In partnership with
Profit EXPATRIATION OF ‘ONE MILLION ALIENS’ PLANNED BY JANUARY NEXT YEAR: ACHAKZAI
Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 144 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
thursday, 23 november, 2023 i 8 Jamada al-awal, 1445
Says all government agencies engaged in crackdown on illegal migrants
B g
QUETTA
Staff RepoRt
ALOCHISTAN Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai on Wednesday revealed that the government had planned expatriation of as many as 1 million illegal immigrants by January 2024, saying second phase of the crackdown on undocumented foreigners had already been initiated for the purpose. Addressing the media in Quetta on Wednesday, the caretaker provincial minister declared that those living under the delusion that they will dodge the crackdown were living in fool’s paradise, saying all the government agencies were engaged in the crackdown on the illegal migrants. “Repatriation of unregistered Afghan nationals is continued via Chaman border but the process slowed down in the last few days,” Achakzai added. More than 340,000 illegal mi-
grants, mainly Afghans, have voluntarily left or been deported from Pakistan since the government announced its policy to deport undocumented refugees on October 5. The interim government had announced in October that all illegal immigrants should leave Pakistan by the 1st of November or face forceful expulsion. Thousands of Afghans are re-
turning to their homeland on a daily basis through Chaman and Torkham borders. Apart from other measures for the dignified return of Afghans to their country, transit camps equipped with facilities have been established in various districts for their temporary accommodation. The decision to expel illegal foreigners was taken in an apex
committee meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP) on October 3 after a deadly suicide blast in Balochistan’s Mastung, in which over 60 people lost their lives. In most of the recent terror incidents in Pakistan, Afghan nationals or soil was reportedly used. According to a statistical report released by the independent think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), at least 271 militant attacks took place during the first half of 2023, resulting in the loss of 389 lives and injuring 656 individuals. Terror activities in the country soared by 79% during the period. The United Nations (UN) has also said that refugees residing in Pakistan should be allowed to exit the country voluntarily and no pressure should be exerted on them. Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees since the Soviet Union’s invasion in 1979. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) data, approximately 1.33 million registered refugees hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, and 840,000 possess Afghan citizenship cards.
SC accepts plea for preliminary hearing against Afghans’ deportation ISLAMABAD
The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday accepted a constitutional petition for hearing against forced deportation of Afghan citizens. SC’s Justice Yahya Afridi took up the petition hearing and termed the objections raised by the Registrar Office legal in nature, saying “the same be addressed by a court of law”. The petition was later allotted a number for preliminary hearing. Umer Gilani, the counsel for the petitioners’, has moved an application seeking early hearing of the matter. Earlier in November, a petition was filed before the apex court seeking a restraining order against the forceful deportation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan. The petition sought a restraining order on forceful deportation or harassment of anyone born in Pakistan and having a claim to birthright citizenship in accordance with section 4 of the Citizenship Act, 1951 and ruling of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Former senator Farhatullah Babar and other petitioners urged the apex court’s Registrar Office to allot a case number and schedule a date for a hearing. However, the office refused to entertain the petition. GOVT CRACKDOWN: The federal government initiated a crackdown against “undocumented” Afghan nationals – essentially persons seeking refuge in the country and awaiting legal formalities. Since November 1, 2023, the state has begun a campaign to forcibly evict around 1.3 million such persons under the garb of addressing the issue of “illegal migrants” on whom it has placed the burden of the country’s worsening economic and security concerns.
Embattled Justice Naqvi served show cause notice over misconduct complaints ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
With a majority of 4-1, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has issued a detailed show cause notice to embattled Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi in connection with misconduct complaints lodged against him. The SJC — the only forum that can inquire into the conduct of judges of the superior judiciary — by a 4-1 majority ruling directed the jurist to submit a reply within 14 days in connection with 10 complaints lodged against him. The show cause notice was backed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faiz Isa, Justice Sardar Tariq, Justice Amir Bhatti, and Justice Naeem Afghan whereas Justice Ijazul Ahsan dissented with the majority opinion. Earlier, Justice Naqvi had lodged a petition in the apex court, contesting the SJC proceedings. He requested the court to nullify the misconduct allegations against him, deeming them ‘without lawful authority and of no legal effect.’ The petition, filed under Article 184 of the Constitution, seeks the annulment of the show cause notice issued after an SJC meeting on October 27 and the hearing notice from November 13.
Represented by Mukhdoom Ali Khan, Khawaja Haris, Ali Zafar, Latif Khosa, and Saad Hashmi advocates, the petition lists the federation, the country’s president, and the SJC as respondents. Justice Naqvi contended that a malicious campaign has targeted him since February with ‘false and baseless allegations’ aired publicly, leading to a media trial. He asserts that these acts directly challenge judicial independence. “A media trial has been conducted. This malicious campaign and the complaints are direct and blatant attacks on the independence of judiciary,” he stated. Citing the Justice Qazi Faez Isa
Cabinet’s body recommends names of Imran, others be put on ECL ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The subcommittee of the federal cabinet on Wednesday recommended putting the names of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and 28 others on the Exit Control List (ECL) in the Al-Qadir Trust case. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry of Interior said that a meeting of the subcommittee of the federal cabinet was held with Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti in the chair while Caretaker Minister for Pakistan Railways Shahid Ashraf Tarar and
other officials of the Ministry of Interior and other institutions and officials of other departments attended the meeting. “The committee recommended putting the names of 41 people sent by various departments and institutions on the ECL. On the recommendation of NAB, names of 29 people, including Imran Khan, were recommended to be put on the ECL in the £190 million scandal,” it said. The £190 million scandal case alleges that the expremier and his wife, Bushra Bibi, obtained billions of rupees and land measuring hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd for legalising Rs50 billion that was
Staff RepoRt
case ruling, Naqvi argued that the initiated proceedings contradict his fundamental constitutional rights and previous Supreme Court judgments. Previously, during its October 27 session, the SJC reviewed 29 complaints, dismissing 19 but issuing Naqvi a show cause notice for the remaining 10, alleging financial misconduct. The council, by majority vote, asked for Naqvi’s reply within 14 days. Justice Naqvi submitted his response to the show cause notice on November 10, accusing three SJC members – Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, and Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan – of bias and requesting their recusal. Justice Naqvi further objected to the SJC’s November 13 hearing notice, stating it was issued without addressing his legal and constitutional objections raised earlier and without reconstituting the SJC, breaching Article 209 of the Constitution and the SJC Procedure of Enquiry, 2005. He deemed the complaints against him malicious and invalid, asserting that the SJC’s actions lack jurisdiction, making the proceedings void ab initio and without legal effect. However, despite Justice Naqvi’s objections, the SJC set a hearing for November 20 to review the complaints against him.
ECC likely to approve 15pc to 125pc price hike for 262 life-saving medicines today ISLAMABAD
identified and returned to the country by the UK during the previous PTI government. The PTI chief was initially arrested in the said case earlier this year from the premises of the Islamabad High Court but was later released after the Supreme Court declared the arrest unlawful. On Nov 14, the PTI chief, who is already imprisoned in Adiala Jail in the cipher case, was again arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Al-Qadir Trust case. He was then handed over to the watchdog on physical remand. Separately, recommendations were also made to remove 13 cases from the list. The ministry said courts had sought the removal of seven names from the ECL and “of the appeals submitted for revision, it was recommended to remove the names of three people from the ECL”.
Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Thursday is likely to grant its approval to increase Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of 262 drugs under hardship category as recommended by the Drug Pricing Committee (DPC) in its 56th and 57th meetings held on 21-22nd June, 2023 and 26-27th July, 2023 respectively.According to available agenda of the next ECC meeting, federal cabinet’s economic coordination committee (ECC) is scheduled to meet on Thursday under the chair minister for finance, revenue and economic affairs to take up five agenda items. The agenda items of ECC include: 1. Approval of increase in Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of 262 drugs under hardship category as recommended by the Drug Pricing Committee (DPC) in its 56th and 57th meeting, 2. Application for the grant of Marginal Policy Pricing Incentives for the Jhal Magsi South Development & Production Lease (D&PL) covering an area of 17.71 square kilometer located in district Jhal Magsi, Balochistan, 3. Import offers of urea fertilizer for Rabi Season 2023-24, 4. Relaxation from relending policy of Government of Pakistan for National Database and Regulation Authority (NADRA) and cash credit limits for Punjab and Sindh for the quarter July-September, 2023. The ECC meeting may take up any other item with the permission of the chair, said ECC agenda. Sharing details regarding proposed increase in MRPs of 262 drugs under hardship category, sources said that ECC of the Cabinet in its meeting held on 15th November, 2023 had considered the summary dated 13th November, 2023 submitted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) regarding approval of increase in Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of 262 drugs under hardship category as recommended by the Drug Pricing Committee (DPC) in its 56th and 57th meetings held 21-22nd June, 2023 and 26-27th July, 2023 respectively. The ECC directed the ministry to carry out a detailed analysis of the recommendations of DPC in its said meetings and forward the same with clear recommendations to the Cabinet Division by 21st November, 2023 for consideration of the ECC in its next meeting. The ECC also directed to hold a meeting with all provincial health ministers to have their view point on the said DPC recommendations, said sources.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Israel, Hamas agree on 4-day Qatar-US-mediated truce, hostage release g
Captives to be released over four days, every additional 10 captives will increase truce duration by a day GAZA
agencieS
Israel’s government and Hamas agreed on Wednesday to a four-day pause in fighting to allow the release of 50 captives held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. Officials from Qatar, which has been mediating secret negotiations, as well as the US, Israel and Hamas have for days been saying a deal was imminent. Hamas is believed to be holding more than 200 captives, taken when its fighters surged into Israel on Oct 7. A statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said 50 women and children will be released over four days, during which there will be a pause in fighting. For every additional 10
captives released, the pause would be extended by another day, it said, without mentioning the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. “Israel’s government is committed to return all the hostages home. Tonight, it approved the proposed deal as a first stage to achieving this goal,” said the statement, released after hours of deliberation that were closed to the press. Hamas said the 50 captives would be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children who are held in Israeli jails. The truce deal will also allow hundreds of trucks of humanitarian, medical and fuel aid to enter Gaza, the Palestinian group said in a statement. Israel had committed not to attack or arrest anyone in all parts of Gaza during the truce period, it added. US President Joe Biden said he welcomed the deal. “Today’s deal should bring home additional American hostages, and I
ahmad ahmadani
will not stop until they are all released,” he said in a statement. The Qatar government said 50 civilian women and children hostages would be released from Gaza in exchange for the release “of a number of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons”. The starting time of the truce would be announced within the next 24 hours, it said in a statement. The accord is the first truce of a conflict in which brutal Israeli bombardments have flattened swathes of Gaza, killed 13,300 civilians in the tiny densely populated enclave and left about two-thirds of its 2.3 million people homeless, according to authorities in Gaza. But Netanyahu said Israel’s broader mission was unchanged. “We are at war and we will continue the war until we achieve all our goals. To destroy Hamas, return all our hostages and en-
sure that no entity in Gaza can threaten Israel,” he said in a recorded message at the start of the government meeting. Hamas said in its statement: “As we announce the striking of a truce agreement, we affirm that our fingers remain on the trigger, and our victorious fighters will remain on the look out to defend our people and defeat the occupation.” RELEASE TO BEGIN ON THURSDAY Three Americans, including a 3-year-old girl, are expected to be among the hostages to be released, a senior US official said. In addition to Israeli citizens, more than half the hostages held foreign and dual citizenship from some 40 countries including the US, Thailand, Britain, France, Argentina, Germany, Chile, Spain and Portugal, Israel’s government has said. Israeli media said the first release of hostages was expected on Thursday. Implementing the deal must wait for 24 hours to give Israeli citizens the chance to ask the Supreme Court to block the release of Palestinian prisoners, reports said. Kamelia Hoter Ishay, the grandmother of 13-year-old Gali Tarshansky, who is be-
lieved to be held in Gaza, said she would not believe reports of a deal until she got a call that the teenager was freed. “And then I’ll know that it’s really over and I can breathe a sigh of relief and say that’s it, it’s over,” she said. Qadura Fares, head of the Commission for Prisoners’ Affairs in the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority, told Reuters that among more than 7,800 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel were about 85 women and 350 minors. Most were detained without charges or for incidents such as hurling rocks at Israeli soldiers, not for launching militant attacks, he said. Qatar’s chief negotiator in ceasefire talks, Minister of State at the Foreign Ministry Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, told Reuters that the International Committee of the Red Cross would be working inside Gaza to facilitate the hostages’ release. He said that the truce meant there would be “no attack whatsoever. No military movements, no expansion, nothing.” Al-Khulaifi added that Qatar hopes the deal “will be a seed to a bigger agreement and a permanent cease of fire. And that’s our intention.” Hamas has to date released only four captives: US citizens Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter, Natalie Raanan, 17, on Oct 20, citing “humanitarian reasons,” and Israeli women Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, on Oct 23.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
02 NEWS
IHC DIRECTS PM TO RECOVER ‘MISSING’ BALOCH STUDENTS OR APPEAR IN COURT ON NOV 29
T
Thursday, 23 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also appeared before the IHC in a similar case, responding to the court’s directive to ensure recovery of missing persons. In the hearing, he assured the IHC of allout efforts for the recovery of the missing persons, promising that he would not make any “lame excuse”. Around a month ago, in an interview with BBC Urdu, interim premier Kakar had claimed that according to a UN sub-committee’s estimates, around 50 people had been forcibly disappeared in Balochistan. “Sometimes, we receive complaints in which they give us 5,000 names claiming they are missing. [They are] not ready to accept any UN best practices on collection of data of missing persons,” the interim PM had said, adding the issue is used as a “propa-
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
HE Islamabad High Court on Wednesday directed caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to appear before the court on Nov 29 “if he doesn’t secure the recovery of more than 50 allegedly missing Baloch students.” A single-member IHC bench comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani issued the orders while hearing a case regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. Established in 2011, the commission was to locate whereabouts of the missing persons and fix responsibility for it. In September last year, former Prime
DSP, two Shaheen Force officials booked in Orangi Town dacoity case
ganda tool” against the state. At the outset of the hearing, Assistant Attorney General Usman Ghumman presented a ministerial report on the Baloch missing persons, a report that the court returned, expressing displeasure. “The prime minister and interior minister are from Balochistan,” said Justice Kayani. “They should be empathetic to this matter, considering it involves Baloch students.” The court then summoned Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Dugal and took a brief recess. Justice Kayani mentioned that the case had previously been heard by former IHC CJ Athar Minallah, noting that a commission was formed per the court’s orders, and the matter of enforced disappearances was referred to the federal government.
