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Israel, Hamas swap prIsoners on fIrst day of qatar-brokered Gaza truce

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Saturday, 25 November, 2023 I 10 Jamada Al-Awal, 1445

24 HOSTAGES INCLUDING 13 ISRAELIS, 10 THAIS AND ONE FILIPINO HANDED TO RED CROSS WHILE 39 PALESTINIAN WOMEN, KIDS RELEASED FROM ISRAELI JAILS

ICRC DELEGATION SAYS IT’S TEAM BEGAN CARRYING OUT OPERATION TO FACILITATE RELEASE AND TRANSFER OF HOSTAGES

Pakistan ready to airlift injured Palestinians for treatment: FM ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

GAZA AGENCIES

AMAS and Israel on Friday said that both the parties had released hostages with 24 released by the former while Israel also reciprocated the gesture. A total of 24 hostages — 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and one Filipino — were handed to the Red Cross in Gaza by Hamas, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman said, AFP reports. “Those released include 13 Israeli citizens, some of whom are dual citizens, in addition to 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino citizen,” Majed Al Ansari said. He said that 39 women and children detained in Israeli jails had also been freed under a deal to exchange hostages seized

by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners. An army of Israeli medics, child protection experts and trauma specialists were bracing to receive 13 women and children released from Gaza after weeks of Hamas captivity, AFP reports. While their identities were not immediately made public, millions of Israelis eagerly awaited news of their return on the first day of a four-day truce and hostage swap. Authorities were also gearing up for the complex task of helping those released to come to terms with a nearly seven-week hostage ordeal that may have left them deeply traumatised. “Some don’t know that their significant others — their families, husbands, parents, siblings — have been murdered,” top child protection expert Sarit Sarfatti told reporters ahead of the release.

senators raise concerns over salaries: sbp employees reportedly earning more than parliamentarians ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

A rumpus witness in the Upper House of the Parliament chaired chaired by Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani when members of the Senate raised the matter that State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) employees have been withdrawing monthly salaries of Rs400,000,0. Senate Chairman advised senators to tell SBP employees about their salaries as well. The caretaker finance minister responding to the concern said salaries in the private banking sector have gone up a lot. “Salaries in State Bank are higher than Finance Ministry and Senate,” Shamshad Akhtar admits. PPP Senator Raza Rabbani said for the Senate the rates of electricity and gas are being increased at the request of the IMF while on the other hand, the ‘royal’ expenses of the government are not reducing. “Classes have also been created in Elite,” the senator argued. “The average salary of Pakistan is 32,000, in which it is difficult to meet two times daily meals. The elite class is not ready to give 32 thousand per month even to the common laborer as basic salary was announced but it is not being implemented,” Raza Rabbani said. “Money is being eaten by parliament or civil bureaucracy,” Raza Rabbani alleged.

Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 146 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition

Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has expressed Pakistan’s readiness to airlift injured Palestinians for their treatment in the country. Responding to a calling attention notice in the Senate on Friday, he said we are also in contact with Jordan and Egypt on this matter. Expressing grave concerns over dire situation in Gaza, Foreign Minister said Israel is committing war crimes and genocide there. He demanded that Israel should be held accountable for its actions. Foreign Minister said Pakistan has played a pro-active diplomatic role at different forums including the United

“Some don’t know that their entire community has been almost entirely annihilated. We will have to break the news to them very soon. This is something that cannot be delayed because we don’t want them to find out through rumours.” The Israeli army has said the first hostages released from the Gaza Strip were back on Israeli territory where they would undergo medical checks before being reunited with their families, AFP reports. “The released hostages underwent an initial medical assessment inside Israeli

Nations and the OIC to highlight the plight of Palestinians. Earlier, the Senate was informed that prices of essential commodities will now gradually come down as a result of the government effective policies. Minister for Finance Shamshad Akhtar told the House during Question Hour, that we have met the target of primary deficit in line with the stand by arrangement reached with the IMF. She said we have also managed to reduce expenditures. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said action has been taking against those involved in selling substandard items including water to the people. The House has now been adjourned to meet again on Monday at 3 p.m.

territory,” the military said in a statement, adding they would be accompanied by “soldiers as they make their way to Israeli hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families”. Qatar says 39 women, children released from Israeli jails under truce Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman has said a total of 39 women and children detained in Israeli jails have been released as part of a truce agreement between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reports.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

PM stresses realization of SIFC’s envisioned long-term economic dividends

bilawal’s departure to dubai raises questions amid lack of party leadership notification KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari left for Dubai unexpectedly on Friday without brining into notice of party leadership. According to details, the PPP chairman has left for Dubai through a private airline flight. It should be mentioned here that the development comes a day after former President Asif Ali Zardari said that his son and PPP Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari was “not fully trained” in politics and would “take time” getting up to speed. In an interview with private news channel, Zardari was asked about Bilawal, who during 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. Responding to the query, he said, “Bilawal is also not fully trained. [We] are training him.” Zardari said, “He’ll take time,” but at the same time he was of the view that Bilawal was more talented, educated and better spoken than him but “experience is experience”.

coas says pakistan, ksa bound by strong historic, strategic relations

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday, appreciating the efforts of relevant ministries for identifying prospective areas of collaboration under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), directed all stakeholders for efforts to realize the envisioned long-term economic dividends. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar was chairing a special session of the Apex Committee of SIFC held here to foster strategic partnerships with friendly countries. The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, ministers and highlevel government officials, a PM Office press release said. The apex committee reviewed the existing level of collaboration and unanimously approved various initiatives to be broached with friendly countries and directed to fast-track implementation of various projects conceived under these initiatives. The Chief of Army Staff assured the unwavering resolve of the Pakistan Army to support economic initiatives being undertaken by the Government of Pakistan. Pak-Kuwait will sign seven MoUs for $10b investment Pakistan and Kuwait will sign seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for investment

RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT

worth $10 billion in Pakistan through seven projects in multiple fields including environment, mining and food security. In this regard, the federal cabinet, in its meeting held here on Friday approved seven MoUs to be signed during the upcoming visit of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to Kuwait. Consequent to the efforts by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), both countries would sign MoUs on multiple projects including the expansion of water reservoirs, mining facilities, conservation of mangrove forests on coastal areas, information technology and food security, a PM Office press release said. Prime Minister Kakar and the cabinet members appreciated the efforts of the SIFC and the relevant ministries. The prime minister, who chaired the meeting, instructed to ensure cooperation with the provinces for early and fair execution of the projects. The

