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PM dISPelS IMPreSSIon of PoST-PreSS ConferenCe aCquITTal froM May 9 rIoTS

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Saturday, 4 November, 2023 I 19 Rabi us Sani, 1445

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DESPITE SC ORDER, PM SAYS POWER OF DECIDING ELECTION DATE RESTS WITH ECP

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ISLAMABAD

SAYS ALL POLITICAL PARTIES ARE ALLOWED TO HOLD RALLIES

STAFF REPORT

ARETAKER Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Friday said that the impression of acquittal from the accusations of May 9 arsons after addressing a condemnatory press conference was not completely true, as ultimate exoneration would be determined by the courts.

“This is an impression. I know many people, who also condemned the May 9 violence, are still facing the legal challenge. Therefore, this is not completely true that they walk free after addressing a press conference,” the prime minister said in an interview with a private television channel.

He said it was impossible to get riddance once “you get implicated in an FIR (first information report), without going through the legal process”.

To a question, he reiterated his earlier position that as per the law, the power of finalising the election date rested with the Election Commission.

Even now, the date was finalised by the ECP which had the powers to hold consultations including with the head of the state, he added.

He said all the political parties were allowed to hold rallies as no additional laws were in place to disrupt gatherings of any party. Sometimes, the political parties also created such impressions to attract their voters which was nothing serious but a part of the politics.

He said the political parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Jamaat-iIslami and Pakistan Peoples Party, were free to field their candidates and contest the polls.

The caretaker government would ensure a level playing field for all the parties and the national and international observers would also validate the fairness of the elections, he maintained.

Asked about the action against smugglers and hoarders, the prime minister said it yielded positive results in the form of historic improvement in the stock market and dollar depreciation which reduced the country’s debt

by Rs 4,000 billion, besides declining the prices of rice, sugar, ghee and

other commodities.

He said the smuggled goods deprived the government of tax revenue and impacted local industry but after the operation, the local industry had started receiving orders which would also create employments and enhance tax collection.

Asked about the action against those involved in the said crimes, Prime Minister Kakar said it was a challenge due to the lack of evidence admissible in the court. However, the situation could be addressed through necessary legal amendments, he remarked.

As the interviewer asked whether his meeting with former cricketer Shahid Afridi was linked with the expiry of the incumbent Pakistan Cricket Board chair-

person’s term on November 4, the prime minister said it was a social interaction.

About any extension in the tenure of Zaka Ashraf, he said the government would make any decision after the World Cup was over and would keep working under a “doctrine of necessity” till that time.

Regarding the repatriation of illegal foreigners, he said the policy was not meant for any vendetta rather aimed at regulating the movement which was in the interest of both the countries. He said sometimes, human rights organizations also unnecessarily criticized the policy which, otherwise, kept mum when immigrants were left to drown in the Mediterranean.

He said there was no perpetual ban on foreigners being repatriated as they could be back to Pakistan after obtaining their travel documents and visas.

He said a mechanism had been developed at NADRA to eliminate any abuse or pollutants in family trees while respecting the rights of the Pashtun people of Pakistan. The scientific DNAs were also being suggested to ascertain their originality. To a question, he said the government was making efforts to fully privatise some entities or at least leave behind the process at a mature stage for the next government.

Regarding the Pakistan Steels Mill, he said two or three models were being considered. Asked about the enforced disappearances, he said the state had an inherent right of apprehension which was wrongly called enforced disappearance.

As ECP submits notification, CJP says elections will be held on Feb 8 ISLAMABAD

Cypher case: PTI chairman files bail plea in SC

STAFF REPORT

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 125 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition

Former prime minister and PTI chairman on Friday approached the Supreme Court (SC), seeking bail in missing cypher case. The PTI chairman filed a bail plea through his counsel Salman Safdar, says in media reports. The petition maintained that the cipher case is just another example of the ‘politically motivated cases’ targeting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman.

The PTI chairman contended that the bail application has been filed under Article 185 of the Constitution. The cipher case is a manifestation of the maliciousness of the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency), he pleaded. The petitioner urged the apex court to overturn IHC order in cipher case and set him free. Islamabad High Court (IHC) last Friday rejected the bail plea of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman in the cipher case.

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.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday submitted a notification in the Supreme Court pertaining to the poll date of February 8, agreed upon by President Dr Arif Alvi and Chief Election Commissioner during a meeting at Presidency a day earlier.

The notification reads: “… the Election Commission of Pakistan in exercise of its powers under Article 57(1) of the Elections Act and all other powers enabling it in that behalf, hereby announces February 8, 2024, as poll date for the general elections.”

The months-long ‘wrangling and uncertainty’ subsided after the electoral watchdog and President Dr Arif Alvi agreed on the date for elections. The development came after Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja visited the Presidency on orders of the apex court, which had taken up pleas regarding elections.

During the hearing, the ECP had proposed Feb 11 as the date for polls but it was asked by the SC to approach the president for consultations. It had also instructed the commission to settle the matter of appointing the election date and inform the court.

On Friday, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan submitted the electoral body’s election notification to the three-member bench com-

prising – Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Amin-udDin Khan.

After the AGP read out the ECP notification in court, the top judge asked if everyone was happy now. “All the respondents have given their approval,” he noted.

Subsequently, Justice Isa dictated the order of the proceedings.

He pointed out that in the letter written to the ECP on September 13, President Alvi had advised the commission to take guidance from the judiciary regarding polls.

“According to the law and Constitution, the Supreme Court has no role in setting a date for election,” the CJP said, adding that it was surprising that the president had suggested taking guidance on the matter from the court.

“The president could have taken guidance from Article 186 of the Constitution,” he continued.

“Constitutional offices like the ECP and President of Pakistan should do what the Constitution says,” Justice Isa said, highlighting that following the Constitution was not an option.

He went on to say that the matter between the ECP and the president was “unnecessarily brought to court”.

The top judge also noted that the country was put through anxiety by not giving an election date.

“There were also fears that elections won’t take place at all,” he said.

Justice Isa further stated that the court should not adopt the role of institutions, adding that the SC only facilitated the ECP and president in reaching a conclusion.

He stressed that with higher posts come greater responsibilities, and both the president and ECP were responsible for implementing the Constitution.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

14 soldiers martyred in Gwadar ambush, three in dI Khan, lakki IBos: ISPr RAWALPINDI

STAFF REPORT

As many 14 soldiers of Pakistan Army were martyred after two vehicles of the security forces were ambushed by terrorists in Gwadar district of Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.

Similarly, three Army soldiers embraced martyrdom, while two terrorists were killed during a series of intense encounters between security forces and militants in Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa,, according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), military’s media affairs wing, two vehicles of the security forces were moving from Pasni to Ormara when they were ambushed. It said 14 soldiers embraced martyrdom in the “unfortunate incident”.

“Sanitisation operation is being carried out in the area and perpetrators of this heinous act will be hunted down and brought to justice,” the ISPR said.

“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it added.

Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat IBOs In a series of intense encounters between security forces and militants in Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, at least three Army soldiers embraced martyrdom, while two terrorists were killed, according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing. The clashes occurred during intelligence-based operations in the region.

In the first operation, which took place in the general area of Rori in DI Khan district, one terrorist was killed, and two others were injured. The slain terrorist, identified as Usama, was a suicide bomber associated with the TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) and had plans to carry out a high-profile attack in the area.

In the second operation conducted in Lakki Marwat district, one terrorist was killed, and several terrorist hideouts were uncovered. However, during the intense exchange of fire, two soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. Naik Zafar Iqbal, aged 37 and a resident of District Gujranwala, and Sepoy Haji Jan, aged 30 and a resident of District Ghizar in GilgitBaltistan, displayed unwavering courage and embraced martyrdom. In the third incident, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated in the general area of Kulachi in DI Khan District, resulting in the martyrdom of Havildar Shahid Iqbal, aged 39 and a resident of District Mirpur Khas.

The ISPR noted that sanitisation operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the area. The security forces of Pakistan remain determined to eradicate the menace of terrorism, and the sacrifices of these brave soldiers only strengthen their resolve, it maintained.

The ugly incidents occurred hours after a bomb blast targeting police killed five people and injured over 20 others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan.

Condemnations Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the convoy of security forces in Gwadar district. The Prime Minister paid glowing tribute to the 14 personnel of the security forces who lost their lives in the attack. The Prime Minister prayed for the martyrs and patience for their families. The Prime Minister said that the evil intentions of the terrorists will never be allowed to succeed. “The brave sons of the soil sacrificed their lives for the safety of the country”, the PM said.

The Prime Minister further said that the entire Pakistani nation, including he, was proud of its martyrs. “Such cowardly attacks by terrorists will never be able to lower the morale of the Pakistani nation and its guardians and the entire nation is standing by its security forces to end this scourge of terrorism.”

Return of illegal Afghans in full swing amid calls to revisit repatriation plan ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The data released by the caretaker government on Friday that over 162,479 illegal Afghan nationals have returned to home so far while more border centres were opened on Friday to expedite the return of tens of thousands of undocumented Afghan nationals while ignoring calls by refugee groups to reconsider its repatriation plan.

According to details, repatriation of the illegal Afghans through the Chaman and Torkham borders is underway. On November 2, 19,344 Afghans returned to Kabul.

The FC and the Afghan government have agreed to keep the Torkham border till 11 at night to ensure the smooth repatriation of the illegal immigrants.

Separately, the Afghan Charge d’ Affairs called on Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

Afghan diplomat Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb discussed issues related to the repatriation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan to Afghanistan

and other matters of mutual interest.

The interior minister said that the immigrants illegally staying in Pakistan returning to their countries. “We have issued instructions for respectable treatment with the people returning back to home,” Bugti said.

“No legal action being taken against those holding Afghan citizen card,” Pakistan’s interior minister said. “The government will not tolerate discourteous or impolite treatment to the immigrants at any cost,” he stressed.

Mosque loudspeakers used for issuing warnings to illegal Afghan refuges After the deadline expired for illegal foreigners, authorities launched a crackdown against illegal Afghan refugees countrywide including in Karachi.

Stringent security arrangements have been put in place at key locations, including Sultanabad Hostel Haji Camp, Amin House Boy Scout Hostel, and Jacobabad Gymkhana in Karachi, to oversee the evacuation process.

Police authorities made announcements

through mosque loudspeakers, urging Afghan nationals to engage in volunteer repatriation before the deadline, which is set to conclude on November 3.

As part of the evacuation efforts, 227 individuals, including seven families, have been successfully transferred to Boys Hostel Sultanabad in Karachi, marking a significant step in the repatriation process.

Since the commencement of the operation on October 8, a total of 617 families and 4,208 illegal individuals have voluntarily returned to Afghanistan from Karachi and Sindh through the Chaman border crossing.

Given the government’s deadline, Afghan citizens residing in Pakistan illegally have been steadily making their way to designated transit points, where they are met with a range of essential services and facilities.

These transit points offer food, bedding, and medical services to ensure the well-being and comfort of those awaiting repatriation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

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40,000 fake CNICs blocked in Quetta, says Achakzai

QUETTA: Balochistan Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai announced on Friday that a crackdown is underway against those who make fake identity cards (IDs). Over 40,000 fake IDs have been blocked in Quetta so far.

He also addressed criticism of the government’s treatment of Afghans and undocumented immigrants, stating that no Afghan refugee is being forcibly deported from Pakistan. He said that action is only being taken against those immigrants who are living in the country without valid documents.

Achakzai emphasized that Pakistan has been hosting over 1.7 million refugees for many years and will continue to do so in the future. He said that the Caretaker PM and Chief Minister of Balochistan have instructed concerned officials to ensure that no guest’s self-esteem is hurt during the crackdown.

The Information Minister also announced that NADRA has blocked over one lakh ID cards so far during the crackdown. He said that more than twenty thousand people have volunteered to leave Pakistan from Chaman Border.

Achakzai termed the issuance of a health card in Balochistan as an important milestone. He said that the health card is a gift to the people of Balochistan from the government. Under the health card, every citizen can receive treatment from any hospital up to one million rupees.

Commissioner Quetta Hamza Shafaqat said that all kinds of facilities have been provided in the holding center in Quetta.

He said that immigrants coming from Punjab and Sindh will be kept in the centers before being sent back to their country from Chaman Border. STAFF REPORT

02

PM KAKAR FOR ENCOURAGING MINORITIES PARTICIPATION IN COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS

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Saturday, 4 November, 2023 | LAHORE

NEWS

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

ARETAKER Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday ordered the restoration and strict implementation of the rotation policy of civil servants in line with its original spirit, directing for a comprehensive policy to appointment of competent civil servants in remote areas of the country including Balochistan.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar was chairing a meeting held to review progress on filling of vacant seats reserved for marginalized areas in civil bureaucracy through special examinations as well as rotation policy.

PM Kakar directed to regularly hold the competitive examinations to fill the vacant seats in civil bureaucracy reserved for minorities and people from marginalized areas. He stressed persistent

awareness campaigns to encourage minorities to participate in the competitive examination for government jobs. The prime minister said the country’s constitution provides equal rights and opportunities to minorities and people belonging to underprivileged areas.