“The prime minister should have understood, and we expected he would say these are our children,” remarked Justice Kayani. The judge noted that the former prime minister was also summoned, along with several other high-profile individuals connected to the case. Expressing frustration, he lamented the lack of progress despite efforts. He expressed concern about the commission on enforced disappearances, stating it had not carried out any meaningful work. “The court has to do its job anyway and ensure the implementation of its orders,” he asserted. Justice Kayani highlighted that even on the 21st hearing of the case, the court found itself at the same point. “We thought things would change gradually and people would return to their homes. And this was the responsibility of the state to ensure people
Court sends accused on physical remand for detaining, torturing aged couple RAWALPINDI
ejaz aRShaD CheeMa
KARACHI
Staff RepoRt
An under-training Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Umair Tariq Bajari and two Shaheen Force officials have been booked in Karachi’s Orangi Town dacoity case. The cops were declared guilty in a high-level police probe. DSP Umair Tariq Bajari, Khurram and Farman along with 20 others were booked in the Orangi Town heist case under charges of dacoity and kidnapping on the complaint of Shakir Khan, the affected man. According to FIR, Shakir Khan said he is doing wholesale business of sanitary items in Orangi Town. On November 19, around 20 cops in uniform and civil dress raided his house around 2:20 am. The cops after taking the family members hostage and took away Rs20 million along with 70 to 80 tola gold, laptops and mobile phones. The FIR further stated that the cops after making him and his brother Aamir hostage along with the cash, gold and other valuables left them near Baloch Pull and fled. Later, SHO Defence police station returned Rs10.3 million, 50 tola gold, and 12 mobile phones to them, Shakir Khan said in his complaint. He has urged the higher authorities to take stern action against DSP Bajari and other staff. The probe was ordered after evidence surfaced that an under-training DSP of District South Police had been involved in the robbery in which around 20 million rupees, 70 to 80 tola gold jewellery and other valuables were plundered from a house in Orangi Town. After the probe, the Karachi police department removed DSP Bajari from the post for his direct involvement in the dacoity, whereas, Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) South Imran Qureshi was removed from his position for exhibiting negligence. Both police officers were directed to report to the Central Police Office (CPO). The action was taken in light of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) West’s inquiry report.
Police on Wednesday got physical remand of four men from a court after registering a case against them for detaining and torturing old age parents of their landlord, who is a British national, for grabbing precious land adjacent to GT Road in Sohawa, informed sources said. The four accused have been identified as Zafaran, Muhammad Javed, Muhammad Ikhlaq and Bashir Ahmed, who were arrested following orders of Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi Region Syed Khurram Ali by officials of Police Station Sohawa during a raid on a house located at Aral area captivity of whom the couple was also recovered, sources said. Police has also decided to start process of bringing back the main accused identified as Sahriq Mehmood from United Kingdom (UK) to Pakistan as the daughter of old age couple had requested IG Punjab through British Embassy to rescue her parents from clutches of her brother and the four servants-cum-goons, they said. According to content of FIR,
ister a case against accused and to arrest them. Following orders of DPO, SHO PS Sohawa lodged case and held four accused. The police also produced the four accused before a court of law and obtained their physical demand for further investigation. A senior police officer disclosed to Pakistan Today that Ms Saiqa, the daughter of applicant Kaneez Akhter and based in London, approached IG, RPO and DPO informing them about illegal detention of her parents. He said IG and RPO directed DPO to form a special police team for recovery of old age couple from illegal detention. He said police raided the house and recovered the old age couple and held four accused. He said that police have began process of writing a letter to Punjab Home Department for requesting Interior Ministry to approach Interpol to bring back to Pakistan the main culprit from UK. A spokesman to RPO, when contacted, confirmed the development saying RPO has directed the DPO for investigating the case on merit and for providing the old age couple with justice.
Kameez Akhter, a resident of Aral, lodged a complaint with District Police Officer (DPO) Jhelum stating she had a son namely Shariq Mehmood who is residing in UK. She alleged that Shariq had placed her and his father Haq Nawaz under severe torture during his visit to Pakistan and had transferred all the land in his name forcefully. She added his son had hired four servants namely Zafaran, Muhammad Javed, Muhammad Ikhlaq and Bashir Ahmed who also involved in breathing her and her husband, who is 74 years old and sick as well. “The four servants of Shariq had dragged me and torn out my clothes. They also injected me with some toxic injections and detained me in a room illegally,” she said adding that the four men committed this crime on ordered of her son Shariq Mehmood, a British national of Pakistan origin. The victim lady appealed DPO to take legal action against Shariq and four of his goons and to provide her and her husband with justice. DPO Jhelum, while talking action, has ordered the SHO PS Sohawa to reg-
ISLAMABAD
Regal Automobiles, a technical venture between Dong Feng Sokon (DFSK), the largest and most reputed brand in China and RP Group, one of Pakistan’s most renowned business conglomerates launched their first Electric Vehicle (EV) Seres 3, in Pakistan. Since the country’s car industry welcomed a number of electric vehicles recently, this is another update translating the way the auto sector is gearing itself to enhance green technology. The launch marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s automotive industry and a major step in addressing the rising fuel costs and shifting focus toward electric cars in the country. According to Gwadar Pro on Wednesday, official price, booking details, and delivery time have also been unveiled.
passenger cars bought worldwide was an EV, as compared with one in every 70 just five years earlier. Last year, EV sales rose by 55%, reaching a total of 10.5 million, according to the EV Volumes sales database. Pakistan, in its timely joining the trend, is ramping up cooperation with international EV giants to amplify its own competence. A number of Chinese companies such as BAIC, Changan, JAC Motors, Great Wall Motors, MG, FAW, and Chery Automobile have established their presence and even formed joint ventures in Pakistan, driving the EV industry in the country towards intelligence and electrification. While there is a long way to go for Pakistan to build the EV infrastructure, cut down EV prices, and produce parts locally, we have a lot to benefit from the technology transfer from global tycoons like China.
According to the company, the locally assembled Seres 3 is priced at Rs. 9,199,000. The Completely Built-up Seres 3 was selling for above Rs. 10 million. The vehicle is expected to be delivered by March 24, 2024. The manufacturing facility is located at a 26-acre site in Lahore. The products will be delivered to end customers nationwide through a strong network of 19 independent 3S Dealerships spread across the country. The company has a workforce of more than 200 people. It invests heavily in training the team members and management employees and creating a culture of high-performing and empowered teams who work seamlessly across the various processes in search of quality and continuous improvement. Pakistan is catching a ride on the global EV boom as statistics from the International Energy Agency (IEA) show that in 2022, one in every seven
IMF, WB seek transparency in foreign-funded projects under CPEC, SIFC PROFIT
MonitoRing DeSk
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and other global lenders called for transparency and accountability in foreign-funded projects, including those under special-purpose vehicles like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Representatives from various international organisations and development partners, including the World Bank, European Union, Asian Development Bank (ADB),
Islamic Development Bank, USAID, UNDP, Germany, Japan, WFP, IFAD, and others, pledged continued support to Pakistan. However, they emphasized the importance of transparency, alignment with government priorities, and timely disbursement of committed support. Concerns were raised over project delays, with more than half of the $6.7 billion World Bank-funded projects deemed problematic or unsatisfactory. Similar issues were noted with ADB-funded projects. Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar expressed her concern over these delays, vowing to bring the is-
sues to the attention of the Prime Minister’s Office and provincial governments for their support in expediting project completion. In such a situation, the Finance Minister emphasized the need to optimize the capital of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and increase lending headroom.
“DEBT FOR NATURE” Caretaker finance minister reiterated the appeal for debt-for-nature and debt-for-social-development swaps, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to meeting climate finance targets. The appeal was made during discus-
sions with multilateral and bilateral lenders ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP-28) scheduled from Nov 30 to Dec 12 in Dubai. Dr Shamshad Akhtar, in response to adverse global financial market conditions, deferred plans to launch a conventional Eurobond. Instead, she announced efforts to access climate financing, including through relevant bonds like Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), contingent on an improved credit rating following the disbursement of the $700 million second tranche from the $3 billion IMF program.
Assets worth Rs15.5b from seven SOEs transferred to Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund PROFIT
MonitoRing DeSk
The federal government has transferred shares and assets of seven profit-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund (PSWF), totaling Rs15.5 billion in value. The government’s ownership in these SOEs now rests with the Fund, including shares/assets from Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (Rs3.657 billion), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (Rs1.952 billion), National Bank of Pakistan (Rs1.608 billion), Government Power Holding Limited (Rs2.088 billion), PDF Limited (Rs6 billion), Mari Petroleum (Rs24.532 million), and Neelum Jhelum Hydro Power Limited (Rs416.634 million). The establishment of the sovereign wealth fund aims to contribute to sustainable economic development by managing the fund and assets following international standards. The government asserts that it is facilitating serious investor initiatives through PSWF, with plans for subfunds in the agriculture and mineral sectors, followed by the establishment of an IT fund. This move is seen as an effort to diversify and broaden Pakistan’s economy, attract investment for developmental projects, and create investment models that promote economic growth and infrastructure development. The major objectives of the fund include increasing savings and ensuring all major decisions, including investment mandates, receive approval from the Supervisory Council headed by the Prime Minister, as mandated by law.
Pak-China venture regal automobiles launches its first EV Seres 3 Staff RepoRt
reached their homes,” he added. He mentioned that the prime minister, as well as the ministers for interior, human rights, and defence, would be summoned. “This was to be done by the executive, but the court is doing it.” “Should we refer this matter to the United Nations and cause an insult to our country?” the judge asked, expressing concern about the increasing number of missing people. He remarked, “The minister for defence and the minister for interior must be asked to appear before the court, as their appearance won’t make any difference.” Justice Kayani stressed that 55 missing Baloch students must be recovered in light of the recommendations of the commission; otherwise, the premier must appear before the court on Nov 29.
CEO of PEDO highlights significance of solar energy in KP PESHAWAR
Staff RepoRt
Engineer Naeem Khan, the Chief Executive Officer of Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO), emphasized the invaluable natural gift of solar energy resources in the province, stating that they contribute to an annual saving of approximately Rs. 840 million in electricity bills. Speaking at the inaugural two-day solar energy exhibition in Peshawar, he shared that ongoing efforts on nine solar energy projects across the province, including tribal merged districts, are crucial for addressing the country’s energy crisis. During the exhibition, attended by media representatives and Secretary Energy and Power Nisar Ahmad Khan, Engr. Naeem Khan highlighted the transformation of key government institutions, including the Civil Secretariat and Chief Minister’s House, into solar-powered facilities. He noted that 8,000 schools, 187 Basic Health Units (BHUs), and 4,000 mosques have already been solarized. Additionally, 100 villages, including 300 mosques, in the merged districts have successfully transitioned to solar energy, with ongoing efforts for solarization in schools and places of worship in both merged and settled districts. Engr. Naeem Khan underscored the completion of 312 mini-micro hydropower projects in phase one in backward districts, with an additional 291 projects underway in phase two.
Weaponization of artificial intelligence is a reality: Senator Mushahid ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
A three-day international security workshop opened on Wednesday with emphasis on strategic foresight in adapting to the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and associated technologies on modern warfare and global security dynamics. Experts at the conference, hosted by the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Geneva, underscored the profound and growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technologies on military strategies, global security policies, and ethical frameworks marking a pivotal shift in the paradigm of contemporary conflict and defense.
The workshop aimed to address the intersection of AI and cyberspace with global security, while focusing on the changing geopolitical landscape, the security implications of emerging technologies, and their ethical aspects. The discussions at the inaugural plenary and the subsequent working sessions also targeted cyber threats to infrastructure, norms for state conduct, and the need for multilateral dialogue for formulating a comprehensive response to the challenges of technology in international security. “The weaponization of Artificial Intelligence is just not a theory, it has become a reality. In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, AI plays a dominant role. It is the time to address the implications of AI in warfare”, said Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairperson of the Senate Defence Committee of Pakistan.
Senator Sayed noted that the rise in modern technologies was reshaping the contours of conflict and security, and was guided by advancements in Cyber, AI, and Autonomy. The situation was presenting new security challenges that demanded our attention. He
said the existing security environment was defined by the increasing utilization of land, sea, and aerial drones, swarm drones, missile systems, anti-ballistic missile systems, killer robots, and many more. Pakistan, being a global south country, has a consistent pattern of dealing with emerging technologies and is transparent at the same time, the Senate defense committee’s chief said while noting that the interconnectedness between AI and autonomy introduced complexities in decision-making processes, strategic planning, and the ethical deployment of military capabilities. While highlighting Pakistan’s development and acquisition of emerging technologies, Senator Sayed said that it was mainly in realms of peaceful uses for defensive purposes and was transparent in terms of uses of technology.