body also endorsed the decisions of the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases it had taken in its meeting on November 14, as well as those of the Economic Coordination Committee meeting on November 15, 2023. Earlier in a separate meeting, Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar expressed gratitude to Imam-e-Kaaba His Excellency Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Humaid, recognising Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Pakistan during challenging times and its assistance across various fields. The caretaker prime minister highlighted the strong historical relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, rooted in commonalities of religion, values, and traditions. Kakar thanked Saudi Arabia for its development assistance in education and health sectors and commended the exemplary support provided to Pakistani manpower in the Kingdom.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), on Friday declared that Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have strong strategic relations based on exemplary historic religious and cultural ties, saying there was unique reverence for Saudi Arabia in the hearts of Pakistanis apart from the unanimity of views between the two brotherly countries. COAS General Syed Asim Munir was talking to His Excellency Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Humaid, Imam-e-Kaaba who called on the COAS at General Headquarters, here on Friday, said the military media wing. According an ISPR statement, during the meeting, matters of mutual interest were discussed. The COAS welcomed the dignitary and highlighted that visit by H.E. Imam-e-Kaaba to Pakistan is a matter of honour for the people of Pakistan. He further mentioned that the Muslims from all across the world have boundless reverence for Harmain Shraifain and profound respect for their custodian. On the occasion, H.E. Imam-e-Kaaba said that Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood as there is no space for misconstrued interpretations of Islam. The dignitaries condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza Conflict and the oppression of the Muslims in IIOJK and expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and Kashmir. At the end, H.E. Imam-e-Kaaba prayed for the peace, stability and unity of Ummah.

Court orders Imran Khan’s production for hearing on 27th £190 MILLION CASE ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Accountability Court, in its detailed orders issued on Friday, asked the authorities to produce Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan in the court on November 27 in the £190 million settlement case. Following the last hearing, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir issued a comprehensive five-page order, extending the physical remand of the former prime minister by four days. The development comes after NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi’s request for an additional 10-day remand. According to the order, advocate Ali Zafar responded to NAB summons on November 23, appearing at its offices with the pertinent

record, including an agreement signed on March 24, 2021. The anti-graft watchdog told the court that the investigation into the money transferred to the national treasury necessitated an extension in the remand. The defense team objected to the extension, and submitted two letters. One of them, dated November 6, 2019, pertained to Mashreq Bank, the court was informed, adding that the letter emphasized that Imran had no involvement in the fund transfers. Contrary to NAB’s stance, the prosecution maintained that Imran played no role in the transfer of 240 kanals of land. His counsel underscored his contributions, mentioning the establishment of two cancer hospitals, with a third one currently under construction in Karachi. NAB argued that the record presented by

advocate Ali Zafar required to be investigated, following which the court approved the PTI chief’s four-day physical remand, instead of the requested 10 days. The court set November 27 as the next date for the PTI chief to be presented in court. Previously, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had declared the Law Ministry’s notifications about Imran Khan’s jail trial — issued on August 29, September 12, September 25, October 3, and October 13 — were “without lawful authority and no legal effect”. It added that the law ministry’s notifications issued on November 13 and November 15 after decisions made by the cabinet were “of no legal consequence”. The IHC declared the proceedings of PTI chairman Imran Khan’s trial conducted in jail in the cypher case so far as null and void.

BRAIN DRAIN CAN BECOME A BRAIN ASSET IN FUTURE, SAYS PM KAKAR

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Saturday, 25 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

Says Pakistan is a countr y with diversified creative potential which makes it rich in true sense ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

ARETAKER Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday dismissed the notion that people leaving Pakistan to move abroad was a sign of failure. “Brain drain can become a brain asset [in future] and this is a sanguine and positive way to perceive it,” the prime minister said while speaking in an interactive session titled ‘Breakfast with the Prime Minister’. In a recent report by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, more than 10 million Pakistani citizens have bid adieu to the country. The caretaker premier said that Pakistan is a country with diversified creative potential which makes it “rich” in a true sense,” saying that 240 million population with a huge youth bulge under the age of 25 adds value to human capital. He, however, pointed out that it was of utmost crucial to provide skill sets to youth through targeted training programmes and warned that nonutilisation of their energy could lead to detrimental consequences. PM Kakar said one of the priorities of

the caretaker government was to focus on a programme, which would train one million nurses in one decade. He added that the government was exploring partnerships with international conglomerates including Siemens, Germany for the development of skills in different areas. ‘INTERIM GOVT WILL LEAVE LEGACY ON DOMESTIC FRONT’ Speaking about the interim government, Kakar said that the ruling power with its good governance and reformative approach would leave a legacy on the domestic front. He added that the caretaker government is credited for tackling tough challenges in areas including the economy, privatisation, and connectivity. The prime minister spoke about his vision of the prospects for a better Pakistan, terming “skilled human capital as the answer to several challenges”. GOVT FAST-TRACKING PRIVATISATION The prime minister said the government was fast-tracking the privatisation of stateowned enterprises (SOEs) and related entities, with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on priority in the list. In this regard, he said, some tangible

results were expected to be achieved by mid-January. On attracting foreign investment, he said the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was providing an opportunity for ease of business, adding that the country expected good news in weeks about foreign investment of billions of dollars in areas of agriculture, information technology and mining. He expressed confidence that SIFC, a platform with representatives from civil and military domains, would ensure the continuity of projects despite the change of governments. He also endorsed the idea of including members of the business community to expand its potential. He said EXIM (Export-Import) Bank was working on providing financial services to Pakistan, which would help the local businessmen and traders to carry out financial transactions abroad. Highlighting connectivity as a crucial area, he said the Trans-Afghan railway would connect Uzbekistan with Pakistan. Also, the work on the improvement of Quetta-Taftan rail network is underway, he said. The recently launched direct flights with Azerbaijan would reduce travel time and

promote trade, he said. ‘CURRENT POLITICAL SCENARIO NOT A CRISIS’ The prime minister favoured reforms in taxation and said his government believed in cutting expenditures and was also working on the forthcoming reforms of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Wealth creation through taxation is the best tool for a government to use the revenue for establishing schools, hospitals, and road infrastructure, he said. Kakar said the media in the country was enjoying freedom and was “beyond any sort of control particularly the social media”. He, however, stressed the need to formulate regulations after deliberations with stakeholders to cater to the challenges of digital media “without stifling and putting

Smart lockdown implemented in 10 Punjab districts as a countermeasure against rising smog levels LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Lahore still retains the position of the most polluted city in the world with its AQI level as high as 473 on Friday. In view of the deteriorating smog situation, the provincial administration has enforced a smart lockdown in 10 districts of Punjab including Lahore. All public and private educational institutions will remain

closed today. Only online classes will be held. Markets and restaurants will open after 3 pm. However, the businesses will remain totally shut on Sunday. The Punjab government has decided to provide electric bikes to 10,000 students on subsidy. The air pollution rate in different areas of Lahore has crossed 500 in the morning. Upper Mall Canal Road is the most

Youth delegation from Balochistan explores OGDCL’s dynamic operations

polluted area with AQI of 564, Shimla Hillside 523, Mall Road 496, Gulberg 475, DHA Phase VIII 457, Cantt Polo Ground 488, and Shahre Quaid-e-Azam 545. According to the weather report, there is no chance of rain this week. The minimum temperature has been recorded at 14C and the maximum temperature will reach 26C. The humidity level has been recorded 79%. Yesterday, in a meeting chaired by

