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TARGETING GAZA FUTURE: ISRAEL BOMBS SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS AS 3,900 CHILDREN MARTYRED Sunday, 5 November, 2023 I 20 Rabi us Sani, 1445

ISRAEL DELIBERATELY TARGET 105 HEALTH INSTITUTIONS, LEAVING 16 HOSPITALS, 32 PRIMARY CARE CENTERS OUT OF SERVICE

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12 KILLED, 54 WOUNDED IN AL-FAKHURA SCHOOL ATTACK, SHELTERING THOUSANDS IN JABALIA CAMP

AGENCIES

T least 9,488 Palestinians including 3,900 children have lost their lives in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza said on Saturday.

“The victims include 3,900 children and 2,509 women, while 24,000 other people were injured,” the ministry spokesman, Ashraf al-Qudra, told a news conference in Gaza City.

“70% of the victims of aggression are children, women and elderly people,” the spokesman added.

He also said that “the ministry have received reports about 2,200 people missing under the rubble, including 1,250 children, since the start of the aggression on Gaza.”

“150 health personnel were killed and 27 ambulances were destroyed and put out of service as a result of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip,” Qudra added.

He also accused Israel of “deliberately targeting more than 105 health institutions, which left 16 hospitals and 32 primary care centers out of service due to Israeli targeting and fuel exhaustion.”

“The occupation deliberately prevents the evacuation of the wounded from hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip and Gaza City to southern Gaza, all the way to the Rafah land crossing,” Qudra also said. Israeli forces also struck the Al-Fakhoora school located inside the

Jabalia refugee camp. The school is run by the UN agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).

Although the exact number of casualties is not yet known, many have been brought to the hospital and there are fears the number could be in the dozens, Al Jazeera reported.

The school was hosting thousands of people who had fled previous airstrikes from different parts of the north of Gaza.

The refugee camp in Gaza has been hit three times in recent days.

An Israeli drone fired a missile at the Gaza house of Hamas’ leader Ismail Haniyeh who is currently outside the enclave, Hamas’s Al-Aqsa Radio reported on Saturday.

IMF directs Pakistan to share revenue projection plan of Rs 6.66tr g

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FUND SEEKS REVENUE PROJECTIONS FROM ALL RELEVANT SECTORS FOR REMAINING FISCAL YEAR PROFIT

SHAHZAD PARACHA

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to share a revenue projection plan of Rs 6.66 trillion, equivalent to 46% of the Federal budget. Sources said that the IMF during the review meeting directed Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials to furnish a monthly collection plan of the remaining 6.667 trillion revenue during the current fiscal year.

The FBR has collected Rs 2.75 trillion from July to October this year and it needs Rs 6.66 trillion to achieve Rs 9.415 trillion yearly revenue target.

Sources said that the mission team has directed the FBR officials to present all sectors’ projection reports showing how much tax FBR is collecting from every sector.

In addition, the IMF has also sought a report from tax authorities on the progress of pending tax cases on Monday.

Reportedly, the FBR team during the meeting also shared the plan of including 1 million new taxpayers in the tax net, with the IMF. Sources said that both sides have also discussed the plan to increase taxpayers to 10 million. The Pakistani side has assured the staff team that they will not only add new taxpayers but also increase the number of taxpayers with the help of the World Bank program.

The IMF team categorically communicated to the FBR team, not to make cuts in revenue targets.

Sources said that FBR will submit a report on the IMF’s demands on the coming Monday.

Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 126 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition

It was unclear whether any of his family members were at the house when

it was struck.

Haniyeh, Hamas’ political chief, has been outside the Gaza Strip since 2019, residing between Turkey and Qatar.

Another massive bombardment occurred in a densely populated central neighbourhood, causing further destruction. Despite the ongoing search for survivors, people continue to search for survivors under the rubble.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said at least 12 people were killed Saturday when Israel struck a United Nations school where thousands of displaced Palestinians were sheltering.

The ministry reported in a statement “12 martyrs and upwards of 54 wounded so far as a result of targeting Al-Fakhura school, which is sheltering thousands of displaced people in Jabalia (refugee) camp in the northern Gaza Strip”.

Continued on page 03

Blinken rebuffs arab states’ push for immediate gaza ceasefire

AMMAN: Arab leaders have urged an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, pressing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to convince Israel, but the top US diplomat said such a halt right now would only allow Hamas to regroup and attack Israel again. In a rare public disagreement at a news conference in Amman, foreign ministers of Jordan and Egypt, standing alongside Blinken, repeatedly pushed for a cessation of hostilities, saying the death of thousands of civilians could not be justified as self-defence. “A ceasefire now would simply leave Hamas in place, able to regroup and repeat what it did on October 7,” Blinken said. AGENCIES Continued on page 03

Nine terrorists killed as attack on PAF Mianwali base thwarted: ISPR RAWALPINDI

STAFF REPORT

The security forces eliminated nine militants in a clearance operation after a terrorist attack on Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Mianwali Training Air Base was “foiled and thwarted” in a swift response by the troops, the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) said Saturday.

The air base was targeted by militants earlier on Saturday, however, the security forces foiled the attack and launched an operation to eliminate any potential threat in the surroundings.

“Alhumdolliah, the combing and clearance operation at PAF Training Airbase Mianwali has been concluded and all nine terrorists have been sent to hell,” said the military’s media wing.

The statement added that the clearance operation was launched to eliminate any potential threat following the cowardly and failed terrorist attack on the base this morning.

“No damage has been done to any of the PAF’s functional operational assets, while only some damage was done to three already phased-out non-operational aircraft during the attack,” added the statement.

ISPR further said that the prompt and professional conclusion of the operation serves as a stark reminder to all enemies of peace that PAF remains vigilant

and is fully capable of defending the homeland from any threat.

Chief of Air Staff visit to PAF Base Mianwali Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited the air base following clearance operation and commended the security personnel for their unwavering professionalism and bravery in thwarting the malicious attempt and neutralizing the intruders in the minimum possible time.

Chief of the Air Staff interacted with the base personnel, expressed his utmost appreciation for their exceptional commitment to putting service before self and reiterated the required level of readiness of each & every person in the Pakistan Air Force to counter any malicious intent of hostile elements & terrorist outfits.

He lauded the morale of base personnel and highlighted the collective resolve of PAF to uphold the

highest standards of professionalism and preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges.

He also thanked the joint operations team comprising Zarar Company of Pakistan Army and civil LEAs for their timely support to counter the infiltration most optimally.

Speaking at the occasion the Air Chief stated, “The security scenario demands our unwavering vigilance and commitment. We stand resolute against any threat to our beloved nation. Pakistan Air Force will continue to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.”

The visit of Chief of the Air Staff serves as a strong message of solidarity and reassurance to the entire Pakistan Air Force personnel, inspiring them to remain steadfast in their duty to protect the nation.

At least 157 dead in Nepal earthquake KATHMANDU AFP

At least 157 people were killed in an overnight earthquake that struck a remote pocket of Nepal, officials said on Saturday, as security forces rushed to assist with rescue efforts.

The 5.6-magnitude quake hit isolated western districts of the Himalayan Republic late on Friday and was measured by the US Geological Survey (USGS) at just 18 kilometres deep.

The force of the tremor jolted households awake and flattened mud houses in communities across the impact site.

“It came when we were sleeping,” Kamala Oli, a woman cradling her infant child at a hospital treating survivors, told AFP. “There were three of us in the house. Only two of us lived,” she added, without giving further details.

Dozens of survivors with fractures and head injuries were raced for treatment to a hospital in Nepalgunj, a small city near the Indian border.

Footage of the quake’s aftermath posted on social media showed locals digging through rubble in the dark to pull survivors from the wreckage of collapsed homes and buildings, as others crouched outside for safety.

The quake was felt as far away as India’s capital New Delhi, nearly 500km from the epicentre.

“105 people have died in Jajarkot and 38 in Rukum,” national police spokesman Kuber Kathayat told AFP, referring to the two districts hit worst by the quake.

Authorities had tallied more than 100 others injured across both districts, he added.

Security forces have been deployed on foot and in helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.

“The remoteness of the districts makes it difficult for information to get through,” Karnali Province police spokesman Gopal Chandra Bhattarai told AFP. “Some roads had been blocked by damage, but we are trying to reach the area through alternate routes.” The district hospital was packed with residents bringing in injured victims.

Responding to the disaster, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said, “Pakistan stands with Nepal during this difficult time and is ready to extend whatever assistance is required.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by last night’s earthquake in Nepal that has resulted in loss of precious lives and property.”

Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and devastation caused by earthquake in Nepal.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Nepal at this tragic time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this calamity. Pakistan [stands] ready to extend all possible support.”

Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal arrived at the site of the quake on Saturday after expressing “his deep sorrow over the human and physical damage caused by the earthquake”.

In neighbouring India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives.

“India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all possible assistance,” he added.

Nepal lies on a major geological faultline where the Indian tectonic plate pushes up into the Eurasian plate, forming the Himalayas, and earthquakes are a regular occurrence.

Nearly 9,000 people died and more than 22,000 were injured in 2015 when a 7.8-magnitude quake struck Nepal, destroying more than half a million homes.

It damaged or destroyed nearly 8,000 schools, leaving almost one million children without classrooms.

Hundreds of monuments and royal palaces — including the Kathmandu Valley’s Unesco World Heritage sites — that had drawn visitors from around the world were destroyed, in a major blow to tourism.

Six people died in November last year when a 5.6magnitude earthquake struck Doti district, near Jajarkot.

Indian social media users reported feeling Friday’s quake in the northern cities of Lucknow and Patna.

It was followed several hours later by an aftershock in the same area with a 4.0 magnitude, USGS said.

Pakista thrash New Zealand to stay alive in ICC World Cup 2023 Continued on page 03

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Swashbuckling opener Fakhar Zaman cracked a blistering century to save Pakistan from World Cup elimination in a rain-affected and dramatic 21-run victory over New Zealand at Bengaluru on Saturday.

The 33-year-old left-hander smashed 11 sixes and eight boundaries in his unbeaten 81-ball 126 as rain forced a premature end to the match with Pakistan 200-1 after 25.3 overs, chasing a revised Duckworth-LewisStern target of 342 in 41 overs.

Rachin Ravindra hit his third century of the tournament while Kane Williamson scored 95 to help New Zealand pile up 4016 in their 50 overs.

Set a mammoth 402-run target initially, Zaman lifted Pakistan to 160-1 after 21.3 overs before a 90-minute stoppage due to rain led to a revised target for Pakistan.

After the resumption, Zaman kept up the tempo, hitting three sixes off spinner Ish Sodhi’s 25th over as Pakistan went past the 200 mark.

Pakistan had needed to overhaul the

original target of 402 in 35.3 overs if they were to get beyond New Zealand’s better net run-rate which could prove crucial in the battle for semi-final spots.

However, Abdullah Shafique fell for four in the second over. Zaman and skipper Babar Azam (66) added 194 for the unbroken second wicket stand.

Zaman took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers, smashing four sixes and as many boundaries in his 39-ball fifty. He completed his 11th ODI hundred, and first in a World Cup, with a six and a single off Mitchell Santner.

His century came off 63 balls with nine sixes and six boundaries.

Pakistan now have eight points from as many games with their last match against England in Kolkata on November 11.

Pakistan not only need to win that but also hope New Zealand lose to Sri Lanka on November 9 in Bengaluru at this same venue or the match is hit by rain.

Earlier, it was Ravindra and Williamson who set the platform for New Zealand’s total after they were put in to bat.

Ravindra continued his superb form with a 94-ball 108 with 15 boundaries and a six and was matched stroke for stroke by Williamson whose 79-ball knock was spiced with two sixes and ten boundaries.

This was Ravindra’s third century of the tournament — in addition to two half centuries — and he was in total control until he holed out at deep mid-wicket off Mohammad Wasim in the 36th over.

On a dry looking Chinnaswamy pitch, Pakistan entered the match with four fast bowlers and two part-time spinners and with rain forecast in the afternoon sent New Zealand in to bat.

In contrast, New Zealand brought in legspinner Sodhi in addition to three other slow bowlers including an in-form Santner.

Ravindra and Devon Conway scored 66 in the first power-play before Conway fell to a short pitched ball from Hasan Ali after scoring a 35-ball 39 with six boundaries.

Williamson, who recovered from a knee surgery just before the World Cup, had played only one game against Bangladesh before fracturing his thumb.

Continued on page 03

But the regular New Zealand skipper showed no signs of rustiness and added 180 for the second wicket with Ravindra.

Williamson fell with the score at 248, holing out off Iftikhar Ahmed at long-off while an over later Ravindra also miscued a

lofted shot and was caught at the boundary off Mohammad Wasim.

Daryl Mitchell (29) and Mark Chapman (39) added a quickfire 57 for the fourth wicket as none of the Pakistani bowlers could stem the flow of runs.