He said the government was fully committed to ensuring equal opportunities for progress for every citizen. The meeting was briefed about the recently held special examination of the Central Superior Services (CSS).

The participants of the meeting were informed that 15,000 candidates appeared in the examination, out of which 3,500 belonged to Balochistan. The examination has over 60 seats reserved in quota for Balochistan. The meeting was attended by Advisor to PM Ahad Khan Cheema, the Secretary to the PM, the Secretary Establishment, and the Secretary Federal Public Service Commission.

PTI to contest general elections with full preparations: Omar ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan made it clear that that PTI would take part in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024 in benefitting manner to elect PTI Chairman Imran Khan as a prime minister with thumping majority.

Reacting to the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) poll date announcement, PTI Secretary General said that PTI would contest the general elections with full preparation. However, he demanded that favorable and discriminatory treatment should be put to a halt and level playing field should be provided to PTI. Omar urged that free, fair and transparent polls should be held in the country and PTI should be allowed to conduct election campaigns freely. PTI Secretary General underlined that the current fascism should be ended. He hoped that the people of the country would once again elect their beloved leader Imran Khan as a prime minister of the country with clear majority. Omar Ayub urged PTI’s workers and supporters to launch their massive and effective party’s elections preparations to inflict a crushing defeat on the political rivals in the electoral battle.

Unwell Pervaiz Elahi again skips graft case hearing LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The hearing of a money laundering case against former Punjab chief minister and PTI President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and others in the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Special Central Court could again not be held on Friday as the Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi officials did not produce him in the court due to his sickness. The jail officials submitted to the court Elahi’s medical certificate instead which said that he was not fit for travelling due to his poor health. It was further stated in the certificate that the PTI president had a history of different ailments, and his condition could deteriorate in case of travelling. The FIA has already submitted a challan against Elahi in the case to the court.

Govt announces public holiday on Iqbal Day ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The government to mark the 146th birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal with zeal and fervour has announced public holiday on November 09. Cabinet division on Friday issued a notification in this. Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born in Sialkot on Nov 9, 1877 and got fame as the “Poet of the East” worldwide. Besides a great poet, he was also philosopher and thinker of the 20th century, recognized internationally. Dr Iqbal played an instrumental role in inspiring millions of Muslims across the sub-continent to seek an independent homeland. It should be mentioned here that public holiday on Iqbal Day was suspended in 2015 but was restored last year. The day would dawn with special prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. A change of guards ceremony would also be held at his mausoleum in Lahore.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar condemned the terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan claiming six precious lives besides leaving more than 20 others injured was strongly condemnable.

The prime minister expressed deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of innocent citizens in the blast, said a news release issued by PM Office.

Premier Anwaarul Haq Kakar prayed for the departed souls to rest in eternal peace and courage for the bereaved families to bear this loss with fortitude.

He also instructed the authorities concerned to provide the best medical facilities to the injured persons. The prime minister stated that the war against terrorists would continue until the eradication of the scourge of terrorism from the country.

“Thanks to the sacrifices of the law enforcement agencies, we have been thwarting the evil intentions of these terrorists,” he added.

Dar, British HC discuss range of issues of bilateral interest ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Leader of the House in Senate, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar was called on British High Commissioner to Pakistan, H.E. Jane Marriot OBE at Parliament House on Friday and discussed with him range of issues of mutual interest, highlighting the strong and enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and Pakistan.

Senator Ishaq Dar apprised the High Commissioner of the economic performance of Pakistan during 201317 when Pakistan became 24th global economy and 18 hours daily average load shedding was eliminated together with enhanced investment in public sector development works which resulted in Pakistan’s GDP growth to rise above 6% with 40 years low inflation of around 4%. He added that Pakistan Muslim League (N) stands for

free and fair elections, together with level playing field for all the political parties.

Commenting on the business environment in Pakistan, Senator Dar

expressed the hopes that post general elections in 2024; the winning political party will accelerate the privatization of loss making state-owned enterprises. He also stressed the need to enhance the trade

ties as well as the volumes of business between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

Senator Dar also mentioned the importance of agricultural development to ensure food security for Pakistan’s population and flagged the mining industry’s potential for future economic development of the nation.

High Commissioner Marriott expressed hope that the future incoming government would be able to attract foreign investment in the areas highlighted by Senator Dar. She affirmed that the United Kingdom stands ready to provide technical support and assistance to further strengthen bilateral relations and partnership.

Senator Dar explained the issue of smuggling and its negative impact on the Pakistani economy. He also mentioned Pakistan’s efforts to improve the border management to curb the illegal movement of goods across the borders.

committed to Pak-China snail industry alliance PML-N steer country out of prevailing crises: Nawaz to unleash export potential

BEIJING

Staff RepoRt

“Leveraging China’s expertise in snail farming techniques, technology transfer, and market access, Pakistan can develop the snail industry to tap into the international market, particularly in Europe and other developed regions.”

This was stated by Jin Jingqi, Vice President of Jiangsu Design Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Special Expert for Rural Revitalization in Jiangsu Province, according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Friday.

In recent years, driven by the rural revitalization strategy, China’s snail industry has been rapidly growing. Chinese white jade snail, a natural variation of Achatina fulica found

by Chinese researchers in the 1980s, is a superior variety compared to other snail species worldwide. It features clean white flesh and higher nutritional content.

The snails have multiple values, including their shell rich in calcium for toothpaste production, delicious and proteinrich snail meat, snail mucus for cosmetics, and snail enzymes with medical value for tissue repair.

“Snail farming can be carried out through ecological farming, where snails coexist with existing crops in the field.

Snails can provide organic fertilizer and promote crop yield, while farm waste, including leftover leaves and fruits, can be snail feeds.” Jin Jingqi introduced.

According to his experience, ecological snail farming can increase an average output of USD10,000 per acre per year. Another farming form, industrial farming, requires more complicated management and larger space for constructing multi-level breeding sheds, with an expected annual output of USD500,000 per acre. However, ecologically farmed snails generally have better quality.”

Global demand for snails in 2023 presents a gap of about 1 billion tons, with developed countries such as Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea being major consumers.

Those developed countries are limited in snail production due to their higher cost of labor, land and feed.

We aim to build a complete international snail industry chain to meet both domestic and international market demands.

As a developing country with favorable international trade channels and a strong agricultural sector, Pakistan can be a crucial part of the chain.” Jin Jingqi said.

During the China-Pakistan Technical Cooperation and Promotion Exchange Conference held on Monday, Jin Jingqi delivered a report on the whole international industry chain of the snail industry, introducing the progress of snail industry in China and its potential in the international market, which interested Pakistani government officials and businesses. “Pak-China cooperation in snail industry is very doable. The embassy will also support Jin Jingqi by providing potential partners for undertaking this project in Pakistan,” said Khan Muhammad Wazir, Science Counselor of the Pakistani Embassy in China.

To drive the China-Pakistan snail industry cooperation and unlock its economic potential, Jin Jingqi emphasizes the importance of technology transfer, recommending technical personnel training, establishment of processing assembly lines and launching pilot projects for industrial snail farming in Pakistan.

By integrating the snail industry into its existing agricultural framework, Pakistan can create substantial economic value and position itself as a reliable player in the global snail industry chain.

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Friday reiterated his party’s commitment to drag the country out of the prevailing situation. After offering Friday prayers in Jati Umra, the former prime minister held meetings with different personalities. Speaking on the occasion, Nawaz Sharif reiterated that the PML-N would contest general elections with full vim and vigour. Emphasizing the projects completed during the PML-N’s tenure, he said that the country witnessed record development during his party’s tenure. Nawaz Sharif maintained, “We will lead the country to development and prosperity again.”

Arshad Majeed assumes office as chairman NHA ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

New chairman National Highway Authority (NHA), Arshad Majeed Mohmand on Friday assumed the charge of his office. Members and officers of NHA extended warm welcome to their new chairman and hoped that his distinguished leadership will steer the organization towards a brighter future.

Chairman Arshad Majeed Mohmand, visibly moved by the heartfelt reception, reciprocated with gratitude, setting a promising tone for his tenure. His appointment signifies a new chapter of transformation and progress for the NHA.

Mayor assures ICCI of cooperation to explore UK market for exports ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow Afzaal Kiani along with Councillor Samia Chaudhry and others on Friday visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and exchanged views with the business community on matters for further improving Pakistan’s business relations with the UK. The Mayor assured that he would cooperate with ICCI members in exploring the UK market for exports. He said that the Pakistani diaspora has great love for Pakistan and they are keen to contribute to the economic development of their home country.

He said that ICCI should form a

delegation for the UK and he would arrange their meetings with Hounslow Chamber of Commerce to explore areas of business collaboration with them. He said that promotion of tourism in Pakistan would promote a soft image and attract tourists and investors to Pakistan.

Councillor Samia Chaudhry and other members of the delegation said that the Pakistani diaspora in the UK prefers to buy Made in Pakistan products and stressed that Pakistani exporters should focus on enhancing their exports to the UK. She stressed for bridging the communication gap between the private sectors of both countries to increase bilateral trade and investment relations.

Speaking on the occasion, President ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce &

Industry said that the UK is an important trading partner of Pakistan and we want to further strengthen these trade ties. He said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UK is just over £ 4 billion in 2023 and stressed for developing strong business linkages between the private sectors of both countries to further improve bilateral trade relations.

The ICCI President said that the Chinese and Indian diaspora have contributed significantly to the economies of their home countries and emphasized that the Pakistani diaspora should also play a role to steer Pakistan out of the current economic challenges.

He stressed that the Pakistani diaspora in the UK should transfer technology and to explore JVs and investment in Pakistan.

Senior Vice President ICCI, Faad Waheed said that many Pakistani products reach the UK market through smuggling due to which economies of both countries suffer and he stressed for promoting direct trade to achieve better results. He assured that ICCI would connect the investors of the UK with right partners in Pakistan.

Group Leader ICCI, Khalid Iqbal Malik said that the Pakistani diaspora in the UK should play the role of Ambassadors of Pakistan and promote its business and investment interests in the UK market.

Maqsood Tabish, Ch. Muhammad Ali and others also spoke on the occasion and shared useful ideas to further improve bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and UK.

PTI CORE COMMITTEE CALLS NOV 3 AS ‘BLACK DAY’ IN COUNTRY’S POLITICAL HISTORY Saturday, 4 November, 2023 | LAHORE

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ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

AKISTAN Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Core Committee termed the November 3 as “Black Day” in the country’s political history when a cowardly assassination attempt was made on the nation’s only and most popular leader PTI Chairman Imran Khan; however, despite lapse of a year, no investigation was made into the tragic incident to punish the attackers and unmask the conspirators.

PTI Core Committee, in its meeting, said that on November 3, 2022, the former prime

minister was subjected to a brutal, shameful and outrageous conspiracy like a murder in a broad daylight in the presence of thousands of citizens.

The forum dubbed the failure to probe into the conspiracy and to trace the attackers as a shameful attempt to protect the real culprits.

They contended that the conspiracy to kill Imran Khan was not the assassination of a personality, but a conspiracy to push Pakistan into an abyss of chaos and disorder.

PTI Core Committee lamented that the nomination of the then Prime Minister and Interior Minister and a senior officer of a sensitive institution in the case was

prevented through use of entire state power and they never investigated this brutal conspiracy rather investigation team set up to probe the attack was resisted at all levels and the police and administrative officers refused to assist the team without any legal reason.

They recalled that even after suffering bullet wounds, the leader of the nation foiled the conspiracy to push Pakistan into the fire of internal instability, chaos and anarchy by raising the slogan of peace; however, they stated that he was still looking towards the judiciary for justice despite lapse of a year.

PTI Core Committee made it clear that the nation would never forget the murderous

attack of November 3, the characters involved in the plot and their heinous act against the country.

In the meeting, the participants viewed the role of the SC in fixing poll date as an important step towards the restoration of democracy in the country, adding that the top court’s intervention, role and decision would help end the wide-spread uncertainty in the country. The forum expressed gratitude to the apex court for putting its weight in the cause of restoration of democracy.

It was said that after the announcement of the election date, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was facing daunting task to ensure free, fair and

Return of illegal Afghans in full swing amid calls to revisit repatriation plan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Verification offices of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been established at these locations, where officials are continuously screening and processing individuals.

More border centres to expedite return of undocumented Afghans Meanwhile, the government opened more border centres on Friday to expedite the return of tens of thousands of undocumented Afghan nationals, an official said, ignoring calls by refugee groups to reconsider its mass expulsion plans.

Facilities at the northwestern border crossing of Torkham, where most immigrants are re-entering Afghanistan, have been increased three times to cater to the rising number of returnees, said Abdul Nasir Khan, deputy commissioner for the Khyber district.

“Everything is normal now as the returnees no longer needed to wait in queues for hours,” he said of the crossing, where thousands had thronged after a Wednesday deadline expired for Afghans in the country illegally to leave.

Those arriving in Afghanistan complained of the hardships they had to face to move out of Pakistan and uncertainty over their future.

“We spent three days on the border in Pakistan. We had a very bad situation,” said Mohammad Ismael Rafi, 55, who

said he lived for 22 years in Chaman where he had a retail business.