He suggested the need for Pakistan to establish an inter-services cyber command under the joint services headquarters to deal with the evolving challenges. UNIDIR’s senior researcher Dongyoun Cho said that strategic stability, on multiple levels, was affected by emerging technologies, AI, and autonomous capabilities. AI is productive yet challenging and has completely modified the nature and domain of strategic stability in the post-Cold War era. She emphasized the transparency brought by arms control regimes helped in smooth continuation of political processes. CISS executive director Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi said that technological advancements were rapidly shaping all aspects of life including our understanding of security, and it was pertinent to comprehend the challenges posed by these new frontiers.
Thursday, 23 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
ANF MOVES SC AGAINST ACQUITTAL OF HANIF ABBASI IN EPHEDRINE CASE
T
Pervaiz Elahi urges ECP to take notice of PML-N’s ‘pre-poll rigging’ LAHORE
Former Punjab chief minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has accused the PML-N of using police and administration “swing things in their favor” ahead of general elections. In his information media talk outside the Judicial Complex, Pervaiz Elahi urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to take notice of ‘prepoll’ rigging by PML-N. The former chief minister said that PTI will move Supreme Court after the announcement of the election schedule. He claimed that no one will accept the election if PTI is barred from taking part in the process. “PTI candidates will come to the scene after the announcement of the schedule.” The PTI president announced that he would contest general elections from Attock, Gujrat, and Mandi Bahauddin. Like the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the PTI president also demanded “level playing field” in the election. The Election Commission of Pakistan has ‘finalsied’ the code of conduct for the general elections, which are scheduled to take place on February 8. According to sources, the Election Commission of Pakistan has drafted a code of conduct in consultation with political parties in connection with the general election. The suggestions of the political parties have also been included in the Code of Conduct draft. According to sources, political parties will not speak out against the sovereignty of Pakistan during the election campaign.
Getting masses rid of inflation, other crises PML-N’s top priority: Shehbaz Sharif LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
HE Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) on Wednesday challenged the acquittal of PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi in the ephedrine quota case in the Supreme Court. A division bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) had acquitted Hanif Abbasi in the case on October 18. The Supreme Court Registrar office granted 14 days’ time to the ANF after the petitioner sought time from the apex court for preparation and getting documentary record of the case. The trial court had awarded life term
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former prime minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that helping the masses to get rid of the inflation was top priority of his party. He stated this while talking to former Senator Waqar Ahmed and President of PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Engr Amir Muqam who called on him in Lahore on Wednesday and congratulated Shehbaz for his acquittal in the Ashiana Iqbal reference. Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif thanked former Senator Waqar Ahmed and Engr Amir Muqam and discussed with them the overall situation of the country and preparations for general elections. The PML-N President said that under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, his party has always lived up to the trust and expectations of the nation. He said that political stability and collective efforts were needed for economic selfreliance and saving the people from confronting challenges was top priority of his party.
imprisonment to Abbasi in ephedrine quota case. The LHC division bench comprising of Justice Aalia Neelum and Justice Asjad Javed Ghural set aside life imprisonment handed down to Abbasi by special court and acquitted him of the charges. The PML-N leader was arrested just four days before the general election in the country in 2018. Abbasi was to contest the 2018 general election from NA-60 Rawalpindi. The ANF had registered the case against Abbasi and others in 2012 under sections 9-C, 14 and 15 of the Control of Narcotics Substances (CNS) Act for misuse of 500kg of ephedrine.
Govt to cut Hajj cost by Rs0.1m, improve facilities, says Dr Aneeq KARACHI
Staff RepoRt
Staff RepoRt
LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Dr. Aneeq Ahmed on Wednesday announced a significant reduction of 0.1 million rupees in government Hajj expenses while ensuring uncompromised facilities. It should be mentioned here that the pilgrims will receive a 30kg suitcase each and female pilgrims will receive scarfs (Abaya) featuring the national flag, a first-time provision. Addressing a news conference at the Haji Camp Karachi, Dr. Aneeq Ahmed highlighted the introduction of a mobile application aimed at aiding pilgrims. This app will offer navigation assistance and keep pilgrims in constant contact with relevant
officials. Initially available in English and Urdu, the app will later include various regional languages. Emphasizing improvements in the Hajj process, the minister revealed that Islamabad and Karachi have been incorporated into Saudi Arabia’s Road to Makkah project. This inclusion allows Karachi airport to complete the immigration process for Hujjaj, streamlining their journey. Moreover, the government has introduced a 20day short Hajj package, striving to make Hajj more financially accessible to citizens. Efforts are underway to ensure Pakistani Hujjaj are accommodated in tents at Old Mina, as the distance to New Mina poses challenges for pilgrims. Highlighting the allocation of Hajj
seats, Dr. Aneeq Ahmed mentioned that Pakistan has secured 179,000 Hajj seats, with half reserved for private Hajj operators. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will oversee these operators to guarantee the well-being of pilgrims, holding the ministry responsible for any issues faced by those performing Hajj through private operators. The minister religious affairs also noted the ongoing renovation work at the Haji Camp Karachi building, reinforcing the commitment to enhance pilgrimage facilities. Regarding expenses, Dr. Aneeq clarified that the announced package excludes Qurbani (sacrifice) expenses during Hajj. Additionally, intending pilgrims opting for a shorter stay in Medina will receive a further reduction of Rs. 35,000 in Hajj expenses.
ECC likely to approve 15pc to 125pc price hike for 262 life-saving medicines today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Following the directions of the ECC, the DPC recommendations have also reviewed by a committee of M/o NHSR&C, they added. As per the sources, according to a report of the M/o NHSR&C committee, with respect to non-viability of sale of drugs at present MRPs, the committee concluded that based on the definition of hardship cases given in paragraph 9 of the Drug Pricing Policy-2018 and calculations made by the DPC were as per formula given under the said paragraph, hence, the cases of these 262 drugs fall under hardship category. The committee further found that the cases, which did not fall within the policy parameters, were rejected by the DPC (278 cases). Similarly, calculations of MRPs of these drugs worked out by the DPC of DRAP have been found in line with formulae given in the said policy and DPC did not recommend any MRP beyond the price calculated /allowed under formula. Moreover, in some of
the cases where massive increases have been recommended, it is found that these drugs were not marketed by the concerned pharmaceutical companies due to higher cost of import than MRP granted/approved by the federal government. A meeting with all provincial health ministers to discuss increase in MRPs of these drugs under hardship category was also held on 16th November, 2023 under chair of Dr Nadeem Jan, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordinations. All provincial health ministers were of the view that most of common use medicines were not available in the market due to which patients & doctors both are facing problems. Health Minister from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were of the opinion that this shortage of medicines is because selling of these drugs is not viable at present prices. They, therefore, agreed to the proposed increase in MRPs of 262 drugs as calculated under hardship category as per para 9 of the Drug Pricing Policy-2018.
A market survey was also conducted in provincial capital (Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Islamabad). It was noted that many drugs were not freely/not available in the market and some drugs were being sold in black market on prices much higher than approved MRP. It will not be out of place to mention that last notification of increase in MRPs of eight (08) drugs under hardship category was issued in September, 2021. The revised MRPs of these 262 drugs will be applicable with prospective effect. Although the examination carried out by the ministry shows that the recommendations of the DPC are in line with the parameters defined in the Drug Pricing Policy-2018, yet the ministry is of the considered view that the proposed increase in MRPs under prevalent inflationary pressures would adversely effect the poor. However, as per directions of the ECC, the recommendations of the DPC in its 56th and 57th meetings regarding increase in MRPs of 262 drugs under hardship category are now being submitted for consideration of the ECC.
Lahore man dies after alleged torture in police custody LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
A Lahore man died in police custody after alleged torture on Wednesday. According to details, a man named Javed Iqbal was arrested from Lahore’s Nishtar Colony over charges of theft. During police custody, ASI Riaz allegedly subjected the suspect to the vicious torture that resulted in his death. The ASI has been taken into custody by the Lahore police.
According to officials, a case is being filed against a police officer at Kot Lakhpat. A number of police torture cases have been reported in Punjab. Earlier in a separate incident, a 23-year-old youth allegedly died of torture in custody of Punjab police. A 23-year-old youth named Adil died due to alleged police torture in the Quaid-e-Azam Factory area of Lahore. The heirs of the youth along with the residents of the area surrounded the police station and recorded their strong protest against the alleged torture of cops.
Israel, Hamas agree on 4-day Qatar-US-mediated truce, hostage release CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The armed wing of the Palestinian resistance group Islamic Jihad, which participated in the Oct 7 raid with Hamas, said late on Tuesday that one of the Israeli hostages it has held since the Oct 7 attacks on Israel had died. “We previously expressed our willingness to release her for humanitarian reasons, but the enemy was stalling and this led to her death,” Al Quds Brigades said on its Telegram channel. As attention focused on the hostage release deal, fighting on the ground raged on. Mounir Al-Barsh, director-general of Gaza’s health ministry, told Al Jazeera TV that the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza City. Israel claimed fighters were operating from the facility and threatened to act against them within four hours, he said. On Tuesday, Israel also said its forces had encircled the Jabalia refugee camp, a congested urban extension of Gaza City where Hamas has been battling advancing Israeli armoured forces. The Palestinian news agency WAFA said 33 people were killed and dozens wounded in an Israeli air strike on part of Jabalia. In southern Gaza, media said 10 people were killed and 22 injured by an Israeli air strike on an apartment in the city of Khan Younis. DISPUTE ERUPTS OVER WHETHER POPE CALLED
GAZA SITUATION A ‘GENOCIDE’ A messy dispute has broken out over whether Pope Francis used the word “genocide” to describe events in Gaza, with Palestinians who met with him insisting that he did and the Vatican saying he did not, Reuters reports. The opposing versions emerged at an afternoon press conference with 10 Palestinians who met the pope in the morning at his Vatican residence. That meeting followed a separate one with Israeli relatives of hostages in Gaza. “When we shared the stories of the families that have been killed [in Gaza] he mentioned ‘I see the genocide’,” said Shireen Awwad Hilal, who teaches at the Bethlehem Bible College. “It was very clear, the word genocide did not come from us. It came from His Holiness, Pope Francis,” she said. But a statement sent by Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, in response to a question texted by a reporter, said the opposite. “I am not aware that he (the pope) used such a word. He used terms that he expressed during the general audience and words that in any case represent the terrible situation that is being lived out in Gaza,” Bruni’s statement said. Other participants at the Palestinian news conference concurred that they had heard the pope use the word genocide. UNICEF SAYS GAZA WORLD’S ‘MOST DANGEROUS PLACE’ FOR CHILDREN: The head of the
United Nations children’s agency has called the besieged Gaza Strip “the most dangerous place in the world to be a child,” and said that the hard-won truce deal between Israel and Hamas was not enough to save their lives, AFP reports. Unicef’s executive director Catherine Russell told the UN Security Council that over 5,300 children have reportedly been killed in Gaza since Israel began bombarding the strip following Hamas’ Oct 7 attack, accounting for 40 percent of the deaths. “This is unprecedented,” said Russell, who had just returned from a trip to southern Gaza. “I am haunted by what I saw and heard.” Russell welcomed a deal reached by Israel and Hamas to free hostages and pause ferocious fighting and bombardment in Gaza. BOYCOTT CAMPAIGNS OVER GAZA BOMBARDMENT HIT WESTERN BRANDS IN SOME ARAB COUNTRIES: Midway through a recent evening in Cairo, a worker cleaned tables in an empty McDonald’s restaurant. Branches of other Western fast-food chains in the Egyptian capital also appeared deserted. All have been hit by a boycott campaign over Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip since the Hamas attack in southern Israel on Oct 7, Reuters reports. Western brands are feeling the impact in Egypt and Jordan, and there are signs the campaign is spreading in some other Arab countries including Kuwait
and Morocco. Some of the companies the campaign is directed at are perceived to have taken pro-Israeli stances, and some are alleged to have financial ties to Israel or investments there. As the campaign has started to spread, boycott calls circulated on social media have expanded to list dozens of companies and products, prompting shoppers to shift to local alternatives. MAJOR NGOS CALL FOR LONGER ISRAEL-HAMAS TRUCE: Humanitarian and human rights organisations have said a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas is too short and have called for more time to deliver vital aid to the Gaza Strip, AFP reports. On a conference call of major NGOs, the executive director of Amnesty International USA, Paul O’Brien, said the lull was “not enough and it’s certainly not enough in human rights terms”. Jason Lee, Save the Children director for the Palestinian Territories, said while the truce was “a welcome step in the right direction, it cannot replace a ceasefire”. “There must be a ceasefire from an operational perspective and from a safety perspective,” he added. The executive director of medical charity Medecins du Monde, Joel Weiler, said the truce could bring some respite. “We may be able to bring drugs, fuel, but we will not be able to manage it correctly and to reach people that are in need,” he added.
NEWS 03
KPBoIT and Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce ink MoU to boost e-commerce investment in KP PESHAWAR
Staff RepoRt
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade (KPBoIT) and the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, China, have formalized their commitment to strategic collaboration in the realm of ecommerce and related IT opportunities for investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony took place during the China Innovation Summit, an initiative led by CAREC that fosters cooperation, collaboration, and the promotion of ecommerce and related IT interventions. Representing the CEO of KPBoIT, Gul Mohammad, the board’s representative, signed the MoU with the Director of Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce. Hangzhou, known for its diverse industrial sectors such as light industry, agriculture, and textiles, serves as a crucial manufacturing base and logistics hub for coastal China. It is also recognized as a prominent e-commerce and technology hub. Mr. Iqbal Sarwar, the Director of Business Promotion at KPBoIT, highlighted that the MoU aims to connect Chinese investors with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, facilitating the establishment of e-commerce-related facilities in the region. Additionally, the agreement seeks to facilitate collaboration and experience sharing between local service providers and their Chinese counterparts. This strategic engagement is expected to attract investors from various countries, further promoting investment in the burgeoning ecommerce sector.