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CLERICS ‘BAN’ MINGLING OF NGO WOMEN WITH ‘NA MEHRAM’ MEN IN KOHISTAN

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Sunday, 5 november, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

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MonitoRing RepoRt

group of clerics in Kohistan on Saturday proclaimed that women working with nongovernmental organisations (NGO) would not be allowed to mingle with “na mahram” men in public and that doing so would require them to follow specific directives, contingent upon their marital status.

A 12-member group of clerics issued a warning that if a married woman was found accompanying a na mahram — men that women are permitted to marry — she would be expelled from the area. If a woman is single, the accompanying man must enter

into a marriage with her.

Pattan Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Bilal, however, dismissed the “announcement” as of ‘no importance’, saying no one would be allowed to enforce ‘any such rule’. On the other hand, a cleric, calling himself Maulana Karimdad, also posted the same “decision” on his Facebook account and claimed that a local station house officer had also been informed about the decision. Speaking to Dawn.com, Karimdad said, “We cannot endorse nonreligious activities in Kohistan, and these NGO women are in breach of our customs by participating in such activities.”

If they were to operate under religious laws, we would safeguard and back them, but transgressing our customs, which are not

No unregulated seed import including GMOs allowed, says Food Ministry PROFIT

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The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has announced that no seeds, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs), will be allowed entry into Pakistan without compliance with the prescribed Plant Quarantine and Seed Regulations. The announcement comes following a meeting between the caretaker Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik and the All Pakistan Solvent Extractors Association (APSEA). The APSEA highlighted the close connection between chicken prices in Pakistan and the import of GMO soybeans, as soybean meal is a main component of chicken feed. The Minister of National Food Security stressed the importance of adhering to proper procedures for seed imports and emphasized the need to promote the cultivation of domestic oilseed crops, utilizing underutilized land resources in alignment with Pakistan’s domestic and national priorities. The Ministry of National Food Security & Research reaffirmed its support to the industry while ensuring strict adherence to the law. Dr Malik called for a technical and commercial research report within a week to assess the potential import of GMO seeds for oil extraction and meal production. The Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security, captain (retired) Muhammad Mahmood proposed the formation of a committee involving key stakeholders.

This committee will study SOPs and focus on mitigating biosecurity, biosafety, and food security risks associated with GMO soybean seed imports in Pakistan.

Wild boar hits plane during landing at Islamabad Airport ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

A wild boar sneaked into Islamabad’s Jinnah International Airport and hit a landing plane on the runway on Saturday, airport sources said on Saturday. What appeared to be the negligence on the part of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) staff, the wild animal somehow made its way on to the runway and collided with a private airline’s ER-702 flight coming to Islamabad from Dubai.

The captain of the plane reported the episode to the CAA high-ups, which led to a thorough inspection of the plane by the engineering staff.

Later, the airport staff cleared the runway of the wild boar’s remains. In January 2020, an Etihad Airways Airbus A320 flight from Abu Dhabi had also hit a wild boar during landing at Islamabad Airport. The animal was struck by aircraft’s right main landing gear and its dead body was found on Runway 28L.a

permitted by Sharia, cannot be tolerated, he added. “NGO women who disregard our diretives should consider leaving Kohistan voluntarily, otherwise, we may take measures to either remove them or facilitate their marriages to the colleagues they are seen with.”

Maulana Fazal Wahab, another religious leader, claimed that the decision was unanimous among all the ulema of Kohistan.

Speaking to Dawn.com, the assistant commissioner insisted that the clerics had made this decision for their own “vested interests”. He pointed out that the nonprofits had been operating in the area for eight months and the clerics never complained. “It appears to be a form of blackmail and nothing else,” he said.

Sai Venture Capital seeks $10m to launch Pakistan’s first local-currency VC fund g

Co-founder Ahsan Jamil says that 40% of fund already committed, and it received regulatory approvals from SECP in October PROFIT

MonitoRing deSk

Lahore-based Sai Venture Capital Pvt. is seeking $10 million in funding primarily from local investors to launch Pakistan’s first venture capital fund in seven years, denominated in local currency, with the aim of supporting the country’s emerging tech industry and startups, as reported by Bloomberg.

Approximately 40% of the fund has already been committed, and it also received regulatory approvals from the

Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP) in October, Co-founder of Sai Venture Capital Ahsan Jamil was quoted

by Bloomberg.

This development comes as foreign investors’ interest in Pakistani startups has declined due to high interest rates and global economic uncertainty.

Read This: What’s next for Pakistan’s earliest startup veteran?

Pakistan’s startups attracted over $700 million in investment since 2021, with a significant portion from international investors.

However, recent currency fluctuations have put pressure on startups to achieve substantial growth to maintain the interest of foreign investors.

Sai Venture Capital has already made investments in companies serving developed markets and startups in sectors like health, agriculture, and education.

Their most recent investment was in Truckistan, a logistics platform, which received $1 million in funding on September 19, 2023.

Despite past successes, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has faced challenges in

Higher than previous year: Cotton production increases 82% g

Ginning units in Sindh recorded a remarkable 132pc surge in cotton arrivals PROFIT

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Cotton arrivals at ginning factories in Pakistan have witnessed a substantial 82 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA).

In marked contrast to the previous year, when severe floods and heavy rains resulted in a 34 percent year-onyear decline, this year’s cotton arrivals have exceeded expectations, with approximately 6.8 million bales registered by October 31.

The increase in cotton arrivals has been particularly pronounced in the Sindh region, which was severely impacted by the 2022 floods. Ginning units in Sindh recorded a remarkable 132 percent surge in cotton arrivals, reaching 3.79 million bales, compared to 1.63 million bales during the same period last year. In Punjab, ginning factories reported a 43pc increase, with 2.99 million bales compared to 2.09 million bales in the previous year.

Despite this encouraging rebound, the total cotton production for the 2023-24 season is likely to fall short of the target set by the Federal Committee on Agriculture. The

It is worth mentioning that despite the improved quality of cotton attributed to reduced rainfall this year, concerns persist regarding the delay of the federal government in fulfilling its promise to ensure a minimum rate of at least Rs8,500 per 40kg of cotton in the open market throughout the season.

Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsan-ul-Haq has expressed frustration at the government’s inaction, attributing it to influential representatives from major textile groups who are influencing decisionmaking processes. This delay may have consequences for future cotton cultivation, potentially leading to reduced production next year.

Committee had aimed for 11.5 million bales, but some experts predict that the domestic production will likely remain between 9 and 9.5 million bales. It is anticipated that an additional 1.8 to 2 million bales may be generated in the remaining part of the season.

Textile mills have been actively procuring cotton, with 5.8 million bales purchased so far, reflecting a substantial 91pc increase over the previous year’s 3.03 million bales.

Additionally, exporters and traders, including a foreign firm, have acquired 0.279 million bales, compared to just 49,000 bales in the previous year. Currently, ginners hold a stock of 0.713 million bales.

KP sets up committee to implement action plan for MDCAT test PESHAWAR

Staff RepoRt

In line with the Chief Minister’s vision of ensuring transparency and fairness in the admission process to medical and dental colleges, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to set up a committee under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary Home to implement the MDCAT test action plan

and decide its details. According to media reports, the committee, which will include representatives from the district administration, intelligence agencies, and related departments, has been tasked with finalizing strict arrangements to make the test clean and transparent in all respects.

The decision was taken at a meeting held under the supervision of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Azam Khan on Saturday. The

meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary Home, concerned secretaries, VCMU, officials of police and intelligence agencies, divisional commissioners, and other concerned persons.

The meeting reviewed the preparations for conducting the MDCAT under the management of Khyber Medical University and discussed the proposed action plan of Khyber Medical University for conducting the test.

The MDCAT test for admissions in medical and dental colleges across the province will be held on November 26, 2023. A total of 46,220 registered candidates will participate in the test, which will be held at 7 districts of the province: DI Khan, Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Dir Lower, Swat, and Abbottabad. It is worth noting that 219 candidates who were involved in cheating during the last test have been blacklisted.

recent times, with reports of shutdowns and reduced operations.

In the second quarter of 2023, Pakistani startups secured only $5.2 million in funding, a 95% decline compared to the same period the previous year. This decline is also 77.5% lower on a quarterly basis.

In response to these challenges, Pakistan’s caretaker IT minister, Dr. Umar Saif, has announced plans for the ‘Pakistan Startup Fund,’ aiming to revive and attract funding to support the country’s startup ecosystem.

Durable peace in South Asia hinges on resolution of Kashmir dispute: Akram UNITED NATIONS

Staff CoRReSpondent

With challenges to world peace and security multiplying, the United Nations needs to work out modalities to deal with those threats, facilitating resolution of conflicts, including Kashmir, and easing tensions by building consensus, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations has said. Despite the United Nations’ inadequacies and failures, especially in resolving the conflicts involving the right to self-determination, he told a delegation of US Army War College that a push for the implementation of UN Charter’s principles “in letter and spirit” could help stabilize the world order, secure peace and stability and fight the shared economic and development challenges.

Pakistan, he added, remains committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter. The delegation, composed of US officers and from other nations, visited the Permanent Mission of Pakistan on Friday in connection with their study tour. Speaking to the delegates, Ambassador Akram said that the UN’s vital role as a facilitator of dialogue, engagement and coordinated global action against threats such as Covid-19 pandemic was often overlooked. He said that different UN agencies, such as World Trade Organization, World Health Organization and World Intellectual Property Organization, were doing good work to make the world a better place for all. The ambassador also praised the UN SecretaryGeneral’s proposed ‘Our Common Agenda’ designed to strengthen and accelerate multilateral agreements – particularly the 2030 Agenda – and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

“This initiative will help the UN system adjust to the new, complex realities of contemporary times,” he added. Ambassador Akram gave an overview of the Kashmir dispute and said that India was keeping the people of the internationally recognized disputed territory deprived of their fundamental right to selfdetermination. He also slammed the illegal and immoral actions India had taken after August 5, 2019, to unilaterally alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir. Ambassador Akram said that the peacekeeping missions were central to the UN system, saying Pakistan was among the largest troop-contributing countries, having provided about 230,000 troops since 1960. Pakistan, he said, was working closely with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations to propose additional measures to make the UN’s flagship activity more robust and effective.

Rs69b tax evasion scheme involving ‘flying invoices’ uncovered PROFIT

MonitoRing deSk

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has uncovered a tax evasion scheme involving fake and flying invoices, amounting to Rs68.779 billion by just one company.

As per a media report, this racket was being operated with the nexus of persons belonging to different cities with the help of one official of FBR’s subsidiary, Pakistan Revenue Authority Limited (PRAL) in Islamabad, who was allegedly found involved in manipulating an inactive taxpayer unit Z.A. Impex, by illicitly obtaining the PIN/Password of a dormant unit.

The culprit also altered the original cell number in the data temporarily, replacing it with a new number linked to Yasir Latif, a Facilitation Officer posted at the PRAL

Help Line Centre in Islamabad.

The FBR’s Intelligence and Investigation (I&I), Inland Revenue, Karachi team led the inquiry, which eventually led to the apprehension of Yasir Latif.

According to the investigation, a firm known as M/S Z.A. Impex, owned by Ghulam Umer, was allegedly responsible for filing false sales tax returns and issuing counterfeit sales tax invoices.

As per official records, the company registered for income tax purposes on January 1, 2003, and for sales tax purposes since May 22, 2007, claimed to be involved in manufacturing, spinning, weaving, and finishing textiles. However, discrepancies were noted, including a start date for the business in June 2022 and dubious bank account details.

A preliminary examination of the

company’s sales tax returns showed null returns filed, indicating no business transactions from July 2016 to June 2022.

The investigation revealed that the listed address was a residential location, which had been closed for the past six months.

Even Ghulam Umer was unknown to neighbors.

Consequently, the CTO Karachi suspended the Sales Tax Registration of the company as of May 12, 2023.

Sales data from the PRAL showed that the company reported substantial sales of Rs68.721 billion, declaring an output tax of Rs11.682 billion against purchases of Rs16.641 billion, with an input tax of Rs2.829 billion.

An intriguing aspect of the case was the issuance of nine credit notes totaling Rs44.507 billion, involving sales tax of Rs7.566 billion by the company.

It was revealed that the company claimed purchases worth Rs16.641 billion with input tax from three different

registration suppliers who, during the same period, had not declared any sales to the accused company.

SMOG CRISIS: CM NAQVI CONCERNED OVER INDIA’S ENVIRONMENTAL ‘AGGRESSION’ Sunday, 5 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

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LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

UNJAB caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed concern over the alarming increase in the crop stubble burning in India and termed it an “environmental aggression”. Citing a Nasa report, the chief minister regretted that burning of crop stubble had increased 740% in just a single day in India’s Punjab. He stated that smog in Lahore had risen to an alarming level owing

to India’s environmental aggression, terming the situation highly worrisome and alarming.

According to media reports, CM apprised that the Punjab government is adopting every step, which is humanly possible to combat the hazards of smog. He said that eyes, breathing and E&T ailments are on the rise due to smog and advised everyone especially children and elders to use a mask.

