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Senate resolution urges top court to stop implementation on military court trials ruling ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

T

ISLAMABAD NEWS DESK

HE caretaker federal government is contemplating its options to challenge the Supreme Court (SC) judgment of declaring military trials of civilians unconstitutional.

According to highly credible sources, the federal and provincial governments have hired top lawyers through to challenge the verdict issued by a larger bench of the apex court last month.

A five-judge bench of the SC had in October unanimously declared the trial of civilians in military courts as null and void and ordered that the 103 accused in cases relating to the violence on May 9 and 10, 2023 be tried under the ordinary criminal laws.

According to the sources, Attorney

General of Pakistan Mansoor Awan will represent the federal government in case the verdict is challenged while the defence ministry has in talks with senior lawyer Khawaja Haris and the interior ministry has hired Ahmer Bilal Sufi.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan and Sindh governments intend to submit pleas against the verdict through Sikandar Bashir Mohmand and Jahanzaib Awan, respectively.

Under the law, intra court appeals have to be filed within 30 days and the same are to be fixed for hearing within 14 days of application.

The court through a 4-1 majority also declared certain clauses of the Army Act as ultra vires the Constitution and of no legal effect. One judge of the bench, reserved his verdict on one para, though siding with the bench on the remaining paras.

The bench, led by Justice Ijazul

The Upper House of the parliament on Monday passed a resolution against the Supreme Court’s verdict on civilians’ trial in the military courts, urging the top court to stop implementation of the judgment “unless it is considered by a larger bench”.

In a unanimous verdict, a fivemember bench of the Supreme Court last month declared civilians’ trials in military courts null and void as it admitted the petitions challenging the trial of civilians involved in the May 9 riots triggered by the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in a corruption case.

A five-member apex court bench — headed by Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha Malik — announced the order on October 23 on the petitions filed by the PTI chief and others.

Four judges out of the five had de-

Ahsan and including Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mazahir Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha Malik heard the petitions that had challenged the trial of civilians allegedly involved in the May 9 violence in the military courts.

The petitions, questioning the legiti-

clared that Section 2(1)(d) of the Army Act and 59(4) (civil offences) are “ultra vires the Constitution and of no legal effect”.

“Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the trials of civilians and accused persons, being around 103 persons […] shall be tried by criminal courts of competent jurisdiction established under the ordinary and/or special law of the land in relation to such offences of which they may stand accused,” the short order read.

The resolution, moved by Senator Dilawar Khan earlier Monday, said the bench that announced the recent judgment was not in unanimity as opposed to the previous benches which upheld trials of civilians under the Army Act, hence the decision is legally flawed and should not be implemented unless it is considered by a larger bench.

The resolution observed with “apprehension that the invalidation of the jurisdiction of army courts is likely to facilitate vandals and abettors of terrorism and anti-state activities”.

macy of trying civilians in military courts, were filed by former chief justice Jawwad S Khawaja, senior lawyer Barrister Aitezaz Ahsan and others. The other day, the apex court was informed that trial of 103 people in the military custody had already begun.

PML-N pushes for nationwide election alliance to help win big on February 8 QUETTA

STAFF REPORT

Efforts by Nawaz Sharif to help forge a nation-wide political alliance to help win majority in the National Assembly and form a coalition government of like-minded political parties intensified on Monday.

Sharif, who is facing a strong challenge for his plans to become a leading contender for the slot of prime minister, has miserably failed to amass huge public support yet. Hence, his party is making efforts to forge a multi-party election alliance to help win big at ballot box. With former prime minister and hugely popular Imran Khan jailed, Sharif finds it as the best opportunity to run as a leading contender for the prime ministerial slot.

Senior PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq on Monday reached Quetta, just a day before former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to land in the provincial capital for his first visit since returning to Pakistan after years-long exile.

Sadiq – the former National Assembly speaker – has been assigned the task to reach out to the political leaders in smaller provinces, thus paving the way for a broader electoral cooperation in the February 8 polls.

It is his second visit to the country’s largest province in recent weeks after being a part of the PMLN team that held talks with the MQM-P, PML-F and JUI-F for a seat adjustment formula.

The PML-N supremo is reaching Quetta on Tuesday for forging new alliances and boosting his party’s organisation in Balochistan, as the three-time prime minister, despite his disqualification, eyes fourth term in office.

Nawaz – who is regarded as the comeback man – is confident of regaining power after his conviction in the NAB cases to achieve what has been considered an impossible by many who predicted the end of politics

just like during his pervious exile when Pervez Musharraf had deported him to Saudi Arabia.

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz – the party’s chief organiser – will accompany him for his three-day visit to Balochistan where he is expected to close a seat-adjustment deal with the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) which is now led by Khalid Magsi.

The Balochistan-based party had parted ways with the PTI-led ruling alliance, paving the way for the success of a no-confidence motion which propelled Shehbaz to the prime minister’s office for a 16-month-long stint.

The planned agreement with the BAP comes after the PML-N last week secured a similar deal with the MQM-P in Sindh where discussions are on for extending the electoral collaboration to other parties like Pir Pagara’s PML-F and the JUI-F. Nawaz is also expected to meet over 20 prominent political leaders and several of them will join the PML-N, boosting the party’s prospects in February 8 general elections.

The visit also has a great symbolic significance given that it was Balochistan where the downfall of his

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government began after the change in party loyalty and shifting alliances ended the tenure of the then chief minister Sanaullah Zehri.

Both Zehri and Lt-Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch had left the PML-N and later joined the PPP after criticising Nawaz and his policies after he accused the establishment of toppling his government, conviction and the controversial elections in 2018.

NAWAZ SHARIF’S QUETTA VISIT RESCHEDULED: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s Quetta visit has been rescheduled.

Nawaz Sharif who was scheduled to fly to Balochistan on Monday to further expand his party’s alliances with regional players, now will visit the provincial capital of Balochistan on Tuesday along with PML-N President, Shehbaz Sharif.

The security squad of the former three-time prime minister has left for Quetta before his arrival. During his visit, the ex-PM will hold political meetings and it is expected that many political leaders will announce to join PML-N. The PML-N on Tuesday formed an alliance with the MQM-P and announced reaching out to other parties in Sindh. PML-N team Saturday reached Karachi to meet Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQMP) and other parties’ leadership.

Senior leader of PML-N including Khawaja Saad Rafique met with Pir Sahab Pagara and forwarded him Nawaz Sharif’s message. The PML-N delegation also visited the MQM-P markaz in Bahadurabad to discuss further steps after the coalition elections.

Nawaz Sharif, who returned last month after around four-year stay in London, will hold meetings with PMLN Balochistan’s leadership during his visit to Quetta.

Meanwhile, PML-N is also eyeing another alliance with the JUI-F, ANP and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province.

Are we headed for a January gas-crisis?

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SHC summons JIT chief in missing persons’ case

irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk

KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

The Sindh High Court (SHC) heard cases of missing persons and expressed displeasure at the police and the provincial government, demanding answers regarding the whereabouts of the missing citizens.

During the proceedings, a heated exchange transpired between the court and the police, with the provincial government asserting that they lack control over law enforcement. The court, however, expressed skepticism, questioning the accountability and responsibility of the authorities.

“If the missing citizens are not within the purview of the provincial government, then where did they go?” the court questioned, emphasizing the urgency of locating the missing persons and presenting them before the court.

The court raised concerns about the efficacy of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs), questioning their purpose when the authorities seem unable to locate the missing individuals and summoned the chief of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in his personal capacity, seeking a firsthand account of the progress and challenges faced in the search for the missing persons.

Caretaker cabinet gives approval to Imran Khan’s jail trial in cypher case

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Just a day before the Islamabad High Court is due to take up for hearing the intra-court appeal filed by former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan against holding his trial in the US cypher case inside the Adiala Jail, the caretaker federal cabinet on Monday approved the Ministry of Law’s summary for holding the trial in the jail.

The trial will be held tomorrow (November 14). The summary sent by the law ministry said that the Interior Ministry and the Official Secrets Act Court Judge Abul Hasnat had recommended holding trial of the former prime minister inside the jail.

The summary further read that the recommendation had been made in view of security threats to the PTI chairman. Copies of the Special Branch’s threat report and the judge’s recommendation were also attached to the summary.

A division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had a week ago issued notices to the authorities concerned on an appeal, seeking trial of former prime minister Imran Khan in the cipher case in an open court.

The IHC division bench was hearing the former prime minister’s intra-court appeal against a single-member bench’s decision that had approved his jail trial.

THE MISSING JANUARY CARGO TRANSLATES INTO A DEFICIT OF APPROXIMATELY 100 MILLION CUBIC FEET PER DAY PROFIT

DANIYAL AHMAD

Rumours are swirling in the media about a looming gas crisis in Pakistan, as the country may face a shortfall of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) in January. Media reports suggest that SOCAR is wavering in its commitment to Pakistan, lured by the prospect of fetching higher prices from the European markets, where demand is skyrocketing.

The absence of the expected cargo could compel the government to slash the gas supply to the domestic sector from eight hours to a meagre six hours. Moreover, the media claims that Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) is contemplating seeking exemptions from the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) guidelines, in order to expedite the procurement of cargoes from the spot market and fill the gap.

The missing January cargo translates into a deficit of approximately 100 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) — the equivalent of one LNG cargo. We contacted PLL for their comments on the issue, but they remained unavailable So, what’s going and why?

The issue at hand Let us get straight to the point. The lack of cargo is a serious problem. There is no denying that. “The non-availability of LNG from SOCAR worsens an already dire energy situation in Pakistan, with potential implications for both the domestic population and the economy,” says Jawad Majeed, General Manager at Tabeer Energy.

Moreover, the case of a tender for the spot market is also problematic. “In your approach to market, if you float a tender for 30 days with bids having a validity for 90 days then you’re unlikely to get a cargo in time. It was different in the case of Vitol, because Vitol coincidentally had a cargo at

the time,” explains Shahid Karim, CEO of LNGFlex and former CEO of Daewoo Gas. However, this might be precisely what PLL is banking on. Vitol secured a PPRA exemption for their cargo. PPRA regulations stipulate that a tender must remain valid for 30 days, and a waiting period of 15 days is required before awarding the tender. The Vitol cargo had a fleeting tender life of approximately one week, with the tender validity itself barely extending beyond 10-12 hours post-bid. The December cargo, procured as part of the tender, was accepted on October 4, and with it still being mid-November, there is a sliver of time left — albeit, not much. Consequently, this cargo is likely to come with a hefty price tag. We will be buying in peak season.

On the topic of time, SOCAR can offer Pakistan a cargo 30 days prior to the cargo’s arrival. Despite the swirling speculations, the crisis is poised to intensify only if no agreement is reached by the time December

rolls around. The crucial point to underscore here is that PLL is cognizant of the looming problem, primarily due to the nature of the SOCAR contract itself.

What is SOCAR, and what is the contract at hand?

SOCAR is a fully state-owned national oil and gas company headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan. The company produces oil and natural gas from onshore and offshore fields in the Azerbaijani segment of the Caspian Sea. Earlier this year, in June, Pakistan signed an agreement with Azerbaijan. According to the agreement, Azerbaijan would offer 12 distressed cargoes of LNG monthly to Pakistan on flexible terms for a span of one year. The agreement is also extendable to another one year. The contract itself is confidential, but we have it on good authority that the rumoured 45-day delivery window is 30 days and upwards till 60 days.

There is no obligation for either of the

parties in this contract. SOCAR may offer, and Pakistan may accept. This uncertainty is baked into the agreement. As to why the contract might be acting up, the thing is it was always going to be problematic. Let us start with the term distressed cargo.

Simply put, cargo is categorised as distressed when the buyer abandons the goods.

This occurs when the buyer is no longer willing to honour the original contract agreed upon due to unfavourable or unexpected circumstances.

“I am not aware of any distressed LNG cargoes. The only thing that points in that direction is that equity LNG is not available to anyone till the end of 2026, which means that you cannot do long-term contracts. Short-term trading is taking place and at times cargos come up for availability, but it is not appropriate or accurate to call them or term them distressed cargo,” explains Karim.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

02 NEWS

MOONIS ELAHI DECLARED ABSCONDER IN GRAFT CASE BY LAHORE ACCOUNTABILITY COURT

M

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

OONIS ELAHI, son of PTI President Parvez Elahi, was declared an absconder on Monday by a Lahore accountability court in a case pertaining to allegations of receiving billions in kickbacks in development projects.

The National Accountability Bureau

2 soldiers martyred in exchange of fire with militants in North Waziristan: ISPR

RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Two soldiers were martyred while one terrorist was killed in an exchange of fire between security forces and militants in the Mir Ali area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan District, the military’s media affairs wing said on Monday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that last night, troops “effectively engaged the terrorists’ location”. As a result, one terrorist was “sent to hell”. The ISPR further said 25year-old Sepoy Abdullah and 19-year-old Sepoy Muhammad Sohail embraced martyrdom during the exchange. “Sanitisation of the surrounding areas is being carried out to neutralise any terrorists found in the area.

Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said. Last week, a Pakistan Army officer and three soldiers were martyred in an intelligencebased operation in the Tirah area of KP’s Khyber district while terrorists had attacked the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) heavily guarded M.M. Alam Base on Nov 4. On Nov 3, 17 security personnel were martyred in an ambush, bomb blasts and security operation in Gwadar, Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat.

Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in recent months, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November last year. In September, data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said the number of militant attacks in August was the highest tally for monthly strikes in almost nine years.

PTI chief, Asad Umar, Fawad’s indictment deferred till Dec 6 in ECP contempt case

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman, Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry could not be indicted in contempt of Election Commission case on Monday. Four-member commission led by Sindh member Nisar Durrani conducted hearing of contempt of ECP and chief election commissioner cases. Commission head Durrani, during proceedings, remarked if there were security fears, the four-member panel could issue notification for hearing of the cases in jail. The commission member asked if law permitted them for the same. The law secretary said he would seek opinion of the law ministry in this regard. Upon inquiry of the commission, Fawad Chaudhry’s lawyer said his client was in Adiala Jail on judicial remand.