Cabinet’s body recommends names of Imran, others be put on ECL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
It added that the recommendations of the committee have been sent to the federal cabinet for approval. Earlier this year, the then-PDM government had placed Imran, his wife Bushra Bibi and dozens of party leaders and activists on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL) — a controversial substitute for the ECL. The decision was taken in the aftermath of the May 9 riots that erupted across the country after Imran’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case, and different corruption cases, official sources had told Dawn. Earlier this year, former interior minister Rana Sanaullah had accused Imran and his wife of accepting Rs5bn and hundreds of kanals of land for protecting the real estate firm in a money laundering case. He had alleged claimed that Bahria Town “illegally transferred” Rs50bn to a Pakistani national in the UK. The transfer was identified by the UK’s National Crime Agency, which subsequently informed the then PTI government of the crime, Sanaullah had said. The PML-N leader had claimed that Imran, the prime minister at the time, had tasked Shehzad Akbar, ex-PM’s aide on accountability, to resolve the matter. Akbar “settled” the entire case, while the Rs50bn — which was state property and belonged to the national treasury — was adjusted against Bahria Town’s liability, the interior minister had alleged. The next day, the federal cabinet constituted a committee to probe into Imran and his wife Bushra’s alleged involvement in the case. According to Sanaullah, Bahria Town had donated hundreds of acres of land to Al-Qadir Trust, with the agreement bearing signatures of the real estate developer’s donors and Bushra Khan — the wife of former premier Imran. He said the non-profit organisation had only two trustees: Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The minister added that another 240 kanals were transferred to “Farah Shehzadi”.
04 COMMENT
NRC issue engulfs court proceeding in Assam
Smog will come again
N
The smog needs firm action by a permanent government
OTHING showed the fecklessness of the Punjab caretaker government than its dillydallying over the smog. If they had held elections on time, they would have gone home in April, long before the current smog set in. The Environment Minister, Muhammad Rizwan, has served as a PML(N) MPA during the 2008-2013 Assembly, but his presence did nothing to mitigate the problem. The lack of preparation should not have occurred, for laws exist and merely need political will to be executed. The Minister instead followed a policy of masterly inactivity, and it is the Education Department which seems to have shown more initiative by cancelling school. The problem has three inputs. The first is the expulsion into the atmosphere of harmful pollutants by motor vehicles. Then comes the burning of coal by industry as well as for power generation, not to mention the abundance of harmful gases released into the atmosphere because of industrial activity. And last but by no means least, the burning of stubble of the Kharif crop in preparation for sowing the Rabi crop. All of this unholy mixture combines with the weather and combines to produce a smog which not only obscures the vision, but which irritates the eyes and throat, causing a proliferation of the seasonal colds and flus rife at this time of year. This smog has become one of the recurring realities of life, and it is incumbent on all the parties hoping to form the government to formulate in advance measures to tackle the problem. The new provincial government will take office sometime at the end of February or beginning of May, if elections are held on February 8. However, if it says self-satisfiedly to itself that winter (20240) is several months away, it will fail to take the measures that might have an effect by smog season. While stubble burning can only be combated after Rabi, vehicular and industrial pollution need a longer lead time to have any effect on weather conditions. The expertise exists within the Punjab government, which has an Environmental Protection Department, but it needs political will for the government to order that it act as the lead department in drafting a working plan, and for the next government to implement it. But that does seem to be part of the priorities of this government.
A
NRC Assam updation process under scrutiny NAvA ThAkuriA
FTER years of allegations over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) updation process in Assam, the court proceedings begin against the former State coordinator Prateek Hajela (for his involvement in a financial scam to the tune of over Rs 1.55 billion), the system integrator (Wipro limited) and a subcontractor Integrated System and Services (ISS). Hajela, who had already got voluntary retirement from the service under the Assam government, was recently summoned by the Kamrup (Metro) additional district and sessions court to appear on 17 November, but he failed to do so. The district court in Guwahati has now fixed 6 February 2024 for the next hearing and even allowed the petitioner Luit Kumar Barman to bring the matter to the retired IAS officer’s notice through newspaper-advertisements. Barman, an Assamese entrepreneur turned awardwinning film producer, now prepares for the advertisement to be published in two national dailies (one in English and another in Hindi) and two widely circulated newspapers of Hajela’s home State (Madhya Pradesh) and also Assam. Wipro, the Indian IT company of international repute, submitted an affidavit through its representatives. However, the ISS (represented by proprietor Utpal Hazarika) was not served the summon duly and the court directed the petitioner Barman to take necessary steps. Both Wipro and ISS face serious allegations of tampering with the software, in the process allowing thousands of illegal Bangladeshi nationals to apply for Indian citizenship. The complainant filed the petition on basis of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on social, economic and general sectors for the year ending on 31 March 2020, where it pointed out irregularities on the NRC Assam updation process (May 2014 to October 2019). The highest audit body also recommended penal action against Hajela and Wipro. Barman lodged a complaint at Paltan Bazar police station on 19 October 2022 against Hajela, Wipro and ISS for their suspected roles in money laundering. But he was not entertained and then approached the court of the Kamrup (Metro) chief judicial magistrate. Barman introduced three individuals as witnesses, namely Hitesh Devsarma, IAS (retired), who was the immediate successor of Hajela as NRC State coordinator, Aabhijeet Sarma, president of Assam Public Works (the original petitioner in Supreme Court for updation of 1951 Assam NRC) and himself. Both Devsarma and Sarma had already lodged three FIRs against Hajela alleging financial mismanagements, intentional inclusion of illegal migrant’s names in NRC draft and low pays to over 6000 contractual data entry operators. Needless to mention that
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
Yousaf Nizami
Sane voices needed to resolve Kashmir issue Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi Joint Editor
T
Executive Editor
Indian violation of human rights in Kashmir goes on AsAd Ali
HE 98th session of UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) commenced on November 13 in Geneva. The WGAD’s mission is rooted in investigating cases of arbitrary deprivation of liberty, inconsistent with the international standards outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other accepted international legal instruments by the concerned states. The working group comprises five members, internationally recognized as independent experts in the field of human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in Article 9, unequivocally states, “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile.” Furthermore, Article 9(1) of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights echoes this sentiment, asserting, “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.” Therefore, arbitrary detention stands as a clear violation of international human rights law, as endorsed by these fundamental documents. Rule 45 of the Mandela Rules emphasizes that solitary confinement should only be employed in exceptional cases, as a last resort, for the briefest duration possible, and subject to independent review. The Rules expressly prohibit indefinite and prolonged solitary confinement, defined as exceeding 15 consecutive days, emphasizing its use as a measure of last resort, reserved for exceptional circumstances. Several instances of arbitrary detention in Kashmir are poised for consideration during the 98th session of WGAD. It’s crucial to note that these cases likely represent only a fraction of the actual occurrences, given the numerous unrecorded instances where relatives and neighbors are coerced into silence or mysteriously disappear. The Modi Administration, aided by over 900,000 military and paramilitary forces, particularly targets educated Kashmiris, both men and women, who dare to speak out. These laws, framed by India to intimidate Kashmiris, find no support in any international human rights instrument. The controversial Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act provides Indian security forces in Kashmir with the authority to detain civilians for up to one year without trial or due process, citing various reasons, including the exercise of free speech. For instance, under this Act, an individual advocating against India’s campaign of terror, even if they have lost a child to Indian security forces, can be detained for endangering ‘public safety.’ Similarly, producing pamphlets or newspapers endorsing United Nations resolutions for a plebiscite in Kashmir can lead to arrest and detention without formal charges or due process.
In a joint communication to the Government of India on 3 June 2022, Elina Steinerte, Vice Chair of WGAD, and Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, expressed serious concern over arbitrary detention and intimidation of journalists covering the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Notable journalists such as Fahad Shah, Auqib Javeed, Sajad Gul, Qazi Shibli, and the Kashmir Times Editor faced harassment, arbitrary detention, and criminal proceedings linked to their journalistic activities. The closure of the Kashmir Times offices, reportedly connected to independent and outspoken reporting, further raised alarm. Ambassador J. Kenneth Blackwell, a former UN Ambassador, provided a stark assessment of the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir based on his visit in December 1993. He highlighted the heavy military presence, turning Kashmir into a war zone, with armed
Thursday, 23 November, 2023
the DEOs, some of whom were paid as low as Rs 5,500 (per person), are still deprived of their outstanding dues. But the concerned police officer-in-charge did not register the case, following which the complainant sent an electronic mail (on 17 March) to the city police commissioner, but that too went in vain. Later when the Kamrup (Metro) CJM court too refused to entertain his appeal for justice over the sensitive issue affecing millions of genuine residents of Assam, Barman went to the Kamrup (Metro) sessions court. Months back, the fifth FIR was lodged against Hajela at Dispur police station highlighting the exploitation of DEOs. The complaint argued that DEOs are yet to get their cumulative outstanding amount (nearly Rs one billion) from the concerned agencies. Amidst the debate of the NRC scam, the social media users named and shamed three Guwahatibased television scribes as beneficiaries. Those scribes are suspected to be involved in supplying the DEOs to ISS and subsequently benefited themselves through illegal means. The people of Assam still remember how they lavishly praised Hajela as an outstanding officer and pronounced the NRC draft as the
final one, even though it was yet to be endorsed by the Registrar General of India. Every social media user argued that the DEOs must be financially compensated under the laws. Expressing concern over the development, Journalists’ Forum Assam urged the local news channel managements to clarify that no journalist of their organisations was involved with the scam, so that the audience did not perceive the entire media fraternity as corrupt. Days back, nationalist body Bharat Raksha Manch (BRM) urged Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to approve all FIRs against Hajela to be registered against the NRC scam-stars. It also appealed to the State government to file an affidavit before the Supreme Court seeking for a complete re-verification of the NRC draft with the base year of 1951 (instead of 1971). The State unit of BRM under the leadership of Dwijendra N Barthakur even organised a protest demonstration in the city on 2 October demanding due legal actions against Hajela and other individuals, who are involved with the NRC updation scam. Barman, while talking to this writer, asserted that he pursues no personal enmity towards Hajela, but he has taken it as a cause for the nation. Regarding the next date of hearing, the young engineer turned entrepreneur revealed that he plans to publish the said advertisements as early as possible. He informed that thousands of his friends & social media users extended monetary contributions for the initiative. The total money collected from the crowd will be used for the advertisements, stated Barman, adding that the overwhelming response indicates that it’s a matter of serious national concern. The writer is a northeast India-based senior media columnist
Days back, nationalist body Bharat Raksha Manch (BRM) urged Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to approve all FIRs against Hajela to be registered against the NRC scam-stars. It also appealed to the State government to file an affidavit before the Supreme Court seeking for a complete re-verification of the NRC draft with the base year of 1951 (instead of 1971).
personnel dominating the landscape. Detainees are often not presented before a magistrate within the stipulated 24 hours, and torture is reported as routine in interrogation centers run by paramilitary and army forces. Blackwell emphasized the necessity of conducting the plebiscite envisioned by the United Nations in 1948, with the explicit agreement of India and Pakistan, as a genuine solution to the issues of detention and torture in Kashmir. Gerald Staberock, Secretary General of the Geneva-based World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), voiced concern over the arbitrary detention of Khurram Parvez, highlighting the possibility of a life sentence and the death penalty as reprisals for his legitimate human rights activities. Staberock asserted that Khurram should not have spent a single minute behind bars and deserves compensation for the prolonged and unjust deprivation of his liberty. It is imperative for India, as a signatory to the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to adhere to international law and morality. The plight of the people of Kashmir, characterized by unbearable suffering, cannot be alleviated, and the persistent threat to regional peace cannot be eliminated unless concerted pressure is applied to the Modi Administration. The resolution of the Kashmir conflict is essential for lasting peace in the region and bilateral ties of both India and Pakistan. The writer is a freelance columnist
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
Prevalent silence
THOUSANDS of civilians have been killed as a result of the ruthless Israeli bombing of hospitals, schools and residential areas in Gaza. The bloodshed is incomparable to any other attacks of the past as it has kept its focus on children; infants, in fact. The barbarism unleashed by Israeli forces is unprecedented and cannot be condemned enough. MUMRAIZ KHAN KARACHI
Private airlines
THE recent financial crisis in the national air carrier has turned out to be a boon for private airlines operating in the country. They have taken their domestic fares to unprecedented heights, exploiting the situation. Even the so-called budget airlines are charging exorbitant fares. I was recently charged a one-way fare in excess of Rs50,000 for my travel from Karachi to Lahore. This is exploitation. AAMIR MALIK KARACHI
Poor condition of Sakran Road
IF we were a kingdom, the king would declare travelling on Sakran Road in the Hub district a punishment for hardcore criminals. Yes, the road is in such a bad condition. The residents of Hub, however, undergo this punishment on a daily basis. In fact, there are many who suffer multiple times every day because they have been cursed to using the Sakran Road more than once every day. Students leave their homes in tidy uniforms, but when they reach their schools, they are covered in dust from head to toe. Recently, the local authorities started some sort of repair work, which has only added to the dust and dirt circulating in the air. The pace at which heavy machinery is being operated suggests we are in for the long haul. Can this work be expedited? Please? MEHBOOB MALIK PANJGUR
Unemployed engineers
Ambassador J. Kenneth Blackwell, a former UN Ambassador, provided a stark assessment of the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir based on his visit in December 1993. He highlighted the heavy military presence, turning Kashmir into a war zone, with armed personnel dominating the landscape. Detainees are often not presented before a magistrate within the stipulated 24 hours, and torture is reported as routine in interrogation centers run by paramilitary and army forces.