Meanwhile, US Consul General Kirstin K Hawkins called on Naqvi and discussed matters of mutual interest,

including collaboration across various sectors, with a particular focus on addressing the smog issue.

Both explored opportunities to boost investment, enhance cooperation in agriculture and tourism and collaborate on restoring historical landmarks. Naqvi welcomed the US support for the restoration of historical buildings in the province.

The CM expressed his commitment to strengthening the excellent relations between Pakistan and the US. He articulated the desire to foster bilateral ties under an

US embassy refuses visa to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for ‘non-payment of taxes’ ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The US Embassy in Islamabad has allegedly refused to issue a visa to singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to attend a concert due to non-payment of taxes on income earned in the US between 2015 and 2023.

According to the embassy, in order to get a visa, the singer has to provide IRS documentation regarding tax payments from 2015 to 2023 and legal documents from Bollywood Event LLC. However,

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan claims that he had paid all the taxes through his promoters in the US. Rahat said he has contacted his promoters and asked them to provide the required documents regarding the payment of taxes after which these documents will be submitted to the US embassy.

The ‘O Re Piya’ singer said he had visited the US earlier this year also, and if he had not paid the taxes for the said period, the embassy would not have issued the visa in the first place.

Blinken rebuffs Arab states’ push for immediate Gaza ceasefire CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

“No nation, none of us would accept that … So it is important to reaffirm Israel’s right and its obligation to defend itself.” Middle East powers should maintain their push to de-escalate the region through trade and economic ties despite the Gaza conflict, a senior United Arab Emirates official has said, AFP reports. According to UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash, countries should maintain that strategy even though the conflict is sending shockwaves through the region. “National actors are basically trying to use economics as a way to de-escalate tension,” Gargash told the World Policy Conference in Abu Dhabi. “I think there is no reason why we should also veer away from that course of action.” He added: “I think the other message is also [that] national plans have to move on. I don’t think that national plans have to be on pause, because there will always be a major regional issue that will surprise us.”

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was supposed to go to America on November 18 to participate in a musical show organized by the Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America.

The concert was booked by Rahat’s promoter Rehan Siddiqui, who had himself applied for the singer’s visa and provided the necessary documents to the embassy. But the embassy rejected the visa application over an issue with tax on the singer’s US income during 2015-23.

The documents show that Rahat

Fateh Ali Khan traveled to the US in the past through four different promoters, who sponsored him from 2015-23. The singer claims that he received the income from these concerts after tax deduction, so it was the responsibility of the promoters to pay tax on this income in the US. The singer’s handlers in the US are of the opinion that someone tipped off the US embassy about Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s tax affairs, and the person could be someone close to him.

Rehan Siddiqui, the new promoter of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in America, said this was his first show with Rahat Fateh Ali as a promoter. Even though the visa was not issued, it was their responsibility to pay the singer’s taxes on this visit.

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

An earlier statement by the interior ministry said it was an “occupation (Israeli) strike” that hit the school.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, and AFP was unable to independently confirm the toll. There was also no immediate comment from the UN aid agency supporting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. On Thursday, UNRWA said that four

of its schools in the Gaza Strip housing people displaced by the war had been damaged by bombings.

US Special Envoy David Satterfield said on Saturday that US officials had not been told that Hamas is blocking or diverting humanitarian aid flowing into the Gaza Strip amid shortages of food, medicine and fuel.

Speaking to reporters in the Jordanian capital Amman, he said that those distributing aid in Gaza had not

Nine terrorists killed as attack on PAF Mianwali base thwarted: ISPR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

It also showcases the PAF’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, bravery and dedication.

TJP CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR ATTACK: Militant group Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP) claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement sent to journalists by its spokesperson.

TJP came to the fore only this year and little is known about the group, which has carried out a string of high-profile attacks in the country, including martyring 12 soldiers at a Pakistani military base in the southwestern province of Balochistan in July.

A day earlier, at least 17 troops were martyred in different terrorist attacks in Balochistan and KhyberPakhtunkhwa (K-P) provinces.

Two vehicles of the security forces moving from Pasni to Ormara in Gwadar district were ambushed by terrorists,” the military’s media wing said in a brief statement on Friday evening. “Fourteen soldiers embraced shahadat in the unfortunate incident,” it added. The funeral prayers of the soldiers were offered at Pasni and they would be laid to rest in their hometowns.

Senior serving military and civil administration officers and troops were in attendance. In two other attacks in K-P, intense encounters between security forces and militants in Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat districts martyred three troops.

The clashes occurred during intelligence-based operations in the region, said ISPR. PM COMMENDS SECURITY FORCES: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar commended the security forces, saying that the valiant PAF has proven its mettle by thwarting the terrorist attack once again.

“The valiant Pakistan Air Force has once again proven its mettle by thwarting a cowardly terrorist attack in Mianwali. Any attempt to undermine our security will meet with unwavering resistance. The nation stands with you and we salute your courage and resolve,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Post offices to get NADRA like facilities ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

NADRA like facilities will be provided at post offices in Islamabad, starting with seven post offices. Citizens will be able to get their identity cards modified, renewed, and reissued for loss at these post offices.According to media reports, Postmaster General Mustafa Kamal said that the decision was taken in view of the large crowds outside NADRA offices. He added that the facility will be expanded to other cities in the near future.

On the other hand, media reports revealed that a dozen NADRA employees have been accused of issuing fake Pakistani ID cards and passports to hundreds of Iranian citizens. A charge sheet has been received by NADRA headquarters against these employees. Media report revealed that the security of Pakistan was compromised by the issuance of these cards. Hundreds of fake cards

CAA returns Rs4 million items to woman traveller at Islamabad Airport ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

by the parliament.

It merits mention here that the PML-N has already invited applications from the interested candidates to contest the general elections.

The party has issued a form for both the National and provincial assembly seats for the aspiring candidates. The form can be obtained from Nov 1 to 10.

PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif would address the public rallies across the country soon once the tickets are announced.

Targeting Gaza future: Israel bombs schools, hospitals as 3,900 children martyred CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

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agreement declaring Punjab and California as sister states.

Naqvi highlighted that the increase in smog levels in the provincial capital and other cities was attributed to the extensive burning of crop residues in the neighbouring country. As a response, he announced the imposition of a smog emergency and the mandatory requirement of masks for students in schools as a preventive measure. “Every possible effort was being taken to mitigate the impact of smog,” the CM said.

Shehbaz ‘appoints’ Dar to lead PML-N election cell Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has named Senator Ishaq Dar to head the election cell of the party for the upcoming polls.

A notification in this regard was issued on Saturday

by PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal with the approval of Shehbaz Sharif.

“With the approval of the President PML-N, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar is hereby appointed as Chairman, Election Cell PML-N, for General Elections 2024,” read the notification.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, PML-N’s spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the party’s election related activities will further expedite after the latest appointment.

“All the polls related activities including the process of applications to get the party ticket will be completed soon,” said Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Dar has also headed the parliamentary committee which made the Election Act 2017 that was later passed

NEWS

reported aid being diverted since trucks resumed crossing the Egypt-controlled Rafah gate on October 21 after diplomatic wrangling to resume the flow.

Those in charge of the aid “do not report to us in this 10 day, 12 day period of assistance delivery, interdiction of or seizure of goods by Hamas,” he said.

Between 800,000 to a million people have moved to the south of the Gaza Strip, while 350,000-400,000 remain in

the north of the enclave, Satterfield said.

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, protests have erupted in countries across the world featuring crowds of thousands of people calling for a ceasefire.

Despite witnessing one of the biggest protests for ceasefire by its people, the US has promised military aid to Israel for the ongoing war that has taken the lives of more than 9,000 civilians including nearly 4,000 children

A woman passenger’s items worth Rs4 million were returned by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officials at Islamabad Airport on Saturday. According to officials, the passenger had travelled to Islamabad from Karachi by flight ER-502 and lost her bag at the airport. The passenger had left the bag in the baby changing room situated on level two. Female sanitary attendant Ms Subia Asif handed over the bag to the Terminal Manager Arrival upon discovering it. The Terminal Manager submitted the said bag to the CAA’s Lost and Found Section Office. During checking about 110 British pounds, Pakistani Rs22,830, 10 tolas of gold, two mobile phones and a lady Swiss watch were found inside the bag. The next day, after contacting the Islamabad Airport, the bag was handed over to the passenger.

IMF directs Pakistan to share revenue projection plan of Rs 6.66tr CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

Sources said that IMF team will neither meet with any political party nor the Election Commission of Pakistan officials to discuss the general election. Earlier, It was reported that the IMF team will meet the ECP officials to discuss the next general elections. Sources also said that the technical negotiations between Pakistan and IMF will continue till next Friday, following which both sides will start policy level negotiations to make consensus on a memorandum of economic and financial policies (MEFP).

04 COMMENT

Pension penalty: Government desires and market choices

The arrests won’t stop

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Are the arrests meant to send a message to potential PTI candidates?

HE arrests of former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser have in common that both were former PTI leaders, but it cannot be a mere coincidence that they came after fresh elections were at last announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan. While the reason for Mr Chaudhry’s arrest was not known, uniformed policemen were in the arresting party. Mr Qaiser, on the other hand, was arrested on a corruption charge by the Islamabad police, at the behest of the KP Anti-Corruption Establishment. Mr Chaudhry’s arrest is somewhat surprising, for it was thought that his post-May 9 press conference, in which he dissociated himself from the PTI, should have been enough to get him off the hook, especially after he joined the Isteham Pakistan Party.

However, now it seems to have been made clear to him that total devotion, without distraction, is required. It appears that his performance in the IPP has not been as dynamic as it was thought it would be. There were also suspicions, caused by someposts on his wife’s Twitter account, that he had not entirely given up his PTI affiliations. Mr Qaiser had apparently never wavered in his loyalty to the PTI, which may be behind his arrest. It cannot be discounted that his leading a PTI delegation which contacted JUI(F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman recently, may cause him to be viewed unfavourably enough to be made an example of.

Cumulatively, the arrests signal to potential PTI candidates, attracted by the party’s undoubted votebank, that even an application for the party ticket is not without risks. The message will resonate especially with electables, who make a fresh calculation every election of which party can deliver how many votes to add to their existing votebank. Normally, the risk of being arrested does not enter this calculation. That now it must, is a reminder that this problem was faced by the PML(N) before the 2018 election. It almost seems as if the election date had only to be announced for pre-poll rigging to start. It seems as if the boot is on the other foot. However, it seems that the foot is the same, but the party for which the boot is kicking, has changed.

The government must step very carefully before changing its pension policy

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Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Khushal Khan

HE Pay and Pension Commission (PPC) of the Finance Division, Government of Pakistan, is planning and drafting a revision of the pension policy, as the cost of pension is increasing. The government has been providing pensions to employees since 1972 and has had many opportunities over the past five decades to analyze and revise the policy, if at great cost.

However, the government in Pakistan always bothers itself at the eleventh hour, when everything is out of hand and a small amendment can cost us much more than usual.

In this recent development, the government has decided to penalize all those employees who are ready for early retirement. It says, “A Government employee may opt for early retirement after putting in 25 years of service; however, the employee shall be liable to a penalty of 3% per year reduction in gross pension with effect from retiring year till the age of superannuation”.

In Pakistan’s public sector, retirement pension is payable when an employee is allowed to retire after completing 25 years of service; then the government pays them a pension. A retirement pension is admissible to a government servant who, in principle, is allowed to retire at the age of 60 years. Retiring pension policy encourages employees to transfer their services and skills to any other emerging industry or developing sector of the country. However, after this amendment, the government is trying to control exit from the market, which will no longer be free. The employee will be liable to pay a loss of three percent per annum of the total pension from the year he retires till the age of superannuation, which is 60.

While the government’s aim through this amendment is to reduce the cost of pension, in this case it is quite the opposite. Hiring and pensioning old people is much more expensive than letting them go and hiring fresh and modern minds with a new less expensive policy for pensions. The price the public sector

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi

must pay is not only financial but also in productivity, efficiency, labor mobility and skills shortages. The public sector in Pakistan is the oldest and has the most experienced employees in the country, as these jobs are permanent.

After completing 25 years in the same office and sector, one will reluctantly leave the position and switch to higher paying and more challenging jobs.

The proposed amendment would cause a lack of mobility which could harm the overall efficiency of the labour market. The public sectors have the most experienced and skilled employees with vast amounts of knowledge which will be more beneficial for the emerging industries which require these skills and knowledge. Mobility in the labour market will allow them to use their skills in the required industry and achieve greater market efficiency. This will bring innovation and growth to the overall market, as the public sector will get some young and innovative minds and emerging industries will have experienced people.