Meanwhile, the caretaker government has brushed off calls from the United Nations, rights groups and Western embassies to reconsider its plan to expel more than a million of the 4m Afghans in the country.

The Taliban-run administration in Afghanistan, scrambling to cope with the sudden influx, has set up temporary transit camps where food and medical assistance would be provided.

In a joint statement, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Danish Refugee Council and International Rescue Committee have reported chaotic and desperate scenes among those arriving.

Khan said 19,744 Afghans had crossed the border on Thursday, of 147,949 since the government announced the deadline. More than 35,000 undocumented Afghans have left through the Chaman border.

Authorities have said they were open to delaying repatriation for people with health or other issues that would bar them from travelling.

Islamabad has eased a biometric requirement for Afghan women and children to save them the hours-long process at the borders. UN agencies call for protection of refugee families seeking safety in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, three UN agencies raised alarm over the potential consequences of the repatriation plan and expressed their concerns over the safety and well-being

As ECP submits notification, CJP says elections will be held on Feb 8 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

“It is now time that we not just follow the Constitution but also look at the country’s constitutional history,” Justice Isa said, lamenting that Pakistan’s institutions and people had to pay for the consequences when the Constitution was violated. Without naming the PTI chief, Justice Isa said that by dissolving the National Assembly following the noconfidence vote, Imran Khan had created a constitutional crisis. He also recalled that a judge had previously suggested the president be tried under Article 6 (treason) of the Constitution. “It is strange that the president used powers that he was not entitled to.” Justice Isa said the people of Pakistan deserved elections and expressed hope that all the institutions would play their constitutional roles in holding polls. He also urged the ECP to issue the election schedule after completing the preparations. “God willing, elections will be held on Feb 8,” he stated.

The CJP said running news that creates doubt regarding polls would also be a violation of the Constitution and instructed the AGP to ensure Pemra takes action against such media houses. “Let there be no misconception that we have given the date of the elections,” he reiterated and subsequently disposed of the petitions.

‘NO CONFUSION ABOUT POLLS’ Speaking to the media after the SC hearing, PTI’s Barrister Ali Zafar, while giving a recap of the hearing, said the apex court had assured elections would be held on Feb 8 and there was no confusion about polls. He said he was pleased that all the political parties had accepted the apex court decision. “Do you remember how the PDM government opposed all our efforts to hold elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he recalled. But at the same time, Zafar said, “Let bygones be bygones […] this is the time to look towards the future of a new era that is set to begin.” “It is our job to ensure elections are free fair and just,” he said.

of families, including children, impacted by it. UN refugee agency UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Unicef issued a joint press release today appealing to the world community to increase support for hosting vulnerable children, families and refugees in Pakistan.

The statement said the UNHCR and IOM reiterated their offer to support Pakistan in developing a mechanism to “register, manage, and screen” people who needed continued protection in the country. It quoted the UN agencies as saying that a majority of the people being repatriated were Afghans who were “returning out of fear of arrest or deportation in Pakistan”.

“Afghanistan is deep in the grips of a humanitarian crisis, with ongoing human rights challenges and an impending harsh winter,” the statement said. “Almost 30m people require humanitarian assistance and 3.3m are internally displaced.” It highlighted that since September 15, an estimated 160,000 Afghans had left Pakistan.

“Among those, 86 per cent of families reported fear of arrest as the most common reason for departing in a rush, and without assistance,” the statement added.

It lauded Pakistan for having a proud tradition of hosting refugees and saving millions of lives, urging the country to continue the “generosity” that was still needed. It said that although the government’s plan specified the

repatriation of undocumented foreigners during phase one, “there were reports of registered refugees and Afghans possessing legal documents, including Afghan Citizenship Card holders and Afghans scheduled for resettlement, being pressurised despite assurances that they will be protected.”

The press release said the registered refugees included children and women, adding that “IOM received reports of persons being targeted in their homes.”

The statement emphasised that children faced a serious protection risk while moving through detention centres and crossing borders during their return to Afghanistan.

“In these situations, children face risks of physical threats to their safety, family separation, distress, fear, abuse, and exploitation,” it said. “Children’s access to services including education and healthcare and basic necessities such as food and shelter could be severely disrupted.”

The press release said more registered Afghan refugees were also approaching UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation centres in Peshawar and Quetta for assistance. “UNHCR and IOM are stepping up their capacity to help,” it added. “Voluntary returns are generally slower during the winter.” UNHCR’s representative Philippa Candler stressed that “any return needs to be voluntary and done in a safe and orderly manner, with full respect for rights and protection of those in need.”

14 soldiers martyred in Gwadar ambush, three in DI Khan, Lakki IBOs: ISPR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani condemned the attack and said that “such acts were reprehensible”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the martyred and injured. Pakistan stands resolute against terrorists,” he said in a post on social media platform X. Interim Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki also condemned that attack. In a statement, he said that the attack on jawans responsible for protecting the lives and property of the people was “a cowardly act”.

Domki paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives and also offered his condolences to their families.

He termed terrorist incidents a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging peace in the province, adding that permission would not be allowed to disturb the peace won after countless sacrifices.

Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X, condemned the cowardice act of ambush on security forces in Gwadar and expressed sorrows and grief over the martyrdom of 14 soldiers.

PP Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari said militants had ambushed soldiers in a

NEWS

“cowardly attack”. Paying tribute to the martyred soldiers, Bilawal said that the fight against terrorism would continue until the “last militant is eradicated”.

What a price our country has paid in this long war against terrorism! So many lives left desolate,” said PPP’s Sherry Rehman. “Heart goes out to the families of the martyrs and the injured. Their sacrifices will be remembered,” she said.

UPTICK IN TERROR ACTIVITIES The country has been witnessing an uptick in terror activities in recent months, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, after the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November last year.

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

In September, data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said the number of militant attacks in August was the highest tally for monthly strikes in almost nine years.

There were 99 attacks across the country, the highest number in a single month since November 2014, the report had said.

03

transparent elections in the country.

They went on to say that PTI was the largest party in the country and equally popular in all federal units; however, during the last 18 months, the party and its leaders, workers and supporters was being subjected to the worst state repression and fascism.

It was said that after the ECP announced the election date, the raid on the house of the sister of PTI Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President Ali Amin Gandapur was a provocative display of disgraceful state terrorism.

The forum PTI’s participation in the election process without any fear or hindrance was pre-requisite for holding free, fair and transparent elections, adding that providing equal opportunities to all political parties for contesting elections was the essence of the clean and transparent elections.

PTI Core Committee underlined that ECP should take immediate decisions on all the pending issues including the immediate allotment of election symbol “Bat”, besides ensuring a level playing…

PTI’s ticket holder Fiaz Bhatti part ways with party LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI’s) ticket holder from PP-163 Lahore, Muhammad Fiaz Bhatti on Friday announced to part ways with the party. In a statement, Fiaz Bhatti said that after May 9 incidents, he was optimistic that PTI will adopt the attitude of reconciliation but all in vain. He said that instead of lessening the increased distinctions with national institutions, the party was not ready to disengage of its viewpoint. Fiaz Bhatti said that he can’t move ahead with current viewpoint of PTI, therefore, decided to quit the party.

Justice Irfan Saadat Khan takes oath as judge of SC ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, Acting Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court on Friday took oath as judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Qazi Faiz Isa administered oath of the office to Justice Irfan Saadat Khan during a simple and dignified ceremony held at Supreme Court. Attorney General for Pakistan, representatives of the Federal Judicial Academy, Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Bar Council, Supreme Court Bar Association along with Senior Advocates, Advocates, Advocates on Record and officers and staff of the Supreme Court of Pakistan attended the ceremony. Registrar Supreme Court of Pakistan, Ms. Jazeela Aslam conducted the proceedings of oath taking ceremony.

PTI spokesperson strongly condemns Asad Qaiser’s arrest ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) strongly condemned the arrest of former Speaker National Assembly and PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser, adding that the court would be moved against his detention to ensure his early release. Reacting to the arrest of PTI senior leader, PTI spokesperson termed the detention of Asad Qaiser immediately after the announcement of the date for the forthcoming general elections as a shameful attempt to sabotage and affect the transparency and fairness of the elections. PTI spokesperson said that the arrest of Asad Qaiser put a question mark on the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding conducting free, fair and transparent elections. He contended that the unstoppable series of unjustified arrests of PTI leaders was a part of the malicious plan to keep PTI out of the election race.

PTI spokesperson urged that the electoral watchdog should shun efforts of pre-election rigging and ensure provision of equal environment to all parties. He made it clear that the brutal and fascist act of arresting Asad Qaiser would be challenged in the court.

The Paris Agreement Goals: Retrospection before COP28 DR. FASIHA SAFDAR NewS DeSk

The United Nations Conference on Climate Change, also known as Conference of Parties or COP for short, has been held every year since 1995. The aim of these conferences is to fight the threats of global warming and climate change collectively, as the impacts of global warming are universal and cannot be tackled at national levels.

With this year’s COP28 just around the corner, hopes are high among the climate activists worldwide for progress on developing a more robust roadmap to expedite climate action. Although COP27 has been celebrated for the breakthrough agreement on the “Loss and Damage Fund”, the fact that little has been achieved on the path of meeting the goals of Paris Agreement by reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, remains buried under the revelries.

According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) sixth assessment report published in 2022, “limiting warming to around 1.5°C requires global greenhouse gas emissions to peak before 2025 at the latest and be reduced by

43% by 2030”. This does not seem likely to occur, given the fact that UN’s first Global StockTake (GST) report released in September this year cautioned that global emissions have not yet peaked.

It was agreed in the Paris Agreement that it may take longer for developing nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, however the goal would be to achieve global peak emissions in 2025 and net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

GST is a technical mechanism which overlooks and keeps tracks of the progress of the promises made during Paris Agreement and runs a 5-year phase. The technical report of the first GST will be put to table for the parties to discuss at COP28.

The end of the first GST and ensuing discussions, which might propose a revised collective goal to pursue, would be highlighting features of COP28.

Despite the breakthrough of the agreement on the loss and damage fund being termed historic, critics of the COP27 have been vocal about absence of any action on reducing emissions and the looming climate emergency. There is a perception that discussions on climate adaptation and mitigation have not proceeded beyond the

Glasgow Accord of COP26. Besides this, there has been no consensus on how the loss and damage fund would be operationalized.

The decision as to which countries would pay climate reparations and by what proportion is expected to be a point of contention in the upcoming COPs. The first report of the GST clearly outlines that the global community is not on track to meeting the Paris Agreement goals, as announced in member countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and calls for expediting of action on climate by all countries and fulfilment on promises of mobilizing funds to fight climate change by rich countries. COP26 and UN’s NDC report just before COP27 requested countries to revise their NDCs to ramp up their domestic mitigation efforts since existing pledges are clearly insufficient to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Only 34 out of 194 countries have submitted their revised NDCs, with most of the G20 states either being indifferent to the calls or delaying their revisions. conomic and geopolitical interests of the developed countries guide their decisions to act on climate pledges,

hampering the collective progress on the front. COP26 saw heated debates on the term “unabated coal power phase-out” and ultimately ended on the comprised term “phase-down” on China and India’s insistence. COP27 saw resistance from US, UK and EU to the loss and damage fund as had happened in many previous years, with EU agreeing to it suddenly at the end, with UK and US following because of the mounting pressure after EU’s agreement.

Historically, US has been the biggest polluter of greenhouse gases, trailed by EU, China, and Russia. Currently, China is the top contributor, followed by US, EU, and India.

These countries would be the ones bearing the most responsibility for the climate reparations after the operationalization of the loss and damage fund.

Another obstacle in meeting the goals of Paris agreement is the lack of funds required for adaptation and mitigation efforts in the developing world, which the low-income countries of the Global South, plagued by their natural vulnerability to climate change and governance malpractices, are unable to raise. The Global North needs to fulfil its promises of financial aid for climate action; G20 committed to mobilize $100 billion by

2020, but adaptation funds stood at $83.3 billion in 2020 (source: OECD report on climate finance,2022).

Developing countries like Pakistan, which already have less than 1% share in the global emissions have a small role to play in solving the climate crisis. The current scenario should serve as an opportunity for the Global South to grow their economies on clean energy resources in line with local needs and priorities, along with making use of the climate funds to build their climate resilience and adaptation in a transparent way. However, the Global North, which has utilized many natural resources to rise where it stands now, must pay back to nature and humanity at this critical stage, at a point where climate clock is ticking; as UN Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out recently, “the climate emergency is a race we are losing, but it is a race we can win”.

–The writer holds a PhD in EnvironmentalSciences/Climate Change and is currently associated with the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Islamabad. She can be reached at fasiha.nima@bahria.edu.pk

04 COMMENT

Pakistan’s diplomatic disconnect

Saturday, 4 November, 2023

Gaza genocide goes on

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A product of political and economic turbulence

The countries backing Israel are doin it no favours by not reining it in

HILE the Israeli Defence Forces have begun the long-awaited ground assault on Gaza city, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah gave the group’s first reaction to the Israeli attacks, thus encapsulating how the conflict could grow, as more and more forces were pulled in. Israel which may well find that the proliferation of opponents will make it increasingly difficult to defeat the combination. Israel may have defeated alliances before, but the most resounding of those victories, the Six-Day War, took place five and a half decades ago.