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
I
Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9
I
Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
I
UNEMPLOYMENT is prevalent in the country, while our institutions of higher education keep churning out graduates as if they do not know that there is no place for these graduates that may hire their services. Qualified engineers are no exception to the prevailing scenario. According to an estimate, around 100,000 engineers are currently unemployed. Many of them have started looking around for greener pastures, and will soon be leaving the country for good. WARISHA SAFEER KARACHI
Redefining development
THE impact of development projects on local communities, especially on pedestrians, should not be ignored by the relevant authorities. For example, cancer patients are struggling to reach a hospital due to a new signal-free project in Lahore’s Jauhar Town area. It seems that our planners forget about pedestrians, and prioritise motor vehicles when designing urban development projects. They should be aware of the impact of their projects on local communities, especially on hospitals, and how to facilitate patients. MARIAM KHAN LAHORE
Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
I
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
COMMENT 05
How Russia could use Hamas-Israel war for its benefit Thursday, 23 November, 2023
I
Oil prices will rise and Ukraine may not be supplied arms haSeeb haroon
N recent attacks on southern Israel, Russian President Putin blamed the USA for all this but didn’t condemn the attack on Israel. He contacted Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and offered help to neutralize the situation in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the Russian President also discussed this matter with Egypt, Iran, and Syria and authorities of Hamas. But this attack on Israel is a present for Russia as Russia is embroiled in the Ukraine war so it is better for Russia that the Western world’s attention may be diverted from that war to another side. Could this crisis in the Middle East be beneficial for Russia? Is Russia directly involved in all this? And how can Russia use this entire situation to its advantage? Russia has close ties to Iran and Iran and Hamas have common interests, thus in a sense, at least to some extent, Russia and Hamas have common interests. But it also doesn’t mean that Russia was directly involved in or had prior knowledge of the Hamas attack on Israel. Israel’s ambassador in Moscow said in an interview that they did not believe that Russia was involved in this incident in any way, adding further that it was complete nonsense to say that the attack by Hamas on Israel had something to do with Russia. It is also true that Russia has never declared Hamas a terrorist organization, and has long adopted a proPalestine stance diplomatically. Putin first invited Hamas leaders to Moscow in 2006, and a Hamas delegation has been visiting Moscow ever since. However, there is no evidence of direct Russian arms supplies to Hamas or Russian military training of Hamas operatives. That is, we can say that President Putin did not start this war in the Middle East, but he can certainly benefit from it. One of the most important goals of Russian foreign policy at the moment is to divert the world’s attention from the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The Middle East is at the top of the international news agenda these days due to its recent situation. Some time ago, while the news regarding the Russian-Ukraine war was the adornment of the world media, now everywhere the war between Israel and Hamas and the Palestinian issue are being discussed. Global media coverage of news and commentary helps in building public opinion to a large extent. Therefore, after the war between Hamas and Israel, the attention of the international media, think tank commentators, and the general public has shifted away from the Russian-Ukraine conflict, which may benefit Russia to some extent. American think tanks also believe that Russia will use the Israel–Hamas war to spread disinformation about Ukraine and create discord among the allies. When Russia blames the USA for tension in the Middle East, it indirectly gives the impression that because the USA has been focused on Ukraine, it has overlooked the growing tensions in the Middle East. Such a narrative may somewhat reduce unconditional international support for Ukraine. And when that happens, the morale of the Ukrainian people and the
army will be low. After that, Russia can strategically accelerate its military actions to achieve the desired results as soon as possible and some observers believe that Russia has already achieved the desired results. After the recent attack on Israel, America assured Israel of its full support. The Israeli Prime Minister has already declared war on Hamas and Israel is continuously launching ground and air strikes on the Gaza Strip. As the war escalates Israel will need more and more arms supplies. Israel is also said to be looking to acquire Iron Dome missiles, precision guided missiles, and ammunition from the USA for a major attack on Hamas. Recently, the US president has also appealed to Congress to approve heavy Israeli military aid. At recent meetings of NATO defense ministers, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the USA stood and would continue to stand with Israel, as it stood with Ukraine. Other Western and European countries have also announced their support for Israel in this war. But no one country can provide aid or arms to other countries beyond a certain limit or for a long period. Countries that are already providing arms or aid to Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war will now find it difficult to provide arms or military aid to Israel at the same time. Therefore, it would naturally be inevitable to cut off supplies to Ukraine to release arms and military aid to Israel. Russia had long been pushing for an end to US military aid to Ukraine. And now could not be a better time for Russia; when public support for military aid to Ukraine is 19 months old the Russia-Ukraine war is waning. Even before the war between Israel-Hamas broke out, there were signs that current and future US funding to Ukraine could be in jeopardy. Recently, the US Congress passed a stopgap funding bill that halted additional aid to Ukraine for 45 days. In addition, diplomatically, the continuation of US support for Ukraine is also getting difficult. Now with another conflict in the Middle East, supporting two allies in two separate wars at the same time will be a tough test for the USA. This war in the Middle East is distracting Ukraine’s main allies from the Russia-Ukraine war, at the same time when public sentiment
on the Ukraine war is already waning and after all this situation, the direction of operations in Russia –the Ukraine war can quickly change in favor of Russia. Russia is a major oil and gas producer, so rising crude oil prices amid instability in the Middle East will also benefit Russia. In the first two weeks after the Hamas-Israel war, global oil prices rose seven percent. However, now the oil prices have stabilized a bit. But if the situation becomes more tense, this increase will be seen again. Due to these rising oil prices, Russia can earn huge foreign exchange by selling relatively cheap oil. Russia is expected to see a significant increase in its defense spending in 2024, so oil revenues could be very important for the country. Russia is one of the few countries that have good relations with Israel and many countries in the Middle East. Therefore Russia is in a strong position to use these ties to mediate between bitter rivals such as Israel and Iran. On the one hand, Russia is importing weapons from Iran for the war against Ukraine. On the other hand, it also had a close relationship with Syria. Now since Israel is currently hostile to both Iran and Syria while having
It is clear from RussiaÊs action that it wants to take full advantage of the Hamas–Israel war and this advantage will not only be in a war against Ukraine, but also Russia can emerge as an alternative to the USA in the Middle East. But this new war has recently changed the recent trend of close relations between Russia and Israel. Israel had avoided overtly helping Ukraine because it needed RussiaÊs consent to attack targets inside Syria. But now Russia seems fully committed to helping Palestinians and Iran, especially in the diplomatic arena.
Tax haven: Corporations win big, but who loses?
A
A document leak showed that while production and sales of sneakers happened in high-tax countries, the local units of the company had to pay royalties to a subsidiary in Bermuda, where taxes are virtually non-existent. Similar schemes were reported for multinationals such as Microsoft and Apple
DEUTSCHE WELLE
rodrigo Menegat SChuinSki
report by the EU Tax Observatory, an independent research lab hosted at the Paris School of Economics, shows that multinational corporations avoided paying $200 billion in taxes worldwide in 2020, the last year for which data is available. All this money was evaded through profit shifting, a strategy used by companies that have subsidiaries in many different countries. They register a disproportionate amount of their profits in territories with low or no taxation, known as tax havens. This happens even though the profits were made in other countries. But how does profit shifting work, why does it matter, and who are the winners and losers?
HOW DOES PROFIT SHIFTING WORK? Picture a multinational company that works in two different countries. Most of the work is done in a country with high taxation. However, intellectual properties such as patents and design blueprints are held by a subsidiary in a territory with lower taxes. The company in the first country, where the profits are made, must pay the subsidiary to use the registered properties. As the multinational controls both entities, it can set up the price of the transaction. In the end, it makes the company in the high taxation territory pay lots of money to the subsidiary in the tax haven. After the deal, the profit ledger in the first company falls, while the balance in the tax haven subsidiary increases. The multinational can now declare less profit in the place where taxes would be higher and more in the place where they are lower. This is not merely an exercise of imagination: it happened recently with US footwear giant Nike. A document leak showed that while production and sales of sneakers happened in high-tax countries, the local units of the company had to pay royalties to a subsidiary in Bermuda, where taxes are virtually non-existent. Similar schemes were reported for multinationals such as Microsoft and Apple.
WHY DOES IT MATTER? The global tax revenue lost to profit shifting was around $200 billion in 2020, a year when the COVID-19 pandemic massively hurt economic activity. In 2019, that figure was $250 billion. To put the revenue loss in 2020 in context, it’s around a fifth of the investments that developing countries need to mitigate the effects of climate change, according to estimates made by an expert group of economists that met at the COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Idann Gidron, data coordinator at the EU Tax Observatory, said only large companies can afford to trade in international markets and
open subsidiaries in offshore tax havens. This way, the biggest players end up with a smaller tax burden. “This creates fiscal injustice because the smaller actors in the economy have to contribute more than the wealthiest,” he said.
WHO WINS? Of course, the biggest winners of profit shifting are the companies that save on taxes. A disproportionate amount of them come from the United States. Around 40% of all profits shifted globally originate from US multinationals. While conglomerates save billions by shifting profits, it’s the tax havens that also benefit. Gidron says for their research, countries with effective tax rates below 15% are considered tax havens. It considers the rates that are normally applied and not what is written on paper, as legal loopholes are often used to reduce taxation levels. The report also takes into account countries where multinationals make profits that are excessively high in comparison to the total wages they pay locally — an indicator that the profits booked are being transferred from places where the real work got done. Some tiny countries do not apply taxes at all but still benefit from an increased level of economic activity on the ground. Even if the local units are very small operations for the multinationals, they can still be significant for smaller economies. Larger tax havens, on the other hand, can apply their lower taxation rates on the shifted profits. Even if the taxes are comparatively low, they line their pockets with revenues they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
WHERE ARE THE TAX HAVENS? “People tend to think that profit shifting is related to countries in the Caribbean, but the tax havens that are attracting most of the profits are actually in Europe,” says Gidron. Countries like the Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium receive more shifted profits than tropical paradises like Panama or Bermuda. This results in budget surpluses in those countries. In Ireland, for example, shifted profits generate around 60% of all the corporate tax the country collected in 2020. Taken together, the main European tax havens got an extra $32 billion in tax due to profit shifting in 2020. This means that they are making, just in extra taxation money, an amount roughly equivalent to the GDP of countries like Senegal, Honduras or Bosnia. Overseas British territories and crown dependencies also drive a significant share of tax abuse. In 2020, $76 billion in profits were shifted in places like the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Jersey.
WHO LOSES? At an international level, profit shifting is a negative sum game. The extra revenue tax havens get is deflected from countries with higher taxation rates. At the end of the day, this reduces the public money avail-
able to governments throughout the world. The biggest losers are other European Union members and other countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Germany, the most affected country proportionally, could have earned 26% more in corporate taxes in 2020. However, significant profits are also being booked away from emerging and developing countries: around $60 billion in 2020 — and that value fell due to COVID-19 from $75 billion in 2019. One example is Brazil, which lost a potential $7 billion in tax revenue in 2020. That amount would have been sufficient to include 4 million more families into Bolsa Familia, a basic income program that aims to eradicate poverty.
IS IT LEGAL? According to Liz Nelson, director at the research and advocacy group Tax Justice Network, the legality of tax schemes such as profit shifting is often decided only in courts of justice, as they tend to operate in gray areas of legislation. It’s not illegal for a multinational to open branches in different countries, and these branches are free to trade among themselves. However, there’s a reason why profit shifting usually happens with the transfer of immaterial goods and services. While the same tax reduction goals could also be achieved by slyly pricing the sales of material goods, intangible properties are not usually traded in an open market. This is important because, according to international regulations, the prices paid between different units of a multinational should mirror what is usually seen in transactions by unrelated parties. When there’s no clear indication of what a normal price is, it’s harder for tax authorities to build a case against abusing multinationals. “Such schemes may not be criminal in a legal sense, but morally they’re wrong,” Nelson said. “Governments are complicit, and multinationals are complicit. They are creating hardship for people that might be their employees.”
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SOLVE IT? According to the EU Tax Observatory, the level of profit shifting has been stable globally since 2015, despite initiatives by the likes of the OECD. The researchers say that this does not necessarily mean that previous policies had no effect, as they could have prevented the amount from increasing. However, they acknowledge that more should be done. In 2021, around 140 countries signed an agreement to implement a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%. However, the EU Tax Observatory researchers claim that the tax deal is insufficient due to loopholes that would allow some countries to keep on taxing companies at lower levels. Instead, they are proposing a higher taxation bracket of 20%, with the suppression of all loopholes. This, they say, could generate an extra $250 billion in tax revenue worldwide every year.
good relations with Russia, Russia is naturally in a better position than the USA to resolve this Middle East issue through diplomacy or negotiation. At a time when the Israeli army reportedly fighting Iran-backed Hamas fighters and Iran-Israel relations deteriorating, Russia is not only blaming the USA for the whole situation but also calling for an end to the war by taking some practical steps. Recently, Russia submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire and condemning all military operations against the civilian population. This resolution was rejected by the USA which vetoed it, so Russia got the credit from all over the world for starting positive efforts for a ceasefire and only the USA made this attempt fail. A few days ago, Russia’s ambassador to the UN gave a speech in which he blamed the USA for the emerging war in the Middle East. In addition, Putin also seems to emphasize that the recent tensions are a clear example of the failure of UN policy in the Middle East. In all this situation, Russia is trying to play a leading role in the geopolitics of the Middle East by reducing the role of the USA. It is clear from Russia’s action that it wants to take full advantage of the Hamas–Israel war and this advantage will not only be in a war against Ukraine, but also Russia can emerge as an alternative to the USA in the Middle East. But this new war has recently changed the recent trend of close relations between Russia and Israel. Israel had avoided overtly helping Ukraine because it needed Russia’s consent to attack targets inside Syria. But now Russia seems fully committed to helping Palestinians and Iran, especially in the diplomatic arena. Russia condemned the hostilities without naming Hamas in its condemnation resolutions, which is of course concern for Israel. President Biden has placed before the US Congress new emergency funding requests for both Israel and Ukraine. Now it remains to be seen whether the US Congress will reduce or eliminate aid to Ukraine. If this happens then Putin will have proven somewhat successful in his strategy.