Member commission said the ECP was a constitutional body with its own rules, constitution and act. He said no other law was applicable on the election commission. Later, the commission adjourned hearing of the case till December 6. Earlier on November 4, The tlection Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had dismissed in unequivocal terms that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) spokesperson’s media statement was totally baseless and in contrast with the facts, especially regarding the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission in general. In a statement, an ECP spokesperson noted that issuance of such statements, while the general election date had been determined through consensus, was an abortive attempt to disrupt the current congenial atmosphere. He reminded PTI that the Election Commission did demonstrate exceptional impartiality during by-elections on July 17 and October 16, 2022. He said the Commission has so far substantiated its commitment to electoral transparency, through its initiatives and actions.

(NAB) accused Moonis of embezzling money in various development projects and initiated proceedings on Oct 6 to declare former federal minister Moonis Elahi a proclaimed offender, stating that Moonis had been evading arrest and due course of law.

Moonis, who left the country last year after the crackdown on the PTI, faces multiple cases of corruption and money laundering registered against him by the Federal Investigation Agency, the Anti-Corruption Establish-

ment and NAB. In a hearing presided over by Judge Naseem Ahmad Virk today, the NAB prosecutor, Waris Ali Janjua, was asked by the court to begin the process of confiscating the former federal minister’s properties.

“Neither did he [Moonis] surrender for arrest nor did he join the investigation,” Janjua told the court. On July 22, 2023, Moonis was declared an absconder in a money laundering case as well. A Lahore district court made the declaration over his continued absence from

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

proceedings in the case filed by the FIA. The district court had also begun the process to freeze his assets, and bank account and cancel his computerised national identity card (CNIC), passport, and bank accounts. Moonis and his father Parvez are among several PTI leaders and workers facing legal troubles amid the state’s crackdown on the PTI leadership following the May 9 riots. Parvez formally joined the party in February this year.

Bank deposits surge to Rs26tr in October, marking 18pc YoY growth PROFIT

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Bank deposits in Pakistan reached Rs26.398 trillion in October, reflecting an 18 percent increase from the same period last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Although the month-on-month growth was modest at 0.3 percent, with deposits rising from Rs26.318 trillion in September, analysts attribute the overall increase to a combination of factors.

The surge in deposits is primarily linked to the country’s highest interest rates in Asia, prompting savers to capitalize on the favorable conditions. Other contributing factors include the growth in remittances from overseas workers, the expansion of bank branches, and the conver-

sion of foreign currencies into rupees following the government’s crackdown on illegal currency trade and dollar smuggling in September.

Analysts note that the rise in interest rates has incentivized savers to maintain their funds in bank accounts, evident from the increasing average rate of return on deposits. The significant growth in remittances, reaching $2.5 billion in October (a 12 percent increase from the previous month), and the rapid expansion of certain banks’ branches have also played a role in boosting deposits.

The factors influencing interest rates include the government’s borrowing needs, currency devaluation, and inflation forecasts.

While the market previously anticipated a 22 percent interest rate until the

first quarter of 2024, recent declines in yields on Pakistan’s Investment Bonds suggest the possibility of a rate reduction in the upcoming SBP monetary policy review scheduled for next month.

In October, bank advances increased by 8 percent YoY to Rs11.898 trillion, while banks’ investments rose by 27 percent YoY to Rs23.232 trillion. The investment-to-deposit ratio (IDR) increased to 88 percent, compared to 81.6 percent a year ago, reflecting banks’ increasing reliance on government securities such as bonds and treasury bills. However, the advance-to-deposit ratio (ADR) fell to 45.1 percent in October from 49.3 percent in the same month last year.

Banks assert that the rise in their IDR ratio is due to the more attractive yields offered by government securities. They em-

Experts warn of enhanced risk of flooding in KP due to massive deforestation ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The experts on Monday warned of enhanced risk of flooding and other natural catastrophes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) due to massive deforestation in the province at the hands of timber mafia.

A seminar titled ‘Walking into Disaster: Massive Illegal Deforestation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ was jointly organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Sarhad Conservation Network (SCN).

Chairperson, Board of Governors, SDPI Ambassador (R) Shafqat Kakahel in his vote of thanks extended his gratitude to the speakers and guests. He commended the effort of the SCN for collaborating with the Institute on a provincial issue as the latter had most of its focus on the federal level.

Ambassador Kakakhel said the climate change impacts will be felt in the provinces and we must unite on behalf of communities for their own wellbeing.

Forests, he said are an integral part of the discourse on climate change as it has its impacts on cross-sectoral areas from sea level rise to heatwaves and forest fires.

“Pakistan is a forest-deficient country due to its soil and less rainfall. The model of Iran for conservation of lakes, wetlands and water bodies which is appreciable as it is a water deficient country, should be replicated for forest conservation,” he added.

While moderating the discussion, Convener, SCN, Dr Adil Zareef said the issue of deforestation has been pronounced since June 2023 after the caretaker government came into power in the province. He said the situation was disturbing in newly merged and settled districts due to increased tree cutting leaving

the lush green forests denuded and the future of generations compromised.

Dr Zareef said forest was a devolved subject after the 18th Amendment but it is a transboundary issue affecting locally, regionally and internationally as the country is ranked fifth most vulnerable on the Global Climate Index. He added that the forum intended to garner workable suggestions from this seminar to pass it on to the relevant forums. He warned that deforestation can cause serious consequences during flooding. A small video montage by Sarhad Conservation Network and SDPI based on over 100 images highlighting the forests of KP and its rapid deforestation was presented to the participants.

In his opening remarks, Mohammad Rafiq, former Country Head of IUCN and an expert environmentalist said despite its lower emissions Pakistan is mostly exposed to climate disasters. He opined that deforestation is not new but rather it started from the British Colonial era when they raised the teak forests for its timber supplies. The British to serve their purpose introduced malicious legislation that divided the forests into protected and guzara forests dividing it between the state and the communities, he said.

He regretted that the deforestation has increased backed by the timber mafia deeply aligned with forest service.

However, the benefits did not reach the forest owners as the local masses cannot access the decision-making forums which give room to the contractors (timber mafia) to exploit the forests. He recommended that the forest needs to be managed under approved working or management plans which indicates the entire progress of the forest.

Muhammad Rafiq further added that a completely independent review of

the forest service and management along with a coherent policy and legal framework and a hundred-year vision for forest management should be done.

Moreover, an irreversible policy decision to stop the commercialization of state forests forever should be taken as forests standing are more valuable than forest cut, he added.

Former Senator Afrasiab Khattak, President of Roshaan Democratic Institute said the problem in KP is that tribal expansion has been overextended into our areas. “We had a very difficult geography that put us at the receiving end of the Russia-British colonial era contestation and also the region has been ravaged by the global war on terror,” he added.

Khattak said the prolonged domination of feudal gentry owning the land in KP impacted the forest sector as well who wanted to become capitalistic elites through shortcuts. He suggested that it is necessary to lobby more as the groups working on population are approaching political parties to add population in their manifesto which should be replicated to protect forests. The former Senator added that it is imperative to sensitize the masses as it’s a matter of survival.

Arshad Samad Khan, Provincial Coordinator, World Bank said climate change is directly impacting our livelihoods and sustainability, whereas there is a need to probe the nexus between climate change-deforestation and national security. He said in the prevailing scenario food security is a bigger issue for Pakistan in terms of its exponential population increase as it will also have an impact on our water security leading to increased conflicts in the region on resources.

PIA’s two flight attendants slip away in Canada ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA’s) two flight attendants slipped away in Canada after the national airline’s flight from Islamabad reached Toronto.

The PIA spokesperson in a statement issued on Monday said that the two flight attendants – Khalid Afridi and Fida Shah – reached Canada from Islamabad by flight PK-772.

“On its scheduled return to the country, the two crew members did not

turn up in Toronto and the flight of the national flag carrier had to proceed without them,” he added.

The spokesperson said, the local authority of Canada has been contacted in this regard while strict action will be taken against both of them after the investigation is completed.

Dozens of air hostesses of the national airline have slipped abroad, including female air hostesses and mail cabin crew.

Earlier in July, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) steward went

‘missing’ from a hotel after his arrival in Toronto, Canada from Lahore.

The mysterious missing of the PTI steward came to light when flight steward Muntazir Mehdi didn’t report for duty on a flight back to Pakistan.

Subsequently, the matter was brought to the notice of the airline management and Canadian immigration authorities.

Before Mehdi, four flight stewards and air hostesses of the national airline have slipped into Canada for citizenship.

phasize their role in supporting the government’s increasing borrowing needs by investing in treasury bills and bonds.

In a bid to address liquidity concerns in the market, the SBP injected a substantial Rs4.65 trillion into banks through a 28-day open market operation on Friday, with a return rate of 22.05 percent. This liquidity infusion aims to prevent a shortage in the market.

The broader monetary indicators reveal a deceleration in broad money (M2) growth to 12.9 percent as of end-September from 14.2 percent at end-June 2023.

This slowdown is attributed to the continued deceleration in private sector credit and a more than seasonal retirement in commodity operations financing, according to the SBP’s recent monetary policy statement.

Pakistani digital freight forwarding startup Voyage Freight secures $1mn in pre-seed funding PROFIT

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Pakistani digital freight forwarding startup, Voyage Freight, announced on Monday that it has successfully secured over $1 million in pre-seed funding, led by Indus Valley Capital.

The funding aims to support Voyage’s vision of transforming the international shipping sector in Pakistan and expanding its operations in the MENA region.

Voyage Freight offers exporters an end-toend global shipping solution utilising modern technology. The company emphasized that this funding is a significant milestone in its journey to simplify the logistics industry for Pakistani exporters.

The focus is on creating a streamlined and enhanced export logistics process through an innovative, technology-driven platform.

The company, co-founded by Omar Mukhtar, an alumnus of University College London and the London School of Economics, envisions becoming a key player in the logistics sector within the MENA Region, beginning with a strong foundation in Pakistan. The funds obtained are expected to catalyze Voyage’s mission to provide a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective shipping experience for the growing trade market in Pakistan.

Indus Valley Capital founder Aatif Awan expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Voyage’s vision of simplifying global freight for anyone in Pakistan, especially new and smaller exporters, really resonated with us.” Voyage Freight aims to address challenges in the traditional freight forwarding processes in Pakistan, including issues like lack of transparency and complex customs procedures. The company’s approach involves consolidating all shipping operations onto a single dashboard, providing clients with real-time visibility and control over their cargo.

According to Omar Mukhtar, the company’s co-founder, the current global economy underscores the importance of efficient exporting for the growth and competitiveness of industry. He stated, “Our aim is to democratize access to global markets for exporters.” The funding secured by Voyage Freight is expected to play a pivotal role in realizing the company’s objectives and contributing to the transformation of the international shipping sector in Pakistan and the broader MENA region.

Construction experts highlight role of construction management LAHORE

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Construction experts in Pakistan’s real estate sector are highlighting the critical role of construction management, especially for major projects like industrial facilities, commercial properties, and transportation infrastructure. This focus is becoming increasingly relevant due to Pakistan’s growing population and the consequent need for more infrastructure.

In a conversation with Pakistan Today, Yasir Khan, a seasoned construction management professional, explained that construction management transcends mere building. It involves integrating sustainability, ensuring safety, managing changes effectively, and utilizing technology to boost efficiency and quality.

It is pertinent to mention here that Yasir Khan is recognized in the construction industry for his innovative approach,

aligning with national and global standards. With extensive experience and profound knowledge, Khan has adeptly handled complex project challenges, showcasing exceptional intelligence and innovative problem-solving skills.

According to Khan, this field requires dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. In his current project, a 10story mixed-use development in Lahore, Khan is focusing on sustainability. The project incorporates energy-efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, and solar panels. Emphasizing responsible building, the project also uses recycled materials and minimizes waste to reduce the environmental footprint.

Khan stressed the importance of effective change management in construction.

His team’s robust process allows for assessing the impact of design changes or structural concerns on timelines and budgets.

This involves close collaboration with ar-

chitects and engineers and maintaining transparent communication with all stakeholders. Regular safety training, strict personal protective equipment protocols, and comprehensive safety measures like barriers and fall protection are standard practices.

The team is also prepared for emergencies with a well-defined response plan.

Technology plays a key role in enhancing efficiency and quality in Khan’s projects. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the use of drones for site surveys have significantly improved project visualization, planning, accuracy, and efficiency.

Similarly, Abu Bakar Deewan, another construction expert speaking to Pakistan Today, emphasized the diverse skill sets required in construction management, including project and budget management. He noted that construction management teams are crucial for controlling costs, coordinating activities of various stakeholders, and ensuring timely

project completion.

Deewan pointed out that construction management is key to minimizing risks and maximizing profits for developers and investors. It also plays a significant role in safety management during the construction process.

He highlighted the urgent need for robust infrastructure development in Pakistan, driven by its burgeoning population and rapid urbanization. Efficient construction management is essential for ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and sustainably.

In Pakistan, where regulatory oversight can sometimes be lax, Deewan stressed the importance of construction management in maintaining quality and safety standards.

Professional construction managers are trained to anticipate and mitigate risks, ensuring that buildings are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and safe, especially in disaster-prone areas.

ALMOST 2500 NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED BY SECP IN OCTOBER

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

T

PROFIT

Ghulam abbas

HE Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) marked a significant stride in economic development by registering 2,463 new companies in the month of October 2023. This surge brings the total number of registered companies to an impressive 205,456, with a cumulative capitalization of PKR 4.24 billion for the newly incorporated entities.

A breakdown of the registered companies reveals that 56% opted for the private limited company structure, while 41% chose to register as single-member companies. The remaining 3% diversi-

fied into public unlisted companies, notfor-profit associations, trade organizations, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and foreign companies. Remarkably, nearly 99.6% of these registrations were processed online, showcasing the SECP’s commitment to digitization.

The IT sector emerged as the frontrunner in incorporations, boasting 326 new companies. It was closely followed by trading (322), services (298), real estate development & construction (290), education (107), tourism (100), food & beverages (90), ecommerce, and mining & quarrying (67 each). Other sectors contributing to this surge include corporate agricultural farming, marketing & advertisement, textile, pharmaceutical,

Are we headed for a January gas-crisis?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

“The deal is not a priced deal, it is a frame agreement,” adds Karim. Consequently, its implementation was always dubious. There is no malice in agreements such as these. Just not agreeing on the terms between the parties.

“There is lack of transparency on what was ordered by PLL and at what rates the tender of one cargo was matched at how many cents below the bid price by SOCAR. Secondly, SOCAR is to offer one cargo per month, it is up to both parties to accept or not accept,” explains Sheikh Imranul Haque, former Managing Director and CEO of Pakistan State Oil and former CEO of EngroVopak.

Will we escape a cold January if we get the cargo? Not really. There will be a crisis. All of this is in terms of Pakistan’s imported gas needs. We were already expected to only have 8 hours of gas outages, and that will remain irrespective of the cargo. “The gas crisis in winter is already there as local gas production has also declined by 1.1% YoY during 1QFY24,” asserts Rao Aamir Ali, Vice President of Research at Arif Habib. The matter at hand is now how bad we want the crisis to be. As it stands, LNG is not going to plug the crisis, it is merely going to dampen it.

The legality of the fixed charges in the current gas price hike CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

The bone of contention isn’t limited to whether the Government of Pakistan could make the decision or not. It extends to whether even such a provision exists. “The concept of ‘fixed charges’ bears no legal weight in the determination of gas prices. Fixed charges are solely pertinent to the calculation of electricity purchase prices, which are established in the electricity tariff. Moreover, the fixed charge component of the electricity tariff regime has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, and a decision is pending,” explains Taimur Malik, Senior Partner at Kilam Law. However, in terms of this act being legal, the argument is that there is a confusion regarding whether the fixed charges are an increase in meter rent or a minimum bill. “Had this increase been in the meter rent, the assertion of its illegality would have held water. The presumption is that the meter rent has surged. Meter rent falls under the jurisdiction of the OGRA, which issues a determination for it, and that determination can solely be executed by the OGRA, not by the federal government.

However, this is not a case of meter rent,” clarifies Mirza Mehmood Ahmad, Founding Partner at Mirza and Tahir and former board member of SNGPL and SSGCL. “What the government has enacted is treating this as a minimum billing—that this would be the least charge for a consumer to utilise gas,” Ahmad expounds. “We need to be cognisant of two types of prices: the prescribed price, and the sale price. The prescribed price is a baseline price that OGRA needs to generate revenue for activities in the sector. The sale price is the price at which the government notifies that gas will be sold to consumers.

This doesn’t fall under OGRA’s domain.

This is a policy decision, and as such, falls under the purview of the Government,” Ahmad concludes.

transport, engineering, chemical, power generation, healthcare, cosmetics & toiletries, broadcasting & telecasting, lodging, communications, cables & electrical goods, and paper & board.

The SECP’s integration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and provincial departments has streamlined the registration process. A total of 2,281 companies used the SECP eService for registration with FBR, while 61 companies secured registration with the Employees Old Age Benefit Institute (EOBI). Additionally, 27 companies obtained registration with PESSI/SESSI, and 34 companies completed the registration process with the excise and taxation departments.

Foreign investment played a no-

table role in this surge, with 75 new companies attracting investments from various countries. China led the pack with 40 companies, followed by Afghanistan (5), the UK (4), Germany and the UAE (3 each), and the Netherlands, Norway, and the US (2 each). A total of 14 companies attracted investments from other countries including Algeria, Australia, Denmark, El Salvador, France, Indonesia, South Korea, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Spain, Syria, Thailand, and Turkey.

According to the SECP, this influx of new companies and foreign investments highlights the resilience and growth potential of Pakistan’s business landscape, reflecting positively on the country’s economic trajectory.

SC urged to take note of ‘rising oppression, coercions’ against PTI workers ISLAMABAD

staff RePoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Core Committee Monday called upon the Supreme Court (SC) to take cognisance of the unprecedented uptick in the “ongoing state coercive measures and reprisal actions” against PTI’s leaders, workers and officials ahead of the general elections scheduled to be held on February 8, 2023.

PTI core committee requested the top court to take immediate notice of the severity of the situation and take effective measures to ensure fulfillment of all constitutional requirements, which were pre-requisite for creating favorable environment to hold free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

The forum noted that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in consultation with the President of the country fixed the date of February 8 for the next general elections under the supervision of the apex court.

The participants of the meeting stressed the need that holding of free, fair and transparent elections was the basic constitutional and democratic requirements for ensuring supremacy of the constitution and upholding the rule of law, the restoration and stability of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.

The PTI Core Committee contended that the state institutions open interference in political affairs in sheer violation of the constitution and law was polluting and deteriorating the election environment.

The forum pointed out that the brutal and ruthless campaign based on political vendetta was going on against the PTI leaders and workers without any fear of accountability or regard for the law. PTI core committee warned that affecting the transparency of elections and tampering with the mandate of the people through use of the state power and coercions would further aggravate the prevailing crises in the country.

They made it clear that if the attempts of imposing a specific group of criminals on the nation under the auspices of the state or through the destructive agenda of violating the sanctity of the people’s vote were not shunned, the people would have no choice but to resist any such undemocratic, unlawful and unconstitutional steps with full might.

PTI Core Committee urged that the SC had to intervene to defend and protect the constitution and democracy due to the very controversial role of the compromised electoral watchdog and the caretaker government deprived of credibility and competence.

The forum demanded that the top court should immediately take notice of the discriminatory actions of the state against PTI and ensure providing level playing field and equal opportunities to all political parties to participate in the elections freely.

In the meeting, they held a detailed deliberation on the PTI’s strategy of selecting candidates in the light of the party’s principled decision regarding participation in the elections with full force across the country. PTI core committee expressed satisfaction over the enthusiasm and interest among candidates in getting PTI’s tickets in every constituency despite the worst state operation against PTI, which, they said, showed a clear indication of crushing defeat of tyrannical and fascist forces in the forthcoming general elections.

They went on to say that despite all the brutal and inhuman tactics, PTI Chairman Imran Khan was the most popular political leader and PTI was the center of hope of the nation.

PTI Core Committee demanded that the ongoing unconstitutional and unlawful tactics of harassing PTI’s officials, especially the election candidates, to forcefully stop them from getting tickets or drive them to join other parties would serve no purpose rather it would add to the humiliation of the inimical forces.

The apex court announced a short order following the hearing of the case. The five-member bench unanimously declared that civilians would be tried under ordinary criminal laws of the land in relation to such offences.

“Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the trials of civilians and accused persons, being around 103 persons who were identified in the list provided to the Court by the learned Attorney General for Pakistan by way of CMA No.5327 of 2023 in Constitution Petition No. 24 of 2023 and all other persons who are now or may at any time be similarly placed in relation to the events arising from and out of 9th and 10th May, 2023 shall be tried by Criminal Courts of competent jurisdiction established under the ordinary and / or special law of the land in relation to such offences of which they may

Jazz Pioneers VoLTE Roaming Services in Partnership with AT&T (USA)

CORPORATE CORNER

ISLAMABAD: In yet another industry-first move, Jazz, Pakistan's leading digital operator, has launched Voice over LTE (VoLTE) roaming services in collaboration with AT&T to provide seamless connectivity to customers traveling to the US. This revolutionary initiative also ensures superior voice quality and faster call setup times for Jazz customers while roaming in the United States.As a testament to its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Jazz is the first operator in Pakistan to offer VoLTE roaming services for the US. This initiative is particularly significant as AT&T no longer offers 2G and 3G services on their network, making VoLTE the only available option for voice and SMS services for Jazz customers connected to AT&T USA. PR

Xiaomi's ‘Fan-tastic Meetup’ - A resounding success in district 19 Karachi

KARACHI: Xiaomi, the renowned technology giant, is delighted to announce the overwhelming success of the "Xiaomi Fan-tastic Meetup," an exclusive fan event that took place in District 19, Karachi. This extraordinary gathering exceeded all expectations, delivering an immersive experience for Xiaomi enthusiasts, and leaving attendees with unforgettable memories. The Xiaomi Fantastic Meetup, which unfolded on November 11, 2023, was indeed a resounding success.

Here's a glimpse of what transpired during this remarkable event. PR

Gas theft crackdown: Another 102 connections disconnected in Punjab, KP and Islamabad LAHORE: During the ongoing crackdown against gas pilferers, SNGPL continued raids in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, disconnecting another 102 connections while 128 under billing cases processed; Rs 4.93 million fine imposed In Lahore, the regional team disconnected 14 connections on illegal use of gas.

In Bahawalpur the company disconnected two connections on the use of compressor. The regional team in Multan disconnected 1 connection on illegal use of gas while another 5 on use of compressor and 65 under billing cases have been processed. The team imposed fine of Rs 0.12million against gas pilferes. PR

Iqbal Z Ahmed’s family cries foul following arrests in alleged money laundering case CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

THE CASE AT HAND Ahmed is accused of orchestrating a colossal scheme of money laundering that inflicted a staggering loss of Rs 29 billion to the national exchequer. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) – under the supervision of its

former chairman – initiated a reference against him under the Money Laundering Act. The reference alleges that Ahmed funneled billions of rupees from his companies to various foreign destinations, including the UK. He purportedly transferred Rs 1.7 billion overseas to secure foreign ex-

change for payments pertaining to his own and other companies. This is the second time that Ahmed has landed behind bars since 2019.

The NAB court in Hyderabad, presided over by Naseem Akhtar Soomro, adjourned Ahmed’s plea and thus the family anticipates his bail to be granted on November 14.

Here’s why Pakistani bank account holders cannot donate to Palestine embassy’s accounts CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

SBP DID NOT ISSUE INSTRUCTIONS: SBP spokesperson Noor Ahmed confirmed to Profit that the central bank did not issue any instruction to Bank Alfalah in this particular case to stop accepting donations into the Palestinian embassy’s account. Instead, he explained, that Bank Alfalah likely took the step under Regulation 6 of the AntiMoney Laundering/Counter Terror Financing Regulations, which relates to NGOs/NPOs/charity/trust accounts.

Point 5 of the regulation states, “Personal accounts/customer relationships shall not be allowed to be used for charity purposes/donations.” This is applica-

ble to all accounts maintained at all banks that are not specifically donation accounts. This is what Bank Alfalah also said in its official statement.

When asked whether such an instance had happened previously with the embassy of another state in Pakistan, the SBP spokesperson said it had not. “This was an internal policy matter and part of the customer due diligence, which created a misunderstanding, and now Bank Alfalah has issued the clarification,” he said, adding that donation accounts could be opened subject to the regulatory requirements. “If the embassy approaches Bank Alfalah, or Bank Alfalah approaches us, we will facilitate them as soon as possible,” he commented.

Federal, provincial govts mulling to challenge SC verdict against military trials CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

NEWS 03

stand accused,” the court order said.

The court further declared that any “action or proceedings under the Army Act in respect of the aforesaid persons or any other persons so similarly placed (including but not limited Constitution Petition Nos.24, 25, 26, 27 & 28 and 30 & 35 of 2023 6 to trial by Court Martial) are and would be of no legal effect.” The court held that the trial of civilians under Section 2d(i) and 2d(ii) of the Army Act was unconstitutional.

“It is hereby declared by Mr. Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, Mr. Justice Munib Akhtar, Mr. Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Mrs. Justice Ayesha A. Malik that clause (d) of subsection (1) of Section 2 of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 (in both of its sub clauses (i) & (ii)) and subsection (4) of Section 59 of the said Act are ultra vires the Constitution and of no legal effect,” the judgment read.

“Mr. Justice Yahya Afridi reserves

judgment as to para (i) above, but joins the other members of the Bench as regards paras (ii) and (iii),” it added. The court also dismissed nine petitions filed in favour of the military courts.

According to experts, clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 2d of the Army Act referred to action against persons who are not part of the defence forces. Subsection (4) of Section 59 stipulated the application of the Army Act on persons for offenses against any defence, armament, navy, army or air force establishment or station, ship or aircraft or navy.

The petitions were filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan; chief justice (retd) Jawwad S Khawaja; Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA); Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan; Karamat Ali; Zaman Khan Vardag; Junaid Razzaq; Hafeezullah Niazi; Lt Col (retd) Inam-ul-Rahiem and Naeemuddin Qureshi.

Picture taken at the inaugural ceremony of Pakistan Pavilion at World Travel Market London 2023 by Mr. Wasi Shah Advisor to Tourism P.M along with MD Legend Hotels and Resorts with other dignitaries. PR

R t t e C

04 COMMENT

Let’s think beyond holidays to beat Lahore’s smog

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Clearing the air: A call to action

A

Much needs to be done before Lahore can breathe easy

S winter descends upon Lahore, so does the ominous blanket of smog, casting a shadow over the city’s skyline and the health of its residents, particularly vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

The annual air pollution crisis demands urgent attention and collective action from both the government and the citizens to combat this menace.

The adverse effects of smog on public health cannot be overstated, with children and the elderly bearing the brunt of its consequences. The microscopic particulate matter present in smog infiltrates the respiratory system, leading to a surge in respiratory illnesses, exacerbating asthma, and compromising lung function. For the young and the old, whose immune systems may already be fragile, this becomes a health crisis with potential long-term implications.

To tackle this issue head-on, the government must prioritize comprehensive and stringent measures. First and foremost, industrial emissions must be closely monitored and regulated. Strict enforcement of emission standards, coupled with the promotion of cleaner technologies, is essential to curtail the release of pollutants into the air.

Furthermore, vehicular emissions, a significant contributor to the smog, demand immediate attention. The government should encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, invest in public transportation infrastructure, and implement and enforce strict emission standards for automobiles. Additionally, awareness campaigns can educate citizens on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to minimize emissions.

Agricultural practices, particularly stubble burning, also contribute significantly to the smog problem. The government should incentivize farmers to adopt alternative methods for crop residue disposal, such as plowing it back into the soil or using eco-friendly machinery.

On the individual level, citizens must actively participate in reducing their carbon footprint. Simple acts, such as carpooling, reducing energy consumption, and proper waste disposal, can collectively make a significant impact.

Recognizing the vulnerability of children and the elderly, specialized healthcare measures should be put in place. This includes the establishment of dedicated health centers equipped to handle respiratory ailments, especially during the winter months. Additionally, schools and retirement homes should be provided with air purifiers to create safer environments for these vulnerable populations.

Addressing Lahore’s winter smog requires a multifaceted approach involving both government initiatives and individual responsibility. The time to act is now, and the health and well-being of our citizens, particularly the children and elderly, depend on the decisive steps we take today to clear the air for a healthier tomorrow.

No quick fixes here; time to roll up our sleeves

A

Dr SyeD ASim Ali BukhAri

holiday was announced in Lahore and its surrounding areas for Friday, November 10, in an effort to alleviate the smog that has shrouded the region in recent weeks. Smog, the infamous mixture of fog and smoke, is slowly but steadily sucking the life out of our bodies.

With each passing year, the issue of smog is becoming more serious. According to research published by the University of Chicago, the average age of the people of Lahore is decreasing by seven years annually. For children, ingesting the current pollution levels is equivalent to smoking 30 cigarettes a day. Unfortunately, the remedial actions being taken by the stakeholders do not reflect the seriousness of the situation.

After all these years, the solution remains a mystery for the policymakers in Pakistan. Every year we come up with a new yet shortsighted plan to tackle the smog issue like a ban on stubble burning, temporary shutdown of traditional brick kilns, or the closure of schools and offices for an additional day to reduce vehicular traffic and associated pollution. Remaining true to tradition, this year the government announced a holiday on Friday as a smog-controlling strategy, and like each year, I put forward the same question: Do the actions being taken provide a long-term and sustainable solution to this problem?

Short-term thinking is one of the greatest enemies of good governance, and this is true in the case of the remedies being taken for controlling the smog situation in Punjab. Even though burning of agricultural waste, vehicular emission, and industrial pollution are commonly the main causes of smog, shutting down factories or announcing holidays are not sustainable solutions to this problem because of the associated social costs. The policymakers require an ESG-centric approach for tackling the smog issue.

Strategic decision-making centered on the holis-

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

tic combination of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors can provide a framework for minimizing smog in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. This year, the Punjab’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued Smog Regulations stating the SOP for various economic sectors and penalties for pollution generation. This is definitely a step in the right direction, but what is vital to understand is that sustainable decision-making aims to create a synergistic blend of environmentally friendly and socially responsible initiatives.

Closing polluting factories or brick kilns or reducing the working days of businesses may create economic losses and layoffs and thus the associated social cost for the stakeholders.

Green banking is a potentially viable solution to this problem through which the banking industry may provide green financing at a low interest rate to ecofriendly business activities. Banks can play a pivotal role in the fight against smog by fostering the development of environmentally and socially sustainable economic sectors through ESG strategies. Green banking can remove smog by financing the conversion of polluting activities to eco-friendly business operations and the development of green business ventures.

Green financing may be provided towards the conversion of traditional brick kilns to zig-zag technology, manufacturing of electric vehicles, sustainable agricultural practices, and other green economic sectors like green construction, sustainable textile, renewable energy generation & distribution, etc.

Similarly, good governance, under the ESG ideology, requires the integration of eco-friendly features in new developmental projects like the construction of anti-smog or smog-free towers in business districts such as the Central Business District (CBD) in Lahore.

These are structures designed as large-scale air purifiers to reduce smog and use renewable energy sources for

Unleashing their potential Yousaf Nizami

Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Balochistan’s women entrepreneurs could be the key to the province’s growth

E

mAnAhil BAzAi

NTREPRENEURSHIP embodies the spirit of innovation, creating self-employment, generating job opportunities, and propelling economic growth.

In a developing country like Pakistan, and particularly in the least developed province – Balochistan, the significance of women’s entrepreneurship cannot be overstated. The multifaceted economic and social benefits of empowering women through entrepreneurship contribute to poverty reduction, diminish inequality, foster societal development, and drive progress.

Balochistan, like many other parts of the developing world, grapples with gender-based disparities in entrepreneurship. These challenges, rooted in social and cultural issues and limited resource access, hinder women’s initiatives. Despite these obstacles, there are success stories reflecting the province’s entrepreneurial potential. Hence, it is crucial to spotlight the challenges women face in entrepreneurial endeavors and how to overcome them.

In Balochistan, gender inequality is at its peak, exacerbated by the authorities’ inability to generate equal employment opportunities amid a serious economic crisis. Empowering women through entrepreneurship becomes imperative in such distressing times, not only for job creation but also for tackling inequality.

However, women’s entrepreneurship in Balochistan faces numerous impediments that hinder its growth.

In this resource-scarce province, female entrepreneurs often encounter financial constraints when initiating ventures. The lack of a proper facilitating mechanism, coupled with cumbersome government loan procedures and stringent requirements from commercial banks, further impedes progress. Additionally, the complex process of establishing a new business poses a significant hurdle, lacking a streamlined procedure for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Moreover, there is a dearth of financial and entrepreneurial skill training in the province, hindering the promotion of a culture that enhances capabilities. These obstacles result in

women business owners facing greater difficulties than their male counterparts, lacking essential resources, training, and support to reach their full potential.

In 2021, 25,000 students in Balochistan graduated from various universities, but only 2,000 secured employment opportunities, highlighting a severe employment crisis in Pakistan.

Balochistan, despite its potential, grapples with the highest unemployment rate in the country, lagging behind other provinces in socio-economic indicators. Poor resource management, a lack of technological skills, government indifference, and a lack of job prospects contribute to this concerning trend.

The National Incubation Center (NIC) in Quetta serves as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering the growth of startups and small businesses by providing a supportive environment, mentorship, and access to valuable resources. NIC Quetta’s programs boast successful female-led startups, such as Plates of Flavor, an online baking business initiated by

three Hazara sisters. Another success story is Lubna’s entrepreneurial venture, turning a small ice cream pushcart into one of Balochistan’s most prosperous ice cream companies.

To promote women entrepreneurship in Balochistan, it is essential to establish more educational and training programs and centers like NIC in the province. Female university students should be encouraged to engage in entrepreneurial activities, supporting traditional crafts and industries. Women entrepreneurship in Balochistan promises economic growth and social empowerment. Despite challenges, the resilience, determination, and innovative spirit of women entrepreneurs in this region shine through. With continued support and investment, women’s entrepreneurship in Balochistan can flourish, paving the way for a better and inclusive future.

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

power generation. Banks can provide green financing for the construction of anti-smog towers in various public places with high levels of pollution to combat smog.

The EPA can work with other stakeholders in this regard by monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) and identifying potential areas for the installation of anti-smog towers. Other remedial actions may focus on the adoption of Regenerative Agriculture practices which can provide an eco-friendlier alternative to stubble burning and increase soil productivity. According to the World Economic Forum, more than half of the world’s agricultural land is degraded which leads to productivity losses of approximately US $ 400 billion annually. This may create a real threat to global food security.

Green Financing may be provided to various regenerative agricultural projects, such as crop rotation and relay planting, that can lessen the instances of stubble burning and thus smog.

Sustainability is not just about adopting the latest energy-efficient technologies; rather, it is the responsibility of every individual every day. It is not possible without changing our behavior and mindset to reduce resource consumption and restore the natural balance of the eco-system. The development of an environmentally sustainable economy through good governance will ensure the creation of a socially sustainable ecosystem. This can only be possible through effective public-private partnerships aimed towards the development of a sustainable economy.

It is about time that we disembark the bandwagon of myopic, short-term decision-making and focus our energies towards long-term sustainable ESG planning. Otherwise, it will be nearly impossible to find a way out of this smog.

Dr. Syed Asim Ali Bukhari (PhD in Green Banking) is working as a Chief Manager – Green Banking Department in Bank AL Habib Limited, Pakistan.

He can be contacted at aasimalibukhari@gmail.com.

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

Corruption in job market

IN today’s competitive job market, finding employment can be a challenging endeavor. Whether you’re a recent graduate, changing careers, or seeking better opportunities, knowing the most effective ways to secure employment is essential. Fresh candidates face a unique set of challenges in the job market, but with determination, adaptability, and a proactive approach, they can increase their chances of finding meaningful employment. Gaining experience, building networks, adjusting expectations, and developing soft skills are crucial steps towards overcoming the hurdles that often leave fresh graduates jobless. By addressing these challenges head-on, young job seekers can embark on successful careers and achieve their professional aspirations.

Fresh candidates who are consistently faced with corruption may become disillusioned with the job market. This discouragement can result in talented individuals leaving their home countries in search of opportunities elsewhere.

In many parts of the world, corruption is a pervasive problem that infiltrates various aspects of society, including the job market. Fresh candidates entering the workforce are not immune to this issue and often find themselves facing corruption during the recruitment process. This letter sheds light on the prevalence of corruption when fresh candidates go for the recruitment process in job markets and explores its consequences for both job seekers and the broader society.

In many parts of the world, corruption has seeped into the very fabric of society, affecting various aspects of life, including the job market. This article explores the heart-wrenching dilemma faced by middle-class families when their well-educated children encounter corrupt recruiters who demand bribes for job placement. As these families often lack the financial means to meet these demands, their children find themselves at a crossroads, forced to make difficult choices that could have far-reaching consequences.

Middle-class families often invest their hard-earned savings and hopes into providing their children with a quality education. The dream is to secure a brighter future, one where opportunities are abundant and their children can climb the socio-economic ladder. However, when these educated individuals enter the job market, they are confronted with a stark and disheartening reality—corrupt recruiters who demand financial bribes for job placements.

The government should take measures to discourage such actors and should take strict legal action against them to purify the job recruitment process.

KASHAF ASHRAF SINDH

Medical crisis in Gaza

The National Incubation Center (NIC) in Quetta serves as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering the growth of startups and small businesses by providing a supportive environment, mentorship, and access to valuable resources. NIC QuettaÊs programs boast successful femaleled startups, such as Plates of Flavor, an online baking business initiated by three Hazara sisters.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

I

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

I

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

I

HAEMODIALYSIS is a life-saving process for patients of kidney failure as it purifies their blood by taking out waste products and toxins. This requires more than 80 litres of water per session, and a dialysis machine that runs on electricity in addition to single-use disposables. The Gaza Strip has approximately a thousand patients who require haemodialysis at least twice a week to remain alive. In the absence of electricity and clean water, dialysis is impossible. The self-proclaimed civilised nations are watching hospitals being bombed, leaving the patients die in misery.

DR AHAD QAYYUM LAHORE

Costly academies

MANY students dream of getting into civil services career. In order to accomplish the goal, they visit different academies in urban areas or even take online classes. There are centres charging as much as Rs25,000 for just the compulsory papers, and Rs60,000 for all 12 subjects. Most of the aspirants do not earn that much money in a month. There should be some control over the fee structure.

YASMIN SANA PANJGUR

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

I

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

What is Israel’s end-game in Gaza?

COMMENT 05

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

In addition to the horrific abuses in Gaza, Israel’s berserk campaign threatens to set the entire region on fire

in a sense that they will not lead to a permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

T

Dr Alon Ben-meir

he campaign to eradicate Hamas is increasingly resembling a war of revenge and retribution. It has caused tremendous destruction and human suffering. After only four weeks, nearly 11,000 in Gaza are dead, one-third of them children under the age of 18, there is a horrifying scarcity of food, medicine, water, and fuel, and nearly half the population is now internally displaced.

This calamity is unfolding in front of our eyes and must stop, even temporarily, to help save the lives of many of the tens of thousands who are wounded, bury the dead, and avert wide-spread starvation. And even though a temporary cessation of hostilities benefits Hamas, it is still worth undertaking not only to alleviate the horrifying suffering of the entire population in Gaza, but also to open a window for negotiating the release of as many hostages as possible, especially all women and children, in exchange for the pause in fighting.

Whereas Israel’s stated goal from the onset was and still justifiably is the destruction of Hamas, Israel has not offered as yet any clear exit strategy nor endgame. Once Hamas is completely defeated, which is still a tall order, Israel with the support of the US and Saudi Arabia in particular will have to offer a sound alternative that meets the Palestinians’ aspiration and render Hamas irrelevant.

President Biden should demand that Prime Minister Netanyahu and his military brass develop, in coordination with the US, a clear exit strategy and an end-game consistent with Israel’s, the Palestinians’, and the US’ national interests.

What should be the end game? I believe there are three possible scenarios, two of which are impractical

ISRAELI CONTROL OVER GAZA: First, Netanyahu is claiming that he wants to maintain security over Gaza, but he’s not saying who will govern and administer the Strip. Does he want to reoccupy all of Gaza or just the northern half, which may explain why he wanted the Palestinians to head south. President Biden is very correct to suggest that the reoccupation of Gaza, be that in part or in full, will be nothing short of a disaster for Israel and will only guarantee the prolongation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Moreover, it should be emphasized here that given Israel’s experience in the occupied West Bank, maintaining security was only marginally successful at best as evidenced by the continuing violence between Israeli forces and Palestinians, which has been increasingly escalating. Netanyahu is a fool to assume that he can maintain control over Gaza by establishing a security apparatus when the Hamas-affiliated militants in Gaza will subject the Israeli forces to terrorist attacks that will exact a heavy toll in blood and treasure. The violence in the West Bank will pale in comparison to what Hamas’ militants in Gaza will still be capable of doing against Israeli forces without an end in sight.

RESETTLING PALESTINIANS IN EGYPT: The second option, which Netanyahu has been exploring with Egypt, would allow the settling of a few hundred thousand Palestinians in the Sinai; Egypt would assume administrative responsibility in Gaza while Israel maintains security. Egyptian President Sisi flatly rejected any future involvement with the Palestinians in Gaza, other than facilitating through the Rafah crossing the passage of people for justifiable reasons as well as the transfer of goods. The Egyptian government considers Hamas a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is outlawed in Egypt. For this reason, Egypt has also blockaded Gaza to prevent the infiltration of Hamas militants into the country.

TRANSITIONAL PERIOD FOR GAZA WITH UN SUPERVISION: The third option may well be more viable as it would entail a transitional period whereby the United Nations would assume responsibility. Administratively, as is well known, UNWRA has been on the ground for decades, providing aid and development services, including education, healthcare, microfinance, and job training. Although it has not been involved in the running of Gaza itself, UNWRA is very familiar with the scene in Gaza. It is familiar with the

It is shameful that Muslim states stand as impotent witnesses to the genocide in Gaza

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It’s a shameful moment that neighbouring Muslim nations appear to stand as impotent witnesses to the unfolding injustice in Palestine

MIDDLE EAST MONITOR oBAiD ShAh

had the profound privilege of standing shoulder to shoulder with impassioned demonstrators at the Free Palestine March in London on Saturday — a poignant and unyielding stance against the atrocities unfolding in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. It marked my inaugural foray into the realm of protests, and the experience was nothing short of eye-opening.

In the face of fervent attempts by the UK government to quash our voices, including the shameless suspension of tube services to hinder attendance, the march forged ahead seamlessly. As a first-timer, I wasn’t sure what to brace for, but contrary to expectations, it proceeded without a hitch, despite the relentless interference of right-wing agitators determined to disrupt our peaceful demonstration.

For those with even a modicum of intelligence, the brutal truth about Israel’s bombing campaign is undeniable. The Israeli government’s reprehensible actions have drawn widespread condemnation from those who can distinguish between right and wrong. Yet, shockingly, many Western countries, self-appointed champions of human rights, extend unwavering support to Israel, callously turning a blind eye to the egregious violations being perpetrated.

The US, cloaked in the guise of national interest, shamelessly endorses the killing of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza. And, as expected, the UK, often perceived as the puppet dancing to the US tune, follows suit, forsaking its purported commitment to justice and human rights.

Nevertheless, amidst the disheartening political manoeuvres, the resilience of the UK public — regardless of faith, colour, language, or origin — is undeniably heartening. During the march, I encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds, all unified by a shared sense of outrage and empathy, particularly for the innocent children of Gaza.

The scene was nothing short of a people’s tsunami raging through central London, encompassing everyone from kids in strollers to elders in wheelchairs,

and the disabled on crutches, all demanding an end to the war. The visceral emotions and genuine solidarity were palpable, reverberating through the impassioned chants and slogans that echoed through the city streets.

Amidst the throng, the placards held high by participants were a potent testament to the collective anger and condemnation. The comparisons drawn between the Israeli government’s actions and the dark echoes of Nazi brutality were sobering. Other signs labelled Israel as a racist and apartheid state, mirroring the stark realities witnessed during my visit to Jerusalem earlier this year.

The rallying cry of “Stop Genocide” took on an even grimmer significance, underscoring the deliberate killing of over 11,000 Palestinians, including innocent children, purportedly in the name of self-defence. A haunting placard captured the heartbreaking truth that children in Gaza are denied the chance to grow up, falling victim to Israeli aggression over decades.

Amidst the sea of protestors, some wore white clothes smeared with red paint — an unmistakable symbol of the bloodshed ravaging innocent lives. A particularly striking image was a girl cradling a wrapped cloth, a chilling representation of a life lost, a future stolen.

While the march may not wield immediate power to halt the bombings, it served as a resounding declaration that the public is awake, attuned to Gaza’s harrowing realities. It has stirred an unprecedented groundswell of support for a free Palestine.

Post-march, my children bombarded me with questions, seeking insights into the positions of neighbouring Muslim countries, notably Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

I found myself without answers. The stark reality hit me hard — it’s a shameful moment when the US and UK, from thousands of miles away, steadfastly support Israel, while neighbouring Muslim nations appear to stand as impotent witnesses to the unfolding injustice in Palestine.

Obaid Shah is a management consultant, researcher and author of nonfiction and creative fiction spanning various genres. His upcoming book, Beyond the Walls: My Journey in Jerusalem, is slated for release later this year.

population’s needs, the prevailing socio-economic conditions, and the day-to-day problems Gazans face.

UNWRA is in the best possible position to assume greater responsibility under a modified and expanded mandate, provided that it receives the manpower and the funding necessary.

In conjunction with UNWRA’s added administrative responsibilities, it will be necessary to establish a peacekeeping force to be in charge of security. This force ought to be comprised exclusively of the Arab states that are at peace with Israel, namely the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Morocco, as well as Egypt.

It should be made clear that although post-Hamas the West Bank and Gaza should be governed by the Palestinian Authority (PA), this should not and in fact cannot happen for at least a year to 18 months following the establishment of a UN administrative authority in Gaza. During this period, the Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza would prepare themselves politically for a new election. The current PA is corrupt to the bone; President Abbas is rejected and despised by the majority of Palestinians and must go. Only a new, fresh, and uncorrupt newly-elected leadership that enjoys the confidence of the people can succeed.

On the Israeli side, no one should hold their breath waiting for Netanyahu and his gang of zealous coalition partners to agree on anything that even resembles an independent Palestinian state. Once the war ends, Netanyahu will face an inquiry about the unprecedented disaster that took place under his watch and he will have to resign or be ousted. Here too, a new government will have to be established in Israel which must commit itself from the onset to a two-state solution.

Once the above two prerequisites are in place, the UN administrative authority will then relinquish its role and responsibility to the PA. The Arab states should condition their commitment to provide a peacekeeping force upon Israel’s acceptance of a two-state solution. That is, once such a peacekeeping force is created, the process of peacebuilding ought to commence in earnest toward that end. Any interim solution must be used only as a vehicle toward a final resolution, otherwise it would serve as nothing less than a respite from waiting for another disaster to unfold.

THE ROLE OF THE US AND SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Arabia and the US can play a major, in fact indispensable, role in this regard: The US has and continues to be the ultimate guarantor of Israel’s national security, and President Biden has done more than any of his predecessors in this regard and

demonstrated that in the most unambiguous way by his unflagging support of Israel. He must make it very clear (and is in a position to do so) to Netanyahu or his successor that the US’ unwavering support bears considerable political cost to America both domestically as well as internationally. Many countries around the world view the US as complicit to the unfolding horror in Gaza. President Biden must put in place a framework for a two-state solution, which he has been advocating for many decades.

The negotiating peace process will certainly take more than year to complete. 2024 is an election year in the US, but regardless of who the next president might be, Biden will have to stick to the plans because another Israeli-Palestinian conflagration will inescapably involve the US. It’s time for the US to put its foot down, no longer give Israel carte blanche to do as it pleases, and condition further support, financial and military, to genuine efforts to negotiate in good faith and reach a peace agreement.

Saudi Arabia can complement the US initiative with its own most significant role by seizing on the breakdown in the Israeli-Palestinian relations and offering an unprecedented breakthrough to bring an end to the conflict. The Saudis should make it clear that once the war ends, they will be ready to normalize relations with Israel on the condition that a new Israeli government agree to a two-state solution and negotiate continuously until an agreement is reached.

Israel should not prolong this tragic war by even one unnecessary day. Indeed, if this war lasts another month or two, it is almost certain that 20,000 to 30,000 Palestinians, mostly innocent civilians, and scores of Israeli soldiers will be killed. The continuation of the terrifying death and destruction in Gaza along with Israeli losses will only deepen the hate, enmity, and distrust between Israel and the Palestinians and make a solution to the conflict ever more intractable.

Every Israeli should ask him/herself the painful question: do we want to memorialize the death of 1,400 innocent Israelis butchered by Hamas by killing, however inadvertently, 20,000 Palestinians? Is that how the Israeli victims should be commemorated? This is something that every Israeli needs to think about.

Yes, Israel can and will win every battle against Hamas, but it will lose the war unless a peace process between Israel and the Palestinians begins once the war comes to an end, under the auspices of the US and Saudi Arabia, which must lead to a two-state solution.

Dr Alon Ben-Meir is a professor of international relations at the Centre for Global Affairs at NYU. He teaches courses on international negotiation and Middle Eastern studies. alon@alonben-meir.com

How America’s bloodthirsty journalism cheers on Israel’s war on Gaza

American journalists like Jake Tapper mince no words in justifying the Israeli annihilation of the Palestinian people

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AL JAZEERA

Belén FernánDez

N a recent segment on how Hamas “frames the civilian casualties” of Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, CNN’s Jake Tapper starts out by acknowledging that we “do know that innocent civilians in Gaza continue to be killed by Israeli strikes”. It is impossible to “not be affected by these horrific images that we’re seeing”, he states, as the humanitarian crisis in the enclave grows “increasingly dire”.

What is the solution, then? In Tapper’s view, apparently, it is for Israel to continue killing innocent civilians and presiding over a humanitarian catastrophe, because it is all Hamas’s fault anyway.

Near the beginning of the segment, we are shown a clip of Queen Rania of Jordan responding to those who argue that a ceasefire will help Hamas – an argument she says amounts to “endorsing and justifying the death of thousands of civilians”.

Then it is back to Tapper, who calls Queen Rania’s remarks an “interesting turn of phrase” and goes on to wonder condescendingly whether it did not occur to Hamas, when the organisation undertook its operation on October 7, that Israel would “retaliate in a way that would cause innocent Palestinians in Gaza to die”. To start with, the “interesting turn of phrase” is not so much “interesting” as a straightforward statement of fact. If you insist there should be no ceasefire in an Israeli onslaught that has now killed over 11,000 people in Gaza in just over a month – well, yeah, you are straight up “endorsing and justifying” civilian deaths.

And you are especially endorsing and justifying them if – instead of blaming Israel for slaughtering men, women and children

in Gaza with abandon – you blame Hamas for failing to foresee the unprecedentedly psychotic nature of Israel’s “retaliation”.

Were the American media and political establishment not so firmly committed to transmitting a thoroughly decontextualised version of this war – and of Israel/Palestine in general – perhaps a news anchor would ask whether it never occurred to Israel that the Palestinians would ever “retaliate” for 75 years of ethnic cleansing, suffocating blockades and massacres.

Tapper forges ahead with his assault on logic and humanity with the help of an arsenal of video clips, several of them courtesy of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), itself an unofficial Zionist propaganda arm – although CNN and other US media outlets are doing a fine job in that respect, as well. From these clips, featuring former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal among others, Tapper draws three convenient conclusions, which he conveys with Orientalist smugness and disdain: that Hamas is totally content to have Palestinian civilians die; that Hamas does not care about protecting civilians and only cares about their own military tunnels; and that Hamas is determined to keep attacking Israel for eternity.

In case anyone remains unconvinced, he has also thrown in a clip of former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is evidently unsatisfied with the quantity of blood she already has on her hands and requires more: “People who are calling for a ceasefire now do not understand Hamas. That is not possible. It would be such a gift to Hamas.”

Near the end of the segment, we are presented with the “point of view of Israel”, as if that is not what we have been receiving this whole time: “They [the Israelis] hear all the calls for a ceasefire. What they do not hear is anyone in the international community proposing any way for them to get back their 240 hostages that Hamas kidnapped.”

This is funny, since, as NPR reported this month, a recent opinion poll in Israel found that almost two-thirds of the Israelis surveyed were in favour of a prisoner exchange – something Hamas has repeatedly offered – in which Israel would release its Palestinian detainees in exchange for the

hostages held by Hamas. Why look to the “international community” when there is a solution right there?

It bears emphasising that prisoner exchanges are nothing new. In 2011, for example, Israel freed no fewer than 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a single soldier held by Hamas since 2006 – chalk the ratio up to the superior value placed on Israeli lives.

And, in 2008, Israel acquired the remains of two Israeli soldiers in exchange for five Lebanese nationals and the remains of 199 Lebanese and Palestinian captives.

As of the Hamas operation of October 7, there were over 5,000 Palestinians languishing in Israeli jails; two weeks later, the number had doubled, as Israel went about maniacally arresting people. But, hey, we are only supposed to see the “point of view of Israel”.

Proceeding in his defence of that viewpoint, Tapper laments that the Israelis “don’t hear anyone proposing any way for Hamas to be removed from the leadership of Gaza.”

This is an “interesting turn of phrase”, to borrow Tapper’s own words, seeing as removing Hamas from leadership isn’t really anyone else’s business at all.

Recall that, after Hamas won democratic elections in 2006, the US decided it was indeed their business, and helpfully sparked a civil war in Gaza – to Hamas’s eventual advantage. Oops. Anyway, who needs a Palestinian civil war when you can just annihilate Gaza altogether?

Tapper’s segment received praise from various US media figures, with Brit Hume of Fox News lauding his “excellent analysis”. It is an “analysis”, of course, that is shared by President Joe Biden and across the US politico-media spectrum: That a ceasefire is off the table and Palestinians must continue to die. And as Tapper continues to audition for the role of Israeli military spokesperson, an immediate ceasefire needs to be called on bloodthirsty journalism.

Belén Fernández is a contributing editor at Jacobin Magazine, and has written for the New York Times, the London Review of Books blog, Current Affairs, and Middle East Eye, among numerous other publications.

Combating deepfakes

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Scrutinise provisions, take culprits to task TRIBUNE

eDitoriAl

doctored video of actor Rashmika Mandanna has put the spotlight on the dangers of deepfakes and gaps in the regulatory mechanism. Deepfakes are fake media generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is used to alter images and videos to make it appear that some persons are saying or doing something without them actually doing it. Its potential for spreading misinformation and violating privacy is alarming. The morphing tools can be used to commit crimes, harm reputations, influence polls and undermine trust in democratic institutions. A report says adult content targeting mostly women accounts for 98% of all deepfake videos online. India is listed as the sixth most vulnerable country.

The actor’s morphed viral footage has triggered calls for legal action against the culprits. The Centre has been prompt in instructing social media platforms to remove such content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint. Those impacted by the menace have been advised to get FIRs registered and inform the platforms. The IT Act, 2000, provides for a jail term up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh for anyone who uses a communication device or a computer resource to cheat by ‘personating’. Taking the culprits to task is essential to gain public trust.

It is predicted that five lakh video and audio deepfakes will be shared on social media sites across the world this year. Several countries have been proactive in addressing the problem. The UK’s Online Safety Act criminalises sharing deepfake porn. China has banned the production of deepfakes without user consent and mandated altered content to be marked as modified. South Korea has made it illegal to distribute deepfakes that could ‘cause harm’ to public interest. India, too, must scrutinise the existing provisions to mitigate the risks.

06 NewS

XI’S VISION OFFERS NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: AMB JIANG ZAIDONG

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Tuesday, 14 November, 2023 | iSlAmAbAd

ISLAMABAD

MIAN ABRAR

HINESE Ambassador Jiang Zaidong on Monday said President Xi Jinping’s eight major steps outlined at the 3rd Belt and Road Forum have offered new opportunities for developing countries.

Addressing the audience of an event titled “China’s diplomacy with neighbouring countries” under the framework of the “Dosti Park Club” here, the envoy highlighted the far-reaching impact of Chinese organisational practices on developing nations, catalysing their robust development.

Giving an overview of the Chinese modernisation and diplomacy, the ambassador highlighted the significance of the practices in instilling hope and confidence, especially among countries aspiring to a shared future.

He lauded China’s accomplishments under President Xi’s leadership, particularly the noteworthy achievement of lifting 800 million people out of poverty, surpassing the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by a decade.

As regards the ongoing discussions on modernization, Ambassador China’s Zaidong reiterated his nation’s commitment to achieving the common prosperity of all Chinese citizens and improving the lives of ordinary people.

Shifting focus to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the ambassador highlighted its early harvest, citing impres-

sive figures such as $25.4 billion in direct investment and jobs creation for 236,000 individuals.

Highlighting CPEC’s impact on infrastructure development, he noted the completion of 510 kilometers of highways, and build 886 kilometers of national core transmission grid, and 8,020 megawatts of electricity projects. CPEC would further improve the lives of Pakistan’s people and the new international airport at Gwadar would also be functional soon, he added.

“We are also bringing benefits for people in Balochistan including 10,000 solar panels,” he said and added that the figures showed tangible benefits for local communities, significantly boosting Pakistan’s eco-

Day 1: 29th Palmolive Sindh Women’s Swimming Championship 2023

KARACHI: The 29th Palmolive Sindh Women’s Championship 2023 had a fantastic start, with over 200 contestants participating from different schools, clubs and institutions. The spectacular performances of the young female participants met with enthusiastic applause as they gave their all in the pool and swam their best, setting new records in the various age groups. The wife of the Convener of the Karachi Club Swimming Pool, Mrs. Saima Kazi, was the Chief Guest at the Opening Ceremony. PR

Standard Chartered Bank and the IFC enter a RiskParticipation Agreemen

KARACHI: Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan has signed an un-funded Risk-Participation Agreement with the International Finance Corporation. The USD 200 million PKR equivalent programme, will see the IFC cover 50% of Standard Chartered’s risk against short termtrade and working capital funded loan facilities for corporate clients based in Pakistan.Standard Chartered and IFC aim to leverage their longstanding relationship with export-based industries in Pakistan to enable the generation of foreign exchange inflows which remain critical for the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s economy. These inflows will be made possible through the enhanced availability of trade and working capital loan facilities including supply chain financing and sustainable finance product suites for large-scale manufacturers. PR

Mobility-as-a-Service gains momentum across the world, public transport users in Pakistan

KARACHI: As the concept of Mobility-as-aService gains momentum across the world, public transport users in Pakistan are increasingly looking ahead to an interconnected, unified digital service that allows them to plan, book, and pay ahead of time for all modes of transportation, according to a study by Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments. The insights from Visa's recently launched 'Future of Urban Mobility Survey’ in Pakistan, which is part of a global study conducted in 12 markets among 11,500 survey audience, aim to better understand what matters to transit users today and what they want the future of transit to look like. The survey includes questions about how often they use public transit, why they use it, and what they expect in terms of new payment methods, among others. PR

nomic and social development.

Expressing optimism about CPEC’s positive outcomes, particularly in alleviating Pakistan’s electricity shortages and enhancing local commutes through projects like the Orange Line in Lahore, Ambassador Zaidong remarked, “CPEC truly demonstrates that Chinese people are dedicated to bringing tangible benefits to local communities and aiding Pakistan in achieving superior development”.

Proposing three key collaboration points for the future—consolidation, deepening existing projects, and continuous improvement, the ambassador highlighted the importance of building upon successful initiatives like ML-1 and KKH rerouting projects.

Anticipating new developments, he announced a delegation from Xinjiang province aiming to promote cooperation in agriculture, demonstrate agricultural zones, and propose counterpart cooperation in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The ambassador expressed willingness to enhance collaboration in the mining sector, reinforcing the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to Pakistan’s sustained development.

Prof Victor Gao, Chairman of China Energy Security Institute said that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would be AI-integrated finally and it would be greener, smarter and more integrated.

Outrightly rejecting India-Middle EastEU Economic Corridor (IMEEC) as an alternate to the BRI, Prof Gao said that the IMEEC is a political move in nature and is impractical on ground.

Prof Victor Gao said that Pakistan played a key role in bringing about a breakthrough in diplomatic ties of US and China in 1971 by secretly flowing the then US secretary of state Henry Kissinger into China which paved the way for US-China relations.

“So today we can say that Pakistan had laid the foundation of Sino-US diplomatic relations and this proved to be the foundation of President Xi’s meeting with President Biden in San Francisco soon,” he said.

He also rejected the possibility of a war between China and US, saying that the argument is based on fallacy as both the world’s biggest nuclear powers are equipped to the

UN observes minute’s silence for 101 staff killed in Gaza GENEVA

REUTERS

United Nations workers observed a minute’s silence on Monday to honour the more than 100 employees killed in Gaza since the IsraelHamas war began last month, the largest toll of humanitarian workers in the organisation’s 78-year history.

Staff at UN offices in Geneva bowed their heads as a candle was lit in memory of the 101 employees of UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA killed in the Israeli assault on Gaza. UN flags across the world flew at half mast.

“This is the highest number of aid workers killed in the history of our organisation in such a short time,” said Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN office in Geneva.

“We are gathered here today, united in this very symbolic location, to pay respect to our brave colleagues who sacrificed their lives while serving under the United Nations flag.”

UNRWA has said that some staff members were killed while queuing for bread while others were killed along with their families in their homes in Israel’s aerial and ground war against Hamas in response to the Oct. 7 cross-border assault by the Islamist movement that rules the Gaza Strip.

“UNRWA staff in Gaza appreciate the UN lowering the flag around the world,” Tom White, director of UNRWA in Gaza, said in a statement. “In Gaza however, we have to keep the UN flag flying high as a sign that we are still standing and serving the people of Gaza.”

After Gaza, the next most deadly conflict for UN aid workers was Nigeria in 2011 when a suicide bomber attacked their Abuja office during an Islamist insurgency, killing 46 people. Israel blames Hamas for civilian deaths in small, densely populated Gaza, saying the group uses the population of the coastal enclave as human shields. Hamas denies this.

“I would like to say that we are really facing very challenging times for multilateralism, for the world,” Valovaya said. “But the United Nations is more relevant than ever.” Established in 1949 following the first Arab-Israeli war, UNRWA provides public services including schools, healthcare and aid. Many of UNRWA’s 5,000 staff working in Gaza are Palestinian refugees themselves.

UK PM Sunak sacks interior minister over comments on pro-Palestine protests LONDON AFP

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sacked his interior minister Suella Braverman on Monday after her criticism of the police’s handling of a pro-Palestinian march divided his party and threatened his authority.

Under fire from opposition lawmakers and members of the governing Conservative Party to eject Braverman, Sunak seemed to have brought forward a long-planned reshuffle to bring in allies and remove ministers he felt were not performing. Following her dismissal, Braverman said “it has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary”. “I will have more to say in due course,” she added.

Last week, Braverman defied Sunak by publishing an article accusing the police of adopting “double standards” in its treatment of protests — an argument opposition Labour said inflamed tensions at a proPalestinian demonstration on Saturday.

Then more than 140 people were arrested after far-right counter protesters skirmished with police, who tried to keep them away from the 300,000 pro-

Palestinian marchers. Sunak is expected to carry out a wider number of changes in his cabinet, bringing in allies and removing some ministers who his Downing Street office say have not been performing as well as he wanted in their departments.

Cameron in surprise return as foreign secretary Meanwhile, former British leader David Cameron was named as the country’s new Foreign Secretary, in a surprise appointment made by Sunak.

David Cameron, 57, served as British prime minister from 2010 to 2016, resigning after the outcome of the Brexit referendum, when Britain voted to leave the European Union.

His unexpected return to the front line of British politics comes after he spent the last seven years writing his memoirs and involving himself in business, including Greensill Capital, a finance firm which later collapsed.

Greensill’s demise fuelled questions about the extent to which former leaders can use their status to influence government policy after Cameron repeatedly contacted senior ministers in 2020 to lobby for the firm.

Premature babies in grave peril at Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital GAZA

REUTERS

The tiny babies lie side by side, some wrapped in green fabric roughly taped around them for warmth, others wearing only nappies, a picture of vulnerability, their lives in grave danger with every minute that passes, Reuters reports.

The newborns are under the care of exhausted medics at Gaza’s Al Shifa hospital, which is besieged

by Israeli tanks battling Hamas fighters, and lacks electricity, water, food, medicines and equipment.

“Yesterday I had 39 babies and today they have become 36,” said Dr Mohamed Tabasha, head of the paediatric department at Al Shifa, in a telephone interview.

“I cannot say how long they can last. I can lose another two babies today, or in an hour,” he said.

The premature babies, who weigh less than 1.5 kg each and in some cases only 700 or 800

grammes, should be in incubators where the temperature and humidity can be regulated according to their individual needs.

Meanwhile, the largest hospital in Gaza has ceased to function and fatalities among patients are rising, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), as a fierce Israeli assault continues in the besieged enclave.

Palestinian officials said on Friday that 11,078 Gaza residents had been killed in air and artillery strikes since then, around 40% of them children. Hospitals in the north of the Palestinian enclave, including the al-Shifa complex, are blockaded by Israeli forces and barely able to care for those inside, with three newborns dead and more at risk from power outages amid intense fighting nearby, according to medical staff.

Israel claims it is homing in on Palestinian fighters who attacked the country on October 7.

The WHO managed to speak to health professionals at al-Shifa, who described a “dire and perilous” situation with constant gunfire and bombing exacerbating the already critical situation, DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

“Tragically, the number of patient fatalities has increased significantly,” he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that al-Shifa was “not functioning as a hospital anymore”. Tedros joined other top United Nations officials in calling for an immediate ceasefire.

“The world cannot stand silent while hospitals, which should be safe havens, are transformed into scenes of death, devastation, and despair,” he said.

The president of Indonesia, home to the world’s biggest Muslim population, also called for a ceasefire ahead of meeting U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on Monday.

teeth and any war may ignite world war-III. “So I believe that peace between US and China is inevitable. China and US need to live peacefully as equals and both need to benefit each other. Both the countries need to solve their issues peacefully,” he said.

Prof Gao said that efforts to contain China had failed and China today has emerged a dominant EV cars producer globally.

“We are following the idea of CPC General Secretary Deng Xiaopeng who always stressed for development, development and development. Within past four decades, China has developed into world’s second largest economy – thanks to stability, peace and development which go hand in hand.

Pakistan should follow and maintain peace and focus development. In the new era, Pakistan would have to at least have three things, including data generation, semiconductors, etc,” he added. He said China’s Indo-Pacific strategy includes Pakistan but US Indo-Pacific strategy excludes China and Pakistan.

“So the US is planning to isolate China and Pakistan. Huawei has achieved self sufficiency in producing semiconductors. Algorithm is another field to be focused on. We need to think about CPEC 2.0. China and Pakistan needs to leverage on each other.

Pakistan needs to address the underlying factors which are cause of instability.”

Prof Liu Ying of Renmin University said that China would speed up high quality development of China, Europe Corridor linked by railway, maritime and road network. Prof Tim also spoke on the occasion.

Sarsabz Kahani unveils another uplifting true story rooted in agriculture

LAHORE: Sarsabz Kahani, Pakistan's first-ever agri-focused web-series platform introduced by Fatima Fertilizer, has unveiled another inspiring true story that embodies the values of hope and determination. The platform is on a mission to spotlight exceptional stories of men and women who represent the true spirit of Pakistan’s farming community and exemplify the values of courage and dedication to relentlessly pursue national prosperity and growth. The first two episodes of Sarsabz Kahani proudly featured the remarkable stories of two Pakistani female farmers, whose undeterred character exemplifies the very essence of our beloved nation.

The third episode features the inspiring journey of Shahnawaz Dahani, a Pakistani cricket sensation who belonged to a farming family in the rural. PR

Shifa International Hospitals Initiates Pakistan's First Lung Transplant Service

In a groundbreaking move, Shifa International Hospitals Limited (SIHL) and SCOPE (Shifa Centre of Professional Excellence) orchestrated a seminar at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, unveiling the commencement of Pakistan's first-ever Lung Transplant service.The event, directed by Dr. Asghar Nawaz, Cardiothoracic Surgeon and the seminar's activity director, focused on elucidating the fundamental aspects of lung transplant procedures and discussing indications for this transformative medical service. Renowned medical professionals, experts, and stakeholders gathered to share insights on lung transplantation, marking a historic leap in healthcare standards in the region. PR

Zong 4G Celebrates the Success of Lok Mela 2023: A Remarkable Showcase of Cultural Diversity and Harmony

ISLAMABAD: Zong 4G, Pakistan's leading telecommunications company, recently partnered with Lok Mela, an 11-day extravaganza that unfolded at Lok Virsa, Islamabad, from November 3 to November 12. As the official connectivity partner for the event, Zong 4G played a pivotal role in fostering cultural unity and celebrating Pakistan's rich heritage.Embracing the theme of "Peace and Harmony through Cultural Diversity," Zong 4G actively contributed to the immersive experience of Lok Mela 2023. Lok Mela served as a unifying platform for artisans, performers, and culture enthusiasts nationwide. PR

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

CORPORATE CORNER Gas theft crackdown: Another 66 connections disconnected in Punjab, KP and Islamabad

LAHORE: During the ongoing crackdown against gas pilferers, SNGPL continued raids in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, disconnecting another 66 connections while 178 under billing cases processed ; Rs 2.3243 million fine imposed In Lahore, the regional team disconnected 04 connections on illegal use of gas and another 3 on use of compressor and 79 Under billing cases have been processed. The team also imposed fine of Rs 0.285 million against gas theft and under billing cases.In Bahawalpur the company disconnected one connections on the use of compressor .The regional team in Multan disconnected 3 connections on illegal use of gas,54 Under billing cases have been processed.The team imposed fine of Rs 0.097 million against gas pilferes. PR

Inauguration of driving training school and driving license center and police service center at patrolling post Hatar

The vision of the Inspector General of Police Punjab is another good initiative of patrolling police towards the speedy delivery of police services to the people.

Fayazul Haq DSP/PHP Attock officially inaugurated the PHP Driving School and DLIMS Center and Police Service Center at Police Patrol Post Hattar in which Kausar Mumtaz SI In-charge Patrol Post Hattar, journalist community and dignitaries of the area participated in large numbers. Addressing the participants on this occasion, the honorable guest said that full cooperation will be given to all those who come to obtain driving license. And driving licenses will be issued on merit. PR

IESCO operations circles incharge to conduct e-kachary via facebook live on 15th

To provide suitable and proper forum to valuable IESCO Customers regarding redrassal of their electricity issues, online E-Kacharies are being held in IESCO region regularly and same are creating friendly relationship among IESCO and Customers.

By following same practice facebook E-Kacharies will held on 15TH November, 2023 (Wednesday) From 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM in all 06 Operational Circles of IESCO. Operational Circles Incharge will attend customers complaints through Facebook live and telephone calls. Islamabad Circle customers can participates in facebook live E-Kachary by using face book ID SE IESCO Islamabad E-Kachery Phone No. 051-9260194, For Rawalpindi City Circle, SE IESCO Rawalpindi-City E-Kachery Phone No. 0519292675, For Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, SE IESCO Rawalpindi-Cantt E-Kachery Phone No. 0519293048, For Attock Circle, SE IESCO Attock E-Kachery Phone No. 051-4950343, For Chakwal Circle, SE IESCO Chakwal E-Kachery Phone No. 0543-668500, For Jhelum Circle, SE IESCO Jhelum E-Kachery Phone No. 0544-9270377. Valuable customers are requested to mention their name, bill reference No, Contact No and complete address while launching the compliant. PR

MD of PBM convenes open court

ISLAMABAD: Managing Director Pakistan Baitul-Mal (PBM), Amir Fida Paracha, convened an open court at the Bait-ul-Mal headquarters in Islamabad. Addressing various issues raised by beneficiaries, he instructed relevant departments and the PBM officials to prioritize requests based on established criteria. The beneficiaries presented their requests regarding medical, education, disability welfare, and other matters during the open court. Mr. Paracha met individually with beneficiaries, discussed the implementation of their requests, and addressed any obstacles. The beneficiaries and the applicants expressed their gratitude to MD for the input and commitment to resolving their issues.

Furthermore, MD Bait-ul-Mal emphasized that his office is always open to beneficiaries and that it was his first priority to individually meet with them in the office premises upon joining the office every day. He assured a policy of providing accessible assistance to Bait-ul-Mal beneficiaries and deserving individuals. PR

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COMPLICATIONS PROMPT DIAGNOSIS FOR PAKISTANI DIABETIC PATIENTS NEWS

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KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

ORE than three-quarters of people living with diabetes (79%) in Pakistan only found out they had diabetes after developing diabetes complications. Additionally, almost all (97%) of those surveyed in the country had experienced one or more diabetes complications, with over a quarter (26%) having experienced heart disease as one of the diabetes complications. The findings come from global research recently carried out by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) ahead of World Diabetes Day on Monday, 14 November. The survey was conducted among people living with diabetes across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America to understand the level of awareness and impact of diabetes-related complications.

Diabetes-related complications can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening. They include damage to the heart,

eyes, kidneys and feet. The risk of complications places significant stress on people living with diabetes. More than two-fifths (43%) of respondents in Pakistan say they worry most days about developing diabetes-related complications.

The risk of complications can be significantly reduced through early detection, timely treatment and informed self-care. When asked about preventing their complications, nine in 10 respondents (94%) in Pakistan believe they could have done more; four-fifths (83%) think their healthcare provider could have done more.

Commenting on the research findings, Professor Abdul Basit, Director of Baqai Institute of Diabetology & Endocrinology (BIDE), said: “Complications are affecting the lives of too many people living with diabetes in Pakistan.

More needs to be done to improve diabetes awareness and provide education to support the early detection and management of complications. What we have learned offers a stark reminder that dia-

betes often goes undetected until one or more complications have occurred.

“We know that, with the right information and care, people living with diabetes can greatly reduce their risk of complications. Furthermore, there are several steps that people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes can take to delay or prevent the onset of the condition altogether. It is key to know your level of risk, know what you should be looking for and know how to respond.”

There are several risk factors that increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. These include positive family history, weight, age, ethnicity, inactivity, and diabetes during pregnancy, some of which can be reduced through healthy eating habits and increased physical activity. Improving understanding and awareness of the risk factors is therefore important to support prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of all diabetes, often develops silently, with symptoms that may go un-

The crucial role of regulatory frameworks in advancing alternatives to smoking

In the quest to combat the harms of smoking, the development of alternatives to cigarettes have emerged as a beacon of hope. However, the realization of these transformative innovations relies heavily on the presence of effective regulatory frameworks that foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection. An important study by Public Health England from 2021, found that smokers who switched to innovative Heat-Not-Burn tobacco products were more likely to quit smoking than those who used Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Regulatory frameworks form the bedrock upon which innovation in the alternatives sector flourishes. By providing clear guidelines, streamlining processes, and ensuring consumer safety, these frameworks create an environment conducive to continuous advancements.

Successful regulatory models

strike a harmonious equilibrium between consumer protection and promoting advancements in harm reduction technologies. These frameworks prioritize rigorous product evaluation, quality control, and transparency, ensuring that only safe and reliable alternatives reach the market.

Simultaneously, they foster an environment that encourages innovation, granting manufacturers the flexibility to develop novel solutions that maximize harm reduction potential.

Several governments have embraced innovative regulatory approaches that have set new benchmarks for the industry. One such example is the United Kingdom, which has recently announced a new ‘Swap to Stop’ scheme to help one million smokers quit by offering them free vaping starter kits and behavioral support. The UK has also shown regulatory tolerance and accept-

EFU General Insurance honoured with 13th Annual Fire & Safety Award 2023

EFU General Insurance Ltd., the leading non-life insurer in Pakistan, was honoured with the 13th Annual Fire & Safety Award 2023 at an event organised by the National Forum of Environment & Health at a local hotel. The award was received by Mr. Wahaj Ur Rehman Khan - EFU General Insurance.

This laurel is yet another testament to EFU General's ongoing commitment to adopting and implementing robust fire and safety management systems across its network throughout Pakistan PR

Meeting with Management of House Building Finance Company Limited

Federal Minister for Privatisation Mr. Fawad Hasan Fawad chaired a meeting with the management of House Building Finance Company Limited (HBFC).

Mr. Imran Ahad, CEO HBFC apprised the minister on the recent performance of the company together with immediate and short term plans. The company has seen a significant turnaround in its financial health which is also reflected in the recent upgrade of credit rating by two scales to AA(-). HBFC has issued a total portfolio of 18 billion Rupees with 14000 active borrowers. It presently covers only 0.03% market share with a manifold growth potential considering even the regional countries like India and Bangladesh.

It was decided that immediate steps, that can help the government to realise a fair asset value at the privatisation, need to be completed at the earliest including, but not limited to, reprofiling its real estate assets from residential to commercial wherever applicable and HR reform with particular emphasis on clearing up of the pension portfolio while bringing the employees to a market based wage system. It was also agreed that efforts will be made to complete all necessary work by 15th December,2023 in consultation with financial advisor and Secretary, Privatisation Commission PR

ance of alternatives by imposing robust safety and quality standards while allowing for product variation and market competition. By avoiding overly burdensome restrictions, the UK has nurtured a thriving alternatives market that continues to evolve.

Innovation and progress in alternatives depend on the presence of supportive regulatory frameworks. The exemplary approaches taken by countries like the UK and Greece serve as guiding lights, demonstrating the transformative power of balanced regulatory frameworks. As we move forward, it is crucial for regulators, industry players, and public health advocates to collaborate, embrace evidence-based decision-making, and champion regulations that inspire innovation, safeguard consumers, and pave the way for a future without cigarettes.

noticed. As a result, many people with the condition, more than 50% in some countries, are not diagnosed and, as the research suggests, complications are already present when diabetes is diagnosed. Unfortunately, despite the prevalence of diabetes-related complications in Pakistan, over a third (34%) of those living with diabetes in the country didn’t receive information about complications at the point of diagnosis. The most common complications experienced in Pakistan were foot (55%), eye (57%), and oral health (53%) problems.

Professor Basit added: “For those without access to the right support, diabetes and its complications can seriously impact dayto-day life and even become life-threatening.

That is why IDF is committed to improving awareness of how best to manage the condition, helping people with diabetes to understand their risk and improving access to the best available care. Healthcare professionals must be equipped with the knowledge and resources to diagnose diabetes early and provide appropriate support.”

PMDC determined to collaborate with PPNA

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark collaboration, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) determined to collaborate with the Pakistani Psychiatry Association of North America to launch a comprehensive mental health awareness campaign across Pakistan. This strategic alliance aims to address the growing need for increased awareness, understanding, and destigmatization of mental health issues within the country.The PMDC, as the regulatory authority overseeing medical and dental education and practice in Pakistan, recognizes the critical importance of mental health in the overall well-being of individuals and communities. By teaming up with the Pakistani Psychiatry Association of North America, renowned for its expertise and commitment to mental health advocacy, the collaboration seeks to leverage international knowledge and best practices to benefit the Pakistani population. PR

NUST goes up 3 places to stand at #64 in Asia

HBL inaugurates Islamic Prestige Lounge in GPO Haider Chowk, Rawalpindi

HBL inaugurated its 8th Islamic Prestige Lounge located in GPO Haider Chowk, Rawalpindi. The Prestige footprint is now spread across 17 cities including an international footprint in Jumeirah, Dubai with plans to expand further. The inauguration of the lounge was done by Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL accompanied by valued clients and senior leaders of the Bank.

HBL Prestige provides a world-class banking experience to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).

This exclusive Islamic proposition offers Shariahcompliant banking solutions to our clients. PR

PAF's JF-17 Thunder block 3 fighter jet and Super Mushshak Aircraft participating in Dubai Airshow 2023

Pakistan Air Force is poised for a resounding participation at the prestigious Dubai Air Show 2023, featuring its highly advanced JF-17 Thunder Block 3 fighter jet alongside the versatile Super Mushshak aircraft. The mega event that is scheduled to take place from 13-17 November, 2023 marks the first-ever appearance of the PAF's JF-17 Thunder Block-III aircraft in an international air show, symbolizing Pakistan's commitment to innovation and excellence in aviation. The historic participation also marks a significant milestone for PAF, showcasing its cutting-edge aviation capabilities on a global stage.The JF-17 Thunder Block 3 fighter jet epitomizes the pinnacle of modern aerial warfare technology. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, enhanced weaponry, and advanced electronic warfare systems, the JF-17 Block 3 boasts superior maneuverability, extended range, and enhanced combat capabilities. PR

ISLAMABAD: ustaining its upward course, the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) has ascended 3 positions to now stand at #64 among the Asian universities as per QS Asia University Rankings 2024. The university has also retained its No. 1 position in Asia among the Pakistani higher education institutions for the 7th consecutive year. NUST's improved ranking speaks of its holistic approach to academic excellence and strong commitment to quality. As many as 857 universities are ranked in the latest edition of Asian rankings by QS, a renowned global ranking agency. There is a noticeable increase in the number of varsities ranked this year as compared to the previous year’s figure of 760. QS Rankings are carried out based on factors such as academic quality, employer reputation, facultystudent ratio, citations per paper, papers per faculty, faculty staff with PhD, and international research network, etc. NUST is currently ranked at #367 as per QS World University Rankings 2024. PR

Pakistani, Chinese navy officers brief media on Exercise Sea Guardian 2023

ISLAMABAD: A joint press conference regarding Exercise Sea Guardian 2023 was held at Karachi, today. Commodore Asim Sohail Malik from Pakistan Navy and Senior Captain Qi Jian from People’s Liberation Army PLA (N) briefed the audience about objectives, contours and conduct of the exercise.

Commodore Asim Sohail Malik said that Pakistan and China have always enjoyed strategically unique and strong relationship. He expressed that this exercise will further strengthen decades old and time tested friendship of both countries and will also open new avenues for future maritime cooperation between two friendly navies against common threats in the region. While addressing the press conference, PLA (Navy) Senior Captain Qi Jian said that this exercise is committed to strengthen all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. It aims at enhancing defense cooperation, deepening professional exchanges, facilitating the establishment of a regular mechanism for joint exercise along with demonstrating the common mission and determination of the two countries to defend China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. PR

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

HERE’S WHY PAKISTANI BANK ACCOUNT HOLDERS CANNOT DONATE TO PALESTINE EMBASSY’S ACCOUNTS NEWS

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BANK ALFALAH FINDS ITSELF AT CENTRE OF A BOYCOTT CAMPAIGN, THAT TOO FOR DOING RIGHT THING PROFIT

UROOJ IMRAN

AST week, an internal memo of Bank Alfalah, which directed its branches not to accept any donation funds to the accounts of the Palestinian embassy in Pakistan, got leaked. People erupted in anger, accusing the bank of refusing to collect donations for Palestinians.

Profit explains why this is not the case, and what are the relevant regulations in Pakistan.

Background As the Israeli bombing of the Gaza strip in Palestine continues into its second month, anger and frustration are building up around the world over the widespread civilian deaths in the conflict. There have been rallies in countries around the world protesting the violence, including in Pakistan.

As such, emotions are heightened regarding this issue. Therefore, when recently an internal memo of Bank Al-

falah, which directed branches not to accept any donation funds to the Palestinian embassy account, got leaked, people erupted in anger.

The internal memo is dated November 3, with the subject ‘Donations – Embassy of the State of Palestine’, and advises all branches to not accept donations to either the USD or PKR bank accounts of the Palestinian Embassy maintained with Bank Alfalah.

Post the leak, there were calls to boycott the bank on social media, and a hashtag to this effect was one of the top trends, generating hundreds of posts in support.

Later, a second memo of the bank was leaked. Only this time it seemed that the bank had leaked the memo itself, probably to try and mitigate the PR disaster the first leak had caused. This internal circular dated November 8, stated that the previous circular was withdrawn and Bank Alfalah would continue to facilitate donations into accounts permissible by law.

This was followed by an official

Iqbal Z Ahmed’s family cries foul following arrests in alleged money laundering case

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FAMILY OF IQBAL Z AHMED LAMBASTED ARREST AS SPURIOUS AND ILLEGITIMATE PROFIT

AHMAD AHMADANI & DANIYAL AHMAD

Iqbal Z Ahmed, the chairman of Associated Group (AG), and five of his associates were detained by an accountability court in Hyderabad on Saturday, November 11, 2023. The five associates are Asim Iftikhar, a director and the chief financial officer of AG; mHumayun Fareed, the vice chairman of AG; Fasih Ahmed, a senior manager of AG and one of Iqbal’s sons; Razi Ahmed, the chief executive officer of the Lahore Literary Festival and also Iqbal Z Ahmed’s son; and Salamat Ali, a close associate of Iqbal Z Ahmed. They stand accused of syphoning off money through offshore companies in a case that has its roots in 2013.

The family of Iqbal Z Ahmed lambasted the arrest as spurious and illegitimate, and claimed that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had overstepped its bounds in the matter.

In a statement, the family said: “Mr Iqbal Z. Ahmed and his associates were apprehended from within the courtroom of the accountability court in Hyderabad, where they had appeared for the hearing of a baseless case filed by NAB against them.” This statement suggests that the detainees were not given a fair chance to defend themselves in court, and that NAB had acted arbitrarily and unlawfully.

The case dates back to 2013 and involves allegations of money laundering through offshore companies.

Furthermore, the family claimed: “We had obtained protective bail from the High Court of Sindh, which had observed that NAB had no grounds to pursue the case. We had also filed applications for the dismissal of the case under the NAB Amendment Acts, which the accountability court had accepted and returned the case to NAB.” This claim implies that the case had already been dismissed by the higher courts, and that NAB had no authority to reopen it.

The family has since responded. “We had applied for the return of the bail surety bonds, as there was no case pending against us. The High Court had allowed us to withdraw the surety bonds and recalled the bail.

However, NAB had resubmitted the same false case to the accountability court, after the Supreme Court had struck down some of the amendments in the NAB Ordinance,” they said in a statement. They further argued that NAB had violated the Supreme Court judgement and the rights of the accused by resubmitting the case. “We are shocked and dismayed at the accountability court’s decision to order the arrest of all the detainees, even though we were present in court to face the allegations. The court had not considered the option of asking for new surety bonds to ensure our presence in court, and had ordered our detention on a mere technicality.”

“We are appalled by the treatment of a leading businessman in a case in which NAB has no jurisdiction and where he has been detained on a trivial pretext. This does not bode well for the business community and the investment climate in the country.

Continued on page 03

statement issued by the bank on November 9, which said the internal memo had created a ‘misunderstanding’ that banks had been instructed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to stop accepting donations.

“This misleading impression … is absolutely incorrect,” the statement said.

“In Pakistan, operational accounts of embassies are restricted from receiving donations; instead, contributions should be directed to legally permissible donation accounts,” it said.

“Bank Alfalah Limited remains committed to enabling donations from people in Pakistan in accordance with the law to appropriate and authorised accounts that are designated for the purpose of donations,” it added.

What the Palestinian Ministry said Separately, Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates posted a statement on its verified Facebook page on November 9 stating that its Monetary Authority, on the decision of the Council of Ministers and instruc-

tions of the ministry, had circulated four bank account numbers “since the start of the devastating war to our people as well as all our embassies and missions”.

The account numbers of the Monetary Authority and three account numbers of the Palestinian Zakat Fund were also shared.

The statement further said that the ministry had also shared the numbers of the Red Cross, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Red Crescent.

“In this context, the ministry confirms that no embassy is allowed, under any circumstances, to open its bank accounts to collect any donations, but instead, it must direct any donations through the central accounts of the Monetary Authority only. It must also direct any in-kind donations of medicines, food and daily relief supplies through the Red Crescent addresses,” it added.

The Palestinian ministry’s statement makes it clear it does not want its embassies and missions to collect any donations in the country in which they are based. But what are the specific rules in this case in Pakistan?

Continued on page 03

the legality of the fixed charges in the current gas price hike g

THERE’S ONE ITEM IN GAS BILL THAT’S LED TO DEBATE AS TO WHETHER OR NOT IT CAN BE LEVIED PROFIT

DANIYAL AHMAD

A fixed charge on domestic gas customers, imposed by the Government of Pakistan, has ignited a heated debate over its legitimacy.

The charge was included in the prevailing gas prices, sanctioned by the Government of Pakistan on October 30 and announced by OGRA on November 8. The crux of the controversy lies in the fact that the charge was not mentioned by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the foremost gas regulatory body, in its final verdict on the gas tariff for fiscal year 2023-2024.

To grasp the problem, we need to first understand the gas pricing mechanism and OGRA. OGRA, instituted by the Federal Government on March 28, 2002 under the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002, is Pakistan’s paramount gas regulatory body. Section 6 of the Ordinance authorises OGRA to “prescribe, review, approve and regulate tariffs for regulated activities pertaining to natural gas and operations of the licensees for natural gas and marketing of refined oil products”.

OGRA determines the necessary tariff for gas in Pakistan,

aligning with the revenue requirements of the two Sui companies, per Section 8(2) of the Ordinance.

The bone of contention arises from the fact that OGRA’s final verdict — which based the revenue requirement for the fiscal year 2023-2024 on June 2 — makes no allusion to any fixed charges. It merely proposed a stipulated price of Rs.1,291/mmbtu. The Natural Gas Tariff Rules 2022 unambiguously state that “no licensee shall charge…any fixed or variable amount in excess of the relevant determined, approved, modified, or revised by the Authority”.

This chain of events has prompted the question of whether the current static charge in the gas prices is lawful. The Government has imposed it, yet OGRA has remained silent.

Opinions on the legality of the matter are split. Consequently, we went and got both.

The legality of the fixed charge A natural solution to this conundrum might be to consult OGRA directly, right? That is precisely what we did.

“OGRA’s role is the determination of prescribed prices of Sui companies (SNGPL and SSGCL) based on the petition filed by these

companies, taking into account the revenue requirements which are based on the cost of gas as well as the operating costs of these companies,” elucidates Imran Ghaznavi, Spokesman OGRA. “Fixation of category-wise consumer gas sales prices is the sole prerogative of the Federal Government, based on its socioeconomic agenda and sectoral policies. The Federal Government has recently revised the gas sale prices for various categories of consumers, effective from 1 November 2023, including determination of fixed and minimum charges,” Ghaznavi adds.

Here’s the first snag. Whilst OGRA says the Government fixes the prices, it’s a bit more intricate legally speaking. “Fixed charges revision without cause and without OGRA setting the tariff are unlawful,” asserts Abdul Moiz Jaferii, Partner at HWP LAW Waheed Masood Jaferii Kayani. “It’s bad policy responding to a problem created by even worse policy.

But this is a necessary stop-gap solution where a desperate regime is trying to balance the long overdue gas subsidy book, and I don’t see any court in the country intervening here,” adds Jaferri.

Continued on page 03

arrest warrants issued for imran in toshakhana, £190m settlement cases ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

An accountability court in Islamabad issued on Monday arrest warrants for ousted premier Imran Khan in two cases pertaining to the Toshakhana gifts repository and £190m settlement with UK’s National Crime Agency.

The National Accountability Court (NAB) had submitted a request for compliance with the arrest warrants. The court accepted the request and directed the superintendent of Adiala jail, where the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairperson is currently incarcerated in connection with the cypher case, to ensure the same under the law.

NAB deputy prosecutor Sardar

Muzaffar Abbasi, prosecutor Irfan Bhola, investigation officers Mohsin, Waqarul Hasan, Mian Umar Nadeem and others appeared before the court of accountability judge Muhammad Bashir.

The court inquired about the high court’s orders in this case.

To this, the NAB lawyer replied that the case is yet pending before the high court, which has issued neither suspension order nor a stay order. Hence, arrest warrants of Imran should be issued and the implemented, he said.

The NAB prosecutor further said that the anti-graft watchdog will produce the former premier before the accountability court after arresting him and seek physical remand. The law permits 24-

hour custody, said the prosecutor, adding that if further custody is required this court would be approached.

The warrants need to be implemented, then the case will proceed further, he added.

The court then inquired about the special court formed under the Official Secrets Act’s opinion on the matter and was informed that permission has been granted by the special court for implementation of warrants.

NAB maintained that arrest of the PTI chief was needed to complete investigation in the cases.

The court accepted NAB’s request and issued directives to the jail superintendent to ensure compliance on the same.

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:50

1:30

4:00

Mari Petroleum initiates gas production from Ghazij-2 well in Sindh

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MITTHI

In a significant shift, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari implicated the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for the ongoing inflationary challenges in the country.

Speaking at a political gathering in Mitthi, Tharparkar district on Monday, Bhutto coined a new term for the PML-N, dubbing it the “Pakistan Mehngai Leeague,” roughly translated as the “Inflation League.”

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday pointed fingers at the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) for the ongoing inflationary challenges in the country, marking for the first time the PPP leader directly implicating the rival party allegedly responsible for the economic woes Pakistan is currently facing.

Speaking at a political gathering in Mitthi in Tharparkar district, Bilawal coined a new term for the PML-N, dubbing it the “Pakistan Mehngai League”, roughly translated as the “inflation league.”

It is worth noting that PPP was among the coalition partners in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government led by Shehbaz Sharif — the president of PML-N. Bilawal’s criticism comes amid PMLN’s attempts to form alliances in Sindh ahead of the upcoming general elections, where PML-N and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) are seen as potential threats to the PPP. Leaders of the PML-N and MQM-P, forging ties in Lahore and Karachi, discussed core issues of Karachi and Sindh, suggesting a potential coalition against the PPP if PMLN secures victory.

Bilawal, in his address today, accused “cer-

tain elements” on fostering divisive politics in the country to prevent the unity of the people.

He declared that the public will respond to the “Pakistan Inflation League,” accusing them of orchestrating election outcomes behind closed doors and dreaming of triumph akin to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 2018 elections.

Bilawal stated that the PPP was combating forces engaged in divisive politics.

He emphasised the party’s commitment to inclusive politics, transcending colour and race barriers, with the assurance that, “Inshallah, the people’s government will be formed in the general elections, and we will take steps to provide relief to the people, not to the elite,” he maintained.

Anticipating a potential victory in the general elections slated on February 8, Bilawal outlined plans for initiatives such as the introduction of a Haari Card, akin to the

7:00

CURRENT GAS PRODUCTION FROM WELL STANDS AT 8 MMSCFD, WITH PRODUCED GAS BEING SUPPLIED TO SNGPL PROFIT

NEWS DESK

Mari Petroleum Company Limited (PSX: MPCL) has initiated Extended Well Testing (EWT) for gas production at the Ghazij-2 appraisal well in Daharki, Sindh, as disclosed in the company’s filing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) today.

The current gas production from the well stands at approximately 8 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD), with the produced gas being supplied to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

This development follows the successful drilling and testing of the Ghazij-2 appraisal well in Mari Development & Production Lease (D&PL) on October 9 when the company announced a substantial gas discovery in the Ghotki-Sindh region, with initial estimates suggesting a daily yield of 1.11 million cubic feet of gas per day (MCFD).

The new gas supply, with its daily yield of 8 MMSCFD, is anticipated to play a crucial role in addressing the energy demand and supply gap during the upcoming winter season. Furthermore, it is expected to contribute significantly to foreign exchange savings through the promotion of indigenous hydrocarbon production, as highlighted in the notice.

Mari Petroleum Company Limited, operating with a 100% working interest in Mari D&PL, has positioned itself as a key player in the region’s energy sector.

As an integrated oil and gas exploration and production company, MPCL boasts an impressive exploration success rate of around 70%, significantly surpassing industry averages of 33% nationally and 14% internationally.

Beyond the Mari Gas Field, the company holds development and production leases, operates exploration blocks, and engages as a non-operating joint venture partner with prominent national and international exploration and production companies in various D&P leases and exploration blocks.

SC issues notices on plea against census results ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Supreme Court (SC) Monday issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) and the Advocate General of Balochistan in a plea challenging the Balochistan’s census results.

The petitioner, Hasan Kamran, initially contested the census results in Balochistan in the Balochistan High Court (BHC) and moved to the Supreme Court after the BHC rejected the petition.

The petitioner pleaded to the apex court to declare the Balochistan High Court’s August 29 decision as void.

According to the petition, the population of Balochistan was reported to be around 21.7 million till the final phase of the census process.

However, in the final report Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in its meeting, the population of Balochistan was reduced to 14.89 million.

A three-member SC bench headed by Mr. Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan took up the plea challenging the census results in Balochistan.

In his arguments before the court lawyer Kamran Murtaza claimed that caretaker Balochistan CM was ‘forced’ to attend the Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting to endorse the census results.

The caretaker CM avoided attending the CCI meeting as it was ‘incomplete’, Kamran Murtaza said and alleged “the chief minister was transported to Islamabad via airplane for the CCI meeting”.

Justice Jamal Mandokhail asked Murtaza who forced his client to attend the meeting. Justice Ahsan noted that the Balochistan CM himself okayed the census results and no one in the meeting objected to the results. Later, the court while issuing notices to the AGP and advocate general of Balochistan to assist the SC on the legal matters adjourned the hearing for a week.

‘inflation League’: Bilawal accuses pML-n of fuelling inflation crisis AGENCIES

5:10

Benazir Income Support Programme, aimed at assisting farmers with fertilisers and seeds.

Addressing the people of Tharparkar, the former foreign minister asserted their capability to counter the Modi government and anti-Pakistan propagandists worldwide, highlighting the PPP’s adept handling of such challenges.

Bilawal expressed confidence that the enthusiasm witnessed in the rally had already determined Tharparkar’s stance in favour of the PPP. Reiterating the party’s commitment to former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s vision, he pledged to eradicate poverty, unemployment, and inflation from the country.

Bilawal attributed Tharparkar’s development to the PPP’s performance, challenging critics to evaluate the progress made in the region under their governance, including improvements in communication systems, the

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

airport, and healthcare.

The PPP chairman dismissed the notion of any political opponents, asserting that the party’s true adversaries are unemployment, inflation, and poverty.

He affirmed the party’s commitment to fight these issues collectively and restore the people’s rights.

Addressing potential election challenges, Bilawal declared that the PPP would accept the elections results, even if they were against them. However, in case they win they would continue serving the public.

Expressing discontent with what he termed “selected rule” over the past five years, Bilawal vowed that the people would no longer tolerate such governance.

In conclusion, Bilawal extended warm Diwali greetings to the people of Mithi, encapsulating a spirit of cultural inclusivity in the political discourse.