ECC allows import of 200,000 tonnes of urea on G2G basis g

Again defers decision to increase prices of 262 drugs PROFIT

NewS DeSk

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

A delegation from Balochistan, comprising 50 accomplished youth representatives from diverse fields, including education, social sector, sports, art and culture, and entrepreneurship, on Thursday visited the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) Head Office in Islamabad. The visit, organized under the leadership of Senator Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Communications, aimed to facilitate a constructive dialogue and foster connections between the youth of Balochistan and OGDCL. Senator Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai expressed his admiration for the outstanding work and contributions of OGDCL, stating, “We are impressed by the remarkable work and contributions of OGDCL. The purpose of this visit was to provide the youth delegation from Balochistan with an opportunity to learn more about the energy sector, share ideas, and foster meaningful connections.” Chairman of OGDCL Zafar Masud was also present on the occasion. Ahmed Hayat Lak, Managing Director/ CEO of OGDCL, hosted a dinner for the delegation, providing an informal setting for engaging discussions and networking opportunities. The delegation gained insights into OGDCL’s operations, learned about the energy sector, and shared their ideas and aspirations. OGDCL, as a leading entity in the energy sector, welcomed the opportunity to engage with the youth representatives, recognizing the importance of nurturing future leaders and fostering a deeper understanding of the industry. OGDCL remains dedicated to contributing to the socio-economic progress of the nation and building bridges with diverse communities.

Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, it was decided that educational institutions would remain closed on Friday and Saturday in 10 districts of Punjab, including Lahore. In the meeting, the caretaker CM said that preparations had also been started to pour artificial rain to control smog. He further said that smog towers would be installed in Lahore to combat smog.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet (ECC) approved the import of 200,000 tonnes of urea fertilizer on a Government-to-Government (G2G) basis. In a separate move, the ECC has deferred the decision to increase the prices of 262 drugs for the second time, citing the absence of the Minister for Health and unclear recommendations. The Ministry of Finance issued a press statement, providing details of the ECC’s decision. However, the statement did not address the

integration of data among 145 departments at the federal and provincial levels. It remains unclear whether the ECC approved data integration, intended to broaden the tax base under existing law. The ECC considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Industries & Production, focusing on offers received for the import of 200,000 metric tonnes (KMT) of urea on a G2G/tender basis. It approved the import of the required urea fertilizer for the Rabi season in the G2G format. Another summary from the Ministry of National Food Security & Research discussed “Cash Credit Limits for Punjab and Sindh for the

Quarter July-September 2023.” The ECC decided to approve a cash credit limit of Rs540 billion for Punjab and Rs214 billion for Sindh. Additionally, the ECC reviewed a summary from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination concerning the approval of an increase in Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) for 262 drugs under the hardship category, as recommended by the Drug Pricing Committee (DPC). However, the ECC observed a lack of clear recommendations and required analysis from the Ministry of National Health Services, and therefore, the summary was not approved.

Asif Zardari engages in political situation discussions with Sindh governor KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori met with Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) President Asif Ali Zardari at the Zardari House in Islamabad. During the meeting, both the leaders exchanged views overall political situation in the country and various matters concerning the province of Sindh, said a press release issued by the party secretariat. Saleem Mandviwalla, Malik Shah, Sarfraz Dhomki and others were also present during the meeting. On Thursday, Pakistan People’s Party co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari claimed that PTI chief Imran Khan offered him 6 ministries during their

government. In an interview with a private news channel, Asif Zardari asserted that the government of former prime minister Imran Khan wanted “minus Zardari People Party” and send me out of the country. Zardari contended that initiating a no-confidence motion against Imran Khan was the correct decision otherwise he would have stayed in power until 2028 through an RO election. The former president further alleged that the PTI chief had isolated Pakistan globally and was an enemy of the country’s economy. On November 4, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that no decision made regarding an electoral alliance between PPP and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) yet.

CM Naqvi announces imminent operationalization of two govt-level cancer hospitals LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi reviewed the progress on upgradation work on 43 priority projects for the convenience of the public including the upgradation of hospitals on Friday, besides announcing that two cancer hospitals are being made operational at government level for the first time in the history of Punjab. The chief minister reached the office of the Planning and Development Board, Lahore and held a 3-hour long meeting to review the progress on development projects. He directed to speed up work on the upgradation of Lahore hospitals

including Sir Ganga Ram, Mayo, Children’s Hospital, Services, and Institute of Cardiology. He also ordered authorities to complete development work at Multan’s Children’s Hospital, Nishtar Hospital, Nishtar II, Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Allied Hospital in Faisalabad, DG Khan Institute of Cardiology within the stipulated period. CM Naqvi said that the Institute of Dental Sciences in Jubilee Town is being made functional after a delay of 16 months. He said that Mayo Cancer Hospital will be constructed in Manawan Hospital while a cancer hospital is being built at Indus Hospital in Jubilee Town. Mohsin Naqvi said that two cancer hospitals

are being made operational at the government level for the first time in the history of Punjab. He directed the authorities to complete the construction of a new bridge over River Ravi by January. The issues related to Imamia Colony Flyover and Abdullahpur Faisalabad Flyover should be resolved soon, he added. The chief minister was informed about the real-time monitoring of the projects through drone footage. Board Chairman Iftikhar Sahu briefed about the physical progress of each project, construction of a two-way road from Wahandu Interchange to Benazir Chowk to link Gujranwala with Sialkot-Lahore Motorway, Gajumta to Kasur Ferozepur Road and Manga Raiwind Road projects.

restrictions on it”. PM Kakar said the current political scenario was “not a crisis, but a continuation of the process in the transitional democracy of Pakistan”. He expressed optimism that with the continuity of the democratic process, the people would gradually start linking parties with their performance and service delivery. PM Kakar emphasised the importance of the local government system to address the civic problems faced by the people in remote areas such as south and north Waziristan. “There is a need to shun the urbanoriented governance and adopt a more inclusive approach of bringing the far-flung areas of the country at par with developed cities,” he said.

Four bidders compete for Pakistan LNG’s January cargo tender PROFIT

NewS DeSk

Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL), the state-owned company that procures liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the international market, has received bids from four companies for a cargo of LNG for delivery in January 2023. According to a notice from PLL, the bids came from OQ Trading, QatarEnergy Trading, Trafigura, and Vitol. The company was seeking the cargo for delivery to Port Qasim, Karachi, from January 8 to 9. The tender was issued on Monday, November 24, 2023, amid rising gas demand in Pakistan, which depends on gas for power generation. The country has struggled to secure spot cargoes of LNG after global prices spiked last year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leaving it to face widespread power outages. Pakistan has two long-term supply deals with Qatar, one signed in 2016 for 3.75 million metric tons of LNG a year, and another signed in 2021 for 3 million metric tons a year. The South Asian nation also has an annual portfolio contract with ENI for 0.75 million metric tons a year. Back in September, PLL issued a tender seeking two LNG cargoes for the month of December. PLL awarded the tender to commodities trader Vitol. In June, PLL failed to secure offers for six cargoes on a DES basis for October and December delivery to Port Qasim.