To protect children, we need to fill these gaps in AI policy The writer is a freelance columnist
T
FOX NEWS
Carl Szabo
ODAY’S hot trend for policymakers is talking about artificial intelligence. This incredibly powerful technology is here to stay, and new research shows that most of us are optimistic about how generative AI will be able to improve our lives. But there are some new and concerning threats to which policymakers must pay attention. This includes a horrific misuse of this positive tech: bad actors abusing AI to put real people in sexually explicit situations, including minors. This criminal use of AI tools is not just reprehensible; it could destroy a person’s life and dignity. There is currently a gap in the law addressing such conduct that may allow bad actors to go free, and policymakers need to address it now to ensure the culprits can be appropriately held to account. Hundreds of laws already make illegal many of the ways bad actors can abuse AI tools. If AI is used to commit fraud, we have laws against fraud. The same is true for using AI for illegal discrimination, and the list goes on. Every existing law applies to AI like it does to its offline corollaries. But gaps do exist, and Americans are getting hurt. One such gap remains when it comes to prosecuting predators handling sexually explicit images of minors. Today’s laws require such images to be real, live-shot photos. But abusers are using AI tools to escape justice by claiming in court that since the sexually explicit image of a real minor is “created by AI,” it’s not “real,” and thus not criminal. Unfortunately, the existing letter of the law is letting abusers escape the purposes of the law. At the same time, other bad actors leverage AI to generate “deepfakes” of innocent parties in compromising, sexually explicit positions. Think of this as a modern day photoshopping of a person’s head on another’s body – except now, the fake is more difficult to distinguish. Once again, the laws on this are
murky at best. Harassment and defamation of character are existing ways to prosecute an offender, but since this is “AI” and not a real photo, a legal gap exists that must be filled. These holes in our laws could provide a dangerous haven for criminals, allowing them to hide behind the letter of the law while eviscerating its spirit. Thus, legislative attention is warranted and urgently needed. Lawmakers should act, not to ban or overregulate AI with a Red Tape Wishlist, but to patch these holes in our existing laws to ensure criminals can’t work around them to abuse innocent people. The first step for policymakers is to enact the Stop Deepfake CSAM Act. This simple bill updates existing child protection laws to make clear that it’s illegal if a criminal uses AI to “modify” sexual images of children. If they are using a real child in it, even if the rest is AI generated, this is child pornography. It is illegal, and policymakers must ensure these predators go to prison. Next is to approve the Stop NonConsensual Distribution of Intimate Deepfake Media Act. This updates existing state privacy laws to make it clear that it is illegal to distribute AI images of an identifiable person with the intent to cause harm – addressing serious concerns about the horrific harassment of “deepfakes.” These changes empower law enforcement to punish bad actors using AI for nefarious purposes. This isn’t to say that just making something illegal will stop it, but this is a positive step to getting recompense for harmed parties. The pursuit of justice in the digital age must be dynamic and recognize the new dimensions AI introduces into criminal activity. This isn’t merely a legislative update; it’s a moral imperative. The government must hold those who weaponize tools, including AI, against us accountable, which ensures that the digital world is an extension of our commitment to dignity, safety and justice. AI presents us with a great opportunity to improve our lives in so many ways. Our leaders must make sure that optimism and opportunity are allowed to thrive. Lawmakers must act now to protect the innocent and affirm that in our digital experience, America carries forward the principles that define us as a civilized society. AI must remain a force for good, not a tool to be illegally abused by the reprehensible. Carl Szabo is vice president and general counsel for NetChoice, and professor of internet law at the George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School.
06 NEWS
Thursday, 23 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
CHINA, US WELCOME ISRAEL-HAMAS TRUCE DEAL CORPORATE CORNER
C
ISLAMABAD MiAN AbrAr
HINA and United States of America on Wednesday welcomed a truce deal between Israel and Hamas, after they reached an agreement on a four-day humanitarian pause in exchange for the release of 50 hostages in Gaza. “We welcome the temporary ceasefire agreement reached by relevant parties,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing. Beijing hopes “that it will help ease the plight of the humanitarian crisis, deescalate the conflict and ease tensions”, Mao said. “Since the outbreak of the current round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China has always called for a ceasefire and made unremitting efforts to cool down the situation, protect civilians and carry out humanitarian assistance,” she added. Qatar confirmed on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement after weeks of intense, behind-thescenes negotiations aimed at freeing some of the 240 hostages held in Gaza in
return for a temporary ceasefire and access for humanitarian aid. Hamas gunmen stormed across Israel’s border on October 7 and staged the deadliest attack in the country’s history. Israel says the attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 240 more were taken hostage, among them elderly people and children. In response, Israel launched a relentless bombing campaign and ground of-
fensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which the Hamas government says has killed more than 14,100 people, thousands of them children. China has historically been sympathetic to the Palestinians and supportive of a two-state solution to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. On Tuesday, President Xi Jinping called for an “immediate” ceasefire and for the release of civilian detainees.
He called for an “international peace conference” to resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has expressed his gratitude to Qatar for its instrumental efforts leading to the successful exchange of hostages in Gaza. The statement, issued in response to the humanitarian pause in Gaza, credited Qatar and other key partners for their crucial role in achieving the landmark agreement. President Biden specifically thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel-Fattah ElSisi for their “critical partnership in reaching this deal.” The diplomatic collaboration between Qatar and Egypt played a pivotal role in facilitating the humanitarian resolution. The President further conveyed his anticipation of engaging in discussions with both leaders, emphasizing the importance of sustained communication as they collectively work to ensure the complete implementation of the agreement. The expression of gratitude underscores the significance of international cooperation in addressing complex geopolitical challenges.
US thwarts plot to kill Sikh separatist, issues warning to India: report WASHINGTON reuterS
US authorities thwarted a plot to kill a Sikh separatist in the United States and issued a warning to India over concerns the government in New Delhi was involved, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources. There was no immediate response from India’s foreign ministry, or from the US embassy in New Delhi to requests for comment on the report. The Financial Times said that the sources did not say if the protest to India resulted in the plot being abandoned by the plotters, or if it was foiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The protest to New Delhi was registered after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed on a state visit by President Joe Biden in June, the report said. The report comes two months after Canada said
there were “credible” allegations linking Indian agents to the June murder of a Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a Vancouver suburb. India has rejected Canada’s accusations. Apart from the diplomatic warning to India, US federal prosecutors have also filed a sealed indictment against at least one suspect in a New York district court, the FT report said. The paper identified Gurpatwant Singh Pannun as the target of the foiled plot. The FT report said Pannun had declined to say whether US authorities had warned him about the plot, but quoted him as saying he would “let the US government respond to the issue of threats to my life on American soil from the Indian operatives”. Pannun, like Nijjar, is a proponent of a decadeslong, but now fringe demand to carve out an independent Sikh homeland from India named Khalistan. India’s anti-terror agency recently filed a case against him for threatening not to let flag carrier Air
China listed among top 10 global innovative nations
ISLAMABAD: China is among the 10 most innovative countries, according to the latest global innovation ranking published by the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development on Tuesday. The academy has issued a report on the ranking, saying that it surveyed the innovative capacities of 40 countries, which together account for more than 95 percent of global R&D investment and over 85 percent of the global GDP. China rose to the 10th place, up three slots from the 2022 rankings, and it is the only developing country to break into the top 15, according to the report. In recent years, China’s innovation capabilities have made significant progress, rising rapidly from the 38th place in 2000 to the 20th place in 2011, and then steadily rising to the 10th place. MiAN AbrAr
India operate anywhere in the world while warning its passengers of danger to their lives. The case against Pannun was registered under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 and under sections of the Indian Penal Code, the National Investigation Agency had said in a statement on Monday. “Pannun threatened that Air India would not be allowed to operate in the world … in his video messages, released on Nov 4,” it had said, adding that he had urged Sikhs not to travel on Air India flights from Sunday, “claiming a threat to their lives”. Canada worked very closely with the United States on intelligence that Indian agents were potentially involved in Nijjar’s murder, a senior Canadian government source told Reuters in September. The FT report mentioned that the US shared details of the thwarted plot with a wider group of allies after Canada’s public accusation.
Key issues taken up at first China-Uzbekistan foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue BEIJING
MiAN AbrAr
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the First China-Uzbekistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov on Tuesday in Beijing. The two sides had comprehensive and in-depth communication and reached broad consensus on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and strengthening the synergy of development strategies, and jointly announced the establishment of a strategic dialogue mechanism between the two countries’ foreign ministers. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China and Uzbekistan are friendly neighbors with a shared future. No matter how the international situation changes, the bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady development and are full of vitality. The close interaction between the leaders of the two countries shows the high level and particularity of China-Uzbekistan relations as well as the distinct features of the bilateral relations represented by mutual respect, good-neighborliness, solidarity and mutual benefit, Wang said. China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to make good use of the new platform of ChinaUzbekistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, advance all-round mutually beneficial cooperation and speed up the building of a China-Uzbekistan community of shared future, Wang said. Wang called on the two sides to consolidate the belief of solidarity and mutual trust, promote common development, cultivate the public opinion for everlasting friendship, and safeguard peace and stability. Saidov said that Uzbekistan cherishes the solid mutual trust between the two heads of state and the friendship between China and Uzbekistan and supports the global initiatives proposed by China, and will continue to abide by the one-China principle, firmly support each other and deepen strategic mutual trust with China.
Beyond Handshakes: Business, backlash and bottom line
BEIJING: Xi’s successful trip to the USA not only set off an exciting boost in the stock market, especially for tech, finance, and renewable energy, but also marked a special moment when China made a strong comeback on the world business scene with a fresh start in diplomacy. In the picturesque landscape of California, where sunkissed shores meet towering skyscrapers, a diplomatic spectacle unfolded as Chinese leader Xi Jinping descended upon the Golden State. Ostensibly, the purpose was a tête-àtête with President Biden, yet the true stage was set for an enthralling dance between political priorities and profit motives. Xi Jinping’s visit had a dual agenda – engaging with President Biden on diplomatic fronts and captivating the attention of America’s financial titans. CEOs of major tech and financial companies, including luminaries like Tim Cook, Elon Musk, Larry Fink, and Stephen Schwarzman, were the coveted audience. Syed Ali NAwAz GilANi
Imam-e-Kaaba lauds IIUI for promotion of Islamic values, international stature ISLAMABAD
StAff report
Imam Kaaba Professor Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Hameed has said that Pakistan feels like my home, Pakistan-Saudi relations are deep and historical, education is best source to end hatred, International Islamic University is playing an exemplary role in promoting Islamic teachings. These views were expressed by Imam Kaaba while meeting with Education Minister Madad Ali Sindhi. Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Said Al-Maliki and President of International Islamic University Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi were also present on this occasion. Imam Kaaba said that I am always happy to meet Pakistanis. He said that people of both countries have immense love for each other. Imam Kaaba said that the ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Education and the Islamic University will benefit students all over the world. He appreciated the International Islamic University for organizing a conference on the importance of human life in the light of Sharia and law, in which he has specially come to participate. He said that education is the best solution to eliminate social problems and prejudices. Lauding the services of International Islamic University for providing high quality education to students of more than 30 countries in the light of Islamic teachings, he said the university’s role is commendable in this regard. Imam Kaaba praised the International Islamic University for its valuable services in the fields of Usulludin, Shariah and Arabic.
COMSATS inks cooperative agreements with DGST-KP and RIHS
The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) signed two separate cooperative agreements with the Directorate General of Science and Technology, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (DGST-KP) and Rawal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS) today to forge cooperation in areas of emerging technologies for tech-based solutions to developmental challenges. The agreement between COMSATS and DGST-KP was signed by Ambassador Dr. M. Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS, and Dr. Sajid Hussain Shah, Director General of DGST-KP on behalf of their respective institutions. The areas of cooperation, inter-alia, include: IT and Digitalization, Climate Change and Environment, Human Resource Development, Skills Development, Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy, Natural Resource Exploitation (Gemstones and Mines), Micro Hydro Plants, and Biomedicine. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Provincial Minister for Science and Technology and Information Technology, KP, H.E. Dr. Najeebullah Marwat and Ambassadors and diplomats of Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Nigeria, Syria, Yemen, as well as Heads and senior officials of government departments. The agreement with RIHS was signed by Co-Chairperson Board of Directors, Mrs. Saleha Khaqan, on behalf of the Institute that formalized relations for cooperation in the field of health and education. COMSATS and RIHS plan to cooperate in the areas related to health sector, inter-alia, including AIbased solutions, people’s health and environment, internationalization of medical education and facilities, human resource development, electric vehicles for persons with physical disabilities.
