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military vows support for interim setup’s multi-faceted initiatives Friday, 24 November, 2023 I 9 Jamada Al-Awal, 1445

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COAS EXPRESSES SATISFACTION OVER OPERATIONAL PREPAREDNESS, HIGH STANDARDS OF TRAINING AND MORALE MAINTAINED BY FORMATIONS

RAWALPINDI

Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 145 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition

FORUM REITERATES UNEQUIVOCAL DIPLOMATIC, MORAL, AND POLITICAL SUPPORT TO PEOPLE OF PALESTINE

STAFF REPORT

HE top military brass on Thursday resolved to completely support the caretaker government’s initiatives for “sustainable economic recovery and curbing illegal activities”, the military’s media wing said on Thursday. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir presided over the 82nd Formation Commanders Conference (FCC) at the GHQ today. The conference was attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers, and all formation commanders of the army, it said. “The forum resolved to fully support the government’s initiatives in various domains for sustainable recovery of the economy and curbing illegal activities, including smuggling, hoarding, electricity theft, implementation of One Document Regime, dignified repatriation of illegal foreigners and safeguarding of national database, etc,” the press release reads. The forum highlighted that “an increasing sense of stability, certainty and optimism” was witnessed across the country despite challenges. “The forum […] resolved that vested efforts towards the engineering of despondency will be defeated through perseverance and continued positive actions, with the support of the people of Pakistan, InshaAllah.” The statement also quoted the army chief as “expressing satisfaction over operational preparedness and high standards of training and morale maintained by formations to deal with the emerging threat paradigm”.

Bilawal ‘not fully trained’ in politics, says Zardari about son’s ‘immature politics’ ISLAMABAD

MONITORING REPORT

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The ISPR said the participants were briefed on professional matters, national security challenges, and measures being undertaken to counter traditional and non-traditional security threats. “The forum took a holistic view of the ongoing counter-terrorism operations and resolved that all terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors, working on the behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan will be dealt with the full might of the state.” The statement added that “the forum expressed unequivocal diplomatic, moral, and political support to the people of Palestine and reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance supporting the two-state solution, based on pre-1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as the capital of Palestine.”

The participants also expressed concerns over the continued repression of Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, condemning the unabated human rights violations by Indian forces. “The forum reaffirmed that Pakistan shall continue to support Kashmiris politically, diplomatically, and morally,” the ISPR said. “Participants stressed that the only solution to the issue lies in providing the right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir according to relevant UNSC resolution.” The ISPR concluded that the participants of the FCC affirmed that the army would continue defending and serving the nation in every possible way including the journey towards enduring stability and security.

Delaying polls beyond 90 days ‘gravest’ constitutional violation: Justice Minallah ISLAMABAD

MONITORING REPORT

Former President Asif Ali Zardari said on Thursday that his son and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was “not fully trained” in politics and would “take time” getting up to speed. The PPP leader made the remarks in an interview on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’ with journalist Hamid Mir. During the interview, Zardari was asked about Bilawal, who in recent days has repeatedly called on the nation to let older politicians “stay at home” and to give someone new a chance in the general elections. Speaking in the National Assembly in August, Bilawal — the youngest foreign minister in the country’s history — had also implored his father and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to take decisions that would make politics easier for the younger generation, which he said was losing hope in the country’s future. During the interview, Zardari talked about his motivations for being involved in politics. “Politics is my compulsion, not a necessity. Because Bibi sahiba was martyred, Bhutto sahib was martyred and thousands of our workers were martyred. So there is a debt on us and I am in politics for that. “And then Bilawal is also not fully trained. [We] are training him,” he said. “Bilawal is not trained?” asked an astonished Mir, to which Zardari shook his head. “He’ll take time,” the PPP leader said. At the same time, Zardari said Bilawal was more talented, educated and better spoken than him but “experience is experience”. Later in the interview, Zardari was asked about Bilawal’s views on older politicians. “The younger generation these days has their own thinking […] everyone has a right to express their thoughts,” he said. He further said that stopping someone would only create more problems. “What if he says ‘you do politics, I will not’. Then what will I do?” Zardari said Bilawal’s remarks were directed at everyone. “He is saying it to everyone and not just Zardari sahib.” He said that politics took time and even he sometimes made mistakes. “It’s not like I don’t make [mistakes]. The journey of life is to learn from cradle to grave.” Zardari said within the PPP there were “two parties”. “One is PPP and one is PPPP. I have PPPP and I am its president. Bilawal is the chairman of PPP,” he said, adding that he handed out tickets to party candidates.

pti says to fight ‘decision’ as ecp nullifies its intra-party elections

Supreme Court’s Justice Athar Minallah said that even a single day’s delay in the conduct of general elections beyond constitutional timeframe of 90 days was “the gravest violation of the Constitution”. In a 41-page additional note in the election date case, Justice Athar Minallah wrote: “Delay of a single day in holding the general elections beyond the expressly provided time frame i.e 90 days is the most grave violation of the Constitution and denial of constitutional rights of the people. “It amounts to a suspension of the Constitution because it breaches its foundation principle, the exercise of powers and authority of the State through the chosen representatives,” he said. He said that excluding Pakistani voters from the electoral process was against fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Earlier this month, a threemember SC bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Minallah had heard a set of petitions, calling for holding elections within 90 days after the dissolution of the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures. The court had then directed the Election Commission of Pakistan to confer with President Dr Arif Alvi on the poll date. Subsequently, after months of dilly-dallying on the issue, the ECP agreed to hold general elections in the country on Feb 8. Since the National Assembly was dissolved three days before

the end of its constitutional term, Article 224 of the Constitution mandates that elections be held within 90 days of the dissolution, which was November 7. But at the same time, Section 17(2) of the Elections Act states that “the commission shall delimit constituencies after every census is officially published”. The ECP had ruled out polls this year citing the need for fresh delimitation of constituencies after the approval of the 2023 digital census. Justice Minallah stated: “The duty to ensure that the people of Pakistan are not deprived of their right to vote and they do not remain unrepresented for more than a 90-day period was that of the president, the governors, and the commission (ECP).” He noted that timely elections were a constitutional requirement and the people’s rights had been violated by not doing so. “The Constitution was made unworkable by their reckless disregard for the duties imposed upon them

under the Constitution and the (Election) Act of 2017.” The top court judge highlighted that holding general elections by November 7 was a constitutional requirement after the dissolution of the National Assembly. “The date of Feb 8 was appointed by the president and announced by the commission without prejudice to and notwithstanding the consequences that may have exposed themselves on accounts of violation of the Constitution and denial of rights to the people of Pakistan. “The violation of Article 224(2) and the resultant denial of the rights to the people of Pakistan is so grave and profound that it cannot be cured, condoned nor the acts are immune from being held to account,” he said. Article 224(2) states: “When the National Assembly or a Provincial Assembly is dissolved, a general election to the Assembly shall be held within a period of ninety days after the dissolution, and the results of the election shall be declared not later than fourteen days after the conclusion of the polls.” Justice Minallah said the ECP and the president committed a constitutional violation by announcing February 8 as the election date. He added that the violation of constitutional and public rights by not holding elections within 90 days was so serious that no remedy was possible. The judge stated that the ECP should have played its role to save the Constitution if President Alvi or the governor was not fulfilling the constitutional responsibility of announcing the election date.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday declared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party elections null and void, ordering the party to re-conduct intra-party elections within 20 days to retain bat as its poll symbol. The electoral watchdog announced its reserved verdict on the PTI intra-party elections case on Thursday whereby it said that PTI failed to conduct fair intra-party elections. The party should conduct the re-election within 20 days of the decision and should submit a report to the ECP within seven days after the elections”, it added. Despite declaring the intra-party elections null and void, the ECP ruled that PTI is still eligible to obtain an election symbol for the upcoming general elections scheduled to be held on February 8 next year. PTI leaders have expressed concerns about the ECP’s decision. Justice Ali Zafar, a PTI leader, said that the party is “disappointed” with the decision and will appeal it to the Supreme Court. Another PTI leader, said that the ECP’s decision is “unfair” and that the party will “fight this decision to the end.” The written verdict stated: “We are confirmed in our views that the respondent party failed to hold, transparent just and fair intra-party election in accordance with its prevailing constitution 2019 allegedly held on 10-06-2022, which is highly disputed/objectionable, which could not be accepted at all.” The order said that instead of invoking section 215(5) (eligibility of party to obtain election symbol) of the Elections Act 2017, the ECP was taking a “lenient view” by directing it to hold the intra-party polls “strictly in accordance with the prevailing party constitution, within 20 days positively”. “Its result along with all the required documents, including Form 65, shall be submitted thereafter the election within seven days before the commission,” it added. The verdict then warned that in case of failure to hold the polls, the PTI would “suffer the penal consequences of Section 215(5) of the Elections Act 2017 accordingly and would be ineligible to obtain an election symbol for election to Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), etc”. The ECP highlighted that the documents provided by the chief election commissioner had “made the alleged intra-party election highly objectionable [and] dubious”. It added there was a “glaring, un-explained contradiction, in regard to holding of intra-party election, as to whether the same was held” on June 8, 2022 or June 9 or June 10 that year. In August last, the ECP had given the PTI a final chance for the intra-party polls, warning that upon failure, it could be declared ineligible to obtain an election symbol. It had stated that the elections were due on June 13, 2021 under the party’s constitution but a year’s extension had been granted. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, representing the PTI, had said the party elections were held before an amendment to its constitution. However, the CEC claimed that the PTI amended its constitution on June 8, 2022 and conducted intra-party polls on June 10, 2022. Khan had also said the amendment in the party constitution was later withdrawn. The polls organising authority had said it issued a final notice to the PTI in May 2022 to ensure the conduct of intra-party elections “on or before June 13, 2022 (extended date), with the observation that no further extension shall be allowed”. Subsequently, the PTI submitted a copy of the amended party’s constitution that was deemed “insufficient” by the electoral body. In October, the ECP had reserved its verdict on the maintainability of a petition by the Istehkam-iPakistan Party seeking to take away PTI’s ‘bat’ electoral symbol. Days later, the PTI formally appealed to the electoral body to immediately issue a detailed written order regarding the intra-party elections and poll symbol allocation.

Inside market: Bull-run that took PSX index past 58,000 points

THERE SEEMS NO END IN SIGHT TO RECENT RALLY IN PAKISTAN STOCK EXCHANGE. BUT WHAT DO RESULTS TELL US? ANALYSIS PROFIT ZAIN NAEEM

On 3rd July 2023, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a rally of more than 2,481 points or a 5.99% increase in the index. This was the highest gain the market had seen in a single day in terms of points and the market had to be halted as it increased by more than 5% in less than half an hour. The optimism in the market was down to the fact that the much-awaited deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was going to be struck. Even as the macroeconomic conditions were improving, the individual stocks were not seeing a similar rebound in their performance as many of the scrips were trading

well below their historic highs. Investors were timid in terms of the returns that the stock market was providing and with interest rates at record high levels of 22 percent, the sentiment on the trading floor was mostly negative. This meant that many of the investors were undervaluing the market and that, even though corporate results were stellar, the market was not accounting for these results in the prices prevailing in the market. As investors were not willing to step into the market, the corporate sector saw an opportunity and started to carry out buybacks which signaled to the market that even they themselves saw their stocks trading at below their actual intrinsic value. Fast forward to the 22nd of November and the market, which closed at 43,899 on 3rd July, is trading at around 58,154. This is the first time it has breached the 58,000 points level as the market saw an increase

of more than 800 points intraday. The index has risen by a staggering 32.5% percent in the last three and a half months which points towards the fact that the future outlook of the country has changed. What could be the reason behind this? For an analyst looking at the market, there are many different pieces of information that can impact the index in a single day let alone a month. When a period of 3 months has to be considered, it is vital to note that there are different developments on the macro level which seem to have triggered the recent PSX rally. One of the biggest factors ailing the market and the corporate sector is the fact that interest rates are too high. Since the end of June 2023, interest rates were raised to 22 percent and there were no signs that the rates would be cut in the near future. The recent T-bill auction has been carried out at 300 basis points lower than the previous

rates and there are expectations that the next monetary policy will see a decrease in the interest rates. This is a glimmer of hope that a change is on the cards. Any such cut is attractive for the corporate sector and the capital markets. The corporate sector can benefit with a reduction in their finance costs which had been doubled from FY 2022 to FY 2023 and the profitability of the corporate sector will see an increase which is being priced in by the stock market. In addition to that, the investor will find the stock market more attractive as well as the valuations are still very low and bank deposits will be seeing a lower rate of return trickling some of these deposits into the stock market as well. Another factor that can be seen as a positive for the stock market is the fact that Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) added a record 56 Pakistani com-

panies to its Frontier Market Index and Frontier Market Small Cap Indexes. This is a positive development for the index and gives support to the rising index. The most recent development on this is the green light given by the IMF on the successful negotiations concluding between the interim government and the IMF for the first review which gives access to $700 million of funding. As economic indicators show an improvement, these triggers are being taken in conjunction with each other as investors flock towards the market. Experts still feel that the market price to earning ratio is still hovering around 3 to 4 times which was 8 to 9 times in better times. With the expected cut in interest rates in the medium to long term, it can be expected that market prices will move towards the rates that justify the price to earning ratios seen in the past.