This amendment is an incentive for government employees to remain in office regardless of performance. Even if an employee has zero motivation and is no longer effective in his or her role, he or she will still hold on to the office for fear of declining pension benefits, a scenario that likely results in a less productive workforce. Another possible consequence is an ageing workforce, which is less productive and innovative than a younger workforce, particularly in the case of Pakistan, where promotion is based on years spent in the field rather than performance and competence. The proposed policy has great potential to develop the concept of pension entitlement, which is an incentive and not an entitlement. This privilege among employees will lead them to remain in positions regardless of achievements with less sense of responsibility for exceptional performance and service to the nation.

In a country like Pakistan where people join government jobs only on the incentive of pension, this policy is blessed. As we all know that most government jobs are distributed on a political basis for po-

Iran’s role in Israel conflict

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INCE October 7, Israel has continuously targeted the innocent Palestinians in Gaza and other conflict zones.

It has been noticed that for the last five days, Israel dropped more than 6000 bombs on the populace belt and killed more than 7000 people, which is the worst death toll and is numerous times higher than in the past. Cutting off food, water, internet and electricity is a shameful act of Israeli force. Specific buildings like schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centres have been targeted, and Israel has crossed the red line by killing women, children and older adults in air strikes. The international media still shows a cordial relationship with Israel and supports her for more action. On the other hand, the so-called Muslim ummah is watching the conflict on screen.

Iran, a major oil producer and a significant player in the Middle East, has supported Hamas with arms and financing to project power in the region and to enhance its leverage in its shadow war with Israel. Israel is wary about Iran’s role in that it might devastate its influence in Gaza and East Jerusalem and violent confrontation at the Al-Aqsa mosque to bolster Iran’s position.

Only Iran has shown its full support and is wary of being dragged into the Israel-Hamas war.

The recent comments of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were criticized by the Western media that Iran firmly stands with the Palestinian people. He warned Israel that the bombardment of Israel on Gaza could have farreaching consequences in the region if Israel could not halt its airstrikes. He further warned that this conflict would open new fronts if Israel did not stop itself from the air strike.

The foreign minister of Iran has also expressed his thoughts about the US role in the Israel conflict and has sent two messages to the Iranian government. “The first message said that the United States is not interested in expanding the war, and the second message asked Iran to have self-restraint and insisted that Iran should also ask other countries and other sides to have self-restraint. “He said that US hypocritical behaviour would never stop Israel from the ongoing operation in Gaza. Furthermore, the Iranian government openly said that US President Joe Biden has pledged continued support for Israel; this kind of diplomacy has hardened the Arabs’ sentiments across the region.

Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, warned Iran that the USA would act swiftly and decisively if Iran couldn’t staff itself from prox-

ies in the Middle East amid the growing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

On one side, Iran is a Shia state, and Hamas is an independent Palestinian group and Sunni Islamic movement. However, the Western media still accused Iran of supporting Hamas by providing them with weapons and other financial support against Israel. Many scholars have their views that Tehran withdrew funding from Hamas when the group stood with protesters against Syria’s leader Bashar Assad, whom Tehran supported. They also blamed Hamas for having other backers in its support, like Turkey and a few Gulf countries. According to the report of International media, Hassen Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader, met the senior leader of Hamas in Beirut and agreed to achieve a real victory for the resistance in Gaza and Palestine and to push back the Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank.

Iran’s backing of Hamas has had a visible impact. The Iranian-backed Hamas attacks have shown the group’s ability to penetrate Israel’s defences and cause casualties. This demonstration of power affords Iran substantial leverage in an escalating conflict with Israel. It has also enabled Iran to cultivate alliances with Sunni Muslim groups, broadening its influence beyond Shia factions.

A lecturer at SOAS University of London, Mr Seyed Ali Alavi, stated that there is a misunderstanding about Hamas’s relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran. He said that Hamas is an Egypt-based connected ideology and has no root

cause with Iran. As a Muslim brotherhood, Iran supported Hamas in the Syrian civil war when Hamas stood against President Bashar Assad and refused to support Iran’s initiative in Syria.

Hamas is a Sunni group and gets support from every country in the Palestine cause. Although Iran has supported Hamas politically, blaming it for direct war with Israel in the ongoing conflict is fiction and is concerned with facts. The Biden Administration accused Tehran of activating regional proxies to strike instead.

The Washington media team has also expressed that Tehran does not want to confront the USA or Israel directly. However, it facilitates the attacks and targets the US forces and bases.

Washington has called on China to stop Iran and other countries in the Middle East to calm and prevent the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in his three-day visit to Washington, was informed that the USA is concerned about possible Iranian military action to support Hamas and Hizbollah that could trigger a border conflict in the Middle East.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has compelled the Western powers for a watchful approach towards Iran’s involvement. Time will tell how this conflict will unfold and the potential impact on the oil market around the world.

The writer is a freelance columnist based in Islamabad.

He can be reached at rashidmehmoodkayani@gmail.com

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has compelled the Western powers for a watchful approach towards IranÊs involvement. Time will tell how this conflict will unfold and the potential impact on the oil market around the world

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litical purposes. Allowing employees to remain in office for life is not very reasonable but a huge burden on the government. Instead of amending the pension policy, the government should amend the retirement and hiring policy, which will save the government a lot. The government should revise the policies based on the performance and competence of the employees. Say goodbye to underperforming employees with a letter of thanks policy instead of keeping them for long periods of service. Pension eligibility should not be based on the years they have spent, but on the goals they have achieved.

The government may be making this amendment with the pure intention of reducing the cost of pensions and creating financial ease for the public sector, as the government has the right to. But the government should consider the overall impact of the amendment, both negative and positive consequences. This policy of cost cutting not only has financial implications but also affects the overall labour market and economic performance.

The policy may reduce some of the financial costs but may also reduce overall market efficiency due to reduced labour mobility and a less flexible innovative workforce will cause damage. It is paramount for policy makers to carefully reflect on the potential outcomes and consider them with a wish list to ensure that policy is in balance with broader economic and employment goals.

Khushal Khan is a student of MS Governance and Public Policy at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad.

The policy may reduce some of the financial costs but may also reduce overall market efficiency due to reduced labour mobility and a less flexible innovative workforce will cause damage. It is paramount for policy makers to carefully reflect on the potential outcomes and consider them with a wish list to ensure that policy is in balance with broader economic and employment goals.

The sectarian difference could be too great

Rashid MehMood

Sunday, 5 November, 2023

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Editor’s mail

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

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

Barbarism in India

THE video of two girls being paraded naked, harassed and subsequently raped in the Indian city of Manipur has shocked civilised people globally.

How such an incident can happen in the 21st century, they are all wondering. What kind of a mindset would commit such a shameful act?

The women who were harassed and humiliated belonged to the Kuki-Zo tribe, a minority compared to the Meitei tribe in Manipur.

India, the so-called largest democracy in the world, faces a number of ethnic issues since it became a hostage to the larger umbrella of Hindutva ideology. The ethnic cleansing seems to be the main agenda of Hindutva ideology in the hope of creating a Hindu state run by the Hindus and meant for the Hindus alone.

The incidents of religious persecution have also surged since the current political dispensation took over power in India.

It is no wonder that the barbaric act was committed in Manipur state where the ultra-right fascits of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are calling the shots. While there has been criticism from the West and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed it a shame for India, calling for strong action against the culprits, the Manipur chief minister has described the culprits as mere ‘miscreants’, and termed the incident a ‘mishap’.

This is only like rubbing salt into the wounds of the affected community. Will the BJP government be able to punish the culprits or will this case end like many others that have rocked India in recent years?

Will the international community take notice of the barbarism unleashed by BJP goons, or will it keep its focus on finding faults with the Muslim world?

MUHAMMAD USAMA QADIR GHOTKI

KE bills and tenants

THIS is with reference to the editorial ‘Shell-shocked’ (Aug 25), which, among other things, pointed out an anomaly which is a cause of great hardship to tenants, who normally fall in the category of the middle class segment of economy. In addition to the high rentals, they are forced to suffer a double whammy as they have to pay withholding tax on their electricity bills which they cannot adjust against their annual tax liability.

The issue is that for those who are not on the active taxpayers list (ATL), an amount of 7.5 per cent of the gross electricity bill is charged by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through K-Electric (KE) if the bill exceeds Rs25,000 per month.

For the active taxpayers, there is no such deduction if the bill is issued in their name. The problem arises for those who are on ATL, but are living in rented premises where the bill is not issued in their name, but in the name of the house-owner. The tenants, therefore, have to pay the withholding tax without having any chance to have it adjusted against their annual liability.

The KE authorities insist that if the taxpayer wants the tax not to be charged, then the CNIC of the taxpayer should show the address of the rented premises, meaning thereby that every time someone changes the rented premises, he needs to change the address on the CNIC also, which is another way of saying that KE is not interested in having the matter sorted out.

The whole anomaly needs to be addressed immediately as the whitecollar middle class is perhaps bearing the highest burden in national history on account of the prevailing hyper-inflation affecting every essential item for a citizen. After all, the matter is not rocket science. All it needs is a sense of being practical and rational. A bit of coordination among government agencies is all that is needed.

MOIN MOHAJIR KARACHI

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

Mental health of the teacher and education

Sunday, 5 November, 2023

Quality education starts with the teachers’ state of mind

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dR RajKuMaR singh

EACHERS’ mental health is a critical aspect of the educational system, as it directly impacts both educators and students. Several factors contribute to the mental health of teachers, and addressing these issues is essential for creating a positive and effective learning environment.

The key aspects to consider here are: A. WORK LOAD AND STRESS: Teachers often face heavy workloads, including lesson planning, grading, and extracurricular activities. The pressure to meet academic standards and expectations can contribute to stress and burnout.

B. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: Dealing with diverse student needs, behaviour challenges, and maintaining classroom discipline can be mentally taxing. Effective classroom management strategies and support systems are crucial.

C. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Ongoing professional development opportunities can positively impact teachers’ mental health. Access to training, resources, and opportunities for skill enhancement can help educators feel more confident in their roles.

D. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT: Support from school administrators is vital. Clear communication, feedback, and a collaborative approach can contribute to a positive work environment.

E. RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION: Recognizing and appreciating teachers for their hard work and dedication can boost morale. Feeling valued and acknowledged contributes to a positive mental health environment.

F. WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Striking a balance be-

tween work and personal life is crucial for mental well-being. Encouraging healthy boundaries and providing opportunities for downtime are important.

G. COMMUNITY AND PEER SUPPORT: Building a supportive community within the school can create a network where teachers can share experiences, ideas, and support. Peer mentoring and collaboration can positively impact mental health.

H. ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: Providing access to mental health resources and support services is crucial. This includes counseling services, workshops, and resources that address the unique challenges faced by educators.

I. PROFESSIONAL AUTONOMY: Allowing teachers some degree of professional autonomy can contribute to job satisfaction and mental well-being.

Feeling trusted and empowered in their roles can positively impact mental health.

The mental health of teachers can have significant effects on both educators and students, as well as the overall learning environment. The key effects associated with the mental health of teachers are: A. Job satisfaction and performance: Positive mental health contributes to job satisfaction and overall performance. Teachers who are mentally healthy are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and effective in their roles.

B. TEACHER RETENTION: Good mental health is linked to higher rates of teacher retention. When teachers feel supported and satisfied in their roles, they are more likely to stay in the profession, reducing turnover rates.

C. QUALITY OF TEACHING: Teachers’ mental well-being can impact the quality of their teaching.

Mentally healthy educators are better equipped to plan engaging lessons, manage classrooms effectively, and adapt to the diverse needs of students.

D. CLASSROOM CLIMATE: The mental health of teachers influences the classroom climate. Positive mental well-being is associated with a more supportive and positive learning environment, fostering better relationships between teachers and students.

E. STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS: Teachers’ mental health affects their ability to build positive relationships with students. When teachers are emotionally well, they can provide the support and guidance necessary for students’ academic and personal development.

F. TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTIONS: Teachers’ mental health influences the nature of interactions with students. Mentally healthy educators

Is Zelensky done for?

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are more likely to communicate effectively, provide constructive feedback, and create a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

EMOTIONAL CONTAGION: Teachers’ emotions can be contagious. A teacher’s mental state can influence the emotional climate of the classroom, impacting how students feel and engage with the learning process.

TEACHER COLLABORATION: Mentally healthy teachers are more likely to engage in positive collaboration with their colleagues. A supportive and collaborative staff contributes to a healthier work environment.

TEACHER WELL-BEING MODEL: Teachers serve as role models for students. When educators prioritize their mental health and well-being, they model healthy behaviours and coping strategies for their students.

IMPACT ON PERSONAL LIFE: Teachers’ mental health doesn’t stay confined to the school environment; it also affects their personal lives. High levels of stress and burnout can spill over into family and social relationships.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Mentally healthy teachers are more likely to engage in continuous professional development, seeking opportunities to enhance their skills and stay current in their field.

The importance of teachers’ mental health directly impacts various aspects of the educational system and the well-being of both educators and students: A. QUALITY OF TEACHING: A teacher’s mental health influences their ability to plan and deliver high-quality lessons. When educators are mentally well, they are more likely to be creative, engaging, and effective in the classroom.

B. STUDENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS: Positive mental health enhances the ability of teachers to build strong, supportive relationships with students.

This is crucial for creating a positive learning environment and fostering academic and personal growth.

C. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: Teachers who are mentally healthy are better equipped to manage classroom dynamics, address behavioural issues, and create a positive and productive learning environment.

D. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Mentally healthy teachers are more likely to engage in continuous professional development, staying informed about new teaching methods and educational trends.

This benefits both educators and students.

E. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Positive mental health enhances a teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and parents. Clear communication is essential for maintaining strong relationships within the school

The actor-turned-politician feels let down by the same Western powers that have been inflating his ego for close to two years

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RT

taRiK CyRil aMaR

recent, long article in Time Magazine presents itself as a deep dive into the world of and the state of mind of Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky. In reality, it is a backhanded, withering attack. Readers learn that Zelensky feels he is being, and –worse– is being let down internationally, that close aides not only doubt him but tell foreign journalists about it, that his actor’s panache has given way to a brooding anger, and that his refusal to face facts blocks any attempts to even think about a negotiated way out of the catastrophic war. Vital US support is quickly diminishing. The reception during Zelensky’s recent visit to Washington was frosty, while especially the problem of Ukraine’s eternal and crippling corruption is being broached with renewed insistence. Meanwhile, military officers back home are receiving presidential orders so detached from reality that they cannot even try to execute them.

In short, we see a lonely leader who will not accept that he is losing and is ready to sacrifice ever more of his country and people to his obstinacy. Psychologically, Zelensky’s denial of reality is understandable (though not forgivable). He bears much of the responsibility for Ukraine’s course of extreme, one-sided dependency on the West. It is true that others have contributed to this fiasco of a proxy war, in Ukraine and in the US, NATO, and the EU. But in Kiev, Zelensky is the man most to blame, because he did have the agency to prevent or end this national debacle.

He could have kept the one clear electoral promise he made (before netting a historic landslide victory in 2019): to make peace by compromise with the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, which were breakaway regions of Ukraine at the time. He could have taken the 2015 Minsk 2 peace agreement seriously instead of systematically sabotaging it (with Western encouragement). He could have let go of the notion of entering NATO, especially as the Washington-led alliance feeds his country just enough false hope to die for but hasn’t offered even a concrete prospect of membership. At this year’s Vilnius summit, with its humiliatingly empty promises, this was demonstrated again.

Zelensky could have stopped listening to the West when the latter stonewalled Russia’s late-2021 initiative to avoid the war by a grand bargain. He could have refused to obey when the US instructed Ukraine to forgo a quick peace in spring 2022. None of the above would have been easy or without risk. But if you want to have it easy, don’t run for president. Or resign.

Even now, Zelensky could pick up the phone any day and call if not Russian President Vladimir Putin, then, for instance Brazil’s Lula da Silva to ask for genuine mediation to begin substantial talks. Indeed, it would be his duty to finally overcome his inflated ego and serve his country, instead of the West.

With so many good reasons for a bad conscience, Zelensky may never change. The personal failure he would have to acknowledge is too terrible. Instead, he keeps repeating the narcissistic mantra that the fate of the whole world depends on Ukraine (read: him), and that the war could go global if Ukraine does not win.

Even once the war is officially lost, he may well spend

his remaining days in exile blaming others and spinning stab-in-the-back legends. Indeed, the Time article shows that he has already started, singling out himself – and only himself – as the truest believer in Ukrainian victory and blaming the West for letting him down. In a sadly revealing metaphor, he describes his audiences outside Ukraine as losing interest in what they, he feels, perceive as a show that has run for too many seasons.

We cannot know what exactly is behind Time’s demolition of a figure it used to help exalt in a personality cult. Yet two things are obvious: The tone as well as the message have changed radically, and Time is not alone. Zelensky’s days as the darling of the West, toast of Hollywood, the embodiment of a fantasized hero hybrid concocted, Jurassic-Park-style, from the genes of Che Guevara and Winston Churchill, are over.

The reason for this shift is clear as well: The proxy war is failing and, in addition, Washington is now giving priority to helping Israel carry out its genocidal attack on the Palestinians and perhaps starting a larger war in the Middle East. Zelensky even confesses to what is, in effect, a form of “Israel envy.” For a man who believed he could learn from America’s favorite client state how to build a militarized, highly nationalist, and de facto authoritarian society, this as well must be bitter, if deserved.

In short, the Time take-down may be a sign of the US preparing the ground for moving against Zelensky.

Like other proxy leaders before him, such as America’s former “miracle man” in (South) Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem, the Ukrainian president may find himself dispensable and dispensed with, whether by a moreor-less open military coup, a manipulated election (or its aftermath), or other means.

What has largely escaped Western attention, however, are Ukrainian reactions to the Time article. It has resonated in the media and among the political elite.

The secretary of the powerful National Security and Defense Council, Aleksey Danilov, has unpersuasively dismissed the piece as factually misleading, while calling on the security services to identify the leakers contributing to it. That kind of damage control is no surprise.

Social media in Ukraine feature some voices blaming Russia. Political commentator Kostiantin Matvienko, for instance, speculates that the Time article is evidence of the West’s opponents’ (whom he calls, American neocon-style, the “axis of evil”) intention to take Zelensky down a peg because they,

Matvienko wants to believe, fear his moral authority.

How they got Time to do their bidding, Matvienko does not reveal. Bizarre as this reaction is, it illustrates the persistence, at least with some Ukrainian intellectuals, of an inflated image of Zelensky’s – and, with it, Ukraine’s international influence. National self-importance is by no means a uniquely Ukrainian issue.

But, in the case of Ukraine, such illusions make ending the war harder.

At the same time, Ukrainian observers note the change in tone signaled by Time. For one journalist, Zelensky’s old image was that of a Tarot magician, a card associated with both powerful trickery and the ability to channel cosmic forces, while he now appears as a hermit figure, solitary and withdrawn. His “messianism” has given way to “fear of society.” Fanciful as it is, the imagery is striking: For some Ukrainians, at least, Time’s iconoclasm makes sense. Examples could be multiplied. Inevitably they will also remain anecdotal.

But here is the key point: If Time’s attack on Zelensky had occurred a year ago, Ukraine would at least have appeared united in rejecting it with indignation. That, however, is not the case now. Doubts and frustration are growing not only abroad but at home, too.

It would be wrong to jump to conclusions. If the US is really seeking to weaken Zelensky now, what is the purpose of that maneuver? To threaten and make him pliable? To replace him with a leader who will accept a compromise peace, so that Washington can focus on the Middle East and Asia (while leaving Ukraine and the EU in a mess)? Or so that the war can be pursued further under different management?

If Zelensky feels beleaguered and angry, does that reflect mostly the increasing depression and perhaps paranoia of a politician who fears the consequences of his failures? Or is he exhibiting a well-founded sense of real danger, from within as well as from his “allies” abroad?

The one thing that is certain is that the former poster boy of the great struggle for “Western values” has lost his aura. For Zelensky, in whose rise and rule the management of image has played an outsized role even by contemporary standards, that in and of itself is bad news.

Tarik Cyril Amar, a historian from Germany working at Koç University, Istanbul, on Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe, the history of World War II, the cultural Cold War, and the politics of memory.

The importance of teachersÊ mental health directly impacts various aspects of the educational system and the well-being of both educators and students community.

F. INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY: Mental well-being is linked to creativity and innovation.

Teachers with good mental health are more likely to introduce innovative teaching methods, adapt to diverse student needs, and create dynamic and engaging lessons.

G. REDUCED ABSENTEEISM: Teachers experiencing good mental health are less likely to take frequent sick leave or be absent from work. This contributes to the continuity of education and minimizes disruptions in the learning process.

H. POSITIVE SCHOOL CULTURE: The mental health of teachers contributes to the overall school culture. When educators are supported and feel valued, it fosters a positive and collaborative atmosphere that benefits the entire school community.

I. STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS: Teachers’ mental health is linked to student academic success.

Positive teacher-student relationships, effective teaching methods, and a supportive learning environment contribute to improved educational outcomes.

J. PREVENTING TEACHER BURNOUT: Prioritizing teacher mental health is a key factor in preventing burnout. Burnout negatively impacts job performance, enthusiasm for teaching, and overall well-being. In summary, the importance of teacher’s mental health is multifaceted, influencing not only the individual teacher but also the entire educational ecosystem. It is crucial for educational institutions, policymakers, and society at large to recognize and address the mental health needs of teachers to ensure a positive and effective learning environment for all.

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

BOMBAY HC’S INTERVENTION ON POLLUTION

It must nudge authorities to ensure that Mumbai does not have a bad winter, like last year INDIAN EXPRESS editoRial

The recourse to the judiciary is symptomatic of a deeper problem — pollution receives attention only when it becomes an emergency. Even in Delhi, authorities continue to treat the symptoms and not the cause for the city’s poor air — the complex interplay of geography, particulate matter from tailpipes of vehicles, agricultural activities in neighbouring states and industrial emissions.

An intervention by the Bombay High Court has raised hopes of a solution to the city’s recurring pollution problem. For the second year running, Mumbai’s air quality deteriorated after the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon in October. The metropolis’s natural cleansing advantages seem to have been negated by climate vagaries. But as a series of reports in this newspaper has shown, the crisis is, in large measure, a fallout of local governance failures. On Tuesday, a two-judge bench took suo motu cognisance of these reports and sought the response of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board. The court will reportedly also hear other municipalities of cities and suburbs near Maharashtra’s capital and pass comprehensive recommendations on November 6.

Judicial involvement has been instrumental in driving action on pollution in other parts of India for more than two decades. In Delhi, where bad air is a persistent hazard, the Supreme Court pulled up the authorities for the umpteenth time. A three-judge bench observed that pollution control measures were not reflecting on the ground and asked the Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh governments to file affidavits, listing corrective measures. The capital’s Graded Action Response Plan to tackle particulate emissions is, in fact, a product of the Supreme Court’s intervention. In 1998, the apex court’s directive — it came into effect in 2001 — made CNG use mandatory for all public transport vehicles in the city. In recent years, the SC has tried to bring Delhi, Punjab and Haryana on the same page to address the longstanding issue of crop stubble burning.

Other landmark environmental interventions — closing down polluting units in different parts of the country and the short-lived odd-even scheme in the capital — are either the product of litigation or have been precipitated by court injunctions.

The recourse to the judiciary is symptomatic of a deeper problem — pollution receives attention only when it becomes an emergency. Even in Delhi, authorities continue to treat the symptoms and not the cause for the city’s poor air — the complex interplay of geography, particulate matter from tailpipes of vehicles, agricultural activities in neighbouring states and industrial emissions. Building guardrails against pollution without hurting economic growth requires creativity and political will. Concerted action to clean up air rarely makes it manifestos of political parties today. But there’s no time to lose. The gravity of the pollution crisis — underlined by several recent reports that join the dots between poor air and public health — makes it imperative for the judiciary to continue nudging state governments, municipalities and pollution control authorities into action. The Mumbai HC must direct the state’s authorities to ensure that Maharashtra’s capital does not witness a repeat of last year’s winter — the city registered “poor” or “very poor” on the Air Quality Index on 66 of the 92 days from November to January.

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06 nEwS

Sunday, 5 november, 2023 | iSlamabad

BLINKEN, ARAB LEADERS TO MEET OVER GAZA AS PALESTINIAN DEATHS MOUNT

U

GAZA

Agencies

S Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to hear Arab demands for a ceasefire in a meeting on Saturday in Jordan as Israel continued its brutal bombardment of the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Gaza health officials said 15 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on an ambulance. At least 9,250 Palestinians have died in barbaric Israeli attacks.

The ambulance hit by the Israeli strike was part of a convoy carrying injured Palestinians at Gaza’s biggest hospital, al-Shifa, health officials in the Hamas-run enclave said on Friday.

“Upon their arrival to al-Shifa, (Israel) directly targeted the convoy’s second vehicle, committing a terrible massacre that claimed the lives of 15 and wounded more than 60,” health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

Israel’s military claimed it had identified and hit an ambulance “being used by a Hamas cell” and that a number of Hamas fighters were killed.

“We emphasise that this area is a battle zone. Civilians in the area are repeatedly called upon to evacuate southwards for their

own safety,” the Israeli military said.

The Palestinian health ministry challenged Israel over the bombing of the ambulance and demanded it provide proof that the ambulance was carrying militants.

“The occupation conducted an ugly massacre in which… 15 people were martyred and 60 other people were wounded including a number of the displaced,” al-Qidra said.

The Israeli military gave no evidence to support its assertion that the ambulance was linked to Hamas but said it intended to release additional information.

Israel has accused Hamas of concealing command centres and tunnel entrances in alShifa, something Hamas and the hospital denies. Israel last month ordered all civilians to leave the northern part of the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, and head to the south of the enclave, which it has also continued to bomb.