ECP sets December 31 as deadline for MPs and MPAs to submit assets’ details ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set December 31, 2023 as the last date for submission of statements of assets by parliamentarians and members of the provincial assemblies for this fiscal year. The ECP in a press release issued on Friday drews the attention of the members of the parliament and provincial assemblies to submit to the Commission by 31st of next month yearly statements of Assets and liabilities including their spouse and dependent children. According to the Elections Act 2017, the Commission, on the first day of January each year, shall publish the names of members who failed to submit the requisite statement of assets and liabilities. The Commission on January 16, 2024 through an order suspend the membership of a member of an Assembly and Senate who fails to submit the statement of assets.

Pak Army and FC North harness hydroelectric power to illuminate remote areas in KP RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps North are working together to provide essential facilities in the border regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With the support of the KP govt, three hydroelectric turbines have been installed in the Elum Valley of Buner. This installation has ensured a continuous power supply to 1500 homes in the region, which had been without electricity for the past seventy years. A 150kilowatt hydroelectric turbine has been set up, providing electricity to 500 homes in Ellum Kalay and Karapa Kalay. Additionally, a 200kilowatt hydroelectric turbine is now supplying electricity to 500 homes in Jobra Kalay and Sheen Dhand. Moreover, a 250-kilowatt hydroelectric turbine in Elum has started providing electricity to 500 homes in Char Kalay. Despite the remote and challenging nature of these areas, the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps North have successfully

PSX CROSSES 59,000 POINTS MARK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY

Saturday, 25 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

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KSE-100 Index recorded steady gains in first hour of trading and touched 59,502.28 points, up 603 points from previous close of 58,899.84 points PROFIT

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HE Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its upward trajectory on Friday, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index surged past the 59,000 points level for the first time ever. The index was boosted by improved economic indicators, the expected second tranche of the IMF loan, and the rising confidence of investors. As per the PSX website, the KSE-100 Index recorded steady gains in the first hour

of trading and touched 59,502.28 points, up 603 points from the previous close of 58,899.84 points. At 11:10 am, the index was trading at 59,236.41 points, up 336.57 points or 0.57% compared to the previous session. In a broader view, the KSE All Share Index also showed an upward trend and reached 39,647.95 points, after gaining 174.03 points or 0.44% compared to the previous close of 39,473.92 points. The PSX has been performing well in recent months, as the country’s economy recovers from the impact of almost one and half year turmoil and political instability. The index has gained more than 16,000 points

since the start of the year, making it one of the best performing markets in the region. WHAT COULD BE THE REASON BEHIND THIS? According to a recent report by Profit, 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

Auto financing hits 16-month low amid market slowdown PROFIT

By newS DeSK

Car and calculator. rising costs for buying a car, leasing, workshop, refueling and insurance Outstanding auto loans in Pakistan experienced a continuous decline for the 16th consecutive month, reaching Rs264 billion by the end of October, down from Rs272 billion in September. This reflects a 3 percent decrease on a month-onmonth basis and a 23.5 percent decline on a year-on-year basis. Auto loans reached a record high of Rs368 billion in June 2022, but over the past 16 months dropped by Rs104 billion, or 28%, as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) tightened monetary policy to curb inflation and external imbalances. The decline in auto loans coincided with a significant drop in the sales of

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SECURITY SOURCE SAYS 13 ISRAELI HOSTAGES HANDED TO ISRAEL An Israeli security source has said that 13 Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip had been handed over into Israeli custody. The source told AFP: “The 13 Israeli hostages are now with the Israeli security services” after they were released on the first day of a four-day truce in the Gaza Strip. ICRC confirms release of 24 hostages from Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed the release of 24 hostages from Gaza, adding that they have been moved to Egypt’s Rafah border. Red Cross teams begin multi-day operation to facilitate transfer of hostages The delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Israel has said that their team has begun carrying out a multi-day operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian detainees to the West Bank. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the ICRC said: “This will include the delivery of additional, much-needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza.”

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has issued around 3,000 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India enabling them to attend the 554th birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak scheduled to be held in Pakistan from November 25 to December 4, 2023.During the visit, the pilgrims, inter alia, would go to Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib, according to a press release issued by the high commission. Expressing his views on the occasion, Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in India Aizaz Khan extended his heartfelt felicitations to the pilgrims and wished them a safe journey. The issuance of visas is covered under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974. Every year, a large number of Sikh Yatrees from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals and occasions. Staff RepoRt

Peshawar jail introduces online Imam-e-Kaaba urges Muslims hearing facility for prisoners to avoid labeling others as PESHAWAR

Staff RepoRt

The provincial government has inaugurated an online hearing facility for prisoners at Central Jail Peshawar to modernizing the jail system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday. The facility was officially launched by Caretaker Provincial Minister for Prisons and Social Welfare Justice (retd) Irshad Qaiser. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Qaiser highlighted the numerous benefits of online hearings for prisoners, including enhanced security measures and reduced transportation expenses. He emphasized that the facility will enable prisoners to appear in court remotely, eliminating the need for physical transfers, which often pose security threats and incur significant fuel costs. The online hearing system will primarily serve accused individuals involved in serious cases, allowing them to participate in court proceedings without leaving the jail premises. Bail and release decisions will also be communicated electronically to the jail administration,

streamlining the process and ensuring timely updates. Qaiser further elaborated on the ongoing prison reforms, stating that the government is committed to improving jail infrastructure and providing vocational training opportunities for inmates. He mentioned that renovation work is underway at various jails, with four facilities, including Peshawar Jail, already completed. In addition to infrastructure improvements, the provincial government is also prioritizing rehabilitation and reintegration programs for prisoners. Inmates are being provided with skills training to enable them to start their own businesses upon release, reducing the likelihood of recidivism. The introduction of online hearings and the emphasis on prisoner rehabilitation reflect the provincial government’s efforts to modernize the jail system and promote a more humane and effective approach to incarceration. By leveraging technology and providing vocational training, the authorities aim to enhance security, reduce costs, and empower inmates to become productive members of society upon their release.

Biased action by private nursing institutes and caretaker Punjab govt: Dr Khera

DR. Sania KheRa

Medical problems are increasing day by day due to increasing population, air pollution and poor food in the country. Unfortunately, there are not enough facilities available in our country to meet the medical needs of all the population and provide them timely treatment. There is a rush of patients in government hospitals. On the other hand, the government has a severe shortage of staff consisting of doctors, nurses and other staff. The irony is that the government also lacks such medical colleges and nursing institutes, where trained personnel can be prepared to serve the people.In these

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 companies 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.