FBR GIVES NOV 30 DEADLINE TO BANKS FOR PAYING 40% EXTRA TAX ON WINDFALL INCOME

Friday, 24 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

TAX AUTHORITY CITES INCOME TAX ORDINANCE TO JUSTIFY ADDITIONAL TAX the average earnings of the past six years. The FBR has also clarified that this tax measure is in accordance with section 99D of the Income Tax Ordinance, which empowers the federal government to levy additional tax on any sector that has earned windfall income, profits or gains due to abnormal market conditions or any other reason. The deadline for the payment of the additional tax is November 30, 2023, or within 15 days of extension granted by the commissioner on written request by the taxpayer. The FBR has explained the method of computing the windfall income, profits and

PROFIT

NewS DeSk

HE Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has notified a new tax measure to collect a 40 percent additional tax from the banking sector on their windfall income from foreign currency transactions in 2021 and 2022. The FBR issued an S.R.O.1588 (l)/ 2023 on Wednesday, specifying that the banking companies will have to pay the additional tax on the excess income from foreign exchange dealings, over and above

Govt establishes two advisory councils to increase export volumes BOTH COUNCILS TASKED WITH DEVISING OVERARCHING STRATEGY AS $100B EXPORT TARGET APPROACHES PROFIT

NewS DeSk

The Ministry of Commerce has taken strategic steps to enhance the country’s export sector by forming two advisory councils dedicated to devising promotion strategies for textile and non-textile products. The commerce ministry issued notifications on Wednesday, outlining the councils’ responsibility to develop sector-specific strategies for increasing export volumes. The set timeframe for formulating policy guidelines is eight weeks, following which these guidelines will be submitted to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for approval. The primary objective of these councils is to contribute to the overarching strategy aiming for a $100 billion export target. The chairperson or holds the authority to include additional individuals from the public or private sector as required. The advisory councils will also provide guidance to the Ministry of Commerce on matters affecting textile and non-textile exports. Administrative support for these councils will be provided by the ministry, and meetings are scheduled to take place monthly, or more frequently if deemed necessary, under the chairmanship of the commerce minister. The Export Advisory Council for Textile is comprised of notable members from the private sector, including individuals from Interloop Holdings, Alkaram Textiles, Soorty Textiles, US Group, Artistic Milliners, Kohinoor Mills, Sapphire Textile Mills, Kamal Textile Mills, and TBC company. Similarly, the Export Advisory Council for Non-Textile products includes members from the private sector representing Guard Agricultural Research and Services, Iftikhar Ahmed & Co, K&N’s Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Malik Sports, Hanif Jewelry & Watches, Hirani Pharmaceuticals, Tufail Chemicals, Amicas Enterprises, Infinity Engineering Pvt Ltd, Popular Marble Industries, Leather Ltd, Getron (Industries) Ltd, Ghani Glass, and Garibsons (Pvt) Ltd. Both councils will also feature representation from senior officials from the ministries of commerce and finance, FBR, State Bank, and representatives from provincial governments.

gains in the notification. The additional tax will be deposited in the federal treasury through a prescribed challan or computerized payment receipt. The FBR has said that this tax measure is aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of income and reducing income disparities in the country. According to the notification, the windfall income, profits and gains of a banking company from foreign exchange dealings shall be the amount by which the income, profits and gains from such dealings for the calendar year 2021 or 2022, as the case may be, exceed the

average income, profits and gains from such dealings for the six preceding calendar years. The notification has also provided the formula for calculating the average income, profits and gains from foreign exchange dealings, which is the sum of the income, profits and gains from such dealings for the six preceding calendar years divided by six. The notification has given two examples to illustrate the application of the tax measure. In the first example, a banking company has earned Rs. 100 million from foreign exchange dealings in 2021, while its average income from such dealings for the past six years was Rs. 50 million. Therefore, its windfall income, profits and gains from foreign exchange dealings for 2021 is Rs. 50 million, and its additional tax liability is

Experts propose agricultural tax to boost Pakistan’s economy PESHAWAR

aziz buNeRi

Renowned agricultural experts have urged the Pakistani government to consider implementing an agricultural tax system to address the country’s economic challenges. This proposal, if implemented thoughtfully, could potentially generate revenue, foster rural development, and enhance the overall fiscal outlook of the nation. Shahzad Amir Naveed, an agricultural expert and government consultant, advocates for the introduction

of taxes on agricultural income. Currently, the agricultural sector remains largely untaxed, contributing to budgetary constraints and economic instability. “The case for introducing agricultural taxes is undeniable,” Naveed asserts. “By implementing a progressive taxation system, we can ensure that larger landholders with higher agricultural incomes contribute their fair share to the national tax burden. Simultaneously, exemptions or reduced tax rates for small-scale farmers can safeguard their livelihoods and

protect their economic well-being.” Naveed envisions a technologydriven approach to tax administration, leveraging modern tools and systems to ensure transparency and prevent tax evasion. He also proposes earmarking a portion of the agricultural tax revenue for rural development initiatives, including infrastructure improvements and providing farmers with access to advanced agricultural technologies. While acknowledging the involved, Naveed complexities

Ministry of Commerce re-advertises IPO Chairman post due to age controversy INCUMBENT CHAIRMAN LEAVES OFFICE AFTER ONE YEAR FOR EXCEEDING AGE LIMIT ISLAMABAD

Ghulam abbaS

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has re-advertised the position of Chairman of the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) after the incumbent chairman completed only one year of his tenure. The decision comes amid revelations that the chairman exceeded the age limit for the position, raising legal concerns. Last year, the age issue was brought to light during the appointment process for the MP-I scale position, violating established rules. Despite claims by ministry officials that the appointment adhered to regulations, it appears the chairman’s age became a hindrance, prompting the need for a readvertisement after a year. In December 2022, the cabinet approved the appointment of Farukh

Amil as Chairman, a move later found to violate age limit regulations. Amil, a former ambassador, had been appointed for three years but reportedly surpassed the age limit set for the MP-1 scale position. Sources close to the development revealed that the selected candidate, proposed as the top choice in the panel, retired in January 2019 and is currently over 63 years old, meaning that his age was above 62 at the time of appointment. The MP Scale Policy 2020 stipulates a maximum age of 62 for candidates, ensuring they complete a three-year term by the age of 65. Defending the appointment of Farukh Amil, known for his diplomatic roles, officials of the Ministry of Commerce earlier claimed that he had been appointed under the IPO Act of 2012, which lacks explicit age eligibility criteria, allowing candidates over 70 to be

considered. Acknowledging the mistake, the ministry recently re-advertised the post, emphasizing its MP-I scale nature with a maximum age limit of 62. The advertisement specifies that the selected candidate will serve for three years or until reaching the age of 65, whichever comes earlier. While the Cabinet Division’s advisory rule suggests individuals cease to hold office at 65 or the end of tenure, MoC officials argue its nonnature. Earlier compulsory discrepancies in advertisements, such as omitting the age limit and relevant experiences, had raised concerns about favoritism among potential candidates. The corrective action aims to address legal challenges and ensure transparency in the selection process for this crucial position within the Intellectual Property Organization.

CTD arrests four terrorists in Karachi operation PROFIT

Staff RepoRt

A joint operation of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) along with other law enforcement officials was conducted on a tip-off in the SITE area of Karachi on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of four terrorists affiliated with the banned organization Lashkar-

e-Jhangvi. The CTD spokesperson revealed that the arrested individuals – Identified as Amin alias Munna, Shahnawaz alia Saleem Mechanic, Maaz Khan, and Yaseen – had created a secret cell of the banned organization in the Orangi Town area of Karachi. According to the CTD spokesperson, the arrested individuals are allegedly involved in several target-

killing incidents in Manghopir, and Pakistan Bazaar areas and are also accused of killing Maulana Rahim and Shamim Khan in the Iqbal Market area of Karachi. The spokesperson further revealed that Amin alias Munna has served jail for more than nine years in 27 murder cases, while Shahnawaz alias Saleem was sent to jail for nine months in multiple murder cases.

Aviation ministry website faces triple cyber hacking attempts within 24 hours KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

The website of the aviation ministry was attacked thrice in a span of 24 hours, making it inactive again. A spokesperson for the ministry on Wednesday said important information had disappeared from the website after the cyber-attacks. It should be noted that hackers had gained access to the aviation ministry website a day earlier as well but it was

Rs. 20 million, which is 40 percent of Rs. 50 million. In the second example, a banking company has earned Rs. 150 million from foreign exchange dealings in 2022, while its average income from such dealings for the past six years was Rs. 75 million. Therefore, its windfall income, profits and gains from foreign exchange dealings for 2022 is Rs. 75 million, and its additional tax liability is Rs. 30 million, which is 40 percent of Rs. 75 million.

restored soon. However, the hackers have struck again, gaining access to the website once more. In 2022, cyber experts said that the data of all government and private websites that had been hacked during the last one year was available on the dark web. They were of the view that cyber security in Pakistan was not up to the mark. When contacted, Lahore’s Garrison University Forensic Research and Services Centre Director Kokab Zuberi explained to The Express Tribune what the dark web

actually was. “The dark web is part of internet that requires special software to access. It is a world of crime which is out of reach of even the law enforcement agencies,” he added. Zuberi said that the websites on dark web are not visible on Google searches. “People on dark web are also involved in money laundering, trade of stolen credentials, child pornography and the buying and selling of scamming devices via which bank account data can be hacked,” he added.

emphasizes the need for a carefully crafted taxation policy that accommodates the diverse nature of Pakistan’s agricultural landscape, encompassing a wide range of farm sizes and farming practices. “A well-structured agricultural tax system can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and rural prosperity,” Naveed concludes. “By striking a balance between fiscal responsibility and social equity, we can harness the potential of the agricultural sector to drive national progress.”

Oil prices fall amid OPEC+ meeting delay and rising US crude stocks

APART FROM OPEC+, ANGOLA, CONGO AND NIGERIA ARE CONSIDERING TO RAISE THEIR 2024 PRODUCTION TARGETS ABOVE PROVISIONAL LEVELS AGREED IN JUNE 2023 PROFIT

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Oil prices dropped by about 1% on Thursday, extending the losses from the previous day, as the OPEC+ group of oil producers postponed a meeting where they were expected to discuss output cuts for next year. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading at $81.11 a barrel, down 85 cents or 1%, by 0916 GMT on Thursday, after falling as much as 4% on Wednesday. US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $76.39 a barrel, down 71 cents or 1%, after declining as much as 5% in the previous session. The delay, which was announced on Wednesday, sparked speculation that the group may not agree to deepen the cuts due to disagreements among some African members over their supply quotas. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including Russia, have been curbing their output since 2017 to support the oil market amid the coronavirus pandemic and rising competition from US shale producers. The group was scheduled to meet on November 26 to decide whether to extend the current cuts of 5.8 million barrels per day (bpd) beyond April 2024 or increase the output by 400,000 bpd each month until the end of 2024, as agreed in July. However, sources said that Angola, Congo and Nigeria were seeking to raise their 2024 production targets above the provisional levels agreed in June, as they have been producing below or above their quotas due to various factors. Analysts said that the postponement of the meeting could signal a lack of consensus within the group and create uncertainty in the oil market, which has already been under pressure from the rising COVID-19 cases and the slow recovery of demand. Adding to the bearish sentiment, data from the US Energy Information Administration showed that US crude inventories surged by 8.7 million barrels last week, much more than the 1.16 million build forecast by analysts.

Ambitious first-ever IT export strategy unveiled GOVT EYES $10-$18B IN REVENUES BY 2028 ISLAMABAD

Ghulam abbaS

Dr. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, unveiled Pakistan’s inaugural IT Export Strategy (ITeS) at a ceremony held in Islamabad. The strategy, developed by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT), in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and international partners, aims to propel the nation’s IT exports to $10-$18 billion by 2028. Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Dr. Umar Saif emphasized the

pivotal role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in stabilizing and strengthening Pakistan’s economy. He highlighted the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a key enabler, facilitating foreign direct investment in the IT sector by eliminating departmental bottlenecks. The strategy, outlined by Dr. Umar Saif, envisions a multi-faceted approach to achieve significant growth. Currently, annual IT exports stand at $2.6 billion, and the plan is to add 200,000 skilled professionals to the workforce, increasing exports to $5 billion. The strategy proposes allowing IT companies to retain dollars (dollar

retention facility) which is expected to contribute an additional one billion dollars. The establishment of the Pakistan Startup Fund is also anticipated to boost IT exports by at least another $1 billion, taking it closer to the ambitious target of $10 billion. Dr. Umar Saif’s vision included a focus on human resource development, capacity building, freelancers’ facilitation, startup funding, and fostering a resilient IT ecosystem. The strategy aims to create a dynamic environment with business-friendly policies and international marketing efforts, positioning Pakistan as a global IT hub. The key points of the report underscore the substantial opportunity for Pakistan to become a Global IT hub, with

the potential to generate $10-$18 billion in IT/ITeS Export revenues by 2028. The report identifies 5 priority IT/ITeS market segments and 12 sub-segments with high global market growth rates, significant sizes, and ample opportunities for exploitation due to relatively few established players. Zohaib Khan, Chairman of P@SHA, the IT association of Pakistan’s IT industry, highlighted the pivotal role of IT in shaping Pakistan’s economic landscape. He stressed the importance of industry participation, underscoring how the report is guided by industry insights. Industry collaboration, he emphasized, is integral to the success of national projects and initiatives. Gerard Newman, Study Project Director and former senior partner of PwC

UK, also provided insights into significant opportunities for Pakistan’s IT/ITeS export revenues. He identified five priority IT/ITeS market segments with substantial global market sizes and limited competition. Newman stressed the need for an enabling business environment to support the growth of Pakistan’s IT/ITeS industry. A panel discussion featuring industry experts addressed key aspects of the strategy, including challenges and the way forward. The discussions highlighted unanimous agreement on strategies to remove constraints inhibiting the industry’s growth. The event showcased Pakistan’s commitment to elevating its IT/ITeS export revenues, aiming for substantial growth beyond $10 billion annually in the upcoming years.

SOLANGI REITERATES SUPPORT FOR ECP TO ENSURE FREE, FAIR ELECTIONS Friday, 24 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

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ARETAKER Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Thursday said the caretaker government was committed to conducting free, fair and transparent elections and it would provide all possible facilities to the Election Commission of Pakistan for conducting elections. He said this during a meeting with the delegation of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), which was led by its

President Dr. Raza Muhammad. The current political and economic situation of the country, the elimination of fake news and disinformation, upcoming general elections, social media issues, and elections in other countries of South Asia were discussed in the meeting. The delegation informed the Minister about the IPRI's latest research on the political scenario of the country and appreciated the caretaker government's commitment to conducting free, fair and transparent elections. "Equal opportunities are being provided to all political parties, there will be no discrimination against anyone," Murtaza

Solangi said. He said for the improvement of the political environment in the country, the development of consensus among all political parties was indispensable. The minister said the world was facing the problems of misinformation, disinformation and fake news, while the latter was the biggest challenge on social media. All stakeholders would have to play their role in ending fake news, he maintained. The role of the media in the upcoming general elections was also discussed in the meeting. Caretaker Information Minister said the media would be provided a conducive environment during the elections. Equal

coverage was being given to all political parties on state media, he added. The Caretaker Information Minister said that in a striking show of unity, the heads of two of the three biggest parties, the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML–-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), have joined calls by President Arif Alvi and caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar for support across the political spectrum to ensure the elections are accepted as transparent and legitimate. He said that the joint declaration reflects a growing consensus that all parties should cooperate to ensure the success of the poll, to be held on February 8, 2024. A fair

Security forces neutralize four militants linked to banned organization in Turbat operation TURBAT

Staff RepoRt

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) killed four terrorists from banned organization during a targeted operation in Turbat on Thursday. According to the details, the CTD officials carried out a targeted operation on Pisni Road near Turbat and killed four terrorists affiliated with the banned organization. The law enforcers recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from the possession of the dead terrorists.