Gaza’s living conditions, already dire before the fighting, have deteriorated further.

Food is scarce, residents have resorted to drinking salty water, medical services are collapsing.

On Friday morning an Israeli air strike killed three people, including two women, in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to Gaza health officials.

The UN humanitarian office OCHA es-

timates that nearly 1.5 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million people are internally displaced.

‘CONTINUING FULL FORCE’ Hamas has prepared for a protracted war in Gaza and believes it can hold up Israel’s advance long enough to force its arch-enemy to agree to a ceasefire, two sources close to the organisation’s leadership said.

The group believes international pressure for Israel to end the siege could force a

ceasefire and negotiated settlement in which the militant group would get a tangible concession, such as the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages, the sources said.

On a visit to the region, Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday and called for a humanitarian pause in fighting that he said would facilitate work to release hostages, allow aid

into Gaza but not prevent Israel from defending itself.

In a televised address, Netanyahu rejected the idea of a pause unless hostages were freed.

“I made clear that we are continuing full force and that Israel refuses a temporary ceasefire which does not include the release of our hostages,” Netanyahu said.

A senior Biden administration official said on Friday the US had “indirect engagement” aimed at freeing the hostages.

On Saturday Blinken is scheduled to meet the Saudi, Qatari, Emirati and Egyptian foreign ministers, as well as Palestinian representatives in Amman, the Jordanian foreign ministry said.

The Arab leaders will stress the “Arab stance calling for an immediate ceasefire, delivering humanitarian aid and ways of ending the dangerous deterioration that threatens the security of the region”, the ministry said in a statement. Washington has maintained robust military and political support for Israel while calling on its ally to take steps to avoid civilian deaths and address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

SECOND OR THIRD FRONT While Blinken was in Israel, the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah warned the United States that if Israel did not stop its assault on Gaza, the conflict could widen into a regional war.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in his first speech since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted, also threatened the US, hinting his group was ready to confront American warships in the Mediterranean.

China confident to achieve annual economic and social development goal BEIJING

stAff correspondent

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said China has the confidence, conditions and ability to achieve its annual economic and social development goals by the end of 2023 after a series of economic figures showed upbeat momentum, China Media Group (CMG) reported on Friday.

Zheng Shanjie, head of the NDRC, made the remarks during an interview with CMG, stating that China’s economic recovery is a “wave-like” and tortuous

process, adding that economic operations in the first two quarters were low in the beginning, rebounded in the middle, and showed a steady and positive trend in the third quarter.

“Although China is facing multiple difficulties in its economic recovery, the nation’s driving force transformation period still provides valuable opportunities, and bringing those opportunities to more people is the NDRC’s next priority mission,” said Zheng.

Zheng stressed further implementing the policy support that has been issued, expanding domestic demand,

attracting foreign investment, building a modern industrial system, resolving enterprises’ operation difficulties, preventing and tackling financial risks, and ensuring people’s livelihood at the end of the year.

NDRC has held four rounds of faceto-face discussions with Chinese private enterprises to hear feedback about the barriers that are restricting their development.

In the first three quarters of 2023, the growth rate of private investment in the secondary industry reached 9 percent. In September only, the

growth rate of private industrial enterprises’ added value rose to 3.3 percent from a low of 0.5 percent in 2022, according to CMG. “With a series of supportive policies going into effect, transformation potential continuing to be released and the driving force of business entities strengthened, we have the confidence, conditions and ability to further ensure the positive trend of economic recovery in the fourth quarter, and complete the mission of meeting the annual economic and social development goals,” Zheng noted.

Ukrainian troops battle exhaustion as war drags into second winter UKRAINE

Agencies

Istoryk, a 26-year-old soldier in eastern Ukraine, finally managed to fall asleep one morning, exhausted from the relentless battles against Russian forces in the pinewood forests near Kreminna.

His rest was cut short just an hour later when a fresh firefight broke out, forcing the senior combat medic back into action in a fierce and lengthy exchange.

“We had a firefight for over 20 hours,” said Istoryk, identified by his military call sign. “Non-stop fighting, assaults, evacuations, and you know, I managed it,” he told a Reuters reporter visiting his position on Thursday.

“And we all managed it. We aren’t very fresh, and right now we need to find strength.” His description of recent clashes, and the fatigue that he and his unit are experiencing, underscore the huge strain that the war, now in its 21st month, is putting on Ukraine’s limited resources and on its troops.

The soldiers also know that Russia has a far bigger army and more weapons and ammunition, raising the uncomfortable question of how Ukraine can ever repel the invaders once and for all in Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War Two. Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Valery Zaluzhnyi, described a “stalemate” on the battlefield in an interview

published this week, adding that a protracted, attritional war would favour Russia and could threaten the very state.

Only new capabilities, including more supplies from Western allies as well as locally produced drones, would tip the balance back in Kyiv’s favour, Zaluzhnyi said. The highly respected general’s stark assessment coincides with the advent of seasonal rains, which makes it harder to advance over muddy ground, and follows a summer counteroffensive which has liberated far less territory than Kyiv had hoped. For those in the trenches, while exhaustion is unavoidable, motivation remains strong.

Istoryk, speaking in a broad west Ukrainian accent, recounts his grim experiences with a winning smile.

Asked whether he could continue to fight for another year, or even two, he replied: “I think so. For sure.”

FALTERING OFFENSIVE Istoryk serves in a rifles battalion of the 67th Mechanised Brigade in the Serebryanskyi forest in the Luhansk region.

Most of the province is occupied by the Russians.

The ground around the road to the trenhes is dotted with craters from incoming shells, and charred trees have snapped in half from the explosions.

Fighting of this kind is raging along the frontlines running from the border with Russia’s Belgorod region in the northeast all the way to the Black Sea in

the south.

Istoryk said Russia had taken “huge” losses in the area; five Ukrainian soldiers in an evacuation team were also killed by recent shelling nearby, he added.

Reuters could not independently verify his account of casualties, but tens of thousands of troops have died in battle over 20 months of a conflict that shows no sign of ending.

Having focused on defence earlier in the year, Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in June in a bid to wrest back the initiative and cut Russia’s supply lines by thrusting south towards the Sea of Azov.

Five months on, that objective remains a distant dream – Ukrainian forces are some 80-90 km from the coast, and extensive Russian defences have so far largely held firm.

More dramatic advances are still possible; last year Russian forces swiftly retreated from positions in Kherson region in early November. But offensive operations could be stymied by muddy conditions. “It’s one thing to run 300 metres to an enemy position in June, and totally another when you are up to your knees in mud, warm clothes, protective gear, a backpack with spare clothes,” Colonel Oleksandr Popov, an artillery reconnaissance brigade commander whose units also operate in the area, told Reuters this week.

The drone pilots from his brigade appeared less tired than those in infantry

units nearby.

Michael Kofman, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the conflict had reached a “transitional phase” where both sides hold the initiative in different parts of the front.

“Overall, Ukraine’s offensive in the south has either culminated or is about to,” he said.

ARTILLERY WARFARE Key battles along the front stretching nearly 1,000 km (620 miles) are raging around the eastern cities of Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Kupiansk, while two main thrusts are taking place in the south – one near Orikhiv and another south of Velyka Novosilka.

Artillery would remain a key weapon in the winter, according to Popov, adding that it was more effective when targets were more static and bare trees provided little camouflage for troops on the ground, something that affected both sides. While the colonel noted a near three-fold drop in the number of Russian artillery strikes in the Lyman sector of the front last month when compared to October 2022, some experts said that both sides had limited stocks of ammunition.

“My sense is that the artillery advantage that Ukraine had for much of its offensive is now going to recede, and that Ukraine’s ammunition availability is going to be constrained,” said Kofman.

Israeli jets hit Lebanon as Hezbollah fires more powerful missile BEIRUT

Lebanon’s Hezbollah said it carried out simultaneous attacks on Israeli positions at the Lebanese border on Saturday, as residents of south Lebanon reported some of the fiercest Israeli strikes yet during weeks of cross-border clashes. The Israeli army said its warplanes had struck Hezbollah targets in response to an earlier attack from Lebanese territory, and was accompanying the air strikes with artillery and tank shelling. A Lebanese source familiar with Hezbollah’s attacks said the group had fired a powerful missile not yet used in the fighting, saying it had hit an Israeli position across the border from the villages of Ayta al-Shaab and Rmeich. Hezbollah has been exchanging fire with Israeli forces across the Lebanese-Israeli frontier since its Palestinian ally Hamas went to war with Israel on Oct. 7. It marks the worst fighting at the frontier since a 2006 war, but has mostly been contained to the border area. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in his first speech since the HamasIsrael war began, said on Friday escalation on the Lebanese front would depend on events in Gaza and Israeli actions towards Lebanon. He also said the attacks so far at the border “won’t be all” Hezbollah does. Nearly 60 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in the violence. Security sources and witnesses in Lebanon reported some of the heaviest Israeli strikes yet. Two thick columns of smoke were seen rising over hills near the Lebanese town of Khiyam in video shared with Reuters by Khiyam resident Soheil Salami, who said the area had been hit by an Israeli air strike. “The shelling today intensified a lot – the shelling by the resistance and the counter shelling by the Israelis,” said Fouad Khreis, also speaking to Reuters from Khiyam. “Four shells fell on the outskirts of Khiyam, with no injuries,” he said. The Israeli army said among the targets struck were “terrorist infrastructure, rocket caches, and compounds used by” Hezbollah. Israel has said it has no interest in a conflict on its northern frontier. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month warned Hezbollah against opening a second war front, saying that doing so would bring Israeli counter-strikes of “unimaginable” magnitude that would wreak “devastation” upon Lebanon.

Xi and Scholz discuss pragmatic cooperation as China-EU ties warm BEIJING

MiAn AbrAr

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held a video meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during which he noted that China and Germany, both responsible major countries, should not only develop bilateral relations and serve as examples of win-win cooperation, but also defend the international order and multilateralism, and work together to address global challenges.

Noting China-Germany relations have entered the second 50 years, Xi said that China and Germany, as all-round strategic partners, had worked together in the spirit of mutual benefit and grown together in the spirit of mutual learning and exchange.

“This is the valuable experience of the smooth development of China-Germany relations over the past decades, which should be cherished and passed on by both sides,”

Xi said, describing China-Germany cooperation as open and pragmatic, which has been continuously enriched and developed.

He said that more than 130 German companies will participate in the sixth China International Import Expo, which has shown the confidence of German companies in China’s development.

It is hoped that the German side will also adhere to a high level of openness toward Chinese enterprises

seeking cooperation opportunities in Germany, Xi said.

The same day, Xi met with visiting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Beijing.

Hailing the past half century, during which the relationship between China and Greece has always been healthy and constantly renewed, Xi expressed willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation on a wide range of sectors.

China is willing to work to-

gether with the EU to maintain correct mutual understanding, focus on consensus, and grasp the direction, in order to fully activate mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields.

“We hope that Greece will continue to play a constructive role in this regard,” Xi said.

The meetings and frequent China-Europe interactions, have well demonstrated that China attaches great importance to the EU relationship, and this has not

Agencies

changed. We want to continue the momentum of bilateral stabilization and warming up, Cui Hongjian, a professor with the Academy of Regional and Global Governance with the Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Friday.

Cui also mentioned Germany’s overall opposition to the EU’s socalled anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicles, which also jeopardizes Germany, as the two countries are cooperating closely in this field.

Germany is reasonably expressing the hope of enhancing trade cooperation, and judging from recent interactions between China and Europe, both sides not only want to maintain a stable bilateral relationship, but also seek more cooperation on the basis of stability. Cui interpreted this as expanding and accumulating positivity in ChinaEurope relations, which can offset the negative factors.

Scholz introduced the views of the German side on the PalestinianIsraeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis, and expressed the hope to keep close communication with China. Xi pointed out that to solve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis, it is necessary to think more deeply about security issues, adhere to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and promote the building of a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.

Squeezing the security space of other countries and supporting one side while ignoring the legitimate demands of the other side will lead to regional imbalance and the expansion and escalation of conflicts, said Xi. He said both China and the European side should work together to mediate conflicts, ease tensions and play a positive role in promoting regional peace and development.

In terms of the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, experts said Germany hopes that China can play a bigger and positive role in regional and global security, but the US wants to take advantage of the two crises while the EU is directly suffering.

07

Pakistan to construct model houses for flood-affected families

Sunday, 5 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

CORPORATE CORNER

Rawalpindi: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari meeting with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. PR

PLF 2023 announces dates for festival to be held in three cities of Pakistan

KARACHI: The dates of the highly anticipated Pakistan Learning Festival (PLF) 2023 were officially announced here today at a packed press conference attended by not only the media but also by many of the prominent speakers who will be participating in the Festival. This year's PLF, formerly known as Children's Literature Festival (CLF), is set to attract diverse audiences. A movement designed to generate positive social capital and create networks and associations dedicated to unlocking the power of learning, reading, self-expression, and critical thinking, it promises to be an immersive and transformative experience. The festival encompasses multiple learning strands, boasts a multidisciplinary approach, embraces multiple languages, and prides itself on inclusivity. It is intended for audiences of all ages, with a special focus on children (aged 318), teachers, and college and university students. PR

t

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

HE Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) announced the construction of model shelter homes to assist families who were severely affected by monsoon floods across the country on Saturday.