Thursday, 23 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
PHARMA BUREAU URGES FOR CPI ADJUSTED PRICE INCREASE FOR MEDICINES NEWS
CORPORATE CORNER
CPEC, Iran-rich oil gas reserves are help for both countries: Iran Envoy KARACHI
staff report
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam, said that the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and the rich oil and gas reserves in Iran can be helpful for both brotherly countries to strengthen their trade and investment ties. However, he strongly condemned the Israeli aggression on Palestine and expressed his country’s resolve to continue its support to the people of Palestine. Addressing an interactive session titled: ‘Pakistan Iran relations: Present & Future’ here he said that Iran enacted a special provision into its constitution right after the ‘Islamic Revolution’ to support Palestine and the country observed ‘Yaum-ul-Quds’ on last Friday of the holy Ramadan, each year, for the freedom of the oppressed Palestinians. The event was hosted by the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR). “Iran is supporting Palestine to the best of its capacity, but never interferes in its internal affairs,” the ambassador said. On the prospects of Pak-Iran cooperation, he said that the CPEC project in Pakistan is next to the border of Iran; while on the other hand, Iran has rich oil and gas reserves. The close distance between Karachi and Gwadar Port and the Port of Chabahar in Iran is strategically and economically important.
Tape-ball Premier League unveiled season 3 with Grand Trophy
F
ISLAMABAD
staff report
OR well over a year the pharma industry has been urging the government to deal with the problem of drug shortages. This requires addressing the key issues of hyperinflation and massive devaluation which have increased the costs of manufacture and have but hundreds of medicines in hardship. The industry filed for hardships, which have been reviewed and evaluated by the DRAP, and 262 hardship cases are pending approval of the Federal Government for over a year. The Pharma Bureau, representative body of multinational pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan, has urged the government to swiftly announce CPI adjusted prices for medicines, as the drug shortage is becoming a crucial issue for
the patients. Executive Director, Pharma Bureau, Ayesha Tammy Haque said that the lack of access to medicines is a growing concern as the availability of both locally produced and imported medicines is decreasing, forcing patients to purchase medicines at a higher price in the black market. Along with hyperinflation, she added, the industry-specific challenges, including labour and energy-intensive processes, high energy costs, water purification challenges, and import tariffs have increased the production costs significantly. She said that the pharmaceutical industry believes that unsustainable and unpredictable policies in addition to excessive controls, have led to drug shortages, counterfeiting, black-marketing, unavailability of essential drugs and medicines being imported at significantly higher prices in the market.
Ayesha Tammy Haque highlighted the substantial losses faced by pharmaceutical companies. With 262 hardship cases pending for the past eighteen months, Haque emphasized the necessity of creating a conducive environment and implementing long-term policies to revitalize investment in Pakistan's declining pharmaceutical sector. Moreover, Pakistan's import dependency for active pharmaceutical ingredients and packaging materials, coupled with the continuous devaluation of the rupee, exacerbates the situation. She advised the government to do away with price regulation and focus on quality regulation instead, to ensure smooth supply of quality medicines to the patients. “This shortage of medicines has resulted in the growth of the gray market, as this vacuum is being filled by smuggled medicines without
Emirates world’s first airline to operate A380 demonstration flight with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel KARACHI
KARACHI
gine Alliance, Pratt & Whitney, Neste, Virent and ENOC have been working on the testing, technical assessments and data analysis for today’s flight. The 100% drop-in SAF used on today’s flight includes renewable aromatics and closely mimics the characteristics of conventional jet fuel. This is the first time that drop-in SAF has been used on an A380 aircraft, with the expectation of full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing systems.
The Karachi Tape-ball Premier League (KTPL) unveiled an exhilarating Season 3 with a grand trophy unveiling ceremony and drafting event at Karachi Expo Centre. The prestigious occasion was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessouri, the Governor of Sindh. Zohair Naseer, Chairman of KTPL, set the stage for the upcoming season with a welcoming address that resonated with enthusiasm and anticipation. The event was further enriched by insightful speeches from cricket legends Javed Miandad, Haroon Rasheed and Mushtaq Muhammad, who shared their experiences and perspectives, adding an inspiring touch to the gathering.
KU Syndicate meeting approves F&PC minutes, budget KARACHI
staff report
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi chaired the Syndicate meeting held at the VC Secretariat on Wednesday. The KU Syndicate members approved the minutes, reports, and budget presented by the Finance and Planning Committee and suggested that all the documents related to the budget and financial matters should be presented in a book form for the members of the Syndicate. Meanwhile, the Syndicate nominated its member Professor Dr Wasim Qazi as a member of the Syndicate on the Board of Governors of the Shaikh Zayed Islamic Research Centre for three years. Moreover, the Syndicate nominated its other member Professor Dr Nusrat Idress as a member of the Syndicate on the Advanced Study Research Board for three years. The KU Syndicate meeting also approved the recommendation and implementation of resolutions of the Syndicate meeting held on April 03, 2023, and also approved the resolutions of the KU Academic Council meetings held on October 04, and November 14, 2022.
Chief executive IESCO will listen to complaints, suggestions of customers ISLAMABAD
staff report
In compliance of Government of Pakistan and Power Division directives regarding immediate rectification of valuable customers electricity complaints series of E-Kacharies are in progress in IESCO region. In continuation of this Chief Executive IESCO Dr. Muhammad Amjad Khan will conduct facebook live E Kachary on Friday 24th November 2023 From 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Consumers can contact Chief Executive IESCO via Facebook ID CEO-IESCO E-Kachery or call at Tel No. 051-9253105 according to above given scheduled to register and resolve their electricity-related issues. While registering complaints, customers are required to provide their name, bill reference number, and contact number.
ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Pakistan Single Window (PSW) through NPPO Pakistan (DPP), has achieved an important milestone by initiating the electronic exchange of "ePhyto" (electronic phytosanitary) certificates through the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) e-Phyto Hub. The e-Phyto Hub is a centralized system to facilitate exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates between the National Plant Protection Organizations of the various countries and is maintained by the International Plant Protection Convention Secretariat out of Rome, Italy. The integration of the PSW into the IPPC ePhyto Hub is part of PSW’s vision and commitment to modernize trade processes and embrace digital solutions for a more efficient and interconnected global trade environment. By connecting with the IPPC's e-Phyto Hub, Pakistan can now electronically
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan, a frontrunner in sustainable food processing and packaging solutions, proudly participated in the 26th Sustainable Development Conference and Expo, held from November 19th to 20th in Islamabad. The annual flagship event, hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to address pressing issues and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient South Asia.
staff report
Zong 4G, Pakistan's leading telecommunications company, begins the execution of its collaboration with Knowledge Platform, a prominent education technology company. This collaboration has given rise to the "Digital Scholars Program," an innovative initiative aimed at transforming education in 60 schools, benefiting 3,000 students across Pakistan. Zong Digital Scholars Program is a key component of Zong's Sustainability Initiative to improve education in remote and under-resourced areas across Pakistan. The schools were selected across the country in marginalized areas to provide technology-driven education. Previously, Zong 4G has worked with organizations such as
JS investments leads collaboration with SECP, MUFAP PESHAWAR
exchange phytosanitary certificates with 127 countries worldwide. Since the integration, PSW has successfully exchanged e-phyto certificates with approximately 100 countries, including major trading partners such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Oman, the United States, Indonesia, Madagascar, Singapore, and Germany.
Under the overarching theme, "Light at the End of the Tunnel: Hope in Times of Despair," the conference aimed to instill hope and optimism in the face of unprecedented challenges, such as political and economic turmoil, conflicts, climate change, and postpandemic transformations. Tetra Pak Pakistan actively contributed to the dialogue, emphasizing its commitment to a sustainable and hopeful future. At the Sustainability Expo, Tetra Pak Pakistan showcased its dedication to recycling with a display featuring a recycled bench made from Tetra Pak cartons. Honorable Chief Guest Senator Sherry Rehman visited the Tetra Pak stall, commending the company's efforts and expressing positive remarks about Tetra Pak's recycling journey in Pakistan. Tetra Pak Pakistan also made special arrangements to apprise the expo visitors about its local partnership with Green Earth Recycling, which started in 2014 and since then has been successfully achieving increasing recycling targets every year by collecting and recycling packaging waste into sellable products such as garden furniture, school desks, roofing solutions, and much more.
Zong Digital scholars program to empower education in Pakistan ISLAMABAD
Despite sociopolitical and macroeconomic challenges which have affected multiple sectors across the country, KE remains steadfast towards customer centricity, thus aligned in serving its customers in the most reliable and efficient way. This was stated by Aamir Ghaziani, Chief Financial Officer of KE at the Corporate Analyst Briefing session held at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) recently. Other members of the KE Leadership team were also present at the session. The Company’s performance for the financial year 2023 has been significantly affected by challenging sociopolitical and macroeconomic factors that have had a cascading impact on multiple sectors including KE. Factors such as surging inflation, a policy rate hike, rupee devaluation and a contraction in economic activity have cast a significant influence on the company's operations and overall profitability. In FY23, KE observed a 7.3% reduction in units sent out due to reduced economic activity. Despite tough macroeconomic conditions, KE was able to successfully achieve NEPRAs T&D loss benchmark of 15.3% in FY 2023. The devaluation of the Pakistani Rupee contributed to a rise in exchange losses by PKR 4.38 billion. Additionally, impairment losses related to doubtful debts increased by PKR 6.28 billion, influenced by escalating inflation and a challenging economic landscape, affecting customers’ propensity to pay.
staff report
Tetra Pak shares hope at 26th sustainable development conference and Expo 2023 staff report
KE affirms commitment to energizing Karachi's future staff report
Successful integration of PSW with e-Phyto Hub under IPPC staff report
any warranty and genuine medicines are being replaced by spurious and counterfeit products,” said Ayesha, claiming that these markets have become bigger than white market. “The government should consider this plea as an SOS call from the industry to allow CPI adjusted price increase for the medicines,” she said, adding that the government acknowledges the issue, but is neither taking responsibility nor making any attempt to remedy the situation. The pharmaceutical industry has been calling for sustainable policy making to ensure the availability of medicines. “To support local manufacturing and enable export capabilities, long-term policies and comprehensive drug pricing strategies are crucial. By doing so, the industry can thrive, ensuring availability of affordable and high-quality medicines for patients,” reasoned Ayesha.
KARACH
staff report
Emirates has become the world’s first airline to operate an A380 demonstration flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Today’s flight, proudly commanded by Captain Khalid Binsultan and Captain Philippe Lombet, took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) with one of four engines powered on 100% SAF, helping demonstrate its potential as a drop-in replacement that matches jet fuel’s technical and chemical requirements, while being a more sustainable alternative. SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85%* over the fuel’s life cycle when compared to conventional jet fuel. The Emirates A380 demonstration flight comes as the aviation industry, international organisations, regulatory bodies and high-level officials driving policyrelated decisions converge in Dubai for the Third International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3). Dedicated collaborators from Airbus, En-
07
PAGE, HANDS, and PBM to set up digital labs across the country to better equip and digitalize schools and vocational centers. At the heart of the Zong Digital Scholars Program is the Math Tutoring Program for Grades 9 and 10, developed in collaboration with Knowledge Platform and school teachers. Additionally, the English & Sciences Self-study Program covers a comprehensive range of subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, English, General Science, Mathematics, and Physics for Grades 9 and 10. Participating schools will have access to an array of resources, including lesson plans, assessment tools, and educational games and videos. Zong is committed to providing the necessary tools for schools to create a conducive learning environment. Zong Digi-
tal Scholars program will present awards to recognize and celebrate high-performing students, teachers, and schools on both a monthly and annual basis. This initiative highlights Zong's dedication to encouraging excellence in education and acknowledging the efforts of those contributing to its success. The official spokesperson for Zong 4G shared his thoughts on the partnership, “The partnership between Zong 4G and Knowledge Platform is reflective of our promise to leave a brighter future for future generations through Digital innovation. Educational empowerment is a key focus area for Zong and by providing Knowledge Platforms solutions to schools in marginalized areas, we can actively change the course of the lives of over 3000 students.”
JS Investments, collaborates with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the Mutual Funds Association of Pakistan (MUFAP), and the KP Government, for the conference on KP Pension Reforms - Leading the Way Forward. The primary objective of the conference is to enhance awareness about the KP Pension Fund among government employees JS KP Islamic Pension Fund is designed to provide Shariah-Compliant retirement benefits to government employees of KP enrolled after June 2022. The fund, managed by JS investments, Pakistan’s oldest private sector asset management company with a proven track record, and an added benefit off free Life Takaful Coverage of up to Rs. 50 lakhs for its investors. Ms. Iffat Mankani, CEO of JS investments, commented on the collaboration staing, “This is a great initiative that will help build awareness regarding the KP Government Pension Reforms and address any questions amongst government representatives.”
OGDCL successfully completes Khewari development project with fast-track strategy ISLAMABAD
staff report
While adopting a strategic fast-track strategy, the Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has successfully completed the Khewari (Suleman 1 & 2) Development Project. The Khewari Development Project has potential of 10 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) which is being processed at the Sinjhoro Plant in the Sanghar district of Sindh province. Currently, the wells are undergoing choke optimization process to further enhance gas supply. To expedite the project, OGDCL implemented a fast-track strategy, ensuring swift processes and timely delivery. This included laying a 6-inch diameter pipeline covering a distance of 14.5 kilometers from the Gathering Facility near Suleman-1 to the Chabaro Tie-in point, facilitating early first gas injection into the SSGC system. The
EPD launches awareness campaign to curb single-use plastics LAHORE
staff report
The Environment Protection Department of the Government of the Punjab, under the umbrella of World Bankfunded Punjab Green Development Program, has officially initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign addressing the "Negative Environmental and Health Impacts of Single-Use Plastics." The campaign was inaugurated with a seminar held in Lahore, attracting attendees from various sectors, including large retailers, plastic producers, media representatives, civil society organizations, and chambers of commerce. Speaking on the occasion Project Director Punjab Green Development Program Samia Saleem discussed the steps taken by the Punjab Government to reduce the usage of Single-Use plastics and also threw light on the recently approved Plastic Management Strategy by the Government of Punjab.
NO PEACE IN REGION UNTIL IIOJK DISPUTE RESOLVED, SAYS PM
Thursday, 23 November, 2023
pRayeR timiNgS
NEWS
C
RISALPUR
Staff RepoRt
ARETAKER Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Tuesday said peace in the region could not be guaranteed till the resolution of the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir between Pakistan and India. ” Let me make it clear that there can be no peace without the settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue,” he said in his address at the graduation ceremony of the officers here at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy Asghar Khan. PM Kakar said Pakistan was a peaceloving nation and wished to maintain friendly relations with all countries, espe-
cially its neighbours. He, however, categorically stated that the country’s desire for peace “must not be understood as weakness”. The prime minister strongly condemned the ongoing grave human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Pakistan, he said, would not indulge in any arms race but would continue to enhance its capability in line with evolving technology to deter any aggression. The prime minister highlighted that the rapidly changing geo-strategic environment had a profound impact on Pakistan and rest of the region. “Therefore, the situation demands advancements in space networks, cyber technology, nanotechnology and arti-
‘Incarcerated’ Umar Sarfraz Cheema reaffirms support for Imran Khan LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
Incarcerated PTI leader and former Punjab Governor Umar Sarfraz Cheema on Wednesday reaffirmed unwavering support for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and condemned those who have labeled Khan as a “fitna” (chaos or discord). In an informal talk with media outside the Anti-Terrorism Court on Wednesday, Cheema asserted that the events of May 9, 2022, benefited the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), while genuine PTI supporters were unjustly targeted. Cheema’s remarks came after the Anti-Terrorism Court of Lahore rejected the Lahore Police’s request for physical remand of PTI Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid and Cheema in the lahore Corps Commander (Jinnah House) attack case. Both Rashid and Cheema are already on judicial remand in connection with other cases related to May 9 violence. During the court hearing, the investigating officer sought 30 days of physical remand for Rashid and Cheema to investigate their alleged involvement in conspiracy against the country and the army. However, Judge Abhar Gul of the Anti-Terrorism Court denied the request, citing insufficient grounds for physical remand. The court ordered Rashid and Cheema to remain in judicial custody until December 4 and directed the police to continue investigation.
Three SHOs dismissed from service over failure to probe May 9 cases RAWALPINDI
ejaz aRShad cheema
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Region Syed Khurram Ali on Wednesday dismissed three Station House Officers (SHOs) from service for not responding to show-cause notices they were served on charges of conducting erroneous probe into different cases, informed sources told. The three dismissed SHOs have been identified as Inspector Syed Hamid Abbas Kazmi (SHO PS Rawat), Sub Inspector (SI) Raja Gultaj Abbasi (SHO PS Cantt) and SI Husnain Shah, who was posted as SHO PS Dhamial, they said. “RPO Syed Khurram Ali had served four to five showcause notices to the three SHOs and summoned them in Ordeal Room for hearing but none of them obeyed the orders of RPO and got dismissed from service by him,” said a police spokesman while talking to The Nation. Also, the RPO has placed Personal Staff Officer (PSO) of City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani and transferred hun to Jhelum district. However, the PSO to CPO, identified as Sikandar, did not comply with the orders of RPO which made the regional police chief annoyed who directed OSI of CPO Office to execute his orders by sending the PSO to Jhelum or be ready to face the departmental action, sources said. Meanwhile, RPO Syed Khurram Ali has also issued letters of advice and displeasure to CPO Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani and SP Potohar Division Waqas Khan respectively reportedly for not showing interest in the investigation of cases of May 9 violence, sources said.
ficial intelligence,” he said. He expressed satisfaction that PAF modernised itself though smart induction of cutting-edge niche technology and achieved great progress in cyber space and non-contact warfare through indigenous means. PM Kakar termed the armed forces of Pakistan professionally competent and well-trained to cope with all internal and external challenges. “The nation holds our armed forces in high esteem for the sacrifices they rendered for national defence and for their contribution towards nation-building,” he said. He mentioned that the country’s brave armed forces always showed great courage during testing times to keep the national flag high. “I assure you that as a nation we have
ZUHR
ASR MAGHRIB ISHA
1:30
3:45
surmounted challenges in the past and Insha’Allah, we will do so in future and make the country prosperous,” he said. The prime minister congratulated the cadets graduated from the colleges of flying training and aeronautical engineering and expressed confidence that they would give their best professional performance with commitment and diligence. “Being the custodians of the PAF, you carry the hopes of this nation and must work hard to keep abreast with modern technology and trends related to modern warfare,” he told the graduates. The PAF graduates included 148 General Duty Pilots, 94 Aeronautical Engineers, 104 air defence and 130 of combat support course officers.
6:37
5:02
7:00
Earlier, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu received the prime minister on the venue. Bugles were blown when PM Kakar entered the arena as chief guest of the ceremony. The prime minister onboard a PAF jeep inspected the formation of the smartly turned out contingents of the PAF falcons. He awarded the prestigious Quaid-eAzam Banner to the Champions No 3 Squadron on its consistent best performance in all semesters. The prime minister also pinned badges on the professionally distinguished graduating cadets. The Chief of the Air Staff trophies for best performance were given to Muhammad Moosa Jawad (best pilot), Muhammad Ali Gohar (general aviation), Sajid Sikandar Abbas (air defence), Syed Saad Ali (combat support) and Sohaib Saeed (aeronautical engineering). The Swords of Honour were awarded to Aviation Cadets Ahmed Malik (flying) and Sohaib Saeed (engineering). The prime minister witnessed a thrilling fly-past of the formations of PAF jets including Mirage, F-7P, JF-17 Thunder and J-10C.
KP launches ambitious effort to transition from traditional pensions to VPS for civil servants g
Pension problem is a ticking time-bomb for Pakistan. Could KP lead the way in reforming this sector? PESHAWAR
aziz BuNeRi
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government successfully transitioned from traditional defined-benefit pensions to a futuristic Voluntary Pension System (VPS) for its civil servants. The new pension system has been launched for those employees who have joined the government service in the province on or after June 7, 2022. It is anticipated that around 33000 civil servants of KP will join the new pension system. PENSION PROBLEMS in the past year, the federal pension bill has increased from Rs 150 billion in 2020 to Rs 480 billion in 2021. Now, very basically, this means that the government or any public sector company for that matter has a pension bill that they need to pay off, and they need to be making money for that. The government’s main source of revenue is taxation, and they must collect enough to pay salaries to their employees as well as pension to retirees. This is their pension liability – the amount of money that a private company—or a city or state or federal government—has to account for in order to make future pension pay-
ments. In other words, a pension liability is the difference between the total amount due to retirees and the actual amount of money the company has on hand to make those payments. According to reports from donors, the federal government’s unfunded liability currently stands at around Rs 3 trillion. Post the 7th National Finance Commission award, provincial governments’ pension bills have also increased exponentially from Rs 75 billion in 2011 to Rs 500 billion in 2020. This is clearly an unsustainable path. Studies suggest that with no changes to the existing pension arrangements, the federal pension bill will rise to an alarming level of Rs 750 billionn by 2023. Provinces are likely to face similar challenges. This is a very frightening situation which becomes more complicated due to the presence of fiscal pressures from compromised tax collections, losses by state owned enterprises, accumulating circular debt, and other economic hardships faced by Pakistan. However, the silver-lining is that out of all fiscal challenges that the government faces, this is one that is easier to plug because we have real life examples of how other countries have dealt with the
same issues. In the developed world, where life expectancy is much higher and the population is not very young, rising pension liability has been a major issue that has been successfully tackled. What do the stakeholders have to say? The Chairman of SECP, Akif Saeed, said that the launch of a new pension system is a significant step towards efficient management of the fiscal space, which has been greatly burdened by the growing public pension bill. He emphasized the need to expand the VPS framework’s scope to meet the retirement benefits needs of all the departments of the federal and provincial governments. Akif appreciated the KP government for taking the leap and said that this initiative will provide a sense of relief to participants by offering a viable substitute for the government-defined pension regime while at the same time reducing governmental expenditures. In his key note address, Secretary Finance KP, Mr. Amer Sultan Tareen, praised SECP’s role in the smooth implementation of pension reforms in KPK. Tareen highlighted the significant increase in provincial pension expendi-
Former PPP Senator Waqar Ahmed joins PML-N ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Former federal minister for privatisation and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senator Waqar Ahmed Khan on Wednesday announced his decision to join the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Addressing the media alongside PML-N KhyberPakhtunkhwa’s President Amir Muqam, Waqar Ahmad Khan stated that his political orientation revolves around serving the people, with national interest taking precedence over personal goals. Uniting all political parties on a common platform demands skill, he noted, emphasising the country’s requirement for stability and experienced leadership. The former minister highlighted that Nawaz Sharif’s team, during his three terms as prime minister, is credited with saving Pakistan from economic challenges and steering clear of default. Waqar emphasised that political stability was essential for any country, serving as a prerequisite
for achieving economic stability. He hoped that under the leadership of Ishaq Dar, PML-N would possess the most competent economic team to navigate the country through challenging times. Amir Maqam stated that, guided by Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, politicians nationwide are aligning themselves with the PML-N. He added that numerous individuals from K-P are also set to join the PML-N The development comes as the PML-N gears up for the upcoming general elections, scheduled to be held on February 8. 2024. The party has already established an alliance with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) in Sindh whereas it also accepted several former key leaders of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) into its fold. Eminent scholar Professor Dr Hassan Askari said that Nawaz Sharif apparently went to Balochistan to tell people that PML-N was going to form the next government. Therefore, the professor said, “The stampede to join PML-N is because they all want to be on the bandwagon.”
PSX hits new record high as KSE-100 crosses 58,000 mark PROFIT
NewS deSk
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its bullish run on Wednesday, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index crossed the 58,000 level for the first time in history. At 12:15 pm, the KSE-100 index climbed by 664 points or 1.16%, reaching 58,083.41. Later, at 2:25 pm, it surged to 58,349.56, showing a notable increase of 977.98 points or 1.70%. As the trading session concluded, the index settled at 58,198.76 points or 1.44% (+827.18 points) higher compared to the previous session. The rally was fueled by improved market sentiments, as the country’s economic indicators showed positive signs of recovery. The interim government successfully completed the first review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff-level agreement, which would unlock $700 million in funding. Analysts expect that this would also attract further inflows from other multilateral and bilateral partners. The buying spree was witnessed across the board, with the index-heavy sectors such as automobile assemblers, cement, chemical, commercial banks, fertilizer, oil and gas ex-
FAJR SUNRISE 6:00
ploration companies and OMCs trading in the green. The top performers were Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC), which increased by 5.02%, UNITY, which increased by 3.21%, and Fauji Foods Limited (FFL), which increased by 2.85%. In the wider market scenario, the All-
Share index is presently trading at 38,935.17, reflecting a net gain of 426.01 points. Notably, the KSE-100 has experienced a remarkable increase of 16,404 points or 39.57% throughout the fiscal year. The ongoing calendar year has also seen a cumulative surge of 17,436 points, equivalent to an impressive 43.14% in the KSE-100.
ture over the past two decades, reaching 132 billion in fiscal year 2023-24, from 878 million in FY 2003-04. This growth, Tareen said, from less than 1% of the total consolidated budget to over 12% in 2023-24, necessitated the launch of a funded, professionally managed contributory pension framework for the provincial government’s sustainability. SECP Commissioner, SCD, Mujtaba Ahmed Lodhi emphasized the need for pension fund managers and trustees to modernize to meet futuristic demands. CEO MUFAP, Mashmooma Z. Majeed, provided an explanation of the investor journey from joining to retirement and post-retirement benefits. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has engaged twelve Pension Fund Managers namely ABL Asset Management Company Limited, AL Habib Asset Management Limited, Al Meezan Investment Management Limited, Alfalah Asset Management Limited, Atlas Asset Management Limited, Faysal Asset Management Limited, HBL Asset Management Limited, JS Investments Limited, MCB Investment Management Limited, National Investment Trust Limited, NBP Fund Management Limited and UBL Fund Managers Limited).
US has no favourite in Pakistan for political office: Miller
WASHINGTON: United States (US) does not favour anyone for political office in Pakistan, said Mathew Miller, the spokesman for the US State Department said Tuesday. “We do not take a position – a position on candidates for political office in Pakistan or any other country,” he said while addressing a press briefing in Washington. Miller confirmed millions of dollars in aid for the security forces in Balochistan. He detailed recent reports of aid packages for security forces in Balochistan so they could ‘serve’ their community. “We’re going to provide $4 million in assistance to expand the anti-terrorist force training facility – $2 million to repair or replace 10 flood-damaged police stations; 2 million to construct 10 new police stations that incorporate the same model to improve service to women, girls, and all Pakistanis; and an additional $250,000 in equipment to protect law enforcement officers in the course of conducting their work,” Miller said. Staff RepoRt
Two soldiers martyred in Razmak IED explosion RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
Two soldiers of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near a convoy of security forces in North Waziristan district, the military said in a statement. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, 33-year-old Lance Naik Ehsan Badshah, a resident of district Karak and 30-year-old Lance Naik Sajid Hussain, a resident of district Kurram, were martyred in an IED blast in Razmak area of North Waziristan. The statement said that a sanitisation operation is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists present in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the military convoy, expressing his condolence over the martyrdom of two security personnel, and sympathised with the bereaved families. He prayed to Allah Almighty for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks in paradise. The premier reiterated the resolve to continue the war against terrorism till the elimination of the scourge. He said that the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army and the law enforcement agencies for the country’s survival were unforgettable and the whole nation felt proud of its martyrs and their families.
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