Over 2,668 illegal Afghan residents depart Pakistan during past 24 hours ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The repatriation of illegal Afghans continues as 245,833 people have returned to their country during the operation, so far on Thursday. The apex committee of the National Action Plan (NAP) in a meeting on October 3, chaired by Caretaker PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar gave a deadline to all foreign nationals living illegally in the country until October 31 to leave voluntarily or face deportation. Pakistan has established transit camps in various parts of the country for safe and easy return of Afghan nationals to Kabul via the Torkham and Chaman borders. According to official data, 560 families have returned to Afghanistan in 297 vehicles during the last 24 hours. So far, 245,833 illegal Afghan nationals have returned to their country after the deadline for voluntarily returning expired on October 31. Following the end of set deadline, Afghanistan’s Taliban government urged Pakistan to give undocumented Afghans in the country more time to leave as pressure mounts at border posts swarmed by thousands of returnees fleeing the threat of deportation. But, Islamabad is sticking to its plan to repatriate the undocumented Afghans to their home while the nationals registered in Pakistan are allowed to stay according to law.

Fatal incident unfolds as intoxicated police officer’s vehicle fatally strikes pedestrian KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

An over speeding car driven by a drunk police official crushed a motorcyclist to death besides leaving another injured. The driven responsible for accident was held. According to details, the accident took place in Gulshan-e-Iqbal at Rashid Minhas road where a Toyota Corolla bearing registration number ABD-007 ran over a bike carrying two people. As a result of accident, 60-year-old Bashir Ahmed Siddiqui stated to be an eggs supplier by profession and father of four children, hailing from Federal ‘B’ Area was killed while Abdul Karim 60, sustained injuries. The citizens foiled the attempt of car driver and his accomplice to flee from scene, held them and handed them over to Yousaf Plaza Police. Eye witnesses said that the two car riders including a police official were drunk at time of the accident. When police came to known that the detainee was their counterpart, the instead of treating him as accused started giving him special protocol and avoided to give any information to media. The body and injured were shifted to hospital for medico-legal formalities.

The encountered terrorists were involved in attacks on forces and civilians. Earlier in the day, a joint operation of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) along with other law enforcement officials was conducted on a tip-off in the SITE area of Karachi, resulting in the arrest of four terrorists affiliated with the banned organization Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. The CTD spokesperson revealed that the arrested individuals – Identified as Amin alias Munna, Shahnawaz alia Saleem Mechanic, Maaz Khan, and Yaseen – had created a secret cell of the banned organization in the Orangi Town area of Karachi.

According to the CTD spokesperson, the arrested individuals are allegedly involved in several targetkilling incidents in Manghopir, and Pakistan Bazaar areas and are also accused of killing Maulana Rahim and Shamim Khan in the Iqbal Market area of Karachi. The spokesperson further revealed that Amin alias Munna has served jail for more than nine years in 27 murder cases, while Shahnawaz alias Saleem was sent to jail for nine months in multiple murder cases. Meanwhile, the police during the raid recovered three pistols and a motorcycle from the possession of the arrested terrorists.

Imam-e-Kaaba delivers strong message to Israel regarding Gaza tragedy during Pakistan visit ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Imam Kaaba Saleh bin Abdullah bin Hameed, standing on Pakistani soil, gave a strong message to Israel that international forces should protect the sanctity of human lives and stop crimes in Gaza. “Muslims are being massacred in the name of human rights in Gaza. Massacre of innocent people in Gaza is the blackest visit in human history,” he said. “May Allah punish the wrongdoers with the most severe punishment,” the Imam said. Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a six-day visit with the primary objective of strengthening the enduring and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He will be leading the Friday prayer at the iconic Faisal Mosque. Imam-e-Kaaba has a series of scheduled meetings with key figures, including the President, Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff, and other high-ranking officials. This emphasises the diplomatic significance attached to his visit. Upon his arrival, prominent figures such as Federal Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Federal Minister for Education Madad Ali Sindhi, Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-

Malki, along with several other senior officials, extended a warm welcome to Imam-e-Kaaba. Interim education minister Madad Ali Sindh held a meeting with Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid. The minister said: “Because of the holy cities of Medina and Makkah, Pakistan is having a great love and devotion for Saudi Arabia”. “Reaching Pakistan is like visiting your own home. They want to see Pakistan as the state of Medina,” Imam-e-Kaaba said.

PTI leader Asad Qaiser secures bail SWABI

Staff RepoRt

The Swabi court has approved the bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser on Thursday. The court’s decision comes after Qaiser was sent to jail on judicial remand during the previous hearing. Asad Qaiser’s lawyer, Arshad Advocate, revealed that following the judicial proceedings, they intend to apply for bail in the anti-corruption court. The PTI leader faces corruption charges, leading to his arrest by the anti-corruption department a few days ago. Qaiser was taken into custody from his residence, sparking condemnation from the spokesperson of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf.

During the court appearance, a significant presence of PTI workers was noted, prompting tight security measures. The arrest has raised concerns about the Election Commission’s role in ensuring transparent and fair elections. The PTI spokesperson strongly criticized the arrest, stating that it casts doubt on the commission’s commitment to a level playing field for all parties. The spokesperson urged the Election Commission to abandon any pre-election rigging efforts and uphold the principles of fairness. Additionally, it was announced that the controversial arrest of Asad Qaiser would be legally challenged, emphasizing the party’s commitment to addressing the matter in a judicial forum. As developments unfold, the political landscape awaits further clarity on the implications of Qaiser’s bail and the ongoing legal proceedings.

Gwadar transforms: From CPEC gateway to thriving international business hub ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

In the mushrooming landscape of Gwadar, the pivotal gateway of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a remarkable transformation is underway as the city rapidly evolves into an international business hub. However, this meteoric rise in economic activity comes hand in hand with an escalating demand for electricity. Recognising the critical need to address the increasing power requirements of the Makran/Gwadar region, with a focus on short-, medium-, and long-term scenarios, the government has laid out comprehensive plans to bolster the city’s energy infrastructure. According to Gwadar Pro, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Wednesday released the power supply options for Makran/Gwadar from short to medium scenarios. As per

NEPRA’s document, operational since 2003, 70 to 90 MW of electricity is imported from Iran on the existing 132 kV transmission line (T/Line) from Jackigoor to Mand (Gwadar). An additional 100 MW electricity is imported from Iran via 51 kilometres of T/Line from the Polan area of Iran to the Pak-Iran border and the interim 132 kV supply link from the Pak-Iran border (Gabd) to Gwadar-Jiwani T/Line was completed in February 2023. The permanent 220 kV supply link will be completed after the funding arrangement from EDBI of Iran and completion of Gwadar 220kV G/Station and remaining 45 km T/Line in 18 months’ construction time. 70-80 MW electricity has been achieved by linking the 132 kV network of Makran/Gwadar to the national grid in June 2023. The Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) has completed the 132 kV transmission line between Basima-Nal-Nag-Panjgur). As per NEPRA, the power supply options for Makran/Gwadar in the medium term include the 300 MW Coal Fired Power Project (CFPP) at Gwadar under the CPEC framework. The project will be completed by December 2025 and the power will be evacuated through 132 kV T/Lines to be built by QESCO. The power supply options for Gwadar in the long term scenarios are bulk supply from the National Grid to Makran/Gwadar Network via the 500 kV T/Line from the Southern NTDC network along the coastal highway via Ormara to Gwadar along with 132 kV network expansion in the network.

democratic process, overseen by the independent Election Commission of Pakistan and the non-party caretaker government, is seen as fundamental to the country’s stability and to tackling the economic challenges facing its people. The Caretaker Information Minister said that the elections follow the dissolution of the National Assembly in August 2023. The February date was announced by Sikandar Sultan Raja, Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan, on November 2, after consulting President Alvi. The President has expressed his trust that the Prime Minister, appointed following the dissolution, will ensure the elections are free and fair.

Binance CEO pleads guilty, resigns in $4.3b US settlement PROFIT

ReuteRS

The chief of the world’s largest crypto exchange, Binance, has agreed to step down and plead guilty to violating US anti-money laundering laws, as part of a $4.3 billion settlement with federal authorities. Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, admitted to facilitating transactions with terrorist groups, child abuse websites, and ransomware hackers on Binance, which he founded in 2017. He will pay $50 million personally and face an 18-month prison sentence, according to the New York Times. Binance will pay $1.81 billion within 15 months, and a further $2.51 billion forfeiture as part of the deal, which was announced on Tuesday by the Justice Department, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Treasury Department. The settlement is one of the largest corporate penalties in US history and marks a major blow to the crypto industry, which has been under increasing scrutiny and regulation. Binance’s former chief compliance officer, Samuel Lim, was also charged by the CFTC for failing to implement an effective anti-money laundering program. “Binance made it easy for criminals to move their stolen funds and illicit proceeds on its exchanges,” US Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “Binance also did more than just fail to comply with federal law. It pretended to comply.” Zhao, a billionaire who was born in China and moved to Canada at the age of 12, pleaded guilty in a Seattle court on Tuesday. “Today, I stepped down as CEO of Binance,” Zhao said on social media after the settlement was announced. “Admittedly, it was not easy to let go emotionally. But I know it is the right thing to do. I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myself.” Zhao is worth $10.2 billion, according to Forbes. RICHARD TENG – NEW CEO OF BINANCE Richard Teng, a longtime Binance executive, will take over as the new CEO of Binance, Zhao said in his post. “These resolutions acknowledge our company’s responsibility for historical, criminal compliance violations, and allow our company to turn the page,” Binance said in a statement. The settlement comes after Reuters reported in a series of articles in 2022 that Binance had been under investigation by the Justice Department since at least 2018 for breaking US anti-money laundering and sanctions laws. Some of the charges relate to practices that Reuters reported first, such as Binance’s internal acknowledgment that it facilitated “potentially illegal activities” and its failure to report transactions by the militant Palestinian group Hamas.

Illegal residency crackdown gains momentum in Islamabad for foreign nationals ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Islamabad Capital Police have launched a robust campaign against foreign nationals unlawfully residing in the federal capital and nabbed 13 persons living without proper authorization. Police spokesperson said that a joint team from Islamabad Capital Police’s Bani Gala, Sabzi Mandi, and Shams Colony Police Stations successfully apprehended 13 individuals found to be residing in the country without proper authorization. The detained foreign nationals were currently in the process of deportation, with 13 others handed over to the Islamabad administration for repatriation to their respective countries. Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan underscored, “These measures are aimed at discouraging the unauthorized establishment of residency by foreign nationals within the federal capital’s jurisdiction.”

04 COMMENT

The world watches on

Chickens coming home

The thwarted plot kill a Khalistan activist in the USA shows the cost of trusting India

Israeli personnel will probably get away with war crimes

HE FBI’s foiling an Indian plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Punnun may have caused it some jubilation for they had saved Punnun, the General Council of the pro-Khalistan Sikhs For Justice,\, from being killed. They had shown themselves as betyter than their Canadian counterparts, who were unable to prevent the murder of Sikh activist Gurdeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver in June. This led to the matter being raised by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the G20 Summit in New Delhi with Indian PM Narendra Modi in their sideline meeting. It has now been learnt that US President Joe Biden also brought up the attempt on Mr Punnun at the same summit, during his sideline meeting. The USA should have learnt that the special treatment it was giving India was being repaid with an implicit demand for immunity from the normal rules of inter-state behaviour, which precludes the assassination of its citizens on its own soil. It should not escape notice that India has apparently interpreted the USA’s growing closeness with India as a kind of blanket permission to go after the Khalistan supporters who have taken refuge abroad, and have engaged in advocacy there. India is taking membership of BRICS a little too seriously, and made assumptions about its own status, failing to note that none of the other BRICS countries have tried assassinations on US soil. India is also taking the Khalistan Movement seriously enough to risk its relationship with the USA. The operatives in the USA appear singularly ham-handed; not only did their target escape, but they were themselves detected. Pakistan has got to be very careful, because both Punnun and Najjar were accused of having come to Pakistan for training. Also, Indians, especially from Indian-Held Kashmir, who have taken refuge in Pakistan, may also be targeted. Any Indian attempt to somehow claim Pakistan was involved, must be vigorously repelled, especially in those Western capitals where their currying favour with such unreasonable and immature elements has brought the violent and bullying behaviour to their own doorsteps. The USA hasonly itself to blame for the situation, for it has established the precedent of accepting a favourite’s bad behaviour with Israel, when it accepted Israeli spying on it (the most prominent being the Jonathan Pollard case in 1985). Its blind support of Israel will also have led India to think it can get away with murder, literally.

at Penpoint M a niaZi

AZA is only part of the Occupied Territories, and not a particularly important part at that. However, it has assumed importance, and has become the centre of the world’s attention, because of what Israel seems to be trying to achieve there, a genocide of the people living there. It might seem wrong somehow that so much attention should be focused on a very small country, Israel, and its even smaller occupied territory, but that is how it is. The Israelis represent Judaism, the Palestinian residents Islam, and the rest of the world Christianity, all three faiths having an overpowering interest in this part of the world. However, the more secular, liberal element is treating the issue not as a religious one, but as a humanitarian one. That has caused ructions in the West, because it has led to large protests, including by some Jewish, normally pro-Zionist, organizations. A ceasefire has been mediated, but it depends on Hamas willingness to let go its only bargaining chip, the hostages it took on October 7, and the Israeli willingness to let go Palestinian prisoners languishing in Israeli jails. The Israelis really cannot afford to comply, because it would mean a crack in the implacability of the Occupation. However, if it refuses, not only will Hamas bear the responsibility for more Palestinian deaths, but have to kill some of their only bargaining chip, if not all. Hitherto, Israel has been able to get away with a lot without too deep questioning, because of the Holocaust, in which six million Jews were slaughtered during World War, not for anything they were supposed to have done, as because they were Jews. Two major acts of bad behaviour can be identified: first, the creation of Israel, on top of Palestine, and by expelling as many Palestinian Arabs in what became known as An-Nakba, or the catastrophe. Second, the occupation of those parts of Palestine that had gone to either Jordan (the West Bank) or Egypt (the Gaza Strip), after the tremendous Israeli victory in the Six-Day War. Now, it seems, the Israelis are attempting to do something as heinous, and perhaps more so, carry out the genocide of as many Gazans as possible. One sign of their intentions comes from the campaign that seems to have started against the hospitals in Gaza. The Israelis claim that they are actually functioning as command centres for Hamas, but whether they are or not, they are refugee centres. People, desperate that homes were being bombed, had shifted to hospitals in the hope that they would not be bombarded. They were wrong. The latest example of the Israeli determination to crush the Gazans, and not just Hamas, is shown by the decision to shift premature babies to Egypt. It is not just that it is impossible to keep incubators running, but because the hospitals are unsafe because of Israeli bombardment.

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami

However, bombing hospitals has always been against military law. The Israeli air forces and artillery, and armou is involved, have shown their lack of military honour. The impunity from prosecution for war crimes apart, it seems that all have overcome any qualms at hitting civilian targets, especially those from which no one was firing. It should not be forgotten that Nazis tried for war crimes at Nuremberg after the war had the defence of receiving orders rejected. Closer home, in the trials of German officials guilty of the Holocaust, many of whom were tried in Israeli courts, had this particular defence rejected. Under International Humanitarian Law, it appears, the plea of obedience to orders cannot apply. The soldier or airman is supposed to evaluate that order, and come to a personal determination of whether it is legal or not. This does not apply to all situations. An order to an officer to take his command and take over PM House does not really fall under this, though it will fall under the country’s Constitution. However, the officer may feel that he will not take any action if the PM resists. Of course, can he take action as prescribed under law against a subordinate who refuses to obey orders? These moral dilemmas are best left to soldiers and air. Suffice it to say that Israeli soldiers and airmen engaged in bombarding hospitals run the risk of prosecution, and will not be able to plead that they were merely obeying orders. There is a turmoil in the Muslim world, and the worst comes among the Arab dictatorships and monarchies, who are not only being shown up as unable to do anything on an issue which affects the peoples so viscerally, but it has also shown how bankrupt are the policies, adopted long ago or recently, of

The need for a ceasefire becomes all the more evident. It will not just bail out the Muslim leaders who find their populations restive, but also the Western leaders who cannot make the choice between well-heeled Zionist supporters and demonstrating liberals. It all now boils down to how determined are the Israelis to inflict collective punishment on the Gazans

Changing culture of police Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi Joint Editor

Executive Editor

The beast has begun to budget

Sajjad HuSSain nekokara

T is the fundamental duty of a state to provide its people with security of life, liberty and property. While other public facilities are necessary for thriving; the protection is necessary for survival. The police exist for the maintenance of law and order in a society. Public acknowledgement of police’s role in sustaining peace in a society boosts the confidence of the force. By gaining public trust, the police can ensure the observance of law. In Pakistan, the police force is perceived as inefficient, corrupt, unprofessional, brutal and politicized. It is also said that any bid to undertake reforms has proved to be futile. Since Dr Muhammad Usman Anwar has taken the charge as Inspector General of Punjab police, he is doing laudable work for the welfare of Public and Constabulary as well. A number of steps have been taken by Dr Usman to improve the image of police across the province. The establishment of Tahaffuz Marakiz and appointment of Trans-victim support officers are truly positive steps. The purpose behind these Tahaffuz Marakaz is to make it a place for protection and facilitation for the vulnerable groups of society. It is a remarkable act to inculcate the sense of self-worth in the marginalized segments of society. IGP has conveyed a clear message that police is not a force, it’s a service. He replaced the traditional Thana Culture into the Service Oriented police stations. The establishment of Special Initiative Police Stations (SIPS) is a commendable step in this regard. It is an admirable effort to upgrade all the 737 police stations of the province Another feather in his cap is that he has tried to bridge the gap between public and police. He focuses on community policing initiatives and has enhanced the public awareness about police service delivery. Furthermore, IGP complaint center 1787 is also a praiseworthy step to redress the grievances of people. One of the initiatives of Punjab Police is the establishment of an integrated IGP Police Complaint Center. Previously the complaints were received through post or a person had to travel to Lahore to submit his complaint in person at the Inspector General of Police office. This initiative aims

at receiving complaints through SMS and voice calls on a short code (1787). Moreover, complaints are also received online as well as through emails. Under the IGP’s stewardship, the Punjab Police has been developed on modern lines. Police service centres across the province have provided fast and efficient service to the citizens. Thousands of officers have been promoted according to merit and seniority which in turn would boost the morale of the police force. The health screening of the force is completed, vaccination is going on and bravery medals are being distributed for successful completion of dangerous operations. The IGP has announced a special package for the employees who were martyred in terror incidents and encounters with dacoits. Funds of Rs 1.2 billion have been approved for the martyrs as well as the police employees who died during service. If the families of any police office of the Punjab visit the police office, they are treated as special guests. Dr Usman has awarded 160 officers with cash prizes of more than Rs 5.8 million and certificates of appreciation. Police performance is inextricably linked with professionalism which can only come through effective training. The overall training programmes emphasize rigorous physical exercises but the intellectual capabilities of the officers are sharpened through modern techniques.

Friday, 24 November, 2023

recognition and reconciliation. Also to be seen is the inability of Iran, which had of late taken to championing the Palestinian cause, to provide assistance. Its refusal to allow the Taliban to cross through its territory may have spared Taliban blushes, but it has not shown Iran as anxious for the fight. Its concern is probably the one shared by many, that this conflict does not become a larger conflagration. That would send up international oil prices, which nobody except oil producers would like. Even oil producers like Iran would have to balance the losses they would suffer from the inflation in their imports against the hike in their oil revenues. Another sign of turmoil has been the UK Cabinet crisis, in which Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who is of Indian origin (being the child of a Goanesedescent Kenyan father and a Tamil-descent Mauritian mother) had to resign because she criticized the police handling of the pro-Palestinian protests in London, in a newspaper article too. She represents the right-wing of what is already a rightwing party, and has not escaped being labelled anti-Semitic for previous misdemeanours, but has now been punished for having been anti-Palestinian. The Palestinian diaspora was initially concentrated in the Arab world, but now it has found more traction in the UK and USA. Both countries wish to appear multicultural, and thus are torn between their desire to favour the Jews for being victims of the Holocaust, and to support the Palestinians because of what they are undergoing. However, there seems to be one area in which the world community does not seem to be moving. After smaller massacres, there has been a pledge of never again. In recent times, there was the 1982 SabraShatila massacre, of as many as 3500 civilians, mostly Palestinians and Lebanese Shias, in Berut’s Sabra neighbourhood and the Palestinian Shatila refugee camp; then the was the 1992 Rwanda massacre, when as many as a million Hutus were massacred by Tutsi fellow countrymen. And soon after, in 1994, there was the massacre in Srebrenica of over 8000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys by the Bosnian Serb Army led by Ratko Mladic. The International Criminal Court was set up, a permanent body with descent from the Nuremberg and Tokyo Tribunals, which claimed cognisance of war crimes. Both the Rwandan and Sbrenica massacres were tried, but not Chatila, because Israel did not acknowledge the jurisdiction of the ICC over its personnel. Attempts to try Israeli personnel for other war c rimes against Palestinians have also fallen flat because of Israel’s refusal to accept its jurisdiction. The USA also refuses to accept jurisdiction even though it provided a Supreme Court judge as chief prosecutor at Nuremberg and an Assistant Attorney General at Tokyo. It seems something of a contradiction that the Srebrenica and Rwanda massacres should be tried, but even though the Gazan has approached, perhaps exceeded, the Brenica figure, and may exceed the Rwandan when it is all over, it will not be tried. The need for a ceasefire becomes all the more evident. It will not just bail out the Muslim leaders who find their populations restive, but also the Western leaders who cannot make the choice between wellheeled Zionist supporters and demonstrating liberals. It all now boils down to how determined are the Israelis to inflict collective punishment on the Gazans. The writer is a member of staff

Editor’s mail

The training academies should be given additional resources and support. The training schedule should be adjusted to the demands of the time and the challenges being faced by the Pakistani police. Skills rather than extensive legal studies should be taught. Self-study, report-writing, researching, presentation and communication skills should also be given due importance in training programs. Research methodology must get a place in the training programmes of the senior officers like ASP and DSP. There is a need to focus more on victim support and trauma Informed policing. Victim support has emerged as a pivotal aspect of addressing crime and trauma. As society’s awareness of the profound impact of these experiences grows, there has been a shift towards acknowledging victims as individuals who need assistance. This shift has led to various initiatives aimed at addressing the emotional, psychological, and practical needs of victims. As the use of social media is increasing, we need smarter police to grapple with cyber, financial and organized crimes. We need active, energetic, efficient and smart police officers who have passion to serve the nation. Let us hope for a bright future of police service.

The writer is a lawyer, and can be reached at sajjadnekokara786@yahoo.com

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

Barley, a wheat alternative

PAKISTAN has been facing wheat shortages every now and then, which is a pity in view of agricultural resources that the country has. This is specially surprising because wheat is commonly considered a cash crop in Pakistan, which means farmers would love to opt for it rather than any other crop. And yet, the country faces shortages. As things stand, Punjab is the largest wheat producer, followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data suggests that nearly 72 per cent of staple food demand in the country is fulfilled through wheat production. But in the last few years Pakistan has faced several natural and man-made climate-related catastrophes, like heavy rains and floods, that have affected the crop badly. Practically speaking, Pakistan has yet to recover from those losses, and that explains the current shortage of wheat in the country. It is high time Pakistan looked for alternative crops, such as barley, for future production. Barley, a rich source of protein containing essential amino acids, is a crop of antiquity, and has been cultivated in the region for thousands of years. Compared to India which produces over 1.5 million tonnes of barley every year, Pakistan produces around 40,000 tonnes. It makes sense to make the move towards converting barley into an alternative crop for the farmers. Its harvesting season is from October to March, depending on the weather conditions. As Pakistan is already facing issues, like salinity, drought and shortage of freshwater for cultivation, barley cultivation on a large scale will be a suitable option to feed the increasing population. After the passage of the 18th constitutional amendment, agriculture is a subject falling under the domain of provinces. Therefore, provincial agriculture research departments must motivate the farmers to grow barley varieties as an alternative crop to wheat. Pakistan surely has the potential to produce enough barley to meet its own needs, and may even export it if the effort is sincere and professionally directed. MUSADIQ MANZOOR KARACHI

Overpopulation

There is a need to focus more on victim support and trauma Informed policing. Victim support has emerged as a pivotal aspect of addressing crime and trauma. As societyÊs awareness of the profound impact of these experiences grows, there has been a shift towards acknowledging victims as individuals who need assistance.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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THE surge in human resources demands parallel growth in a nation’s population, playing a pivotal role in its economic and social trajectory. In Pakistan, this intricate relationship manifests as both a producer and a consumer of human capital. The consequential strain on resources has rendered the country economically strained. The sheer magnitude of the population impedes the government’s ability to meet the escalating demands for goods, leading to a worrisome imbalance in supply and demand and subsequently, soaring inflation. To address this conundrum, it is imperative for the government to implement strategic measures. Instituting restrictions on family size is a practical step to mitigate the strain on resources. Encouraging a limit to the number of children per family, perhaps to just two, can pave the way for a more sustainable demographic landscape. Such measures are essential for steering Pakistan away from the brink of overpopulation and fostering a balanced environment for economic and social development. SOBAN ASHRAF AWARAN

Coal power

DESPITE the fact that coal is ‘dirty’, it is used widely in India, China and the United States for the purpose. This is because of advanced coalcleaning technology at their disposal. The harmful elements are removed before the coal is used. If used properly, local coal can be used to produce more than half of our electricity requirement. SHAKIR LAKHANI KARACHI

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

A complex alignment in the Middle East

Friday, 24 November, 2023

Iran and Turkey are key

Dr MuhaMMaD akraM Zaheer

AMAs’ october 7 attack has shaken a fragile regional order in the Middle east. Worried that the conflict could escalate into a regional war, the UsA has dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean. An additional 900 Us troops have been deployed to the Us. Central Command area of operations to bolster defenses. The seemingly renewed Us commitment to the Middle east has already created apprehensions in Turkey and Iran. The leadership of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) sees the UsA’s unconditional support for Israel as an obstacle to its own efforts to deescalate the situation. Iran’s ruling elites have called the UsA Israel’s “indisputable accomplice” in the “massacre of Gaza’s civilians.” Beyond their rhetorical criticism of the lack of American leadership in pressuring Israel for a ceasefire, Ankara and Tehran are worried that a stronger Us presence in the Middle east is detrimental to them. The war in Gaza might, depending on its longevity, help close the ranks between Turkey and Iran, given their shared objection to a Us-led regional and world order. Yet there are serious limitations to a sustainable alliance. Both Ankara and Tehran have ties with Hamas, albeit of a different nature. Unlike its Western allies, Turkey does not consider Hamas a terrorist organization. In 2018, President Recep Tayyip erdoğan described it as part of the Palestinian resistance defending “the Palestinian homeland against an occupying power.” At the AKP’s “Big Palestine Rally” on oct0ber 28, a day before the Turkish Republic’s centennial, he repeated this. Ankara sees support for Hamas as part of its policy of defending the Palestinian cause. This policy stands on the AKP leadership’s ambitions for democracy promotion, peace mediation, and leadership of the ummah. To this end, Ankara has provided a safe haven

to its members (alongside other Muslim Brotherhoodaffiliated groups after the Arab uprisings) and supported their organizations operating in Turkey. Yet since 2020 the Turkish government has been cautious and distanced itself from Arab Islamists, including Hamas, to help repair relations with both Arab states and Israel. Yet Gaza has revealed the limits of Turkey’s rapprochement efforts, particularly with Israel. At the same time, its relations with Hamas also have little value as its ineffective efforts to mediate hostage negotiations demonstrate. Iran provides comprehensive political, economic, and military support to Hamas. Tehran is ostensibly trying to take advantage of the changing regional circumstances and the growing anti-Israeli sentiment in the Muslim world triggered by Israel’s disproportionate and indiscriminate assault on Gaza. In his unexpected appearance at the UN General Assembly on october 26, Iranian foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian noted Iran’s readiness, along with Turkey and Qatar, to play a role in securing the release of Hamas’ civilian hostages. During the first week of the Gaza conflict, the presidents and foreign ministers of Iran and Turkey engaged in separate discussions. Amir-Abdollahian visited Turkey on November 1, meeting with President erdoğan and foreign Minister Hakan fidan. Beyond relations with Hamas, Turkey and Iran have other overlapping interests. Both are disturbed by the American presence in syria. Ankara sees the UsA’s continued support for Kurds in northern syria as an obstacle to its efforts to prevent Kurdish autonomy under the Democratic Union Party and the People’s Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey views as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Both the UsA and Turkey regard the PKK as a terrorist organization. Recently, Turkish foreign Minister fidan justified Ankara’s position on Hamas by referencing the Us stance regarding the YPG in syria. for Iran, challenging the UsA in syria is part of its broader foreign policy goal of “expelling the UsA from the region.” Tehran sees the American efforts to augment its forces around the syrian-Iraqi border as a threat to its hard-won land access to syria via Iraq. An ally of syria’s Bashar al-Assad, Iran also believes the syrian regime won’t be able to re-establish full control of the country if parts remain in external hands. even though Tehran considers both the UsA and Turkey as occupying forces in syria, it feels that its disagreements with Turkey can be managed diplomatically. In fact, Tehran, along with Moscow, has been trying to mediate between Damascus and Ankara, albeit with no result. Interests might also be starting to align in the south Caucasus under the shadow of an ongoing Iranian-Turkish rivalry. After Iran’s perception of the Turkish and Azeri-supported Zangezur corridor as a joint Turkish-Us plot against it, its warnings to Azerbaijan

The Netherlands underestimated the far right – and Geert Wilders’ victory is the result

to avoid “any change in the geopolitics of the region,” and its concern about Israel’s military support for Azerbaijan, Turkish and Azeri officials lately appear open to replacing the Zangezur corridor with a route passing through Iran. Thus, Tehran has embraced the so-called 3+3 initiative, a proposal by Ankara that includes Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia along with Turkey, Iran, and Russia. Tehran hosted their foreign ministers, aside from Georgia’s, on october 23. for Tehran, this initiative aims to “address regional challenges without the intervention of trans-regional and Western powers.” so far, it seems that both Turkey and Russia are aligned with Iran in shaping regional dynamics in the south Caucasus without Western interference. Ankara and Tehran converge on their working assumptions about a changing world order. Turkey’s ruling elites believe “the West has increasingly become estranged from the rest of the world on issues including relations with China, migration and terror, and the shift in economic gravity from the West to the east.” Recent statements from top Iranian officials, including supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also suggest they perceive a decline in the UsA’s global role and influence, anticipating a shift toward a non-Western global order. Yet Ankara and Tehran do not only converge on the assumptions. Both the AKP and the Iranian leadership challenge the coherence and viability of Western institutions. Turkey does this in three ways. first, as a talking point in its foreign policy, it criticizes the structure of the United Nations security Council. It also demands an international order that “treats every nation on an equal footing.” second, it has emerged as a widely accepted disruptive actor within NATo. Its procrastination on advancing sweden’s membership application is the most recent example. finally, it engages with organizations such as the China-led sCo and forms its own multilateral arrangements, like the Astana format, alongside Russia and Iran. Meanwhile, Iran has consistently advocated a shift away from Western-dominated international structures. Iran sees the current international landscape as an opportunity to strengthen ties with emerging powers, like its strategic partnership with China, membership in the sCo and BRICs, and military support for Russia in the Ukraine war. for Ankara and Tehran, the rapidly unfolding events since october 7 seem to have created an opening confirming these revisionist assumptions and efforts. The myth of Israel’s invincibility has been broken, and with it, the Us government’s efforts to recalibrate the regional order by facilitating Arab-Israeli normalization have been disrupted, if not scrapped in the near term. Many in the so-called Global south are disillusioned by the unequivocal support the UsA and the eU give Israel. Israel’s refusal to issue visas for UN officials to

GUARDIAN

cas MuDDe

Wo things were already clear months before Dutch election day: the Netherlands would have a new prime minister and dozens of new parliamentarians. forty sitting members of parliament, a quarter of the Tweede Kamer (lower house), and, even more striking, three of the four leaders of the outgoing conservative-led coalition had announced their departure from national politics. Ironically, in this sea of electoral change, it was the farright mainstay, Geert Wilders, the soon-to-be longestsitting MP, who would emerge the big winner. How do we make sense of the political earthquake that has put Wilders and his PVV party in first place and how will it affect Dutch and european politics? The first, and most important, lesson is one that Dutch politicians in particular should have known, as it has happened over and over again in the past three decades in the Netherlands and throughout western europe. If you make the elections about the issues of the far right, notably the “problem” of immigration, the far right wins. We saw this most recently in sweden. Another similarity with last year’s swedish elections is that if you make elections about the far right’s suitability to govern, the far right wins. In the last week of the campaign, as the PVV made its shocking surge in the polls, article after article proclaimed the “milder tone” of Wilders, who had allegedly softened his “sharp edges”. In fact, always witty, but rarely critical, the Dutch media even started to refer to him as Geert Milders. In reality, and as Wilders emphasised several times, there was no change in programme but one in strategy. He has not moderated his extreme positions about immigration or Islam, let alone rejected them. Rather, he has said that there are “bigger problems” than limiting immigration at the moment. Ultimately responsible for Wilders’ massive victory is, ironically, his personal nemesis, Mark Rutte, the outgoing conservative (VVD) prime minister who decided to blow up his coalition over the specific issue of asylum seekers. By moving the focus from a controversy over farmers’ use of nitrogen and the (alleged) urban-rural divide – which propelled the agrarian populist BBB party to a massive victory in provincial elections earlier this year – back to immigration and the alleged native-immigrant divide, Rutte’s VVD had hoped to dominate the campaign. Instead, as always, it is the far-right PVV that has won. As Jean-Marie Le Pen said almost half a century ago, the people prefer the original over the copy. Moreover, when Rutte’s successor in the VVD leadership, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, opened the door

Cas Mudde is the Stanley Wade Shelton UGAF professor of international affairs at the University of Georgia and an adjunct professor at the Center for Research on Extremism (C-Rex) at the University of Oslo

What is happening to children in Gaza would not have been allowed by the West if the children had been blonde and blue-eyed

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TaBish khair

f criticising Israel makes me anti-semitic, then, surely, criticising saudi Arabia, or Iran, would make me Islamophobic. one can even argue, as some politically charged Indians do, that by the same logic, criticising the policies of the Indian government will make you Hindu-phobic. No, thank you. I prefer to retain my human and citizen’s right to criticise any and all of these nations and their governments. Actually, I note that such criticism is essential for democracy to survive – or actually, revive – and only real or closet fascists would argue otherwise. I was born in a Muslim family in India: both my parents were secular but believing and practicing Muslims. I grew up with an ingrained opposition to the use of religion in politics, and hence to all kinds of Islamism, partly because my parents believed that religion had to be left to the individual and their god. faith was, for them, a matter of the human heart, which only god could read, and had no place either on the streets or in Parliaments. When I passed my matriculation in the first division, and the usual sweets were being shared with family members and other visitors, an old and distant relative from my ancestral village said to me in Urdu: “Well done, son.

CNN ANCHOR CLAIMS GAZA IS IN ISRAEL

ELECTRONICINTIFADA.NET Michael F. Brown

oes Dana Bash believe Gaza is in Israel? It certainly sounded that way when she wrapped up a segment on Tuesday by referring to “Gaza, which is in the southwest of Israel.” Gaza, of course, is not part of Israel, though Israeli expansionists certainly lay illegal claim to it. Bash did not respond to my inquiry on the subject asking for a correction. The erroneous geography comes from the CNN journalist who has been most insistent that the chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is anti-semitic. Initially, she relied on the anti-Palestinian Anti-Defamation League to assert the case. Now, she makes the claim on her own, ascribing antisemitism to millions of advocates for equal rights between the river and the sea, including Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. And she gives cover to Twitter/X owner elon Musk, saying, “But he said something about from the river to the sea, which is an antisemitic chant, full stop, that when he sees that or when that is up there, it will be policed.” she then pointed out that Musk is, however, posting clear right-wing anti-semitism. Musk’s right-wing bigotry was quickly given cover

The writer has a PhD in Political Science and can be reached at akramzaheer86@yahoo.com

Criticising Iran is not Islamophobic. So why should criticising Israel be anti-Semitic?

Media complacency and outgoing PM Mark Rutte’s decision to campaign on immigration have created a political earthquake

to a possible coalition with Wilders, in the hope of becoming prime minister of such a coalition, she helped his normalisation, which was eagerly taken up by Dutch journalists who were bored by the low-profile campaign. To be fair, Wilders made excellent use of these opportunities, showing his exceptional political experience and skills in interviews and debates. still, while open to governing with Wilders, Yeşilgöz-Zegerius was adamant in the final days of the campaign that she would not govern under him. Given that the anti-establishment Pieter omtzigt and his centrist New social Contract (NsC) party had ruled out working with Wilders’ PVV altogether, Wilders’ electoral victory could yet convert to political defeat. In fact, the magnitude of his victory, and his party’s huge lead over the VVD, which came in third, could force the latter to join an anti-Wilders coalition along with frans Timmermans’ leftist Greens/social Democrat alliance and omtzigt’s new movement. The main problem with this, however, is that the Greens/social Democrats (GL/PvdA), as that coalition’s biggest party, will certainly claim the prime ministerial position for Timmermans. Moreover, with the VVD leader YeşilgözZegerius having reached out to Wilders but rejected Timmermans because she said he would “tax the country to pieces”, a coalition under Timmermans could lead to a major backlash among VVD members and voters. After almost 25 years of catering to far-right voters, allegedly to defeat far-right parties, a far-right party is by far the biggest party in parliament. Perhaps now, more than 20 years after the rise of Pim fortuyn, the country can finally start an honest and open discussion about its far-right problem.

protest the UN chief’s indirect criticism only sharpens the view in Ankara and Tehran that international institutions are dysfunctional. All of this might pave the way to closing the ranks between various revisionists. for instance, Hamas leaders visited Moscow on october 26. Iranian Deputy foreign Minister Ali Bagheri was also there and met the Hamas delegation. Meanwhile, in a speech mentioning the “guarantor formula” that Turkey has proposed, Turkish foreign Minister fidan stressed the importance of a “potentially unified position between China and Russia, as U.N. security Council members” toward a peaceful resolution. Yet there are obvious limits to the emergence of an “Axis of Revisionism.” foremost, Turkey remains a NATo member. Amid all that is happening in Gaza, erdoğan approved sweden’s NATo membership and sent the bill to Parliament for ratification. Being a member of the Western security architecture allows Turkey to be more flexible. Its NATo membership enables Ankara’s so-called balancing act between its Western allies and Russia. Unlike Iran’s revolutionary revisionism, Turkey’s revisionism is reformist. Ankara also sees Tehran’s non-state allies as a potential threat in syria and Iraq. As long as the war in Gaza continues, the common threat posed by the return of the UsA to the Middle east might override Tehran’s and Ankara’s competing interests and prevent a potential clash. In fact, both actors want to reshape their common neighbourhood, taking advantage of the transitional state of global politics against the backdrop of the wars in Ukraine and now in Gaza. once a new order prevails, their rivalry for regional influence will resurface. Last, the commitment by other revisionist actors is not guaranteed. Russia benefits from supporting further cooperation between Turkey and Iran and will likely try to capitalize on it with the aim of sidelining Western actors. Yet it is unclear whether it has the capacity for this. Also, despite Russia’s controversial stance vis-à-vis Israel in the current conflict, there’s no evidence Moscow plans to totally overhaul its Israel policy. China may also find Iranian-Turkish rapprochement useful, but it too needs to accommodate the Gulf states and, therefore, acts more carefully. overall, Iranian and Turkish interests seem to be increasingly aligning, particularly in their united front against Israel’s actions toward Hamas and in opposing the resurgence of a UsA-led regional order. However, their historical competition for strategic dominance in areas like Iraq and syria, coupled with the distinct forms of revisionism that the AKP and Iranian leadership champion, suggests that any emerging alliance might remain tenuous and susceptible to strains in the mid to long term.

by the Anti-Defamation League’s Ceo Jonathan Greenblatt when he applauded Musk’s announced move against the term “decolonization” and the “from the river to the sea” slogan. Bash appears to be right there with Musk and Greenblatt on shutting down free speech for those favoring equal rights between the river and the sea. It’s the Palestine free speech exception on steroids. The CNN anchor, of course, doesn’t highlight Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s antiPalestinian racism. she ignored his decision to display cartographic props at the UN in september, including a map of an expanded “Israel in 1948” (sweeping up Gaza and the West Bank), and a 2023 map of Israel controlling all the land between the river and the sea. The 2023 map further included the occupied Golan Heights from syria. Netanyahu tweeted at the time that it’s the great privilege of his life to fight for “our country,” clearly signifying with the accompanying map that he thinks the apartheid country extends from the river to the sea. Bash and CNN are giving Netanyahu a pass – precisely as she did on 12 November when she interviewed the prime minister and ignored his map of an expansive Israel and failed to question him vigorously on the number of Palestinian children killed during Israel’s onslaught against Gaza.

Keep up your dutiful/righteous struggle.” The word this old gentleman, literate only in Urdu and Quranic Arabic, used for “dutiful/righteous struggle” was “jihad”. I was surprised. No one in my family, despite the fact that most of them were practicing Muslims, had ever used the word. soon, I realised why they did not use the word. It was not because they did not want me to struggle in a righteous manner. Actually, my parents always urged me to “do your duty towards others” and to struggle for the better in a truthful and upright manner. They knew – as did other members of my family – that the word for such a righteous struggle was “jihad”. But they never used that word, because they also knew that the word – despite its innocent origins – had since been contaminated by its use by some fundamentalist Muslims to espouse aggression against non-Muslims and Muslims who differed in their interpretations of Islam. This, actually, is the reason why I have been and remain opposed to any form of political Islam – official, as in shia Iran or sunni-Wahhabi saudi Arabia, or populist, as by Hamas or Hezbollah. such political use of religion prevents other people from following the faith, or the version of the faith, that they consider true for themselves. Hence, as someone born a Muslim, I have in the past criticised all versions of political Islam, whether by populist parties (despite some of them also fighting against oppression) or by states like Iran or saudi Arabia. I want to retain that option for the future too. Also, as an Indian, I want to retain the option of criticising or refusing to accept the position of any political party, regardless of whether it runs the government of my nation or not. This is essential for a democracy. I refuse to be called Islamophobic or Hinduphobic just because I peacefully but actively exercise my rights as a citizen and a human being. so many in the West no longer seem to understand this. I am not sure if even Joe Biden, President of what is called “the greatest democracy in the World”, understands this. At least, I can say with certainty and a degree of pride, that my parents, despite not being politically active at all, were either more intelligent or more honest than Biden. Because when Biden claimed that he is a “Zionist”, the implication was that “Zion” simply refers to a state of peace and well-being, like what Ram-rajya is supposed to be in India. But this is just as true as the claim that “jihad” only refers to a dutiful or righteous struggle. As my parents implicitly understood, the original or “real” meaning of jihad had been overlaid and contaminated by the violent actions of some Muslims and hence it could no longer be used “innocently”. Why is it that Biden, or people like him, fail to understand this about “Zion”? Because “Zionism” can no longer be used innocently either. It is a word that drips blood now: starting with tensions sowed by British colonial policies in the region that culminated in the Nakba of 1948, when almost a million Palestinians were driven from their homes by Zionists, through various conflicts and violence by Zionist settlers, to the current conflagration, when, as a Norwegian humanitarian doctor puts it, what is happening to children in Gaza would not have been allowed by the West if the children had been blonde and blue-eyed. Because of that history, I retain the right – no, I exercise the duty – to criticise Israel’s Zionist policies. It does not make me anti-semitic, just as my criticism of Iran, saudi Arabia or Hamas does not make me Islamophobic. If anything, my criticism honours those who have been murdered by fascist forces in the past: not just Palestinian civilians being lightly killed in Israel’s war against Hamas today, but also the six million Jews murdered by Hitler.

Tabish Khair is an associate professor in the Department of English, University of Aarhus, Denmark.

06 News -24-11-2023 (ISB)_Layout 1 11/23/2023 10:45 PM Page 1

06 NEWS

ISRAEL-HAMAS 4-DAY TRUCE AND HOSTAGE RELEASE POSTPONED BY AT LEAST ONE DAY

GAZA

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SRAEL said a four-day truce with Hamas and hostage release will not start until at least Friday, delaying a breakthrough deal to stop the incessant bombardment of Gaza. Israel and Hamas agreed early on Wednesday to a truce in Gaza for at least four days, to let in humanitarian aid and free at least 50 hostages held by Hamas in the enclave in exchange for at least 150 Palestinians jailed in Israel. Hamas political bureau member Mousa Abu Marzouq had said the truce was expected to start at 10am (08:00

Wednesday, 15 November, 2023 | KARACHI

GMT) today while mediator Qatar had expected the commencement of the “humanitarian pause” to be announced within 24 hours. Today, Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated the release of at least 50 Israeli and foreign hostages is still on track, but would not happen as expected. “The negotiations on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly,” he said in a statement released by the prime minister’s office. “The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday,” it said. White House spokesperson Adri-

enne Watson said final logistical details for the release were being worked out. “That is on track and we are hopeful that implementation will begin on Friday morning,” she added. A Palestinian official told AFP that a delay was due to “last minute” details over which hostages would be released and how. He said the truce had been put back as “the names of the Israeli hostages and the modalities of their release”, said the official, who has knowledge of the negotiation process but asked to remain anonymous. Lists of those to be freed had been exchanged by both sides, he added. Meanwhile, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said that

implementation of the accord “continues and is going positively”. He said the truce agreement that was reached will be concluded in the coming hours. The delay is a hammer blow to families desperate to see their loved ones return home and to two million-plus Gazans praying for an end to 47 days of intense bombardment and deprivation. More than 14,000 Gazans have been killed, around 40 per cent of them children, according to medical officials. There was no let-up in the fighting early on Thursday, reports said. Palestinian media said Israeli aircraft and artillery struck Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis in at least two waves and 15 people were killed.

China warns US, Philippines against consequences if its sovereignty targeted BEIJING

Staff CorreSpondent

China has warned the US and the Philippines that their recent joint naval patrols near Chinese territorial waters should not harm China’s sovereignty and maritime interests, with analysts saying the military activities by Washington and Manila showed the two countries have no sincerity to ease tension. Chinese military experts said the vessels and aircrafts that are participating in the patrol showed poor combat capability and lack of effective collaborative capacity between the Filipino and US navies, and tactically, they are unable to bring a significant challenge to China’s advantage in law enforcement and national defense over relevant regions. In fact, the analysts noted, the US intends to use the Philippines to complicate regional issues even further, while other regional countries choose to solve disputes with China by negotiation. The US also wants to strengthen its military presence around the Taiwan Straits to provoke

China over the Taiwan question. Mao Ning, a spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, when asked about the latest military acts by the US and the Philippines, told a routine daily press conference on Wednesday that “the Chinese side has made clear about the stance toward the Philippines and the US,” saying that the patrol should not

harm China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The militaries of the Philippines and the US launched joint patrols on Tuesday in waters near the island of Taiwan, officials of Manila said, Reuters reported, saying that this could be a move to “fan further tension with China.” Security engagements between Wash-

ington and Manila have soared this year, including a decision to almost double the number of Philippine bases the American military can access, some of which are facing the island of Taiwan, and their largest-ever joint military drill in April, according to the report. This week’s three-day joint air and maritime exercise was a “significant initiative” to boost interoperability between the two, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said, Reuters reported. Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told media that Washington and Manila want to show their alliance is strong and stable. “When the US wants to use its ally to present its military hegemony in the relevant waters, the Philippines is trying to use the US military presence to back its illegal claim over the South China Sea, and Manila also wants Washington to provide more military assistances.” “China will be calm in handling the situation. We urge the US and the Philippines to keep their promise, and the US

Israel arrests Al-Shifa director, orders evacuation of Indonesian Hospital GAZA

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Mohammad Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital – the largest medical facility in Gaza – was arrested by the Israeli army on Thursday, Al Jazeera reported. Evacuation orders were also given to the Indonesian Hospital, another major hospital in the besieged enclave. Citing a doctor and media reports, it said that Salmiya was arrested along with several other “senior doctors”, Khalid Abu Samra, a department chief at the hospital, told the AFP news agency earlier today. The hospital director’s arrest was also reported by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority and was confirmed in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by Salmiya’s cousin, Adham Abu Selmiya. “Dr Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the director of alShifa medical complex, has been arrested by the Israeli occupation forces. And even earlier, two Palestinian paramedics had been arrested by the Israeli occupation forces,” Al Jazeera reporter Tareq Abu Azzoum reported from southern Gaza. “This gives a clear sign that there is no immunity inside the Gaza Strip, neither for medical workers, civil defence crews or even journalists, as the attacks have reached all classes in the Palestinian community.” The hospital has recently been the major focus of the Israeli army’s operation against Hamas – the Palestinian resistance group that launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Indonesian charity Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C), which funded the Indonesia Hospital in Gaza when it was built in 2011, says the hospital has been completely evacuated and its volunteers moved to Rafah. Earlier, the director-general of Gaza’s Health Ministry, who was inside the hospital, said the Israeli army warned people in the facility to evacuate it in four hours. “The Indonesia Hospital is now empty, and our volunteers have been moved to a school near the European Hospital in Rafah,” Sarbini Abdul Murad, the head of MER-C, told Al Jazeera. “The doctors and the wounded were moved to the European Hospital. Our volunteers are sheltering at a

school with thousands of others.” ‘FOUR-DAY TRUCE’ Israel said a four-day Gaza truce and hostage release will not start until at least Friday, stalling a breakthrough deal to pause the conflict with Hamas. Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated the release of at least 50 Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas was still on track, but would not happen on Thursday as expected. “The contacts on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly,” he said in a statement. “The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday.” A second Israeli official said that a temporary halt in fighting would also not begin on Thursday. The delay is a hammer blow to families desperate to see their loved ones return home and to two million-plus Gazans praying for an end to 47 days of war, deprivation and brutal Israeli attacks focused on civilian targets. The complex and carefully choreographed deal saw Israel and Hamas agree a four-day truce, during which at least 50 hostages taken in the Palestinian militant group’s deadly October 7 attacks would be released. For every 10 additional hostages released, there would be an extra day’s “pause” in fighting, an Israeli government document said. Three Americans, including three-year-old Abigail Mor Idan, were among those earmarked for release. In turn, Israel would release at least 150 Palestinian women and children and allow more humanitarian aid into the besieged coastal territory after weeks of bombardment and heavy fighting. It was not immediately clear what caused the delay, which came after weeks of talks involving Israel, Palestinian resistance groups, Qatar, Egypt and the United States. Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said Thursday that implementation of the accord “continues and is going positively.” “The truce agreement that was reached will be concluded in the coming hours,” he said. The agreement has been approved by Hamas leaders and by Israel — despite fierce opposition from some within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing

government. Minister for National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir described the deal as a “historic mistake” that would embolden Hamas and risk the lives of Israeli troops. Around 240 captives were taken by Hamas and other Palestinian gunmen during bloody raids into Israel on October 7. The attack prompted a blistering and barbaric Israeli offensive into Gaza, which authorities there say has killed more than 14,000 people, thousands of them children. Netanyahu has backed the agreement with Hamas, but vowed the truce will be temporary and will not end the campaign to destroy Hamas. “We are winning and will continue to fight until absolute victory,” he said on Wednesday, vowing to secure Israel from threats emanating from Gaza and Lebanon, home to Hezbollah. Tensions rose on Israel’s northern border early Thursday, after Hezbollah said five fighters, including the son of a senior lawmaker, had been killed. Since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, the frontier between Lebanon and Israel has seen almost daily exchanges of fire, raising fears the Gaza war fuel a regionwide conflagration. Israel’s army said in statements Wednesday evening that it had struck a number of Hezbollah targets, including a “terrorist cell” and infrastructure. In Washington, the White House said President Joe Biden had spoken to Netanyahu on Wednesday and “emphasised the importance of maintaining calm along the Lebanese border as well as in the West Bank.” The White House has pressed Israel not to escalate clashes with Hezbollah, for fear of sparking a war that could drag in US and Iranian forces. Biden also spoke to the leaders of Qatar and Egypt Wednesday, as he pushed for the truce to be “fully implemented” and to “ultimately secure the release of all hostages.” Families on both sides grappled with a lack of clarity over how the releases would unfold. Israel’s list of eligible Palestinian prisoners included 123 detainees under 18 and 33 women. In Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, displaced Palestinians remained skeptical about the Israel-Hamas deal.

China to further contribute to global economic recovery, prosperity NEW DELHI

Staff CorreSpondent

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday that China is determined to make greater contributions to global economic recovery and prosperity by sharing its own development opportunities with the world. Li made the remarks in his speech at the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit, which was chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit aimed to discuss the implementation of the leaders’ declaration made at the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi, share views and enhance cooperation on critical challenges. Li called on the G20 members to give high priority to development cooperation to achieve robust, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth of the world economy and oppose the politicization of development issues. Created in 1999, the G20 is a leading forum for international cooperation, com-

prising 19 countries plus the European Union and the African Union (AU). It works to address major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation and sustainable development. At September’s summit in New

Delhi, members vowed to jointly address current global crises with unity and cooperation. They also granted permanent member status to the AU, reflecting the growing importance they attach to the Global South. More practical measures should be

taken to implement the consensus reached at this year’s G20 Summit to gain more tangible results, Li noted in Wednesday’s speech. Echoing his previous remarks at the summit in September stressing increased representation for developing countries in international affairs, Li said that it is necessary to coordinate and cooperate more closely, revitalize multilateralism, and “pay more attention to the concerns of developing countries in the reform of the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund.” CHINA TO FURTHER CONTRIBUTE TO WORLD ECONOMIC RECOVERY Noting all G20 members should take the responsibility inherent in being major international and regional players, Li said that China stands ready to work with all parties to uphold the original aspiration of cooperation, respond to the call of the times, and forge ahead to create a better future for humanity.

Ambulances on standby as Indian rescuers near 41 trapped workers

NEW DELHI afp

Ambulances were on standby on Thursday morning as Indian rescuers dug through the final metres of debris separating them from 41 workers trapped in a collapsed road tunnel for nearly two weeks. Rescue teams have specially fitted stretchers with wheels, ready to pull out the exhausted men through 57 metres (187 feet) of steel pipe — once it is finally driven through the final section of the tonnes of earth, concrete and rubble blocking their freedom. Emergency vehicles and a field hospital stood ready, AFP journalists at the site said, preparing to receive the men who have been trapped since a portion of the under-construction tunnel in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand caved in 12 days ago. “We have done rehearsals on how to get people safely out”, National Disaster Response Force chief Atul Karwal told reporters on Thursday. “The boys will go in first,” he said. “We have put wheels under the stretchers so that when we go in, we can get the people out one by one on the stretcher — we are prepared in every way,” he said. ‘READY TO HANDLE IT’ After days of painfully slow progress, engineers with a powerful drilling machine made a sudden rapid advance on Wednesday, before teams had to work through the night to cut through metal rods blocking the route. Drilling resumed on Thursday. “The 10 to 12 metres (32-39 feet) remaining … we don’t know what can come up, but we are ready to handle it,” Karwal said. “If everything is alright, tonight this operation will be over,” he said, adding that the trapped men were “keeping up their morale”. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the work was on a “war footing”, with a “team of doctors, ambulances, helicopters and a field hospital” all set up. Rescuers are hoping for a breakthrough within hours, although the government has also repeatedly warned any timelines were “subject to change due to technical glitches, the challenging Himalayan terrain, and unforeseen emergencies”. Inside the Silkyara tunnel entrance, an AFP journalist said the site was a flurry of activity. Worried relatives have gathered outside the site, where a Hindu shrine has been erected, with a priest holding prayers for the safe rescue of the trapped men. “The day they will come out of the tunnel, it will be the biggest, happiest day for us,” said Chanchal Singh Bisht, 35, whose 24-year-old cousin Pushkar Singh Ary is trapped inside. Rescue efforts have been hampered by falling debris as well as repeated breakdowns of crucial heavydrilling machines. In case the route through the main tunnel entrance does not work, rescuers also started blasting and drilling from the far end of the unfinished tunnel, nearly half a kilometre (over a quarter of a mile) long. Preparations have also been made for a risky vertical shaft directly above. The workers were seen alive for the first time on Tuesday, peering into the lens of an endoscopic camera sent by rescuers down a thin pipe through which air, food, water and electricity are being delivered. The tunnel is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s infrastructure project aimed at cutting travel times between some of the most popular Hindu sites in the country, as well as improving access to strategic areas bordering rival China. But experts have warned about the impact of extensive construction in Uttarakhand, large parts of which are prone to landslides.

Friday, 24 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

CORPORATE CORNER

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Dr Syed Jafar Ahmed, Dr Rashid Jamal, Aamir Zia and Saeed Sarbazi met Chinese Consulate General Mr Yang Yungdong at Consulate Office and discussed issues regarding CPEC in detail. PR

SNGPL crackdown on gas pilferers continues in Punjab, KP and Islamabad

LAHORE: During the ongoing crackdown against gas pilferers, SNGPL continued raids in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, disconnecting another 85 connections while 175 under billing cases processed ;Rs 13.5 million fine imposed In Lahore, the regional team disconnected 17 connections on illegal use of gas and another 5 on use of compressor. The team also imposed 0fine of Rs 0.55 million against gas theft cases.In Bahawalpur the company disconnected 2 connections on use of compressor, 20 under billing cases have been processed one connection on illegal use and amount of Rs 0.04 million against Under billing cases.The regional team in Multan disconnected 1 connection on illegal use of gas,53 Under billing cases have been processed.The team imposed fine of Rs 0.04 million against gas pilferes. PR

COMPANY CONFRONTS A COST OVERRUN OF RS180.382B IN 42 PROJECTS PROFIT

MONITORING DESK

HE National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) came under scrutiny from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) during a two-day public hearing for its revised Transmission Investment Plan (TIP) for 2023-2025, amounting to Rs 510.105 billion. The plan faced criticism for perceived inadequate allocation to Sindh and Balochistan, prompting dissatisfaction among Nepra members. Deputy Managing Director of NTDC, Qaisar Ahmad Khan, led the response team, addressing questions raised by Nepra’s technical team and provincial representatives. Initially submitting a Rs 370 billion investment plan for fiscal years 2022-23 to 2024-25 on September 23, 2022, NTDC verbally communicated a revised plan. The detailed revision was subsequently shared by the General Manager Technical of NTDC. The revised investment plan outlined allocations for Special Economic Zones (SEZ), land acquisition

for solar plants, ongoing works, new projects, and completed projects. NTDC aims to undertake 99 projects, contributing to a 55 percent increase in transmission capacity with the addition of 35,000 MVA, including laying 6,500 kilometers of new transmission lines. During the hearing, Nepra members expressed dissatisfaction with NTDC’s allocation percentages to Balochistan and Sindh. Questions were raised about investment parameters in different provinces, particularly Sindh. In response, Deputy Managing Director NTDC, Qaisar Khan, explained that the data was obtained from Discos, emphasizing NTDC’s limited responsibility for faults outside its purview. He cited the example of the Neelum Jhelum hydropower project, attributing issues beyond NTDC’s control, such as a tunnel collapse. Nepra raised concerns about the blackout issues primarily affecting the southern parts of the country, emphasizing the need for investment in areas with existing system constraints. The regulator criticised the absence of proposals for southern regions in NTDC’s plan. NTDC’s investment plan includes critical trans-

Nestlé Pakistan wins Sustainability Awards

ISLAMABAD: Nestlé Pakistan won two top awards in the categories of Gender Equity and Agri Tech & Food Security at the Sustainability Awards hosted by Sustainable Policy Development Institute (SDPI).Nestlé Pakistan’s recognition in the two categories were for its Creating Shared Value (CSV) initiatives, the Nestlé-BISP Rural Women Sales Program that has supported 2800 rural women to achieve financial empowerment with the ambition to reach 5000 women by 2025; and Smart Soil Moisture Sensors on 548 acres, which assist farmers detect the sub-soil moisture level, helping Nestlé achieve its Waters Pledge of regenerating the water used by its Waters Business tohave a net positive impact by 2025.The awards were aimed at honoring exemplary efforts and achievements in the corporate sector and civil society organizations, “recognizing and celebrating sustainability achievements vital in fostering positive change and inspiring a collective commitment towards a sustainable future”. The winners were selected by an independent panel of esteemed experts and thought leaders who evaluated the nominated cases studies. SDPI hosted the 26th Sustainable Development Conference in Islamabad, where Nestlé with SDPI also jointly hosted a plenary on Climate Change & Food Security: Does regenerative agriculture offer hope in despair, under this year’s theme Light at the End of the Tunnel. PR

HBL becomes signatory to United Nations women empowerment principles

KARACHI: HBL has become a signatory to the United Nations Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a set of seven principles developed by UN Women and the UN Global Compact. The WEPs framework offers guidance to businesses on how to advance gender equality and women's empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. This initiative is in line with HBL’s diversity agenda and its vision of creating a more diverse and equitable workforce. HBL has always considered diversity as a key pillar to its growth and takes pride in integrating females within its workforce. WEPs are a primary vehicle for corporate delivery on gender equality dimensions of the 2030 agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Established by UN Women and UN Global Compact, the WEPs are informed by international labor and human rights standards and grounded in the recognition that businesses have a stake in, and responsibility for, gender equality and women’s empowerment. PR

mission projects, power evacuation schemes, and system reinforcements. Challenges such as right-ofway issues, community resistance, lack of compensation policies, and inadequate legal frameworks have led to delays, penalties, loan problems, and increased project costs. The plan encompasses constraint removal schemes in various regions, addressing under-utilisation issues of high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) lines and power plants in the south. The financial impact of system constraints remains challenging to determine precisely due to operational dependencies like fuel cost variations and actual electricity dispatch. NTDC is confronting a cost overrun of Rs180.382 billion in 42 projects, attributing it to factors such as significant dollar escalation and projected future expenditure on yet-to-start projects. Currency devaluation, particularly the USD-PKR trend, has contributed to substantial increases in project costs, highlighting the difficulties faced by NTDC in managing infrastructure development plans amid an economically volatile environment.

Chinese giant BYD shows interest in Pakistan’s electric vehicle sector g

CARETAKER MINISTER FOR COMMERCE BRIEFS BYD DELEGATES ON GOVT'S POLICY AND SIFC

BankIslami partners with PAFLA to empower freelancers nationwide

KARACHI: BankIslami Pakistan Limited proudly announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Pakistan Freelancers' Association (PAFLA),marking a significant milestone in facilitating the burgeoning freelance community in Pakistan.This collaboration aims to revolutionize financial services for freelancers, offering a dedicated Freelance Account Opening service. BankIslami takes the lead as the first financial institution to introduce a Foreign Currency (FCY) debit card designed specifically for individual freelancers and software houses against their specialized exporter foreign currency retention account. This innovative offering empowers freelancers to manage their earnings seamlessly in multiple currencies. “BankIslami is committed to fostering innovation and exclusivity within Pakistan's dynamic freelance community. Our partnership with The Pakistan Freelancers' Association marks a pivotal step towards providing tailored financial solutions for the growing needs of freelancers. We believe in empowering individuals to thrive in the digital economy by offering dedicated services and innovative products, ensuring their financial success. PR

NTDC’S RS510B INVESTMENT PLAN FACES NEPRA SCRUTINY OVER REGIONAL ALLOCATIONS NEWS

PROFIT NEWS DESK

BYD, known as the world’s largest electric vehicles (EVs) manufacturer and a prominent Chinese auto conglomerate, has conveyed its “keen interest” in investing in Pakistan’s EV sector. This announcement follows a meeting between a delegation from BYD Company China, led by Cai

Xiao Xu, Head of Dealer Division (South Asia), and Lei Jian, Country Head (Pakistan), with Sohail Rajput, Secretary at the Board of Investment (BoI). As a Fortune 500 company globally recognized for its presence in key industries, including automobile, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, BYD is currently on an exploratory visit to Pakistan. The visit, facilitated by the BoI, involves crucial meetings

with potential local partners. During the meeting, Secretary BOI welcomed BYD’s interest in the country, highlighting the significance of EVs in Pakistan. He assured the BYD delegation of the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating foreign investors. BYD, known as the world’s largest EV manufacturer, also engages in the production of various vehicles, including battery electric and hybrid cars, buses, trucks, battery-powered bicycles, forklifts, solar panels, and rechargeable batteries. Last month, Dr. Gohar Ejaz, Caretaker Minister for Commerce & Industries, mentioned that BYD is contemplating investment opportunities in Pakistan. The caretaker minister informed the BYD delegation about the government’s policy and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), expressing full support for their new ventures.

Consul General of Qatar Nayef Shahein R Al Sulaiti calls on Sindh Governor KARACHI PR

Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori has said that Qatar has always taken lead in providing relief to the people during any natural calamity in the province. This he said while talking with the newly appointed Consul General of Qatar at Karachi Nayef Shahein R M Al Sulaiti here today at Governor House. While expressing his best wishes, Governor Sindh welcomed the Consul General to Karachi and hoped that he would work to further cement the relations between Pakistan and Qatar. Governor Sindh invited in-

vestors from Qatar to invest in various fields in the economic hub of the country and gain profit from conducive environment for investment. Health, education energy are the sectors which could yield huge profits, he observed.

IESCO operation against electricity thieves continues without discrimination

The series of operations against electricity thieves continues without discrimination in all IESCO regions including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock and Chakwal Circles,with the cooperation of the police and district administration. During the ongoing operations 4640 electricity thieves have been fined more than 262 million across the region. While registering 585 FIRs 481 electricity thieves were arrested by the police while taking legal action against the concerned consumers. On the special instructions of Chief Executive Officer IESCO Dr Muhammad Amjad Khan and under the direct supervision of Chief Engineer Operation IESCO Muhammad Aslam Khan, IESCO Operation, M&T and Surveillance teams checked the meters of houses and colonies of IESCO officers and staff in all operation circles. CEO IESCO issued clear instructions to the detection teams that no one is above the law and if any IESCO officer or staff is found involved in electricity theft, strict action should be taken against him. Apart from this, orders have also been given to shift the meters installed in IESCO colonies to D-Boxes. PR

Later, the Consul General visited Bell of Hope, Taqatwar Pakstan ration bags, Quaid’s room and Marquee for IT students. He lauded public oriented projects of Governor Sindh and termed them as unique initiatives.

World should play role in stopping massacre of innocent Palestinians: Imam E Kaaba

ISLAMABAD: Imam Kaaba, H.E. Professor Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Thursday, said that the killing of human life is forbidden, Muslims are being massacred in the name of human rights in Gaza, the international community should respect the sanctity of human lives and they must act to stop the crimes in Gaza.He expressed these views during a special address at the international conference on the topic of "Protection of Human Life in Shariah and Law" held at the Faisal Masjid Campus of International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI).Imam e Haram said that the massacre of innocent people in Gaza is the darkest period in human history. He said that he prays for the end of the cruelty of the Muslims of Palestine. Imam e Kaaba said that special attention was paid to the sanctity of human life in Islam. He added that in Islamic Shari'ah and law, human life has special importance without distinction of belief. PR

Former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi receiving King Abdul Aziz Medal from Commander Western Region of Saudi Armed Forces in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. PR

NCRC urges political parties to prioritize child rights in manifestos

ISLAMABAD: In commemoration of World Children's Day, the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) has calls upon all political parties in Pakistan to prioritize child rights by incorporating a dedicated chapter on the "protection, promotion, and fulfillment of child rights" in their manifestos.Citing the National Commission on the Rights of Child Act, 2017, which empowers the NCRC to review laws, investigate violations, and advise the government on legislative and policy matters related to children's rights, the Commission stressed the crucial role of political parties in shaping policies and advocating for legislation that safeguards the rights of children in Pakistan. PR

Spreading tentacles of Indian global terrorist network to US, Canada alarming: Mushaal

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Human Rights and Women Empowerment Mushaal Hussein Mullick expressed alarm over the fast spreading tentacles of Indian Global Terrorist Network after the US thwarted plot to kill Sikh separatist on American soil, saying that the Indian genocide mongers and death squads became a threat to the world peace.Mushaal, who is also a wife of Kashmir's Revolutionary Liberation Leader Yasin Malik, pressed that the global community must apply pressure tactics on the supremacist Hindutva regime to stop butchery and genocide of Indian minorities. She vented shock that Indian Global Terrorist Network now expanded across the continents after a long-drawn-out and non-stop spree of target killings in Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and within India, which was evident from the coldblooded murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and the recent failed murder plot of another prominent Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. PR

Caretaker Sindh ministers meet Governor Tessori

KARACHI: Provincial Caretaker Minister for Tourism & Climate Change Arshad Wali Muhammad and Provincial Caretaker Miniser for Revenue & Industries Younus Dhaga called on Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori at Governor House. Improvement in facilities at tourism places, provision of conducive atmosphere for new industries, steps to increase provincial receipts and other matters of mutual interests were discussed in detail on the occasion.Governor Sindh stressed the need for ensuring improved facilitate at all tourist places for visitors coming from abroad and other parts of the country. He also emphasized on better infrastructure facilities in specially in industrial areas to motivate investors to invest.Provincial Caretaker Ministers briefed Governor Sindh about steps taken by them to improve the working of their respective departments. PR

Friday, 24 November, 2023

PAKISTAN SUPPORTS PROPOSAL OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE CONFERENCE ON PALESTINE: MOFA NEWS

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

AKISTAN on Thursday backed the proposal of international peace conference to restart peace process on Palestine. “Peace in the region can only be achieved with the implementation of relevant UN resolutions,” Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at a news conference in Islamabad. “Pakistan supports the call for an international peace conference to restart the peace process,” Baloch added, referring to the Oct. 31 proposal of Turkish President Erdogan of holding an international peace conference to find a solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict, which was later supported by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last Tuesday. Earlier, Turkish and Chinese presidents had voiced support for an international peace conference towards solution of Palestine-Israel conflict. Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said such a conference “would be the most suitable

platform for peace.” “We believe that peace in the region can only be achieved with the implementation of relevant UN resolutions,” the ministry spokeswoman Baloch said. She advocated for a two-state solution that would result in a viable sovereign and geographically contiguous Palestinian state within the “pre-1967 borders, and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif

Iqbal Z Ahmed gets bail in NAB case g

‘ GAS KING’ HAS BEEN GRANTED BAIL ALONG WITH FIVE CO-ACCUSED

PROFIT AHMAD AHMADANI

The High Court of Sindh Circuit Court, Hyderabad on Thursday granted post arrest bail to Iqbal Z Ahmed and five other accused persons in a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigation. The post arrest bail granted by the Sindh High Court (SHC) to Iqbal Z Ahmed, chairman of Associated Group (AG), Asim Iftikhar, a director and the chief financial officer of AG; Humayun Fareed, the vice chairman of AG; Fasih Ahmed, a senior manager of AG and one of Iqbal’s sons; Razi Ahmed, the chief executive officer of the Lahore Literary Festival and also Iqbal Z Ahmed’s son; and Salamat Ali, a close associate of Iqbal Z Ahmed subject to furnishing solvent surety in the sum of Rs 10 lakh each and P.R Bond in the like amount to the satisfaction of Additional Registrar of the court. The case Earlier in the month Ahmed had been arrested along with his sons and had sought an extension of his bail, which was denied by the court. He is accused of involvement in the rental power projects scam. The case dates back to 2013 and involves allegations of money laundering through offshore companies. The case alleges that Ahmed made illicit transactions worth billions of rupees from his companies in various countries, including the United Kingdom. He is said to have sent Rs 1.7 billion abroad to acquire foreign exchange for payments related to his companies and those of others. This marked Ahmed’s second arrest since 2019. The arrest was strongly opposed by Ahmed’s family and legal team. In a statement, the family said: “Mr Iqbal Z. Ahmed and his associates were apprehended from within the courtroom of the accountability court in Hyderabad, where they had appeared for the hearing of a baseless case filed by NAB against them.” This statement suggests that the detainees were not given a fair chance to defend themselves in court, and that NAB had acted arbitrarily and unlawfully. The bail After just under two weeks in the slammer, Justice Muhammad Karim Khan Agha and Justice Khadim Hussain Tunio of SHC allowed the accused persons to be released on bail. According to the brief facts of the reference against Iqbal Z Ahmed and others had from 2011 to 2019 maliciously declared the sale of LUB Gas Pvt. Ltd as Rs.72 billion respectively with sheer intention to cover up the injection of black money into the corporate bank accounts of JJVL, Lub Gas and NGL regarding extraction from the gases supplied by the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL/Government Exchequer. Ahmed’s flagship company JJVL was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013 for causing a loss of Rs 22 billion to the state-owned SSGC by paying lower royalty for extracting LPG from a gas field. Ahmed claimed that he followed the government policies and that the bidding process for setting up the plant was transparent and fair.

(Jerusalem) as its capital.” She continued by saying that Islamabad “impatiently awaits like the rest of the world the truce that is expected to come into effect tomorrow in Gaza.” Earlier on Wednesday, a Qatar-mediated agreement was reached between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas for a four-day humanitarian pause in fighting and a hostage swap. Fifty Israelis detained

by Hamas will be released in exchange for 150 Palestinians detained in Israeli jails. The agreement also includes the entry of 300 trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including fuel, into Gaza. “We believe that a durable and sustained ceasefire is critical for bringing the much-needed relief to the Palestinian people, and to respond to the immense humanitarian needs in Gaza that include extensive and robust humanitarian supplies, urgent medical aid to the injured, and shelter to those who have been displaced, as a result of an indiscriminate and inhumane bombing campaign by Israeli forces,” Baloch said. Israel launched relentless air and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip following a surprise attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7. The number of people killed in Israeli air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since then has risen to 14,532, including over 6,000 children and 4,000 women, the media office in the besieged enclave said Wednesday. The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.

Punjab closes schools for two days as ‘soft-smog-lockdown’ set in motion LAHORE

SALEEM JADOON

Responding to the escalating smog crisis, the caretaker Punjab government on Thursday decided to keep all educational institutions closed for two days – Friday (tomorrow) and Saturday in six divisions of the province under the “soft-smoglockdown” plan to curb the hazardous atmospheric conditions. “The Punjab Government has decided to close schools on Friday and Saturday in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, and Sargodha divisions,” Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced while addressing a presser here. The caretaker CM pointed that the areas in question were witnessing severe smog. According to the Air Quality Index, the AQI in Lahore at 5pm on (Thursday) was recorded at 306, which falls under the category of hazardous. It said that the PM2.5 concentration in Lahore was currently 51.2 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. The measures come two days after the Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the Punjab government to close all educational institutions on Saturdays till the end of January. On Sunday, the Punjab government had also made face masks compulsory for residents stepping out of their homes in 10 districts. It had also previously imposed a limited lockdown to tackle the escalating air pollution levels. Following the press conference, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a notification which said that there would be “restricted movement” in the six divisions. It said that all public and pri-

vate schools, colleges, universities and educational institutions would remain closed on Friday and Saturday. It further said that all markets, shops and and restaurants would open after 3pm on both the days. The notification, a copy of which available with Pakistan Today, said that all offices would open after 3pm on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, CM Naqvi said the Punjab government had also initiated efforts to implement a plan for artificial rain in Lahore, elaborating that the authorities would explore the (option) to address smog, contingent upon meeting all the requisite conditions. “In order to induce artificial rain, specific cloud types and other necessary measures are prerequisites which we are currently working to fulfil. If all the requirements align, we intend to conduct artificial downpours in the city on Nov 29,” he told journalists. Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a weather modification technique that aims to increase precipitation from clouds by dispersing substances, typically silver or potassium iodide, into air to provide a surface for water vapour to condense onto. The increased condensation leads to the formation of larger water droplets that eventually fall as rain. During the press conference, the caretaker CM also revealed that students would be provided 10,000 subsidized electric bikes in smog-hit areas, adding that government employees would also be offered the same facility on a lease. “We are not in favour of shutting markets. Hence, we are deciding that markets will open on Friday and Saturday from 3pm onwards […] On Sunday, all markets will remain closed as well as other

businesses,” he said. He added that the district governments in all six divisions would ensure that businesses remain closed on Sunday. Naqvi further said, “Restaurants will also open at 3pm onwards on Friday and Saturday. Offices will be open on Friday but only after 3pm on Saturday. The AQI levels are higher in the morning than in the evening, so we are trying to break that cycle.” He said it was decided that Mall Road in Lahore would be reserved for cyclists till 5pm on Sunday. “Some of our decisions carry symbolic significance, aiming to disrupt the peak cycle of smog, while others are intended for longterm impact,” he added. He further advised people to continue wearing masks to avoid contracting any health problems. Earlier, the Lahore High Court has taken strong exception to the unsealing of factories without proper court authorization, citing environmental pollution concerns. Justice Shahid Karim presided over petitions from citizen Haroon Farooq and others, subsequently halting any further unsealing of factories without court permission. Senior Legal Advisor of LDA, Sahibzada Muzaffar Ali, and Environmental Commission member Syed Kamal Haider presented reports during the court proceedings. The Environmental Commission’s report highlighted a meeting with Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, who assured the court that all orders related to smog control would be diligently implemented. Expressing confidence in judicial measures to address the smog crisis, the caretaker chief minister noted a visible reduction in smog levels due to these measures.

Centre gears up to bring Moonis Elahi back through Interpol ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The caretaker federal government has initiated the process of bringing back former federal minister Chaudhry Moonis Elahi through Interpol. According to media reports, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been collaborating with the caretaker government to gather all relevant information regarding Moonis Elahi’s cases. The caretaker Punjab government has provided the FIA with the necessary details, which have subsequently been shared with Interpol. The authorities have also identified and frozen eight of Moonis Elahi’s bank accounts in Lahore, where over Rs487.6 million were transferred. However, the former minister has reportedly withdrawn

all funds from these accounts. Six properties belonging to Moonis Elahi have also been frozen, five in Kasur and one in Rawalpindi. These actions stem from the accountability court’s decision to declare Moonis Elahi an absconder in a money laundering case and freeze all his bank accounts. The court had previously issued a bailable arrest warrant for Moonis Elahi, but the FIA’s attempts to execute it were unsuccessful. As a result, a non-bailable arrest warrant has now been issued for his apprehension. The caretaker government’s actions highlight its commitment to addressing corruption and bringing those accused of wrongdoing to justice. Interpol’s involvement is expected to expedite the process of bringing Moonis Elahi back to Pakistan to face the charges against him.

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR SUNRISE

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Pakistan seeks Russia’s help for BRICS membership g

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COUNTRY'S ENVOY TO MOSCOW SAYS PAKISTAN HAD ALREADY SUBMITTED APPLICATION AND IS IN CONTACT WITH MEMBER STATES PROFIT

NEWS DESK

Pakistan has applied to join the BRICS, a group of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and is hoping for Russia’s support, according to the country’s ambassador to Moscow Muhammad Khalid Jamali. Jamali, who is yet to present his credentials, told the Russian news agency TASS that Pakistan had already submitted its application and was in contact with the member countries for their backing, especially Russia, which will assume the presidency of the group in 2024. BRICS, which was formed in 2006, is set to expand in 2024 with the admission of six new members, including Bangladesh, Iran, Nigeria, Turkey, Egypt and Indonesia. The group aims to enhance cooperation among its members in various fields, such as trade, investment, finance, health, education, energy, security and culture. Jamali said Pakistan would like to be part of this important organisation and contribute to its objectives. He said Pakistan shared common interests and challenges with the BRICS countries and had strong ties with them, especially China, which is Pakistan’s “all-weather friend”. Pakistan’s bid for BRICS membership comes amid its strained relations with India, which is also a member of the group. The two nuclear-armed neighbors have been locked in a dispute over the Kashmir region, which both claim in full but rule in part. Tensions have escalated since August 2019, when India revoked the special status of its part of Kashmir and imposed a security lockdown and communication blackout. Jamali said Pakistan was ready to resolve all outstanding issues with India through dialogue and peaceful means, but India had not responded positively to Pakistan’s overtures. He said Pakistan hoped that the BRICS platform would help promote regional peace and stability and foster a constructive dialogue among its members.

NEPRA okays additional burden of Rs1.52/unit on KE consumers for 12 months ISLAMABAD

AHMAD AHMADANI

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved recovery of additional surcharge of Rs 1.52 per unit from K-Electric consumers during the next twelve months, starting from December 2023 to end in November 2024. Following the NEPRA’s decision and a notification of the federal government in this regard, Rs 1.52/unit will be recovered in 12 months, in terms of Section 31, sub-section 8 of NIEPRA Act, for recovery of Rs 24.5 billion from the consumers of K-Electric. NEPRA, in its decision dated 22nd November, 2023 on a motion filed by Ministry of Energy (Power Division) with respect to recommendation of consumer end tariff for K-Electric, said that the Authority (NEPRA) has decided to allow the recovery of Rs. 1.52/kWh from the consumers of K-Electric, except life line, for a period of twelve months from December 2023 to November 2024. The Authority has also decided to issue a separate SoT in this regard as per the request of the MoE. KElectric spokesperson, in a statement, clarified that NEPRA’s notification aligns with an ECC decision related to charges from the previous tenure. The extended duration in finalizing KE’s tariff has been a contributing factor to the current circumstances, resulting in lower charges from Karachi in comparison to other regions in the country. Operating within the regulated framework of Pakistan’s power sector, KE, like other DISCOS, adheres to decisions made by the government of Pakistan and NEPRA concerning power tariffs. Earlier, the Ministry of Energy (MoE) submitted Motion vide letter dated July 19, 2023, with respect to recommendation of consumer-end tariff of K-Electric under section 31 of the NEPRA Act, 1997 read with rule 17 of NEPRA Tariff (Standards and Procedure) Rules, 1998, for application of surcharge. The MoE in the Motion submitted that NEPRA determined the Multi Year Tariff of K-Electric vide decision dated July 05, 2018, duly notified by the Federal Government on 22.05.2019, modified from time to time to maintain uniform tariff in the country. The MoE further stated that during the period from July 2019 to September 2020, the consumer tariff of KElectric was not increased uniformly as compared to DISCOs due to pending decisions at various forums.

CYPHER CASE

Special Court orders production of PTI chief, Qureshi in court on 28th ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

A special court, hearing cypher case, on Thursday ordered the authorities to produce Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in court at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) in Islamabad on November 28 in the cypher case. Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain presided over the hearing wrapped up within minutes. Following the Islamabad High Court (IHC) orders, the cypher case hearing took place at the Judicial Complex in G-11 instead of Adiala jail. Lawyers Ali Bukhari and Khalid Yousaf appeared before the court for the hearing. The judge asked for a copy of the Islamabad High Court’s divisional bench, which was

provided by the court staff. He further stated that the trial would now begin from the position prior to August 29. Later, the court adjourned the hearing and ordered the jail authorities to produce the former prime minister and PTI chief and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi before the court on Tuesday (November 28). The cypher case pertains to a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agency’s charge sheet alleges was never returned by Imran. The PTI has long held that the document contained a threat from the United States to oust Imran as prime minister. The former premier and his aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is also behind bars, were indicted in the case on Oct 23. Both have pleaded not guilty. The trial was being held at Adiala Jail and

four witnesses had already recorded their statements, with the fifth being cross-examined when an Islamabad High Court division bench had termed the government’s notification for jail trial “erroneous” and scrapped the entire proceedings. It must be noted that on August 29, the IHC had suspended the PTI chief’s sentence in the Toshakhana case, but a special court established under the Official Secrets Act had directed jail authorities to keep Imran in “judicial lockup” in the cipher case. A notification issued by the law ministry the same day had stated that the Law and Justice Division had “no objection” to Imran’s trial in the cipher case being held at Attock jail. In September, Imran was shifted to Adiala jail. However, in its order on Nov 21, the IHC had said the jail trial “vitiated” the entire pro-

ceedings in the case. While declaring the proceedings void, the bench had said notifications issued for conducting the trial in jail were against the law and spoiled the proceedings, including Imran and Qureshi’s indictment and the testimonies of four witnesses. As a result of the judgement, the Special Court would now start a fresh trial while the prosecution would have to file a fresh application to conduct the trial in jail. CYPHER CASE: The case has been registered against Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi under sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, read with Section 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). They have been accused of wrongful communication/use of official secret information and illegal retention of a cipher telegram (an official secret document) with

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

mala fide intention, whereas the roles of former SPM Muhammad Azam Khan, former federal minister Asad Umer, and other involved associates will be ascertained during the course of the investigations. It said the ex-prime minister, former FM Qureshi and their other associates are involved in the communication of information contained in a secret classified document (cipher telegram received from Parep Washington dated March 7, 2022, to the Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to the unauthorised persons (i.e. public at large) by twisting facts to achieve their ulterior motives and personal gains in a manner prejudicial to the interests of state security. They held a clandestine meeting at Banigala on March 28, 2022, to conspiring to misuse the contents of the cipher in order to accomplish their nefarious designs.