According to reliable sources, the organization has recently completed a comprehensive survey of flood-affected areas to facilitate the construction of these shelters.

Sources stated that a total of 5,000 model shelter homes will be constructed in the flood-effected areas, while the majority of these model shelter homes will

be constructed in the hard-hit districts of Balochistan and Sindh.

The model shelter home will be equipped with essential amenities, including two rooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom, meanwhile, the estimated cost of constructing a single model shelter home is reported to be around Rs 200,000.

Sources further stated that both global and local donors are contributing to the cause to build model shelter homes for flood-affected civilians.

The Pakistan Red Crescent is actively engaged in reaching out to potential donors to secure the necessary funding for this project, however, sources indicate that construction of these model shelter homes is slated to commence next year.

CM Baqar directs establishment of portal for redressal of public grievances KARACHI INP

Chief Minister Sindh Maqbool Baqar on Saturday chaired a joint meeting of the Chief Minister Inspection Team and Anti-Corruption Department held in Karachi.

On the occasion, Chairman CM Inspection Team Rafiq Buriro briefed the Sindh Chief Minister.

Maqbool Baqar directed the inspection team to establish a complaint portal for the redressal of the grievances of the public.

President WFME meets Federal Minister of Health, President PM&DC

He directed the Chief Secretary to take strict action against the treasury officers, involved in the pension scam.

Anti-Corruption department has been directed to increase the conviction rate and improve its performance further.

Tessori for taking advantage of China's technology and experience

Shell Pakistan hosts 10th Tameer Awards to honour young Pakistani innovators

KARACHI: Shell Pakistan Limited hosted the finale of the 10th Tameer Awards 2023 at Shell House to recognize the brightest, young entrepreneurs in Pakistan.This year, more than 400 applications were received for the awards program, and 30 finalists were shortlisted in six award categories. The event was attended by business leaders, industry-professionals and academia. The finalists presented their pitches to a jury of experts for the selection of winners and runners-up in each category. PR

Security Papers achieves 74% profit growth, with EPS rises by Rs2.62 in Q1-2023-24

KARACHI: After 110% dividend in FY 2022-23, Security Papers Limited (SPL) announced its financial results for the first quarter of financial year 2023-24, ending September 30, 2023, recording a 74% growth in after-tax profit versus the same period last year and a substantial Rs. 2.62 increase in the earnings per share (EPS).The Company achieved net sales of Rs. 1,729 million in Q1 FY 2023-24, showcasing a considerable increase compared to Rs. 1,183 million in Q1 FY 2022-23. Security Papers Limited's strategic focus on increasing sales volume and diversifying its customer base has yielded significant results. Sales volume for Q1 FY 2023-24 reached 1,128 tonnes, an increase from 961 tonnes in Q1 FY 2022-23. This expansion aligns with our commitment to diversify our client portfolio. PR

ISLAMABAD: President WFME Prof. Ricardo León-Bórquez on Friday met Federal Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan, PM&DC President Prof.Dr. Rizwan Taj and the PM&DC Council Members.President PM&DC held a meeting cum reception in honour of the President WFME wherein they discussed several aspects of medical education in Pakistan.The event was attended by the Federal Minister of Health, President PM&DC Surgeon General, Executive Director HEC, Federal Secretary of Health, Director General Health, Chairman of Academic Board PM&DC, and PMDC council members. PR

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori attended the launch of Dr. Rashid Jamal's book Pakistan - China All-Weather Strategic Partner.

While China's Consul General Yang Yundong presided over H.E. Kamran Khan Tesuri said that the friendship between Pakistan and China is deeper than the sea and higher than the Himalayas. The establishment of Pakistan-China Friendship Park a few months ago is also China's gift to Karachi.

Kamran Khan Tesori said that we have the most capable people in every department, the problem is that we do not utilize the skills of these people. We have to become a nation for development. PR

BoK to launch wholly-owned exchange company rPo reviews work on ISLAMABAD: Bank of safe city Project Khyber (BoK) is pleased to

announce its intention to set up a wholly-owned Exchange Company (EC).

This strategic initiative, approved by the BoK Board of Directors on November 3, 2023, with an authorized share capital of Rs1 billion, will provide a wide range of foreign exchange services to BoK customers and the general public. The establishment of the EC is aligned with the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) recent structural reforms to strengthen controls and address the challenges posed by fluctuations in the open market's rupee value. The SBP has encouraged leading banks to establish wholly-owned ECs to meet the legitimate foreign exchange requirements of the public. PR

RAWALPINDI: Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Region Syed Khurram Ali here on Saturday visited the under construction Safe City project of Rawalpindi district and reviewed the progress on it, informed police spokesman.

On this occasion, the RPO issued instructions to the concerned authorities and said that the construction work should be accelerated and completed within the stipulated time. Delay in construction work would not be tolerated at any cost, he added. He further said that the progress of the construction work would be reviewed on a daily basis.The RPO said that according to the directives of Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, the Safe City project in Rawalpindi would be activated immediately after its completion, which would help in crime prevention and safety of citizens in Rawalpindi district. He made it clear that it was the prime duty of the police to protect the lives and properties of the people. INP

SSGC gifts computer lab for students of SMB Fatima Jinnah Govt Girls School

As part of its corporate social responsibilities, Sui Southern Gas Company partnered with SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School by providing financial support to the latter for setting up a computer laboratory for lesser privileged students.

Adopted by Zindagi Trust, a not-for-profit organization, the school is located in Garden area of Karachi, which has been providing quality education for the last 16 years to the girls belonging to the deprived families. SSGC has provided financial assistance for procurement of 30 desktop computers, LCD monitors and furniture to set up this lab. PR

Garaj partners with Mobilink Microfinance Bank to revolutionize branch networking infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: Garaj, Pakistan's fastest-growing local cloud service provider, has partnered with Mobilink Microfinance Bank Ltd. (MMBL), VEON's financial services arm, to transform the Bank's branch networking infrastructure through the integration of cutting-edge Software Defined Wide Area Networks (SDWAN). This initiative is set to tap into one of the fastest-growing segments in the global network infrastructure market, projected to reach USD 6 Billion by 2025. The collaboration will allow IT infrastructure and networking teams at MMBL to enhance user experiences, reinforce security measures, and streamline operations. PR

PPEMF organizes launch of book: ‘All- Weather Strategic Partner’

All- Weather Strategic Partner By Dr Rashid Jamal on 3 November at Beach Luxury Hotel Karachi.

Honourable Kamran Khan Tessori Governor Sindh, H. E Yang Yundong Counsul General China, H. E. Bakheet Ateeq Ali Alayan Al Remeithi Counsul General UAE, Dr Saeed Talibinia Director Iran Culture Center, Dr Rashid Jamal (Book Author), Z. H. khurram (President PPEMF), Khursheed Hyder (General Secretary PPEMF), Dr Jafer Ahmed, Barrister Shahida Jamil, Amir Zia, Waseem Vohra, Manzar Naqvi, Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Syed Ali Zaheer, Saeed Sarbazi, Mrs Asma Ali Shah, Shahida Shoaib, Fida Hussain Soomro, Aneel Usmani, Dr Qaisar Sajjad, Mazhar Abbas, Ustad Mazhar Umrawo Bando Khan, Dr Buland Iqbal, Agha Masood Hussain, Saleem Khan, Mubashir Mir, Najam Musavi, Ahmed Shamsi, S. M. Waseem Uddin, Muhammad Aslam Khan, Ghulam Yaseen, Uzma Raheel, Nasir Hameed, I. H. Tipu,Shabee Haider, Sakina Zafar, Syed Mehdi Ali , Abdul Hameed, Sumaira, Col Mukhtar But, Iqbal Jamil , Mudasir Alam, Magan Singh, Junaid Ahmed, Faraz Ahmed, Ahmed Faraz and other friends. PR

Higher Education in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities HASSAN SHAH

Higher education plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of a country.

In Pakistan, higher education has seen significant growth and transformation over the years. With a population of over 220 million people, Pakistan faces both challenges and opportunities in its quest to provide quality higher education.

This article explores the state of higher education in Pakistan, its challenges, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nizamuddin has had a distinguished career in higher education, international economic development, and public policy. Here is a summary of his background and key roles: United Nations System: Dr. Nizamuddin has over 45 years of experience working in the United Nations System. During this time, he was involved in planning, designing, and implementing projects aimed at creating global awareness and consensus on the importance of population in socioeconomic development. He served as an advisor to governmental and nongovernmental agencies on population and development studies.

His assignments took him to various countries, including Jordan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UN Headquarters in New York.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Gujrat: Dr. Nizamuddin played a crucial role in the growth of the University of Gujrat, transforming it into one of the leading higher education institutes in the country. As Vice

Chancellor, he likely focused on academic excellence and the development of the university’s programs.

Pro Vice-Chancellor at Private Universities: In addition to his role at the University of Gujrat, Dr. Nizamuddin served as a Pro Vice-Chancellor at a couple of private universities. This experience indicates his involvement in the administration and leadership of higher education institutions.

Chairperson of Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC): Dr. Nizamuddin assumed the position of Chairperson of the Punjab Higher Education Commission, where he worked to introduce significant changes in the higher education sector in the Punjab region. His focus was on promoting excellence in teaching and research, likely aiming to enhance the quality of education and research activities in the province.

Action Against Unlawful Sub-Campuses: During his tenure as the Chairperson of PHEC, Dr. Nizamuddin led efforts to address issues related to unlawful sub-campuses, affiliations, and franchises of private sector degree-awarding institutions in Punjab. The commission, under his leadership, took strict actions against such unauthorized operations, emphasizing the need for proper approvals and compliance with educational regulations.

Challenges in Pakistani Higher Education Access and Enrolment: Access to higher education remains a significant challenge in Pakistan. While the number of universities and colleges has increased in recent years, a large portion of the population still

faces barriers to enrollment. Limited access is particularly pronounced in rural areas and among marginalized communities.

Quality Assurance: Maintaining highquality education is essential for producing skilled graduates who can contribute to the country’s growth. Pakistan’s higher education system faces issues related to the quality of education, outdated curricula, and the lack of standardization in evaluation and accreditation.

Underinvestment: The underinvestment in higher education is a persistent issue.

Universities often struggle to attract and retain qualified faculty, leading to issues with teaching and research. The lack of resources also hampers infrastructure development and research opportunities.

Political Interference: Higher education institutions in Pakistan have frequently experienced political interference in their administration and decision-making processes. This has led to instability and a lack of academic freedom, which are detrimental to the growth

of universities and the quality of education.

Gender Disparities: While there have been notable improvements in gender parity in education, disparities still exist. Women often face social and cultural barriers that limit their access to higher education. Ensuring equal opportunities for all remains a challenge.

Curricular Relevance: The curricula in many institutions are criticized for being outdated and not aligned with the needs of a rapidly changing job market. Reforms in curriculum and teaching methods are essential to equip graduates with skills that are relevant in today’s world.

Overall, Dr. Nizamuddin’s career demonstrates his commitment to education and development, both at the national and international levels, and his willingness to take decisive actions to ensure the quality and legality of educational institutions and programs in the Punjab region. He looked for the opportunities for Improvement i.e.

Increased Funding: One of the key opportunities is increasing investment in higher education. A higher allocation of government funds and the encouragement of public-private partnerships can significantly improve the infrastructure, faculty quality, and research capabilities of universities.

Quality Assurance: Strengthening quality assurance mechanisms is crucial. Implementing rigorous accreditation and evaluation processes can ensure that institutions meet international standards, attracting students from around the world and enhancing the value of Pakistani degrees.

Research and Innovation: Fostering a culture of research and innovation is essential for the progress of higher education. Encouraging collaboration between universities and industries can help produce graduates who are better prepared for the workforce.

Academic Autonomy: Ensuring academic autonomy for institutions can mitigate political interference and enable universities to make decisions in the best interest of education and research.

Curriculum Modernization: Regularly updating curricula to meet the demands of the modern job market is crucial. This can be achieved through collaboration with industry experts and international institutions.

Pakistan’s higher education system faces a series of challenges that need to be addressed for the country to harness its full potential. While these challenges are significant, there are also opportunities for improvement, ranging from increased investment to academic autonomy and gender equality. Realizing these opportunities will not only enhance the quality of education but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.

An experienced administrator like Dr. Nizamuddin in education can bring substantial positive changes in the system that will provide a solid base for the future of nation building. With the right strategies and commitment, Pakistan can create a thriving higher education system that empowers its citizens and prepares them for a rapidly evolving world.