Pakistan grants visas to Sikh pilgrims for Guru Nanak’s birthday celebrations

cars, light commercial vehicles, vans, and pickups, which fell by 44 percent to 27,163 units during the first four months of the fiscal year 2023, compared to 48,573 units in the same period the previous year. This decrease in demand was attributed to rising prices and expensive auto financing. Assemblers also faced challenges as production activities were frequently halted for over a year due to parts shortages resulting from SBP restrictions on opening letters of credit for imports. The imposition of an upper limit of Rs3 million on auto loans, coupled with a reduction in payment duration, further discouraged auto financing. While some Korean and Japanese assemblers, excluding Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd (PSMCL), reduced prices due to rupee appreciation, the overall market remained slow.

Israel, Hamas swap prisoners on first day of qatar-brokered Gaza truce

circumstances, private medical institutes and nursing schools are proving to be very supportive and helpful to the government, but the cold and indifferent attitude of the government towards these private institutions is very painful and sad. Recently, the caretaker government of Punjab issued a letter, which basically tried to convey the message that private institutes cannot use government hospitals for their business. This is not only very wrong but also reprehensible. As we know that the people of the country are increasingly suffering from various diseases and the government does not have enough facilities to meet the medical needs of all the patients. can According to an estimate, only one nurse is appointed to take care of 1000 patients in our country at present. Similarly, there is a shortage of at least 70,000 nurses in all hospitals and clinics of Pakistan. As the government does not have such medical colleges, nursing institutes and other training institutes that can meet this shortage. Therefore, in this situation, private nursing institutes are playing the role of backbone to support the medical sector.Already private nursing institutes and colleges are not encouraged by the government. Apart from this, there is no special government support and incentives available to these types of private institutions. Nursing is a very sacred profession as well as a basic need of every country and society. Capitalists at the private level understand the need and importance of this profession and establish nursing schools

and institutes for the purpose of serving the people. On the other hand, there are a large number of students in Pakistan, who want to be associated with the field of nursing, but the government does not have enough schools and colleges to provide nursing training, which can accommodate all the students.In this situation, the private institutes are supporting the students so that they can not only serve the country and the nation by completing nursing education, but can also benefit from a respectable job to run their lives.The letter issued by the caretaker government of Punjab regarding private nursing schools and colleges is based on complete bias. The question is that if the private nursing institutes in the country stop their work today, will it not affect the country and the government? In the absence of these institutions, will the government be able to provide facilities to patients in various hospitals or be able to meet their needs? Therefore, instead of blaming private nursing institutes and other institutions, the government should focus on improving public health facilities at the government level. Health problems in our country have increased to such an extent that it is not enough for the government alone to control them. Therefore, private medical institutes are working with the same thought that they can serve their country and nation as well as reduce the burden of the government, but the recent action of the caretaker government of Punjab is very sad.

infidels over minor diﬀerences

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Imam-e-Kaaba Dr Saleh Bin Abdullah Bin Hameed Faisal delivered a Friday sermon at Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque amid strict security arrangements, urged Muslims not to declare other Muslims infidels over petty differences. He urged worshippers to strive for self-improvement for the betterment of the hereafter. Imam-e-Kaaba emphasized importance of promoting love, brotherhood, and equality within the communities drawing on the metaphor of Muslims as a unified body. Saudi ambassador to Pakistan was also among attendance as hundreds of thousands of worshippers offer Friday prayer in capital. Imam Kaaba’s call to adhere strictly

to the philosophy of piety resonated throughout the sermon, emphasizing the need for a steadfast commitment to spiritual principles. 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.

04 COMMENT

Diplomatic faux pas by President

Saturday, 25 November, 2023

Zardari’s interview

PPP Chairman may have conceded the election by predicting a National government

Sticking to the pattern

PP chief and ex-President Asif Zardari may well have tacitly conceded that his party will not end up forming the government after the coming general election. In an interview to a private TV channel, his prediction that the next government would be a ‘national government’, including the PPP, might well be seen more as wishful thinking on how the PPP could get a share of power. On ground, it appears, the PML(N) has been earmarked to form the next government alone, as the PDM coalition did not do so well as to encourage any hope for a repetition of the experiment. PML(N) manoeuvres, most notably the electoral alliance with the PML(N), have dented the PPP’s hopes that it would obtain some seats from Karachi and Hyderabad, which had been raised by its winning the mayoralties of these two cities. Mr Zardari’s remarks reflected the soul-searching within the PPP as to whether it got what it had hoped for from the reconciliatory policies with the establishment that it has. It is perhaps a reflection of that internal debate that Mr Zardari remarked that party Co-Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari still had to ‘learn politics’. Mr Bhutto Zardari is known to have his doubts about the wisdom of the policy of reconciliation, and Mr Zardari’s remarks are a way of deflecting his stances. Mr Zardari may have also been signalling that he is in charge of the party, and no one else. This is not the first time that Mr Zardari has twitted Mr Bhutto Zardari with his relative inexperience, but it does seem that that is not a policy with a future. Sooner or later, and perhaps sooner, Mr Zardari will have to accept that Mr Bhutto Zardari is experienced enough to lead the party. The PPP may have to reconcile itself to remaining out of power at the centre in the next tenure, but Mr Zardari need not concede this so early, even before the election programme has been announced. It is one of the functions performed by party leaders to keep up the hopes of the party faithful, rather than to engage in the sort of brutal honesty Mr Zardari showed. However, it should not be forgotten that Mr Zardari has developed a reputation as a formidable political operator, and these remarks may well form part of some greater streategy that is presently only in his brain.

MAlik MuhAMMAd AshrAf

statement issued by the Presidency in regards to the telephonic conversation between President Alvi and Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas a few days ago said that the former had suggested a ‘onestate’ solution for resolving the Palestine dispute. The exact words in the statement issued were “If two states solution was not acceptable to Israel then one state solution was the only way where Jews, Muslims and [a] good percentage of Christians could live to exercise equal political rights,” The statement invoked sharp reaction and almost all media channels started discussing this deviation from the well-entrenched stance by Pakistan on the issue. In the wake of this criticism the President retracted from the statement hours after issuing it. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, when approached by the media, said that Pakistan had an unwavering commitment to a fair and enduring resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, founded on the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital, along borders that existed prior to 1967 as enshrined in several resolutions adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It is worth mentioning that caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar had also stressed the same position in his meeting with the Palestinian President in Riyadh where he had gone to attend to participate in the OIC summit convened to discuss the Gaza situation. The issue also resonated in the Senate session on Tuesday. Senator Raza Rabbani, dilating on the issue, launched scathing criticism on the President and demanded his resignation for committing this diplomatic faux pas. Caretaker foreign minister Jalil Abbas Gilani responding to the criticism by senate members stated that the President did not seek any input from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before calling his Palestinian counterpart. President Alvi is holding this august position for the last five years and should have known that in case of interaction with any head of the foreign government or a dignitary it is invariably desirable to consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ascertain the

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi

nature of relations and the stated position on the issue that has to be discussed or broached. It is indeed mindboggling that the President demonstrated such ignorance of the diplomatic norms and protocols. The thing is that retracting from the earlier statement by the President is of no substance. Since he suggested this solution to the Palestinian President during the conversation he must surely have been flabbergasted by this unexpected discourse by the President of a country which has always been on the forefront to plead the Palestinian cause and staunchly supported the two-state solution, also agreed by the global community and the Islamic world. I think Senator Raza Rabbani was justified in demanding the resignation of the President. What he did was not a mistake but a diplomatic blunder. Any selfrespecting man would have not only apologized for this blunder but have also resigned. Unfortunately President Alvi is not that kind of material. He actually never acquired unbiased credentials as President of the state but invariably has acted as an activist of the PTI. He breached the constitution by accepting advice of Imran Khan for the dissolution of the National Assembly and announcement of new elections after the Deputy Speaker dismissed the no-confidence motion. An honourable man would have said adieu to Presidency when the Supreme Court taking suo motu notice declared the entire process unconstitutional. Bur he preferred to stay on without caring for his personal respect and dignity. He made a reference to the SC for seeking its opinion on Article 63A at the instance of Imran Khan,

Executive Editor

Department (CTD) in a legal system of the country but is also building Making Balochistan a powder keg ofcaseCounter-Terrorism of carrying 5000 grams of explosives. a strong sense of alienation among the Baloch

Ali JAn MAqsood

OR the last several months in particular, a shift has been observed in state policies towards Balochistan– specifically featuring the Baloch youth– especially students. On November 23, four rotting dead bodies of Baloch youth were shifted to Turbat civil hospital by the forces claiming that they were “Baloch militants” and killed in an encounter on Pasni road. Later the same day, one among the four was identified as Balach Mola Bakhsh– one who was forcibly disappeared from his home late in the night of October 29 from Absor, Turbat. Then he was given into the custody

What options will the state provide to these youth is what defines the future of Balochistan with the youth– whether state institutions provide them with platforms to join state institutions or the other way? Any antiBaloch policy would have long-lasting impacts on the region. The state needs to revise its policies of enforced disappearances and Baloch genocide. Or else, the things take no time to heat up

He was in physical remand for 10 days after being produced before the Judicial Magistrate in Turbat. However, his body was brought later and he was labelled a ‘Baloch militant’. While the other three are also suspected to be those of missing persons, they are waiting to be identified. The story of killing Baloch missing persons in staged fake encounters is not new in Balochistan. On November 19, three persons were reportedly killed in a roadside bomb attack in Balgatar area of Kech district. The same day it was discovered that the three were missing persons who were arrested-abducted from their home in Balgatar on August 22. A picture then went viral showing that the hands of one of the three bodies had been tied with ropes which clarified that he was tortured. Their family members also rejected the claims of their death via the blast and accused the security forces of their illegal murders. They also say that four other members of their family are under forces’ custody after being abducted the same night. There are several other accounts where the involvement of the cover force, Counter-Terrorism Department, in ‘fake encounters’ reveals the change of the former ‘kill and dump policy’ into ‘fake encounters’ after arresting the Baloch illegally. Political parties and legal bar associations have condemned CTD’s proliferation of fake encounters and asked the supreme judiciary to take notice of the grave human rights violations in Balochistan, but there has been no progress and interest shown by the judiciary. It seems the forces in Balochistan have been given free hand over anything they want to do to whatever extent, while every other institution, including the courts, are hapless in front of them. Such acts are not only challenging the status quo of the

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic. He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail.com.

No matter how much flak is heaped on him for the disrespect of the constitution and the diplomatic faux pas that he has now committed in regards to statement on the Gaza situation he is not going to budge and is likely to enjoy sitting on the hill till the time he is shown the door. He will be leaving an unenviable legacy for sure. History will also not forgive him for bringing a bad name to the office of the President

Baloch youth becoming the prime target of enforced disappearances and fake encounters Joint Editor

and the opinion rendered by the SC judges known as the like-minded group fomented and precipitated the political crisis in the country, more so in Punjab. It was an outcome of sinister motives to favour PTI against its political opponents. He refused to administer the oath of office as PM to Shehbaz Sharif, shirking from his constitutional obligation. During the crisis in Punjab he twice dashed to Zaman Park in Lahore to meet Imran Khan for consultations and seek his instructions, instead of the latter coming to the Presidency to meet him as demanded by presidential protocol. What could be a greater proof of him being an activist of PTI sitting in Presidency considering all the foregoing realities? My considered view is that as soon as the PTI government fell as a result of the no-confidence motion and PDM government was installed, he should have resigned and gone home. But such is the lure of perks and prestige attached to the office of the President that any man with lesser degree of self-respect would never wish to forego them. No matter how much flak is heaped on him for the disrespect of the constitution and the diplomatic faux pas that he has now committed in regards to statement on the Gaza situation he is not going to budge and is likely to enjoy sitting on the hill till the time he is shown the door. He will be leaving an unenviable legacy for sure. History will also not forgive him for bringing a bad name to the office of the President.

masses– mainly the students. In their latest press release, the Turbat Bar Association, while condemning the killing of Balach Mola Bakhsh in strong terms, called for a one-day boycott of the legal procedings on November 24 in Turbat courts against the extrajudicial killing of four Baloch youth in Turbat and labelling them to have been killed in an encounter by forces. The association confirms FIR 2023/139 was registered against Balach and the magistrate had given him for a 10-day physical remand. How did Balach become a militant and ne killed in an encounter when he was in police custody? But it is still a question on the judiciary unless Balach is provided with actual justice. However, no one can compensate for the loss of a young soul. Following the recent developments in human rights violations in Balochistan, one thing seems certain that the Baloch issue is fueling under the guise of such inhumane acts. Not only are these acts unconstitutional from the state’s perspective, but also contributing factors in driving Baloch youth to militancy. If not recovered soon, the things can go to major chaos which would be out of the range of getting control in times to come. Under the given circumstances, Baloch parents cannot choose to send their children to educational institutions, while they are not secure at homes too. What options will the state provide to these youth is what defines the future of Balochistan with the youth– whether state institutions provide them with platforms to join state institutions or the other way? Any anti-Baloch policy would have long-lasting impacts on the region. The state needs to revise its policies of enforced disappearances and Baloch genocide. Or else, the things take no time to heat up. The writer is a freelance columnist

Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Congo virus in Balochistan

RECENT reports of Congo virus cases in Balochistan should be taken seriously before the virus spreads to other parts of the country. There is a probability of spreading of this virus to Karachi as patients in serious condition are being regularly brought from Balochistan to hospitals in the city. Congo virus is a tick-borne disease and spreads to humans by tick bites or contact with infected cattle blood following the slaughter. Awareness campaigns are essential in this regard. MALIK UL QUDDOOS KARACHI

Hunger strike

IRANIAN Nobel laureate Nargis Mohammadi recently went on a hunger strike in jail to protest against the refusal by the authorities to send her to hospital for treatment. She is being forced to wear hijab to go to hospital. Patients all over the world are treated with sympathy, compassion and kindness irrespective of their views, cast, colour or religion. By displaying such unkind behaviour towards a prisoner, the authorities are actually violating the professional code of conduct. KHAYYAM DURRANI KARACHI

Antibiotic resistance

THE unnecessary use or overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, leading to a rapidly growing threat of antibiotic resistance, which is a growing global health concern. The misuse makes infections more challenging and costly to treat. It is essential to ensure the professional and responsible use of medications to prevent the further proliferation of antibiotic resistance. If the current trend continues, new organisms will become resistant, and we may find ourselves with no effective treatment options. FIZZAH ASHFAQUE KARACHI

Safety concerns

RECENTLY, I travelled to my native village Wahid Baksh Khoso, which is located approximately 20km north of Johi city in Dadu district. I and my son skidded off the road while trying to negotiate a pothole. The road leading to the village from Johi is in a bad condition since no repair work has been carried out for ages. The authorities concerned should repair the road immediately because this is a matter of commuters’ safety. FAROOQUE KHOSO JOHI

Malaria urgency in Karachi

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

MALARIA has become a pressing issue in Pakistan, witnessing over 500 new cases in Karachi today, causing considerable hardships for citizens. Regrettably, authorities have yet to address this alarming problem. The consequential effects have posed significant challenges for residents and citizens, especially in Sindh, leading to tough days for its people. I urge relevant authorities to address this paramount issue promptly. DOSTEEN BALOCH PUNJAB

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COMMENT 05

China’s constructive role in the Israel-Palestine conflict

Saturday, 25 November, 2023

Apart from a BRICS virtual summit, China has used its Security Council presidency

“I

DR imRaN KHaliD

have emphasized on many occasions that the only viable way to break the cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in the two-state solution, in the restoration of the legitimate national rights of Palestine, and in the establishment of an independent State of Palestine.” said President Xi Jinping while addressing the BRICS extraordinary virtual summit on the Palestinian-Israeli issue. The summit, the first since the group’s expansion in August, was chaired by South Africa, which also invited leaders from the group’s new members, including Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. As the preeminent and influential collaboration platform uniting emerging-market nations and developing countries, BRICS demonstrated its commitment to addressing critical global issues by convening this extraordinary summit amidst the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Although the summit did not issue a joint statement, a chair’s summary conveyed a collective denunciation of the ongoing war in Gaza. The group voiced condemnation for any form of individual or mass forcible transfer and deportation of Palestinians from their native land. Emphasizing their stance, the group reiterated that such actions, whether within Gaza or towards neighbouring countries, are deemed grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, constituting war crimes and violations under International Humanitarian Law. This nuanced expression underscores the group’s commitment to upholding principles of international law and human rights. This landmark event at such a pivotal juncture signifies a promising commencement for enhanced cooperation within the BRICS framework. Throughout the years, China has consistently underscored, on both bilateral and multilateral platforms, the imperative of resolving the Palestinian question through the two-state solution. The emphasis is

clear: the Palestinian issue lies at the heart of the Middle East challenge and cannot be relegated to the periphery. This unwavering commitment has engendered a deep sense of trust among Arab-Islamic countries in China’s pivotal role in addressing Middle East affairs. In his pivotal address titled “Working Toward a Ceasefire and Realizing Lasting Peace and Sustainable Security,” President Xi Jinping laid out three imperative tasks. Firstly, he urged the conflicting parties to immediately halt hostilities, cease all violence against civilians, release those held captive, and work to prevent further loss of life and suffering. Secondly, he emphasized the need to secure and maintain humanitarian corridors while increasing assistance to the population in Gaza, putting an end to the collective punishment inflicted on its people. Thirdly, President Xi stressed the importance of the international community taking tangible measures to prevent the conflict from escalating and jeopardizing overall stability in the Middle East. These urgent tasks, characterized by their practicality and sincerity, address the core issues at hand and offer constructive, actionable solutions. In his address, President Xi reiterated China’s longstanding stance by emphasizing that the most realistic path to break the cycle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is through the two-state solution. He advocated for the prompt organization of a more authoritative international peace conference, aligning with the anticipated outcomes of regional nations and echoing the broad consensus of both BRICS and the international community. Other leaders in attendance also contributed their perspectives through speeches, collectively forming what President Xi referred to as “BRICS strong voices” on the Palestinian-Israeli issue – a noteworthy and substantial contribution to the discourse. The “BRICS voice” stands in stark contrast to the stance taken by the USA and Western nations. With the USA yet to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, there is a palpable sense of disappointment brewing in the Arab world and among developing countries, redirecting their expecta-

tions toward BRICS. This platform serves as an amplifier for the voices of developing nations in global affairs, becoming a focal point for those seeking an alternative approach to the ongoing crisis. The importance of this summit can be gauged from the fact that UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres participated in the meeting, embodying the international community’s anticipation of the heightened role that BRICS countries could assume in tackling pressing issues in these volatile regions. The summit coincided with Beijing hosting a delegation of Arab-Islamic foreign ministers and maintaining robust communication with fellow permanent members of the UN Security Council, such as France. This strategic engagement underscores China’s concerted efforts to foster diplomatic ties and collaborate on international affairs. The inability of the UN Security Council to take decisive action, hampered by the opposition of a few nations, has erected an insurmountable hurdle. Additionally, the reluctance of some Western nations to champion justice has created a void within the global governance framework. Stepping into this vacuum are the BRICS countries, representing the voices of emerging-market and developing nations. This shift underscores the evolving role of

While a solitary summit or two may not directly resolve the conflict, the unified presence and persistent assertions of developing nations could prove beneficial in charting a roadmap for Israeli-Palestinian peace. This collaborative effort may centre on a „two-state solution,‰ incorporating the promotion of peace and the realization of peaceful coexistence through the introduction of more concrete proposals

Asia’s Muslims grow weary of the West’s double standards

The writer is a freelance columnist

Recycling myths: an excerpt from Being Muslim in Hindu India

BLOOMBERG

KaRisHma VasWaNi

ASHINGTON’S unwavering support for Israel during its ground invasion of Gaza is coming under increasing scrutiny in the Global South. China’s top diplomat Wang Yi recently hosted a delegation of foreign ministers from the Arab and Islamic world, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, Egypt and Indonesia. Beijing said it is ready to work with these countries toward a cease-fire in Gaza, the release of hostages, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and an “early, comprehensive, just and enduring settlement of the Palestinian question.” This is not a new line from Beijing, but it will no doubt be welcomed by some in the Muslim world, particularly in Southeast Asia, which is keen to see more global leadership on an issue that has stoked outrage across communities. Tensions have been running high since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants surged across the border and killed 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals and took as many as 240 hostage. The region’s two largest Muslim majority countries — Indonesia and Malaysia — have long taken a strong pro-Palestinian stance and neither has diplomatic ties with Israel. As the civilian death toll in Gaza climbed above 13,000 following Israel’s military campaign, with images of dead and injured children flooding their timelines, tens of thousands of Indonesians and Malaysians have attended rallies and sermons in support of Palestinians. The protest movement is spreading to all areas of public life in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, where 87% of the 280 million strong population follow the faith. In a social media video message to his followers on Nov 13., Asrorun Niam Sholeh, the chairman of the Fatwa Division at the Indonesian Ulema Council, the highest Muslim authority in the land, laid out the four principles behind an edict that urged the faithful to boycott Israeli products. There have also been social media lists encouraging people to avoid well-known American brands like McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and Coca-Cola. Those protesting say the double standards of the U.S. in the Middle East are becoming increasingly apparent. It’s a similar picture in Malaysia. At a rally in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 24, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters to condemn what they are calling “barbaric” acts in

Karishma Vaswani is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China.