Another problem that Israel is facing is that Hamas’ attacks on Israeli civilians took place on October 7, and have not been repeated. They fade into insignificance when compared with the incessant bombardment by Israeli warplanes, which are also hitting civilians. The argument that civilians support Hamas does not wash, for it means that Israeli settlers then become legitimate targets, because they can be presumed to support continued occupation. Israel tried to obfuscate its attack on the Al-Ahabily Hospital, because it realised that the images of death and destruction would show it in a poor light, However, the apparent success with which it got people to accept its lie that the Palestinians themselves had it t with a misdirected rocket apparently gave it the confidence to bomb the Jabaliya refugee camp, where the images of death and destruction created a revulsion of feeling within the publics of those very countries which have been so slavish in their support for Israel.

It is true that the state of Israel rests on the land of the Palestinians who have been driven out of their land, their very homes. However, what is essential now is for the slaughter of innocent women and children to be brought to an end, which means that there must be a ceasefire. A more lasting solution must naturally be found, but a stop to the slaughter of innocents must not wait for that. The Western powers backing Israel should be made to realize that their turning a blind eye to Israeli behaviour is merely encouraging it. It is a painful irony of the present situation that the people which underwent the massive and unimaginable slaughter of the Holocaust, should now engage in a similar act of genocide. What is the difference between what is being done in Gaza and what the Nazis did in the Warsaw Ghetto?

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ESTLED in the heart of South Asia, Pakistan has long been a pivotal player on the global stage, owing to its rich history, strategic location, and complex geopolitical dynamics. However, over the past five years, Pakistan’s diplomatic standing has faced numerous challenges, resulting in a significant disconnect from both regional and global networks.

This disconnect is deeply intertwined with the nation’s ongoing political and economic turbulence, which has left an indelible mark on its international relationships. We need to delve into the multifaceted aspects of this diplomatic quagmire and explore how it has unfolded and its repercussions on the international stage.

2018 brought with it a political transformation in Pakistan, as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ascended to power with a compelling narrative of “naya Pakistan” or “new Pakistan.” The nation was infused with optimism, hoping for a brighter future.

Yet, as the years rolled on, the PTI struggled to translate its promises into tangible results, leaving the population disillusioned and perplexed.

One of the primary roadblocks impeding Pakistan’s diplomatic journey has been relentless political polarization. The nation’s two main mainstream parties, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML([N]), have been ensnared in a ceaseless cycle of political wrangling, severely impeding the nation’s progress. In this charged environment, the government’s capacity to craft a coherent foreign policy and nurture international relations has been compromised.

The PTI’s economic policies have fallen short of expectations, triggering a series of economic challenges. Pakistan grapples with rising inflation, a depreciating currency, and diminishing foreign reserves.

The government’s pursuit of populist policies has come at the expense of vital structural reforms that could have underpinned the nation’s economic stability and vitality. Futhermore, the PDM-led Government wreaked havoc with the economy by bowing to IMF’s tough conditions that made inflation skyrocket.

The mess is too hard to be cleaned for the current in-

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Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

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

Executive Editor

abdul RahMan MaliK

terim set-up which enjoys limited decision-making powers.

Pakistan’s diplomatic standing has been further muddied by a fluid web of international alliances.

Traditional allies, including the USA and Saudi Arabia, have grown increasingly skeptical of the government’s actions and commitments. Simultaneously, Pakistan’s deepening ties with China have raised eyebrows among other regional powers, contributing to the nation’s diplomatic predicament. Pakistan has to rethink its selecting of allies and strategic partners in future and avoid indulging in serving the interests of other global and regional powers that might backfire at any stage.

Pakistan’s foreign policy decisions have farreaching implications, not only for the nation itself but for regional and global stability. Its geographical location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East makes Pakistan a linchpin in various international initiatives. However, the political turmoil and economic fragility have placed the nation in a precarious position, affecting its diplomatic standing on several fronts.

Pakistan’s relationship with the USA, historically characterized by cooperation on various fronts, has witnessed a gradual deterioration. The divergence in strategic interests, the Afghan conundrum, and human rights concerns have all strained this crucial bilateral relationship. While Pakistan remains a significant player in the Afghan peace process, it must navigate the intricacies of a complex regional landscape.

China’s robust economic and strategic partnership with Pakistan has raised eyebrows among other regional powers, most notably India. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a massive infrastructure project, has been hailed as a gamechanger for the region. However, it has also sparked concerns, particularly from India, about China’s expanding influence in South Asia.

While CPEC presents promising economic opportunities for Pakistan, it underscores the delicate balance the nation must maintain to not unduly irk other regional powers. Pakistan must demonstrate that its engagements with China are not at the expense of its relationships with other nations. Pakistan should engage in dialogue with its turbulent neighbors who are hostile nations such as India and Afghanistan in Particular. Pakistan must deal with the issues of repatriation of Afghan refugees as the deadline expired on October 31.

Editor’s mail

Is the rupee’s appreciation sustainable?

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MoMMen Khan

N a world of global economics, some stories are as riveting as that of a country’s currency. The Pakistani rupee was recently declared to be the worst-performing currency in the South Asian region, but now it has emerged as the best-performing currency against dollars in September.

This remarkable journey from plummeting to a strikingly low rate of Rs 308 per dollar to the significant feat of closing at Rs 279 against the greenback, which marks the sevenweek highest rate of the Pakistani rupee, is truly a financial epic. Yet, beneath this tale of resurgence lies a complex web of economic intricacies, political uncertainty, and bleak prospects. It is crucial to highlight that the currency has experienced an extraordinary appreciation of 9 percent within a month. This is an outcome of strict measures taken by the authorities to cope with currency smuggling via different routes.

While the Pakistani rupee has gained value, the question remained unexplored of whether this improvement will be sustainable amidst the challenges of trade imbalance, looming political uncertainty, debt burden, and lack of foreign investment. Therefore, the answer to this sustainability lies in a story of economic transformation, political will and stability, and long-term practical planning.

Amidst the backdrop of the agitated financial tapestry of Pakistan, which is marked by differences in the value of rupees in the open market, interbank, and grey markets, Pakistan finds itself in a difficult phase of economic uncertainty. In August the interbank rate stood at Rs 287 per dollar, while in the open market, the same dollar was exchanged at the rate of Rs 308. However, in the grey market, the value of the rupee dropped even further to about Rs 320, portraying a significant gap in comparison with the interbank rates.

This divergence involved a multitude of factors which included a drastic increase in import payments, heightened demand for dollars, and preference for illicit market exchange rates –as people wanted to capitalize on these stark exchange rate differentials. The repercussions of these disparities extend beyond the currency markets in Pakistan, with the potential consequences on the inflows of remittances in the economy. These factors combined with the uncertain economic outlook have impacted the value of the currency to the extent that it is declared as the worst-performing currency

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

the other aspects of the economy.

In the short run, such measures and strategies can be effective and have given positive results. This cannot be sustainable in the long run amidst the political crisis in the country, high debt burden, weak economic outlook, and high reliance on imports with low-value exports. A bleak political climate impedes foreign investment, in the past two years the foreign direct investment has faced downward pressure and declined by 25 percent.

Despite the depreciated currency, the exports have declined. Due to the narrow base exports have declined by 19 percent.

In the existence of all these challenges, this appreciation of the Pakistani rupee will not be sustainable. To effectively prevent currency smuggling, it is imperative to tackle the underlying causes of the issue instead of just managing its symptoms.

For the long-term improvement in the value of Pakistani currency, it is imperative to diversify the economy for the reduction of trade imbalances. Political stability is a prerequisite to an investor-friendly environment, and it should be ensured. The authorities should support and incentivize exportoriented industries to bolster export-led growth. Effective implementation of these strategies can help the country cope with these complex economic challenges and pave the way for making the Pakistani rupee a better and stable currency.

For the long-term improvement in the value of Pakistani currency, it is imperative to diversify the economy for the reduction of trade imbalances. Political stability is a prerequisite to an investor-friendly environment, and it should be ensured.

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

The writer is working as an Assistant Research Fellow at Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN), Quetta.

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The writer is a freelance columnist

Timely general elections are the key for revisiting the foreign policy of Pakistan as the nationÊs mandate on who is going to form its government in future. PakistanÊs economic stability is directly linked with political stability and respect for state institutions.

From Worst to Best

against the dollar in Asia.

The depreciation of the rupee in the interbank market is attributed to the lack of foreign currency inflows from bilateral and multilateral creditors. The US dollar continues to be in high demand, mostly for financing imports and paying off foreign debt. The smuggling of the dollar in Pakistan played a catalytic role in further depreciating the value of the rupee.

Thus, it compelled the authorities to take strict measures.

In September of this year, the government decided to act on the subject matter and initiated a large-scale crackdown against stakeholders and elements involved in the currency smuggling and hoarding of US dollars. A major factor behind this massive depreciation of Pakistani currency is the high demand for dollars in financing smuggled goods and payments involved in the Afghanistan transit trade.]

According to customs officials, all such payments are made in dollars without any track of the quantum of this illicit trade. Significant measures of enhancing monitoring systems at various points of entry including land, airport, borders, and sea with an objective of curtailing illicit movement of currency and goods.

As a result, there has been an unprecedented improvement in the appreciation of currency. Owing to this, the Pakistani rupee claimed the world’s bestperforming currency against the dollar for the month of September. While this strategy has seemingly been effective in rejuvenating the currency’s value it also raises questions about its long-term sustainability and its impact on

The Middle East has traditionally been an essential region for Pakistan’s diplomatic endeavours. Pakistan has, for decades, enjoyed close relations with countries like Saudi Arabia, which have extended economic and strategic support to the nation. However, these ties have faced strains, primarily due to Pakistan’s decision to remain neutral in Middle Eastern conflicts, such as the Yemeni civil war. Pakistan’s efforts to balance its relationships between Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other Middle Eastern powers are of paramount importance to its diplomatic resurgence.

Pakistan’s diplomatic disconnect is a pressing concern, not only for the nation but for regional and global stability. To regain its standing on the international stage, Pakistan must prioritize economic stability; invest in structural reforms, and work tirelessly to reduce political polarization.

A more balanced and nuanced foreign policy is indispensable. Pakistan should actively seek to diversify its international alliances, demonstrating that it is not overly reliant on any single nation. This multifaceted approach is crucial for Pakistan as it navigates its complex political and economic terrain and seeks to rebuild trust with its traditional allies while forging healthy relationships with emerging global players.

Pakistan’s success in overcoming its diplomatic disconnects will not only shape its future but will also have far-reaching consequences for international relations, particularly in a world where the balance of power is continually evolving. As Pakistan strives to find its diplomatic footing, it carries the hopes of its citizens and the watchful eyes of the world, eagerly awaiting its resurgence as a stable and respected member of the international community.

Timely general elections are the key for revisiting the foreign policy of Pakistan as the nation’s mandate on who is going to form its government in future.

Pakistan’s economic stability is directly linked with political stability and respect for state institutions.

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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

Tobacco and cancer

TOBACCO use poses a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, and over 20 other diseases. It contains nicotine, which can lead to addiction, making it difficult for many tobacco users to quit. The tobacco epidemic is one of the most significant public health threats globally, resulting in over 8 million deaths annually. Out of these, more than 7 million are attributed to direct tobacco use, while approximately 1.3 million result from non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. All forms of tobacco use are harmful, with no safe level of exposure. Cigarette smoking, in particular, is the most common form of tobacco use worldwide.

Tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars, are responsible for almost nine out of every ten cases of lung cancer. However, tobacco use can lead to cancer in various parts of the body, including the bladder, blood (acute myeloid leukaemia), cervix, colon and rectum, oesophagus, kidney and renal pelvis, liver, lungs, bronchi, and trachea, mouth and throat, pancreas, stomach, and voice box (larynx). Cigarettes contain a multitude of toxic chemicals, including nicotine and cadmium from the tobacco plant itself. Others are formed during the curing and manufacturing of cigarettes, while additional harmful substances like benzene and carbon monoxide are produced when tobacco is burned, such as when lighting a cigarette. In total, the act of smoking a cigarette releases around 7,000 chemicals, with approximately 70 of them linked to cancer. Inhaling cigarette smoke draws these chemicals into the mouth or nose and down the windpipe.

HAFSA AKHTAR MEHMOOD LAHORE

Environmental population

THE strain on our environment is becoming increasingly evident due to the continuous growth of the planet’s population, leading to serious ecological and social consequences. Overpopulation contributes to problems like deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. Additionally, it exacerbates climate change, intensifies food and water scarcity, and poses a significant threat to biodiversity. These challenges are interconnected and have far-reaching impacts on our quality of life. I urge our local and national authorities to prioritise sustainable urban planning, family planning education, and comprehensive policies aimed at addressing overpopulation. It is essential that we work together to find a balance between our growing population and the finite resources of our planet. Furthermore, as responsible individuals, we should all make efforts to reduce our ecological footprint by adopting more sustainable practices in our daily lives. We cannot afford to ignore the environmental population challenges we face.

KANZA KANWAL KARACHI

Religious tourism

NANKANA Sahib is a small city in the southern province of Punjab, here in Pakistan. Many Sikh people from India come to Pakistan to visit this holy city.

It is a place of great religious significance for Sikhs. The first guru of the Sikhs was born here. Since it is the most holy place in the Sikh religion, I believe that we should encourage people from India to visit, as it holds immense religious importance for them. The Baisakhi festival, in particular, is of great significance for them, and many Sikhs come to Pakistan to celebrate it. By doing so, we would not only be promoting religious tourism in our country, Pakistan, but we would also be strengthening our ties with India. This is what is referred to as religious tourism. We should consider opening the Wagah border and making it easier for tourists to cross. I think the government of Pakistan should simplify the visa process for Sikhs from India to come to Pakistan.

DANIAL TANVIR ISLAMABAD

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

Stopping civilian trials in military courts

Saturday, 4 November, 2023

There are many precedents allowing military trials of civilians

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sajjad shaukat

N its verdict, a five-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) on October 23 declared the trial of civilians in the military courts unconstitutional. The Bench also declared Section 2(d) (1) and Section 59(4) (civil offences) of the Pakistan Army Act unconstitutional. This judgment was especially focusing on the trials of civilians who were involved in the violence of May 9.

The court ruled that cases of 102 civilians, involved in the incidents of May 9, shall be conducted in civilian criminal courts.

As regards Section 2(1)(d) of the Act, it states: “persons not otherwise subject to this Act who are accused of seducing or attempting to seduce any person subject to this Act from his duty or allegiance to government, or having committed, in relation to any work of defence, arsenal, naval, military or air force establishment or station, ship or aircraft or otherwise in relation to the naval, military or air force affairs of Pakistan” can be tried under the secrets act.

A number of legal experts opine that if the provisions of Pakistan Army Act (Section 59) were applicable in earlier cases for decades, then why now it is declared unconstitutional? Section 59(4) states: “Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time being in force a person who becomes subject to this Act by reason of his being accused of an offence mentioned in clause (d) of subsection (1) of section 2 shall be liable to be tried or otherwise dealt with under this Act for such offence as if the offence were an offence against this Act and were committed at a time when such person was subject to this Act; and the provisions of this section shall have effect accordingly”.

It is mentionable that the Pakistan Army Act is opera-

tional since 1952 and there have been many civilians who were tried under its Section 59. Thousands of civilians have been disposed of under military law under the Pakistan Army Act 1952 and 1967. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has given several decisions in the light of these laws.

It is notable that the main purpose of this petition was to protect the miscreants caught red-handed in the riots of May 9 from the military law, because if the Army Act does not apply, then these miscreants can be easily released due to suspicion of criminal procedure, as Pakistan’s criminal law is the weakest in the world, and people can easily be given relief at will— justice has recognized the decisions made under the Army Act as due process.

On May 9, the Parliament of Pakistan has clearly passed a resolution that the involved evildoers should be tried in military courts. The Pakistan Army Act is a law passed by the legislature and has been in force since inception, repeatedly validated by superior courts of Pakistan. Notwithstanding the debate around the 21st Amendment, a full court bench of the apex court in 2015 validated not only the military courts, but never questioned Section 2(1)d, as it deemed that the judicature is not empowered to question Parliament.

The Supreme Court and high courts have often held that trials under the Army Act are valid trials. The Supreme Court has consistently held that case of any accused for trial under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, as amended, and any order passed or decision taken or sentence awarded in such trial shall be subject to judicial review on the grounds of coram non judice, being without jurisdiction or suffering from mala fide. So, a five-member bench cannot overturn years of precedent given by

It looks inevitable that the war in Gaza will spread. Is it?

The Middle East is the greatest area of vulnerability for the United States, and many countries want to cause trouble

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GUARDIAN

anatol lieven

T first sight, it looks almost inevitable that the war in Gaza will spread. Quite apart from the anger it has caused in the Muslim world, China and still more Russia would seem to have every incentive to cause trouble for the United States – and, as has been demonstrated again and again over the years, the Middle East is the greatest area of US vulnerability.

On closer examination, things do not look so simple. In the first place, if Moscow and Beijing are content with a purely diplomatic and public relations victory, they do not need to do anything at all. US virtual silence in the face of Israel’s indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza is doing it for them. Yet again, the United States has used its UN security council veto to defend Israel, as the solitary opponent both of all the other UNSC members, and a large majority of the general assembly.

As western (and some US) diplomats have remarked (off the record), unfaltering US support for Israel has shredded the Biden administration’s strategy of competing with China for influence in the “global south”.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the western reaction to it, the charge has been made across most of the non-western world (including by US partners like India) that the west has one standard for white victims, and a much lower one for everyone else. The Biden administration (and many European governments) have now in effect confirmed this.

Witness (in a widely circulated clip) the US national security council spokesperson John Kirby choking back crocodile tears over Russian bombardment of civilians in Ukraine, then justifying Israeli “collateral damage” in Gaza – although according to UN figures, Israel has already killed almost as many Palestinian civilians in two weeks as Russia has killed Ukrainian civilians in 20 months. Equally striking has been the refusal of the Biden administration to do anything to help the 500-600 Palestinian American US citizens trapped in Gaza. If anyone wants evidence to argue that in the eyes of Washington some US citizens are more equal than others, they need look no further than this.

Dependence on imported oil also gives China a strong incentive not to try to extend the Gaza conflict across the Middle East. Especially given its present economic troubles, China cannot afford the shock to the world economy that would result from a massive and prolonged surge in oil prices. China has used the Ukraine war and western sanctions to drive some very advantageous energy deals with Russia, but Moscow is nowhere near being able to compensate for Chinese energy supplies from the Persian Gulf.

Moreover, given their own restive Muslim regions, both Russia and China fear the spread of Sunni extremism. This may well happen anyway, but Moscow and Beijing will not help the process. Fear of Sunni jihadi movements was a key reason for Russia’s intervention in the Syrian civil war, where many Chechens and other Muslim volunteers were fighting for the Islamic State.

In Syria, Russian forces fought alongside Iranian revolutionary guards and Hezbollah. Since the invasion of Ukraine has faltered, Russia and Iran have forged a closer partnership, and Russia has come to increasingly depend on Iran for supplies of drones. On the other hand, Russia is in a position to give extremely important help to Iran in the areas of missile technology and satellite intelligence.

That does not mean that Iran will launch itself into an appallingly risky war with the United States at Russia’s behest, nor that Hezbollah will launch such a war against Israel at Iran’s behest – though it is easy to imagine how the clashes occurring on the LebaneseIsraeli border could escalate to full-scale war.

One thing does nonetheless seem certain: that if hawks in Israel and the US manage to exploit this crisis to bring about a US attack on Iran (as many of the very same people 20 years ago used 9/11 to bring about a US attack on Iraq), then Russia at least will do its utmost to arm Iran. For Russia, such a strategy would be irresistible, given US and Nato arming of Ukraine. Attacks by Iranian-backed Shia militias on US troops in Iraq, if they manage to cause significant casualties, could give these hawks a casus belli.

In two ways, the repercussions of the war in Gaza will be beyond the power of any outside state to control.

The first is the reaction of the Arab masses – whom, as the Arab spring of 2011 demonstrated, cannot safely be ignored. It is impossible to judge just how endangered the regimes in Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia are at present; but their differing vulnerabilities are obvious.

Second, there is the likely spread of terrorism. Tens of thousands of US and European citizens working in the Gulf are acutely vulnerable to attack, if only by infuriated lone wolves. Their flight would in turn have a severe effect on the local economies, potentially worsening mass discontent.

Above all, there is the dire threat of a new wave of terrorism in Europe (which has indeed already begun on a small scale) as a result of Europe’s refusal to support a ceasefire in Gaza. Given Russia’s own experience of terrorism, there is no reason to think it would support such terrorism, but it could bring Russia considerable benefits.

Increased Islamist terrorism would almost certainly drive still further anti-immigrant sentiment and support for rightwing parties in Europe, which are already surging in the polls. As a result of the invasion of Ukraine, these have mostly reduced (in public at least) their traditional sympathy for Russia; but their overwhelming focus on immigration in itself would reduce their commitment to Ukraine. Moreover, the ascent to power of populist rightwing movements in western Europe would deepen divisions within the European Union and leave Germany isolated.

The repercussions of an ongoing war in Gaza will therefore work themselves out over many months and years. It is hard to see how any of them will be to the advantage of the United States or Europe.

Anatol Lieven is the director of the Eurasia program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

larger and full court benches.

Military courts are not a novel idea only existing in Pakistan. Jurisdictions around the world empower their militaries to try civilians in cases of serious breaches of security. Even the USA allows its military jurisdiction over civilians, who can be tried under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

A panoramic world view shall reveal that apart from the USA, a number of countries allow military trials of civilians. Argentina, Israel, Turkey, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Mali, Lebanon, Malaysia, Russia, Iran, India, Cuba, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Bahrain, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Philippines, Syria, Yemen, Bangladesh, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Burundi, Syria, Cambodia, Jordan, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Guatemala, Columbia, Greece, Venezuela and Zimbabwe have all enacted laws that allows military to have jurisdiction over civilians. The argument that these countries are either ThirdWorld or tightly governed, therefore their examples do not matter, is flawed, as a broad glance shall reveal another critical factor: the armed forces of these countries have been involved in insurgencies or internal conflict.

In such circumstances, it is sinful to launch a military effort without empowering one’s army to deal with civilians who perform criminal acts, with swift justice.

Militaries across the world use such powers sparingly, but use them as a deterrent only by being highly selective just to create the requisite effect. This is precisely the deterrent theory of law.

However, the arrested people involved in the tragedy of May 9 had committed violence in the prohibited areas like GHQ Rawalpindi, and the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore, PAF Base Mianwali, Inter-Services Intelligence in Faisalabad, Hamza Camp, Bannu Camp and Gujranwala Camp. The question arises, should such at-

Fundamental rights are important, but are always subservient to the national security of a country. Courts, rights, legal questions are dependent upon maintaining the sovereignty of a nation which is guarded by its security forces, civil and military tackers be tried in civilian courts, while they have committed the offences in military areas?

In fact, even in the past, there was no effective prosecution in the civil courts against the persons involved in such cases. In the past, there have been attacks in GHQ, Karachi Airport and Badaber, including military installations.

Nevertheless, if the criminals of May 9 are not punished by the civil courts, the confidence of the people of Pakistan will be lost in the judicial system. Similarly, if the criminals get immunity from the civil courts, the confidence of the terrorists will be strengthened and the crime rate will increase in the country. Now, with this decision, it seems that no matter how serious a crime someone commits, it cannot be tried under military law.

Since the loss of state is in the legal domain, hence, the restoration also lies in the same domain. Whereas the legal way forward as per the Practice and Procedure Act is an appeal against the judgment, which can launched within 30 days of the verdict and shall be decided within 14 days by the Supreme Court.

Fundamental rights are important, but are always subservient to the national security of a country. Courts, rights, legal questions are dependent upon maintaining the sovereignty of a nation which is guarded by its security forces, civil and military.

Nonetheless, in this connection, reports suggest that the federal government is likely to file an appeal very soon.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations and can be reached at sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Why the global anti-Hamas coalition pushed by Macron is a bad idea The French president has suggested repurposing an international anti-IS effort, feeble to begin with, to help Israel fight its war

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RACHELMARSDEN.COM Rachel MaRsden

AST week, standing beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Jerusalem, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested recycling the global coalition of 86 nations against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) to focus on Hamas.

“Hamas is a terrorist group, whose objective is the destruction of the state of Israel. This is also the case of ISIS, of Al-Qaeda, of all those associated with them, either by actions or by intentions,” Macron said, betraying a short and selective memory. The stated goal of IS wasn’t to eradicate Israel – it was to establish a caliphate in Syria and Iraq, then broaden it into Arab countries. IS was first and foremost a threat to the stability of Syria – the same country whose government the US and its Western allies actively hindered in its fight against terrorism by making a failed attempt at overthrowing President Bashar Assad through Pentagon and CIAbacked training and equipping of “Syrian rebel” jihadists. As for Al-Qaeda, Israel was even reportedly at one point helping treat wounded militants from the group who were fighting their common enemy, the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, in Syria – in turn effectively hindering the fight against IS, as Syria and Hezbollah worked to destroy it.

The Global Coalition against Daesh (another name for IS), founded in 2014, explicitly excluded Russia, whose invitation by Damascus to help it eradicate the terrorist threat can be largely credited for Syria’s stabilization, and the fact that it’s rare to even hear any talk of IS anymore. Russia’s involvement in neutralizing the terrorist group, coupled with former US President Donald Trump’s refusal to continue funding Washington’s incursion into Syria, beyond hunkering down in the oil-rich Kurdish part, was the ultimate key to IS’ defeat. So with apparently little left for it to do now, Macron recommends that the coalition that mostly sat and watched – while Russia, Iran, and Syria did the heavy lifting – take on Hamas.

Who does he think is going to do the work this time?

Russia, which is still excluded from the coalition?

Syria, which has recently taken incoming missile fire from Israel? Iran’s Hezbollah allies, who lost 1,000 men fighting IS in Syria – and whom Netanyahu has placed in the same basket as Hamas as an enemy of Israel? Good luck with that.

So with the most effective anti-IS fighters excluded from fighting Hamas, who’s left in Macron’s proposed coalition? There’s the Global South, including some African countries that just kicked out French

troops for their own failed counterterrorism missions which had led to multiple coups and the flourishing of jihadism. It’s doubtful these nations will now be keen to embark on yet another counterterrorism mission alongside the same forces that they just expelled.

Then there are all those members of the international community who are quietly thinking what United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres dared to say aloud last week – that Hamas’ brutal attack on October 7, which left close to a thousand civilians and hundreds of military and security personnel dead, “did not happen in a vacuum.” He was, of course, hinting at Israel’s longstanding, UN-recognized oppression of civilians in Gaza. His statement begs yet another question: Is Hamas really a global threat? Or is it just Israel’s problem?

Anti-Israel unrest has reverberated outside of the immediate conflict zone, including in Western Europe and the US, but these protests have nothing to do with Hamas. Instead, citizens elsewhere in the world are merely reacting to perceived injustices, particularly in light of what they consider to be an overwhelmingly pro-Israel bias on the part of the Western establishment, which initially and drastically minimized concerns over the protection of Palestinian civilians. So any global action against Hamas seems futile.

The anti-IS coalition targeted the terror group’s propaganda, with its website stating that IS’ “use of social media tied to acts of terrorism is well-documented. In response, Coalition partners are working together to expose the falsehoods that lie at the heart” of its ideology. They’re free to do that, but why bother when there’s already open debate among those who have the opportunity to see reports from the ground and assess the situation for themselves? Governments can’t be trusted not to promote their own propaganda under the guise of combating it – all to secure an advantage for their preferred narrative.

Just consider the recent example of propaganda emitted by one of the self-styled gatekeepers of truth: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “Russia and Hamas are alike... their essence is the same,” she said. Nah, actually they aren’t the same at all. And not even Israel has been saying that, but still, “Vladimir Putin wants to wipe Ukraine from the map. Hamas, supported by Iran, wants to wipe Israel from the map,” von der Leyen explained. Besides the hot take on Putin’s intentions regarding Ukraine, that’s like saying that since Warren Buffet has a bank account, and I have a bank account, then I’m also a billionaire. This is exactly the kind of nonsense that Western anti-propaganda campaigns end up spewing.

The anti-IS coalition was made to tackle IS. If that’s no longer an issue, then just toss it in the trash.

How many interventionist entities does the West need to spearhead, anyway? There are already more than enough vehicles and coordination mechanisms for intelligence sharing, propagandizing, and security operations. Besides, there’s no proof that better intelligence could have helped Israel when Egyptian and American officials have claimed that Netanyahu had warning of the impending Hamas attack. About the only thing that more useless Western-led bureaucracy would help is the West’s own hunger for more of it.

Rachel Marsden is a columnist, political strategist, and host of independently produced talk-shows in French and English.

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06 NEWS

CHINA CONFIRMS CLIMATE TALKS, CONTINUES DETENTE AND ENGAGEMENT ATMOSPHERE

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CALIFORNIA AGENCIES

HINA’S climate change envoy Xie Zhenhua is set to hold talks with his US counterpart John Kerry in California from November 4 to 7, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced on Friday, amid the recent atmosphere of detente and engagement ahead of a possible Xi-Biden meeting in San Francisco later this month.

In addition to the field of climate change, China and the US have recently made or are about to make contacts and exchanges in a number of areas, including agriculture, trade and commerce, science and technology, and military. Analysts believe the stabilization of relations between the world’s top two economies sends a positive signal to a world in turmoil.

However, considering the reality that the structural contradictions between China and the US have not been resolved, and that Washington continues to make petty actions

against China, relations remain fragile, experts said, while also calling on the US to show more sincerity in its actions and remove domestic disruptive factors as much as possible to avoid more friction, which would in turn bring more uncertainties to the world and more passivity to the US’ own strategy.

In response to the announcement of the climate envoys’ meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing on Friday that “the two sides will have an in-depth exchange of views on promoting actions and cooperation on climate change and supporting the success of COP28 in Dubai, so as to join hands to address the challenges and jointly contribute to global climate governance and sustainable development.”

Also on Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce briefed that China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao has met with Sanjay Mehrotra, president and CEO of US chip giant Micron Technology on Wednesday.

The two nations also held the first

round of maritime affairs consultations in Beijing, co-chaired by Hong Liang, director-general of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Washington’s China Coordinator Mark Lambert. A delegation from 11 groups including the US Soybean Export Council, US Grains Council and US Wheat Associates started their China tour to expand cooperation on Thursday, after Chinese grain buyers signed agreements in Iowa to buy billions of dollars worth of produce, mostly soybeans, the first such signing since 2017, according to a Reuters report.

The US is also sending its highest-level delegation ever to participate in the sixth China International Import Expo, which opens in Shanghai on Sunday.

Moreover, the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday announced that China and the US will hold arms control and non-proliferation consultations at the director-general level in Washington DC next week. The two sides will exchange views on a wide range

As Palestinians being butchered, OIC looks the other way MANAL JAFFERY

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a collective body representing the interests of the Muslim world, has long been viewed as a platform for unity and solidarity among its member states. However, as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to unfold with tragic consequences for the Palestinian people, questions arise about the OIC’s effectiveness in addressing the crisis and advancing the interests of the Muslim world. This issue has become a matter of global concern, as the OIC’s role or, perhaps more strikingly, its apparent absence, is scrutinized.

The OIC was founded in 1969, primarily to address issues affecting the Muslim world, including political conflicts, economic disparities, and cultural challenges. Comprising 57 member states, the organization boasts a significant portion of the world’s Muslim population. While its mandate is broad and its potential influence substantial, the OIC has faced mounting criticism for its inability to make a meaningful impact on pressing issues, particularly in the con-

text of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The suffering of Palestinians, particularly those in the Gaza Strip, has been a source of global concern. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has repeatedly failed to pass resolutions that could effectively address the conflict and advance the cause of peace. However, alongside this criticism, there is a growing realization that the OIC, too, has fallen short in providing substantial relief to Muslim nations grappling with this immense crisis.

As the world watches in anguish, it is becoming evident that the OIC’s impact is not commensurate with the magnitude of the challenges faced by the Muslim world. This realization raises a pressing question: what role should the OIC play in addressing the Palestinian crisis, and why does it seem incapable of fulfilling this role effectively?

The wealthier and more influential member states, particularly in the Gulf region, have faced allegations of offering nothing more than rhetorical support while Palestinians in Gaza endure a relentless and brutal onslaught. The implications of this perceived inaction

are far-reaching, as they raise questions about whether the OIC can indeed advocate effectively for the interests of the Muslim world when its own member states are divided and fail to provide tangible assistance to those in dire need.

The ongoing patronage provided by the United States to Israel further underscores the need for a unified and resolute stance on the part of the OIC. The U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel in the face of international condemnation has drawn attention to the OIC’s potential role in countering such support with unanimous backing from its member states. If the OIC’s voice were unwavering and steadfast, it could exert significant pressure on the Israeli government to abandon statesponsored terrorism and engage in a constructive peace process. The question remains: why has the OIC not been able to leverage its collective power in this manner?

One potential solution lies in the Gulf states, which have increasingly considered the prospect of ‘normalizing’ ties with Israel in pursuit of their national interests. These countries hold significant geopolitical influence and economic

of issues such as the implementation of international arms control treaties and nonproliferation.

On Monday, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with a delegation of Flying Tigers veterans in Beijing, noting that China and the US should adhere to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation and make greater contribution to world peace and development, according to Xinhua News Agency. The recent frequent multilevel and multi-field contacts and exchanges between China and the US were rarely seen since the normalization of bilateral relations, Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Friday. Such interactions have helped to improve the strained atmosphere, Lü said, “The two sides put both divergences and prospects for cooperation on the table.”

Dong Chunling, an associate research fellow at the Institute of American Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times that

power, and they could potentially use these resources to play a pivotal role in persuading the Israeli government to renounce state-sponsored terrorism. Diplomatic channels should be explored with vigor and determination, as it is within the reach of these Gulf states to exert substantial influence on the trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The shedding of innocent blood is a condemnable act, irrespective of religious or geographical boundaries. A ceasefire, mediated by global superpowers and endorsed by the conflicting parties, should be urgently implemented.

The preservation of innocent lives must be the topmost priority, not only for the so-called ‘civilized’ world at large but, most critically, for the Muslim world.

The OIC has the potential to play a pivotal role in advocating for peace and justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Practical steps such as immediate embargo on Israel by Islamic countries, including oil sanctions, in addition to expelling Israeli ambassadors if relations with the Zionist regime have been established must be taken. Moreover, there should be a formation of a team of Islamic lawyers to document potential war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. It is imperative that the organization rises to the occasion, fulfils its mission, and addresses the concerns of the global community, ensuring that the suffering of the Palestinian people comes to an end.

Saturday, 4 November, 2023 | LAHORE

the slew of cooperation activities and interactions between China and the US has sent a positive signal to a world in chaos.

President Joe Biden needs to inject some stability into the US-China relationship to boost his electoral fortunes, as well as to better meet domestic and diplomatic challenges, Dong said, “As the world faces recession and geopolitical conflict, a stable US-China relationship is what the world wants.”

UNCERTAINTIES STILL PERSIST Analysts believe that in order to forge a better atmosphere for the meeting between the heads of state of China and the US, the coming period is crucial, and while there are currently good signs, it’s not enough.

In parallel with the détente and engagement, the US has not stopped its petty actions against China, from its hyping of a Chinese fighter jet intercepting US military aircraft in the South China Sea, to the arrangement of an “Indo-Pacific” tour for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken with a strong sense of bloc confrontation.

Wider Middle East conflict ‘realistic possibility’: Hezbollah leader BEIRUT

AGENCIES

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, speaking for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war erupted, warned on Friday that a wider conflict in the Middle East was a realistic possibility in a speech that was expected to indicate whether his group would wage a full-fledged war against Israel. A formidable military force backed by Iran, Hezbollah has been engaging Israeli forces along the Lebanon-Israel border in the deadliest escalation since it fought a war with Israel in 2006. Hezbollah have been escalating day by day, forcing Israel to keep its forces near the Lebanese border instead of the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, Nasrallah said in a televised address. “What’s happening on the border might seem modest but is very important.” Nasrallah blamed the United States for the war in Gaza and the high civilian death toll and that a de-escalation in the besieged enclave was vital to prevent regional war. The Hezbollah chief thanked groups in Yemen and Iraq, part of what is known as the “Axis of Resistance”. It includes Shia Muslims Iraqi militias, which have been firing at US forces in Syria and Iraq, and Yemen’s Houthis, who have joined in the conflict by firing drones at Israel.

He accused the US for war breaking out between Hamas and Israel, saying the US was entirely responsible for the war in Gaza and calling Israel merely ‘an executive tool’.

In the televised speech, the Hezbollah chief said that the Al-Aqsa Storm battle has extended to more than one front. This decision to launch the operation was 100% Palestinian, its owners hid it from everyone, he added.

Saturday, 4 November, 2023 | LAHORE

CORPORATE CORNER SNGPL cuts another 103 illegal connections in Punjab, KP and Islamabad

LAHORE: During the ongoing crackdown against gas pilferers, SNGPL continued raids in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, disconnecting another 139 connections while imposing fine of Rs.40.75 million and 194 under billing cases processed In Lahore, the regional team disconnected 5 connections on illegal use of gas and another 9 on use of compressor, 11 Under billing cases have been processed and amount of Rs 35.84 booked against gas theives and under billing cases.In Bahawlpur the company disconnected 4 connections on the use of compressor and 1 on illegal use of gas.In Multan the company disconnected 2 connections on illegal use of gas and 55 Under billing cases have been processed and fine of Rs 0.1 Million imposed against gas pilferers. PR

NDRMF, OGDCL all set for socially responsible and environment-friendly initiatives

ISLAMABAD: In order to promote socially responsible and environmental friendly practices in the field of oil & gas exploration and production in line with the sustainable development goals, National Disaster Risk Management Fund and Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) entered into an agreement to work on joint projects.

A MoU signing ceremony in this regard was held in Islamabad, in which Bilal Anwer CEO NDRMF and Ahmed Hayat Lak Managing Director/CEO OGDCL signed the agreement. Under this partnership, NDRMF intends to establish its linkages with OGDCL for larger cooperation and linkages for research and capacity development activities for socially responsible and environmental friendly adaptations in the field. Collaborating for knowledge exchange and capacity building in the areas of climate change, disaster risk reduction, through holding of seminars, workshops and events on areas of mutual interest will play a vital role in achieving the objectives. PR

07 FIO MUST ENSURE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE BEFORE SELLING INSURANCE POLICIES: PRESIDENT NEWS

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ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

RESIDENT Dr Arif Alvi has directed the Federal Insurance Ombudsman (FIO) to ensure that insurance companies disclosed the conflict of interest to the purchaser of the insurance policy before selling the policy as there had been instances of grave mis-selling of policies which required a serious relook at product structure and front-loaded commission of the agents of insurance companies.

The directives were issued by him on Friday while deciding upon a representation filed by the Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Ltd (the petitioner company) against the order of the Federal Insurance Ombudsman (FIO). As per details, Anwar ul Haq (the complainant) had alleged that he purchased the Kafalah Takaful Plan from the

petitioner company in February 2017 for the sum assured of Rs 4.5 million and an annual premium of Rs 750,000/-.

He had been paying the annual premiums regularly till the year 2022 and the total amount of his deposited premiums was Rs. 4.5 million. On account of unavoidable circumstances, he requested the company for the withdrawal of his deposited premiums with all benefits and profit but to no avail.

Feeling aggrieved, he approached FIO, which passed the order in his favour directing the company to pay Rs 4.3 million to the complainant. The company, then, filed a representation with the President against the order of FIO. President Alvi held a personal hearing of the case and after listening to both sides, gave his decision. In his decision, he observed that it was an admitted fact that the company received Rs 4.5 million

derstanding is found to be at the heart of mis-selling”, the president noted.

He further said that it was usually the insured that ended up with the wrong end of the stick, given the high surrender costs. He regretted that the insured had to suffer even if he stayed on policy and even when he opted out because he ended up paying a heavy surrender penalty, adding that the intermediaries, who get to pocket a fat commission, rarely suffered.

The president stated that mis-selling of insurance policies was now a welldocumented fact and with a fat commission structure that was also front-loaded, agents selling these policies had very little to lose. He highlighted that sometimes the insured didn’t understand the terms and conditions of the policy well and the agent was unable to explain its nuances given the overly complicated structure of insurance-cum-saving-plans.

Caretaker Minister for Pakistani universities offer fee waiver for Financial Palestinian students as Tel Aviv destroys Gaza Privatisation, Advisor delibrate ISLAMABAD

privatisation of FWBL

STAFF REPORT

The caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh Maqbool Baqar announced incentives for Palestinian students pursuing their education in the province.

The initiative aimed to support and uplift the educational prospects of 48 Palestinian students enrolled in government engineering and medical colleges in Sindh.

The Sindh chief executive directed the waiver of tuition fees and hostel fees for these Palestinian students, making their academic journey in Sindh more accessible and affordable.

Additionally, the Chief Minister has urged universities to facilitate scholarships for Palestinian students, further enhancing their access to higher education and promoting a nurturing environment for their academic pursuits.

Also, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman have issued directives to launch a fundraising campaign on the Sahem platform affiliated with the

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to aid the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

King Salman has donated SR30 million and the Crown Prince donated SAR20 million to the fundraising campaign.

In a press statement, Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah noted that this fundraising campaign is part of the historical role of the Kingdom in

PTCL hosts grand reception for newly-elected office bearers of CBA

ACCA's Worldwide Topper: Ibad Haseeb grabs top spot in Audit and Assurance

LAHORE: ACCA has announced the results for students who took their exams in September 2023.

A thousands of students from across the globe participated in the October session of ACCA exams.

Ibad Haseeb from Karachi, Pakistan has landed the top spot with the highest scores in Audit and Assurance (AA) making him the prize-winner. This distinction is a notable achievement and highlights Ibad’s commitment towards creating a strong career for himself in the field of accountancy.

Assad Hameed Khan, Head of ACCA Pakistan, commented: ‘We are always proud to see our Pakistani students receive worldwide distinctions.

This highlights the untapped potential within this nation’s youth that ACCA is dedicated to polishing and enabling them to pursue successful careers within and outside of Pakistan. Our youth faces a plethora of adversities and its through achievements such as Ibad’s that we see that it only enables them to shine brighter. PR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s largest telecommunications and ICT services provider, PTCL held a grand reception in honor of the office bearers of PTCL Workers Ittehad Federation, the Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA), who recently won it through a nationwide referendum. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the guest of honor, Syed Sagheer Bukhari, Senior Programme Officer at the International Labour Organization (ILO), Country Office Pakistan, along with senior PTCL officials and newly elected office bearers and labor leaders from across the country.The recent referendum is a continuation of PTCL’s democratic tradition of protecting employee rights, and integrating their voices in crucial policy-making to ensure their wellbeing. At the ceremony, PTCL management warmly welcomed the newly elected CBA. PR

Celebrating Words, Wisdom, and Ideas: 9th edition of ILF returns with Literary Extravaganza

President confers medals on toppers at COMSATS University convocation

ISLAMABAD: Oxford University Press (OUP) inaugurated the 9th Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF), a vibrant celebration of fresh ideas, creative perspectives, and the art of storytelling, at the Gandhara Citizen Club in Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad.The exciting event offered a captivating exploration of literature in all its forms, featuring renowned authors and experts engaged in discussions and delivering keynote speeches.

"People, Planet, Possibilities” is the theme of the event this year, serving as a call to action, encouraging individuals, communities, and organizations to collaborate in the pursuit of a more sustainable and inclusive world. It envisions a multitude of possibilities that can be achieved through collective efforts guided by purpose. PR

from the complainant, invested the money in business, and earned considerable profit. “The equitable principle of enrichment envisages that one should not unjustly enrich himself at the expense of the others”, he added.

He further pointed out that it was also a principle of equity that ‘He who suffers no loss deserves no gain’. He said that it would be unjust to deprive the complainant of his contribution in the profit but the company unjustifiably declined its refund on the pretext of the prevailing cash value of the policy which was only Rs. 3,112,258/-.

“Time and again, there have been instances of grave miss-selling of insurance policies that necessitate a serious relook at product structure and front-loaded commissions of the agents of insurance companies. Frontend commission structure coupled with complex insurance products that obfuscate the insured’s un-

ISLAMABAD: COMSATS University Islamabad held its 26th and 27th Convocation Ceremonies at Jinnah Convention Centre, on Thursday. Twentyfour hundred and sixty-five students received graduate and post-graduate degrees in these ceremonies. The ceremonies also witnessed award of 35 Gold Medals, 25 Silver Medals and 20 Bronze Medals to Top graduates who qualified their degrees with distinction in respective programs.

Graduates were awarded degrees of Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the disciplines of Bioinformatics, Physics, Economics, Biosciences, Business Administration, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Telecommunication Engineering, Electronics, Mathematics, Architecture, Design and Psychology. PR

supporting the brotherly Palestinian people in various crises. The Saudi humanitarian and development support has never stopped reaching the Palestinian people, he added.

Al Rabeeah pointed out that the Kingdom is among the top donor countries in providing support to the Palestinian people, expressing gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their support to help the brotherly Palestinian people.

SM Tanveer lauds role of KATI President in economic development, industrialization

LAHORE: Caretaker Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Punjab, Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) and United Business Group (UBG) Patron-in-chief SM Tanveer has said that the role of Faraz-ur-Rehman, Founder President of Business Group (PBGO) and President of KATI in the economic development and promotion of industrialization in Pakistan is commendable. He expressed these views while addressing the opening ceremony of the Punjab Chapter of PBGO.PBGO Founder President Farazur-Rehman, Chairman Punjab Chapter Sheikh Zun Noreen, Chairman Asian Business Council Bahrain Muhammad Sajid Sheikh, President Nasir Sheikh, General Secretary Ali Arsh, Vice Chairman Fawad Sheikh, Chief Advisor Dr. Ahsan, Chairperson Woman Wing Zara Hayat, Jamila Akhtar Coordinator Punjab and a large number of business leaders were present on the occasion.SM Tanveer said that Faraz-ur-Rehman played a key role in making the town association of the Korangi industrial area the best industrial zone in Pakistan.

He said that Faraz-ur-Rehman was selected by his late father and well-known leader of the business community SM Munir. He saw Faraz-ur-Rehman's immense abilities like a jeweler and entrusted him with an important responsibility, which Faraz-urRehman fulfilled and raised his head with pride. PR

Pak, UK affirm collaborative endeavors for advancing gardening, botanical conservation research

ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of King Charles III birthday, H.E. Jane Marriott, British High Commissioner to Pakistan visited National Herbarium and Botanical Conservatory at National Agricultural Research Centre, NARC Islamabad on 3rd November 2023. She was briefed about the history and significance of National Herbarium of Pakistan and conservation activities at the Botanical Conservatory.

She applauded the contribution of National Herbarium and Botanical Conservatory in the documentation and conservation of botanical resources in the context of climate change. Subsequently, Ms. Marriott also visited the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB). Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman PARC. PR

The Federal Minister for Privatisation Mr. Fawad Hasan Fawad held a consultative meeting with Financial Advisor on privatisation of First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) to discuss the timelines and impediments in the privatisation process of FWBL. It was observed that the process had been unnecessarily stalled due to clerical reasons and no serious effort was made since more than a year to remove the impediments. The minister issued necessary instructions for speeding up of the process after immediately addressing the bottlenecks. The Secretary, Privatisation Division, Mr. Jawad Paul and Secretary, Privatisation Commission, Mr. Usman Akhtar Bajwa were also present in the meeting. PR

SSP Operations commends officials for effective crime combating measures

Following the special directions of Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, the Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Malik Jameel Zafar presided over a crime meeting, a public relations officer said. He said that the meeting was attended by all Zonal DPOs, SDPOs, all incharge police stations, incharge ARDU and incharge AVLU. SSP Operations reviewed the performance of the all police stations in detail and commended the in-charges and officials of ARDU and AVLU teams and awarded them for their good performance. During the meeting, the SSP Operations reviewed the crime situation in the federal capital and commended the performance of the police officials for effective measures in crime combating. PR

Telenor Pakistan welcomes Magnus Muller as Chief Business Officer

ISLAMABAD: Telenor Pakistan has announced the appointment of Magnus Muller as the Chief Business Officer to lead its B2B Division. Magnus brings an extensive wealth of experience and a dynamic perspective, from his role of Vice President B2B at Telenor Asia and having previously served in similar roles Myanmar and Thailand. His appointment marks an important moment for the organisation as it aims to bolster its Beyond Connectivity ambitions, innovative strategies and a customer-centric approach.

Magnus is recognised for his entrepreneurial drive, combined with a strong digital mindset that has steered several successful business ventures. His international experience spans various markets, encompassing Norway, the Nordic regions, and Southeast Asian countries. PR

PayMax asks users to withdraw e-money from wallets

ISLAMABAD: Public is put to notice that CMPECCL as part of their revised business strategy and subject to the approval of SBP is closing its operations. All the PayMax users/wallet holders are advised to withdraw e-money from their wallet on an immediate basis through IBFT (Inter-Bank Funds Transfer) or through any other mode. These funds will not be available through the App after 6th November, 2023, therefore, it is in their best interest that all PayMax users withdraw any remaining funds before then. PR

CEMENT DESPATCHES DECLINE BY 5.78PC IN OCTOBER 2023

Saturday, 4 November, 2023

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EXPORTS ALMOST DOUBLE, BUT A SLUMP IN DOMESTIC MARKET 2.903 million tons of cement in October 2023, showing a decrease of 11.35% from 3.275 million tons in October 2022. Meanwhile, South-based mills dispatched 1.104 million tons, marking a 12.90% increase from 0.978 million tons in October 2022.

In the domestic market, North-based mills dispatched 2.780 million tons of cement in October 2023, down by 11.57% from 3.143 million tons in October 2022.

South-based mills, on the other hand, dispatched 512,320 tons of cement locally during October 2023, a 31.41% decrease from 746,927 tons in October 2022.

Export figures indicated a decline of 6.16% from North-based mills, dropping to 123,029 tons in October 2023 from 131,111 tons in October 2022. In contrast, South-based mills experienced a remarkable increase of 156.01%, reaching 591,999 tons in October 2023 from 231,239 tons in the same month last year.

During the first four months of the current fiscal year, total cement ship-

PROFIT

GHULAM ABBAS

EMENT despatches in Pakistan faced a downturn in October 2023, declining by 5.78% on a year-on-year basis. Data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association revealed that total cement shipments for the month were 4.007 million tons, compared to 4.253 million tons during the same month in the previous fiscal year.

During October 2023, local cement despatches by the industry amounted to 3.292 million tons, reflecting a significant decrease of 15.38% from 3.890 million tons in October 2022. However, the industry saw a substantial increase of 97.33% in exports, rising from 362,350 tons in October 2022 to 715,028 tons in October 2023.

Breaking them down by region, North-based cement mills dispatched

ments, including domestic and exports, reached 15.892 million tons, reflecting a 14.55% increase from 13.874 million tons during the corresponding period in the last fiscal year. Domestic despatches during this period rose by 7.47%, reaching 13.426 million tons compared to 12.492 million tons in the same period last year. Export despatches surged by 78.53%, increasing to 2.466 million tons from 1.381 million tons in the last fiscal year.

North-based mills dispatched 11.113 million tons of cement domestically during the first four months of the current fiscal year, a 6.83% increase from 10.402 million tons during JulyOctober 2022. While exports from North-based mills rose by 31.31% to 551,264 tons during July-October 2023, compared with 419,823 tons exported during the same period last year.

Total despatches by North-based mills increased by 7.78% to 11.664 million tons during the first four months of

the current financial year from 10.822 million tons in the same period of the last financial year.

Meanwhile south-based mills dispatched 2.312 million tons of cement domestically during July-October 2023, showing a 10.65% increase over the 2.090 million tons dispatched during the same period of the last fiscal year. Exports from South-based mills also increased significantly by 99.15% to 1.915 million tons during July-October 2023, compared with 0.962 million tons exported during the same period last year. Total despatches by South-based mills increased by 38.54% to 4.227 million tons during the first four months of the current financial year from 3.051 million tons in the same period of the last financial year.

The fluctuating trends in cement despatches indicate a dynamic market, with both challenges and opportunities for the industry players in the coming months.

Sindh flood-hit schools’ rehab program amongst nine projects approved by Planning Commission Solangi urges media to provide equal opportunity to all political parties ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has urged media to provide equal opportunity to all registered political parties of the country.

At the launching ceremony of the designated Climate change Desk at PTV News Headquarters Islamabad, the Minister was informed that it is first ever dedicated Climate Change Desk in any news channel of Pakistan.

Earlier, he inaugurated Climate Change Desk at Pakistan Television News, in Islamabad on Friday. Addressing the ceremony, the Minister stressed for adopting whole of a society approach to deal with the challenge of climate change. He said all stakeholders including community leaders, Ulema, political leaders, economic experts, artists, poets and parents should be engaged for this purpose.

He said along with engaging private media to create public awareness for climate change challenge, resources of Radio Pakistan should be utilized to achieve greater results. Murtaza Solangi said the collaboration of Ministry of Information and Ministry of Climate Change is indispensable to create awareness in the society about hazardous impacts of climate change.

The Minister said media should give special attention in providing space to climate awareness in their bulletins and current affairs programs. He said Information Services Academy should provide training opportunities to climate reporters. He also congratulated the PTV news team for taking this much needed step efficiently.

Turning to general elections in the country, he said there is no favourite of the caretaker government as people of Pakistan have the right to elect their representatives to run the country’s affairs.

The Information Minister urged media to provide equal opportunity to all registered political parties of the country. At the launching ceremony of the designated Climate change Desk at PTV News Headquarters Islamabad, the Minister was informed that it is first ever dedicated Climate Change Desk in any news Channel of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Current Affairs PTV Aoun Abbas Sahi apprised the Minister that the desk will work round the clock to highlight Pakistan’s narrative regarding climate change.

He said the desk is aimed at creating climate change awareness and public consciousness by converting scientific language into journalistic language. Secretary Climate Change Asif Hyder Shah stressed for creating media awareness to combat the challenge of climate change. He assured that we will extend every possible help to this designated desk by sending climate change experts and providing our timely feedback.

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TOTAL OUTLAY OF PROJECTS TO BE RS 224BN PROFIT

GHULAM ABBAS

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting, presided over by Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, has given the green light to five development projects with a total cost of Rs. 10.022 billion and recommended four projects worth Rs. 213.86 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further consideration.

The CDWP is a clearing house for provincial projects at the planning commission. The decision was taken in a routine CDWP meeting in Islamabad on the 3rd of November. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning, Awais Manzur Sumra, along with senior officials from the Planning Commission and various federal ministries/divisions. Chairmen and ACs from provinces and districts were also present.

Projects across various sectors including Food & Agriculture, Education, Energy, Physical Planning & Housing, Science & Technology, Social Welfare, Transport & Communication, and Water Resources were reviewed during the meeting.

In the CDWP forum, approval was granted for the ‘Rehabilitation of Schools in Balochistan Affected by Flooding’ in the Education Sector, with a total cost of Rs. 1.4 billion. The project aims to rehabilitate and restore schools severely affected by floods in Districts: Lasbela, Dera Bugti, Quetta, Sibi, Naseerabad, Chaman, Kalat, Khuzdar, Sohbatpur, Kachhi, Killa Abdullah, Jaferabad, Killa Saifullah, Panjgur, Mastung, Musakhel & Jhal Magsi and is financed through the federal PSDP. A project in the Physical Planning & Housing sector, “Permanent Settlement of IOJK Refugees 1989 Onwards (Phase-1),” has been approved at a cost of Rs. 3.09 billion. The project is located in Bagh, Hattian Bala, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad districts of AJK. In the Transport & Communications sector, the

“Improvement & Reconditioning of Noseri Leswa By-Pass Road,” spanning 52 kilometers in District Muzaffarabad Neelum, AJK, has been approved at a cost of Rs. 1.62 billion.

In the Science & Technology sector, the “Establishment of Pak Korea Testing Laboratory for PV Modules and Allied Equipment (Revised)” has been approved with a budget of Rs. 1,504.955 million.

A project within the Food & Agriculture sector, the ‘Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Security Support Project,’ with a budget of Rs. 24.64 billion, has been forwarded to ECNEC for further approval. The project spans across Districts: Charsadda, Dera Ismail Khan, Malakand, Nowshera, Peshawar, Swat, and Upper Dir and is proposed to be financed through foreign funding by the Asian Development Bank.

Another project in the Education Sector, the “Sindh School Rehabilitation Project under Flood Restoration Program,” worth Rs. 83.18 billion, has been recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The provincial government will contribute 10% of the total cost (Rs. 7,562.5 million), while ADB will cover the remaining 90% (Rs. 75.625 billion). This project covers 17 districts in Sindh and includes the construction of completely and partially damaged schools, as well as the upgradation of 62 primary schools to the secondary, middle, and higher secondary levels by constructing new blocks.

Lastly, in the Social Sector, the “Women Inclusive Finance Development Program,” valued at Rs. 31.4 billion, has been referred to ECNEC for further consideration. This program aims to support women entrepreneurs across Pakistan, with funding proposed to come from foreign sources, specifically the Asian Development Bank. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is designated as the executing agency, and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will establish a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) to oversee the financing, with expenses covered by SBP’s own funds. A steering committee led by the Executive Director of SBP, with members from relevant stakeholders, will oversee the financing.

Smog crisis: LHC orders demolition of factories failed to control smoke emission LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered demolition of smoke-emitting factories, failed to adopt corrective measures for reducing their emissions to combat the ongoing smog crisis in the provincial metropolis.

A hearing related to smog condition in Lahore was held in LHC, where the court ordered the relevant authorities to seal all the smoke-emitting factories, and made it clear that these factories

will face demolition if they do not comply promptly.

The court directed the authorities to collect affidavits from the owners of the industries to ensure that they commit to taking the necessary steps to mitigate their pollution impact in the city.

Furthermore, the LHC blocked the district judiciary from granting injunctions to unseal the closed factories, ensuring that the court’s orders were upheld consistently.

In order to aware public of the smog situation, the court has rec-

ommended that advertisements related to smog awareness should be published with the assistance of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

The Commissioner of Lahore confirmed that advertisements are in the pipeline and will be published in Sunday newspapers.

The court stressed that the next two months are critical to battle against the smog situation in Lahore, recommending to promotion of cycling culture in the city as an eco-friendly mode of transportation.

FAJR SUNRISE

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FIA arrests Khadija Shah from jail in controversial tweets case LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) has arrested PTI activist Khadija Shah from the central jail in Lahore produced Shah in court and sought a 14-day physical remand.

Judicial Magistrate Imran Abid is hearing the remand plea of FIA wherein FIA legal advisor Rana Ijaz Khalil appeared in the court.

FIA prosecutor said Khadija Shah made provocative tweets which are still being retweeted. On the other hand, Khadija Shah’s lawyer said his client has been in jail for five months and whether Khadija Shah still tweeting from the jail.

He said the senior lawyer is engaged in a contempt petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) and the court granted some time on Shah’s lawyer’s demand.

‘Unsatisfied’ LHC gives IGP time till Nov 10 to submit comprehensive reply LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar on Friday failed to provide the court with a satisfactory answer about designer Khadija Shah’s arrest despite repeated queries.

The Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Ali Baqar Najafi inquired the IGP over Khadija’s arrest in a third case after being granted bail.

“Why was she arrested again? Why was the bail order delayed, and why wasn’t she interrogated during custody?” the court inquired while asking for a guarantee that the designer would not be arrested in another case if she is granted bail for the third time.

The court was hearing a plea by Khadija, seeking contempt proceedings against police high-ups for deceiving the court regarding her arrest in a third case, despite a report mentioning only two FIRs against her.

IGP argued that due process was followed in Khadija’s arrest and claimed that there is “a lot of evidence which proves the involvement of Khadija Shah in the May 9 riot cases”. Justice Najafi noted that the IGP’s report was “unsatisfactory”.

However, the court persisted and asked why the designer was arrested in a third FIR, right after being granted bail in two cases by the LHC’s division bench. “Why did the police wait till the decision of the accused’s bail? What are the actual reasons?”

Dr Usman claimed that the case of May 9 riots is a “sensitive one” and said, “Developments occur with each passing minute. After conducting an investigation, the police found Khadija’s involvement in another case.”

When asked why Khadija was not investigated during her custody, the IGP blamed “social media influence and pressure on police officials” following her arrest.

Khadija’s counsel, advocate Sameer Khosa, strongly opposed the IGP’s version and said, “We’re observing the harassment and abuse of law in this case. She had been in custody for a long time, but no statements from any other accused surfaced.”

Consequently, the judge adjourned the hearing till November 10 as a deadline for IGP to submit a comprehensive written reply against Khadija’s arrest in a third case.

KHADIJA’S BAILS IN PREVIOUS CASES: On October 18, LHC granted post-arrest bail to Khadija in two cases involving the Askari Tower fire and the Jinnah House attack.

The bench granted bails to the petitioner Khadija Shah after it was noted that during the investigation, the Investigation Officer (IO) had not recovered any material to connect the petitioner with the incident of fire or attacks on the properties mentioned.

In the Askari Tower case, it was noted that the complainant had not specifically named the witnesses who disclosed the petitioner Khadija’s name and role during the protest. Prosecution witnesses in their statement did not state a single word that they informed the complainant about the involvement of the petitioner in the instant case.

BNP’s Mengal accuses PDM govt of collusion with Bajwa to oust Imran Khan ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNPM) President Sardar Akhtar Mengal on Friday claimed the PML-N-led government exploited the coalition — of which his party was a member.

“To streamline their own matters, they introduced the NAB amendment — they passed 56 bills in one day on the floor of the assembly — [but] they did not pass even one bill of ours,” he said in an interview.

The BNP-M, which was previously allied with the then-ruling PTI in the Centre in 2018, joined hands with the PDM to eventually bring down Imran Khan’s government.

Mengal’s party has since been vocal about its uneasiness with the PML-N-led coali-

tion’s policies, hinting on several occasions at parting ways with it.

In the interview, he said PML-N, PPP, and PTI had disappointed him and he “will now think not once, but 100 times” before entering a coalition with any of the three major parties.

“For the sake of [our] votes they call us back and when the job is done, they want to be rid of us,” he said.

When asked about whether he felt he was exploited by the PDM government, Mengal added: “Everyone here only uses each other.”

Mengal said that when he met Shehbaz for the coalition of PDM, he told the thenprime minister that since they were now in agreement, they should not, as has been the case in the past, leave Balochistan to the

mercy of the “establishment”.

“Shehbaz Sharif … wrapped us [BNPM] up and placed us in their [establishment] pockets,” he said.

He stated that the matter of missing persons was raised when the PDM government was formed and when nothing was done about it, the Mengal group started resigning from the cabinet.

“After two ministers resigned, they told us that we should sit down and talk,” Mengal said.

The BNP-M leader went on to claim that the coalition government was formed with the help of the military establishment.

“I met [then-Army chief Gen Qamar Javed] Bajwa after submitting the motiom for no-confidence and he was ambivalent.

He was trying to keep both the PDM and chairman PTI happy so that he could be with

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whoever wins,” he said.

“Gen Bajwa used to tell the PDM government and chairman PTI to go easy … he did not want to upset either one of them,” he added.

According to Mengal, if Bajwa did not have his differences with Imran Khan, the PDM coalition would never have formed.

While talking about the elections, he said that a minute after the PDM was formed, it was decided that after the movement succeeds, the country should go for immediate elections.

Mengal also said that PML-N party supremo, Nawaz Sharif ’s return raised questions.

“The unfortunate thing about this country has always been that decisions are never taken by the people and the manner in which

he has returned — could he not have returned a year earlier?” he said.

He stated that Nawaz’s return just as the election draws near raises a “big question mark” and it remained to be seen how he would explain it himself.

“Nawaz’s return raises doubts … he should have at least taken his former allies in confidence,” he said.

He lamented that the government could not deliver on anything besides handling their own cases.

“I do not think any major party would want elections … if elections do take place then it is unlikely that the parties that were in the coalition will win. We do not even know whether the PDM still exists or if the end of the PTI’s government marked the end for the PDM as well,” he said.

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