Sunday, 5 November, 2023

FIA SUMMONS 17 PAKISTAN CUSTOMS OFFICERS IN ‘SPEED MONEY’ CASE

PRAYER TIMINGS

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OFFICERS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR CORRUPTION, ABUSE OF POWER AND PATRONAGE OF SMUGGLING PROFIT

SHAHZAD PARACHA

HE Federal Investigation Agency has summoned 17 Pakistan Customs officers during the next week in the “speed money” case registered in July this year.

According to the details, FIA Anti corruption circle Karachi has directed 17 officers as well as other staff of Pakistan Customs including then Chief Collector of Customs, Manzoor Hussain Memon, Collector Pakistan Customs Feroz Alam Junejo, Dr. Fareed lqbal Qureshi, (Additional Commissioner IR) Ejaz Ahmed, then Additional Director Pakistan Customs Intelligence in Karachi Rana Tasleem Akhtar, Superintendent Preventive Service (SPS) Pakistan Customs Iftikhar Hasan, three collectors and several other officers. The officers will have to present themselves with income tax returns, wealth declarations and assets declaration forms between next Tuesday

to Thursday.

Abdul Jabbar Mendhro, Assistant Director, Federal Investigation Agency, Anti-Corruption Circle Karachi, will be engaged in the investigation of the case.

The allegations against the officers are those of corruption, abuse of official power and facilitating smugglers.

It is pertinent to note that FIA ACC Karachi conducted a raid at Jinnah International Airport in July this year and apprehended two Customs officials, identified as Tariq Mehmood, Superintendent (ASO), and Yawar Abbas, Superintendent Operation, while attempting to board Flight No. PA-208 bound for Islamabad.

During the search, the FIA team recovered Rs 5,437,200, US Dollar 2,400, and UAE Dirham 6,100.

Tariq Mehmood and Yawar Abbas confessed that the recovered amount was “speed money” collected from various customs officials, including the concerned Collector, Additional Collector, Deputy Collector, Superintendent,

SPS, SPO, and Pos. They also revealed that the monthly collection from all Customs check posts, such as Mochko, Mach Goth, Sohrab Goth, and Ghaggar Phatak, amounted to approximately 40 to 50 million PKR. Additionally, they disclosed that around Rs 60 million was collected in facilitation of the smuggling of betel nut.

The accused Customs officials were subsequently taken to the FIA ACC Karachi for further investigation into their connection with the smugglers and their involvement in facilitating the organized transportation of smuggled goods. During the interrogation, Tariq Mehmood and Yawar Abbas implicated other Customs officers who were also receiving bribes/speed money for facilitating smugglers.

According to the FIR, Saqif Saeed, who was appointed as Director AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) in 2020, played a key role in establishing the organized smuggling network. He appointed trusted individuals within the

anti-smuggling division to collect speed money from various smugglers.

Usman Bajwa, who later replaced Saqif Saeed as Director ASO, continued to facilitate the smugglers in exchange for bribes/speed money amounting to approximately Rs 100 million per month. In February 2023, Amir Thaheem assumed the position of Director Anti-Smuggling and also provided protection to smugglers involved in various illegal activities.

The FIR also revealed that Tariq Mehmood disclosed the involvement of Imran Noorani, who operated a smuggling network for betel nut from the border areas of Balochistan to Karachi. Imran Noorani also ran a chhalia factory under the name of M/s Sunny Products in the Shershah Industrial Area of Karachi.

Following the approval of the competent authority, a case has been registered against Tariq Mehmood, Yawar Abbas, Saqif Saeed, Usman Bajwa, Amir Thaheem, Imran Noorani, and others under relevant sections of the law, including the Pakistan Customs Act 1969 and the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947.

PTI can run election campaign, PHC rules PESHAWAR

STAFF REPORT

KP reshuffles bureaucracy after permission from ECP PESHAWAR

STAFF REPORT

Reshuffling in bureaucracy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been witnessed with transfer and posting of more than a dozen officers after the permission of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

According to announcement of Department of Administrative Affairs on Saturday, among those who have been transferred are senior officers of Grades 18, 19 and 20 including Amir Afaq of Grade 20 was instructed to report to the Managing Director (MD) of Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority, KP and Engineer Abdul Ghafar Khan to Industries, Commerce from Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TE&VTA).

Deputy Commissioner Khyber Abdul Nasir Khan as Additional Secretary Home, Additional Secretary Home Captain retired Sanaullah Khan appointed Deputy Commissioner Khyber and Additional Secretary Home Javedullah Mehsud has been transferred as Deputy Commissioner Kurram, Deputy Commissioner Kurram Syed Saiful Islam Shah as Additional Secretary Home, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Special Secretary Establishment Zubair Ahmed has been appointed as Special Secretary Home, Additional Secretary Health Kaleemullah Khan as Special Secretary Establishment and Director General Food Safety Shahrukh Ali Khan has been sent as Additional Secretary LG&RD Department while Additional Secretary LG & RD Shafiullah Khan Director General Food Safety.

Director Officer Food Altaf Hussain has been appointed as Additional Secretary Relief Habilitation, Additional Secretary Home Maqsood Hasan as Director General Law and Human Rights Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Deputy Secretary Labor Department Gohar Zaman Wazir has been appointed as Additional Secretary LG&RD Department while Additional Deputy Commissioner General Bunir Akhtar Nawaz has been transferred as Director Food Safety, Zahid Usman Kakakhel as Additional Director Food.

The services of Additional Deputy Commissioner General Abbottabad Jibraeel Raza were referred to the Home Department and Additional Deputy Commissioner F&P Bajaur Abdul Naseer has been appointed as Deputy Secretary E&SE Department while Additional Deputy Commissioner General Orakzai Muhammad Shahbaz Khan Khattak has been appointed as Additional Deputy Commissioner Charssadda.

Likewise, Muntasar Masood Jan, who is awaiting appointment, has been appointed Additional Deputy Commissioner General Orakzai.

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Saturday issued a written order granting permission to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to hold rallies and conduct their election campaign in accordance with the law of the land.

The court in its verdict asserted that no political party was denied its right to actively participate in the electoral process, Express News reported.

The PHC has also directed the caretaker provincial government to take necessary measures to ensure transparent elections, emphasising the importance of a level-playing field for all political parties.

The verdict holds particular importance in light of recent actions taken against the former ruling party, with allegations of authorities not providing levelplaying field to PTI in the run-up to elections. The PTI in its narrative has accused the state of employing heavy-handed tactics, resulting in the arrest or detention of several of its leaders in various cases.

The PTI’s petition to the court highlighted that they were being pre-

vented from holding conventions, campaign for the upcoming elections, and even the media coverage of the party had been restricted. Despite multiple requests to the district administration, their applications for permission to hold conventions were repeatedly denied.

However, the PTI’s assertions were dismissed by the Advocate General for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), who objected the maintainability of the petition.

According to the written order, when the court inquired about the existence of a public or unannounced ban on PTI, the advocate

general clarified that there was no such restriction on any party.

He however referred to Section 14 of the KhyberPakhtunkhwa Civil Administration Act 2020, which mandates obtaining permission from the administration for holding meetings and conventions.

According to the court’s findings, the PTI pledged to seek the permission of the relevant authority before launching its election campaign. In return, the advocate general assured that the district administration would fulfil its legal obligations in this regard.

AGENCIES

In a joint call to action, Amnesty International, the Charity and Security Network, and Human Rights Watch have urged the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to press the Indian government to cease its prosecution, intimidation, and harassment of human rights defenders, activists, and non-profit organisations under the guise of countering terrorist financing.

According to a recent report by the global human rights watchdog, FATF members are scheduled to commence their fourth periodic review of India’s efforts to combat illicit funding on November 6.

The report reveals that Indian authorities have been leveraging FATF’s recommendations as part of a concerted effort to curtail civic space and suppress the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The Indian government’s actions have been particularly directed at human rights groups and activists dedicated to advocating for the rights of the most socially and economically marginalised segments of the population.

This joint appeal underscores growing international concern about the restrictions on civil liberties and the targeting of those working to safeguard human rights in India, and it calls upon the FATF to play a role in addressing these critical issues during its review.

“Draconian laws introduced or adapted to this end include the Foreign Contribution (Regulation)

Act (FCRA), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Their actions have flouted both FATF’s standards and international human rights law,” it said.

“The Indian authorities have weaponised laws to crack down on the human rights work by HRDs, activists and non-profit organisations in the country,” said Aakar Patel, chair of board at Amnesty International India.

They were using bogus foreign funding and terrorism charges to target, intimidate, harass and silence critics, in clear violation of FATF standards, he added.

The Indian government also enacted the 2002 Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to satisfy membership conditions set by the FATF. It also added that authorities used the law to attack, intimidate and harass human rights defenders, activists and non-profit organisations by supplementing the charges under FCRA, seizing their properties, and burdening them with stringent bail conditions.

“Amnesty International India has been subject to action under the PMLA through the freezing of its bank accounts in September 2020, putting its work on hold for the past three years, without funds to even secure effective legal representation,” it added.

Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch said, “India’s three laws together have created a dangerous arsenal with debilitating consequences for civil society and human rights activists.”

ISLAMABAD

Former federal minister during PTI government Fawad Chaudhry was arrested from Islamabad by the police on Saturday.

Fawad’s wife, Hiba Chaudhry took to X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon to announce that her husband was arrested, adding that his whereabouts were “unknown”.

As per another post of a private tv channel on X, Fawad’s brother, Faisal Chaudhry, had also confirmed the news.

Hearing a plea filed against the former information minister’s arrest and seeking his re-

covery, magistrate of the Kohsar police station, Ahmed Shehzad Gondal, directed the police to submit a report regarding the matter.

This is the second time in this year that the former Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader has been arrested.

Chaudhry’s arrest also comes a day after another senior PTI leader, Asad Qaiser, was arrested from his residence.

In September this year, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had dismissed the former information minister’s petition to nullify the contempt case against him by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Fawad had challenged the ECP’s action

against him on two forums. He had also issued a verbal apology to the ECP in July when a four-member commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja was presiding over the contempt proceedings.

Following the May 9 riots, the senior politician parted ways with the PTI and its chairman Imran Khan. “[With] ref[erence] to my earlier statement where I unequivocally condemned 9th May incidents, I have decided to take a break from politics, therefore, I have resigned from party position and parting ways from Imran Khan,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle.

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ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued a directive to all the TV channels regarding the coverage of General Elections 2024.

The directive was issued to all the satellite-based news, current affairs and regional channels for the upcoming polls.

The code of ethics during the news coverage and analysis must be ensured, it said. The directive added that the speculation and ‘negative reporting’ regarding the general elections must be avoided.

“It is responsibility of all the citizens and institutions to assist the election commission in ensuring free and fair elections,” said Pemra.

According to the directive issued by Pemra, the channels cannot air statements of banned organisations or their representatives.

“Electronic media has a pivotal role in educating masses, building and shaping fair opinion and strengthening democratic process required for establishment of democratic government in the country,” the directive said.

“Airing of any such news or content was a violation of Pemra laws, including the Code of Conduct 2015, in general,” Pemra said.

The channel and its representative must stop the participant if a hate speech is made by any guest.

The new directive of Pemra said that the channels cannot air anything indecent, obscene or pornographic, abusive comment against any individual or group of persons, based on race, caste, nationality, ethnic or linguistic origin, colour, religion, sect, gender, age, mental or physical disability.

The authority warned to take strict action against satellite TV channel licensees in case of any such violation.

IHC fixes Imran’s pleas for bail restoration in NAB cases for Tuesday

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) fixed for hearing the bail applications of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan in NAB corruption cases for November 7.

According to the cause list for the next week issued by the Islamabad High Court registrar office on Saturday, a two members bench headed by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq will hear the petitions of the PTI chairman for bail restoration in the 190 million pounds scandal and Toshakhana NAB investigation cases on November 7.

Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri will be the part of the IHC divisional bench.

Justice Jahangiri has returned to his office and will resume his duties after a month’s vacation.

The accountability court had dismissed the bail of PTI chairman in NAB cases for non-pursuance.

A two-member bench has already restored the bails of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in six cases.

Illegal Nikah case adjourned till Nov 13 Separately, a district and sessions court in Islamabad has adjourned the hearing of the illegal Nikah case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi till November 13. Special prosecutor Rizwan Abbasi appeared in the court of Civil Judge Qudratullah.

PTI chairman’s lawyer Sher Afzal Marwat did not appear and his assistant lawyer attended the court proceedings. The assistant lawyer requested the court to adjourn the case without hearing, while the prosecutor objected to the absence of PTI lawyer Sher Marwat.

The judge remarked that the case would be proceeded further after hearing arguments from both parties and adjourned the case till November 13.

Fawad Chaudhry arrested from Islamabad house STAFF REPORT

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Pemra issues media guidelines for election coverage

Amnesty seek FATF review of India’s ‘obliteration’ of human rights ISLAMABAD

FAJR SUNRISE 5:40

Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk