in both cases, pertaining to arson in Askari Tower and vandalism of the Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), she was arrested in another case on an allegation of abetting arson in Rahat Bakery.

LHC’s Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, who is hearing Shah’s plea, had earlier mentioned in his order 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”.

The proceeding was then adjourned till October 27 (today). During Friday’s hearing the Lahore CCPO failed to satisfy the court yet again.

When Justice Najafi questioned the report submitted by the police, the CCPO informed the court that this report was handed to him by the IGP. He apprised the court that Shah was initially wanted in two FIRs but other accused persons recently arrested in connection with May 9 protests have stated that the fashion designer had incited them to create a law and order situation and cause anarchy and chaos if former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested.

Further evidence has been received against Shah, maintained the CCPO. “What is going on? The police report submitted in court mentions only two FIRs, but the petitioner is arrested in a third case,” remarked Justice Najafi.

The court summoned the IGP in a personal capacity at the next hearing on November 3.

Pakistan reaffirms support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

As the nation observes ‘Kashmir Black Day’ today, marking the 76 years of Indian armed forces’ illegal occupation in Kashmir, President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar have assured the Kashmiri people of Pakistan’s unwavering support for their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination.

According to Kashmir Media Service, President Arif Alvi in his message said that October 27 1947 was one of the darkest days in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. “Over the last seventy-six years, India has not only

reneged on its obligations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir but has also disregarded multilateralism by backtracking on UNSC resolutions,” he added.

He said the people of occupied Kashmir have endured endless oppression during this period, however, India has failed to weaken their resolve to realize their inalienable right to self-determination.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ulHaq Kakar in his message noted that over the last 76 years, India had employed various methods to perpetuate its illegal rule over Kashmir. However, since Aug 5, 2019, there has been an intensified campaign to ‘Indianise’ Kashmir and disempower the Kashmiri people in their own land, he lamented.

He said the Indian occupation has taken several measures to achieve these nefarious designs, including gerrymandering electoral constituencies, adding non-Kashmiris to voter rolls, issuing domicile certificates to outsiders, and introducing new laws on land and property ownership.

These undemocratic and illegal actions directly violate relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention, he said. “Today, occupied Kashmir remains one of the most militarised regions in the world, ” he added.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the recent developments in the Middle East had shown that long-pending disputes should not be allowed to persist.

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