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B h b

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By equating Akbar and Aurangzeb, proponents of Hindutva show they prefer to settle present-day disputes with the weapon of history, real or imagined

Indonesian Ulema Council, the highest Muslim authority in the land, laid out the four principles behind an edict that urged the faithful to boycott Israeli products

Gaza. The country has refused to cut ties with Hamas and Anwar has spoken to the head of its political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, to express “Malaysia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people.” In parliament, the prime minister said the U.S. embassy had tried to pressure him to change his mind, but he refused. “Popular opinion in Malaysia is causing leaders to speak out forcefully,” Sidney Jones, the New Yorkbased senior adviser to the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict in Jakarta, told me. “In Indonesia, there is no way that the President Joko Widodo could have met with U.S. President Joe Biden recently and not said he had delivered a message about Gaza to the U.S.” This has yet to cause a serious rift between the U.S. and Indonesia — the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership at that same meeting — though if Indonesians volunteering in hospitals in Gaza are killed, it could prompt more representations from Jakarta to Washington, she notes. The pressure is already rising. Indonesia’s chief diplomat, Retno Marsudi, in a video message from the foreign ministers’ meeting in Beijing, “strongly condemned” what she said were Israeli tank attacks on the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza on Monday, in which it is thought 12 civilians were killed. Israel says the medical facility is used to disguise Hamas’s underground command and control center, a claim both the Indonesians and the Palestinians deny. This is just one example of how the conflict is spilling over into Southeast Asia. Washington’s unquestioning support for Israel is contentious in the region, notes Joseph Liow, dean of Nanyang Technological University’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Much of this is a hangover from the aftermath of Al-Qaeda’s attacks on the U.S. on 9/11 — in particular the U.S.-led invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan — that is still fresh in the minds of many Malaysians and Indonesians. “That script is going to play out again and that is going to create difficulties for the leaders of these countries,” he says. Enter China, which has been quick to spot the opportunity to act as a global peacemaker despite its many limitations. Beijing has been trying to position itself as a powerful player in the Middle East after it helped broker a detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Washington has urged Beijing to use its influence to prevent the conflict from spreading further, but Chinese President Xi Jinping has yet to use the leverage he has with Russia and Iran to influence either the war in Ukraine or Gaza. Even now, as more nations in the Arab and Islamic world are turning to Beijing, it has little more to offer besides commitments to keep talking. The Chinese are likely to continue their relationship-building with the Islamic world on the Palestinian issue, overtures that are likely to be welcomed. The focus for many Muslims in Asia is the fate of their fellow Muslims in the Middle East. Comments by Biden warning Israel about extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank will do little to win over those suspicious of U.S. intentions. The question now is whether Beijing can bridge the gap between its diplomatic ambitions and its ability.

the BRICS cooperation mechanism, its heightened influence on the international stage, the collective power of BRICS nations in shaping global dynamics, and its profound impact on the trajectory of global development. Unlike China’s constructive engagement, experts argue that the USA has failed to apply sufficient pressure on Israel for a ceasefire or taken affirmative diplomatic steps to address the crisis. This has left the Arab world disappointed and prompted developing nations to redirect their expectations towards the BRICS mechanism. China has been playing a pivotal role in fostering reconciliation efforts in the Middle East, emerging as a steadfast force committed to constructive peace-building and the establishment of a stable environment. Recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts on a global scale, major nations should unite and work together to enhance the conditions conducive to the peacemaking process in the region. In its capacity as the rotating president of the UN Security Council, China has diligently pursued the adoption of the first Security Council resolution amid the ongoing hostilities. This underscores China’s earnest commitment to addressing the challenges in the region through international cooperation and diplomatic initiatives. China has also extended a humanitarian hand to alleviate the crisis in Gaza. This assistance encompasses a $2 million emergency aid package delivered through the Palestinian National Authority and UN agencies. Moreover, China has collaborated with Egypt to dispatch emergency humanitarian supplies valued at 15 million yuan ($2.1 million), including essential provisions like food and medicine, to the Gaza Strip. While a solitary summit or two may not directly resolve the conflict, the unified presence and persistent assertions of developing nations could prove beneficial in charting a roadmap for Israeli-Palestinian peace. This collaborative effort may centre on a “two-state solution,” incorporating the promotion of peace and the realization of peaceful coexistence through the introduction of more concrete proposals.

HINDU

Ziya Us salam

HOSE who believe in the Hindutva agenda cannot find a distinction between the diverse Muslim Indian leaders of the past. It is in this light that persuasive attempts have been made to link Akbar and Aurangzeb, the two Mughal emperors who should be seen at the opposite ends of the spectrum of religiosity and pluralism. For the votaries of Hindutva, all Muslim Indian rulers of medieval India are the same. Be it the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, the Deccani sultans or the Mughals, their names are incidental, even superfluous. They were all Muslim kings! It does not matter that no Muslim king governed by the principles of Islam and most of their decisions were taken based on political needs. Their alliances and conflicts were all entered for personal aggrandizement. No king waged a jihad, a crusade. The fight was not to uphold the supremacy of any faith, but to expand fiefdom, kingdom or empire. To the rabblerousing Hindutva brigade, it matters not that there were Muslim commanders of Hindu armies, and Hindu governors in charge of the so-called Muslim armies. For instance, Raja Jai Singh led Aurangzeb’s armies against Shivaji, just as Raja Man Singh had led the Mughal forces against Rana Pratap in the time of Akbar. At the same time, Hakim Khan Sur led Rana Pratap’s forces against the Mughals! Violence was a regular feature of premodern Indian kingship, and there were no religious divisions when it came to violence. All kings, all dynasties, were violent — right from the Nandas and Mauryas to the Sultanate and Mughals, everyone. From Kalinga to Panipat, the story was the same. However, these facts are for the discerning. For the Hindutva proponent with a clear agenda of ‘we’ and ‘they’, the important basis for distinction is the name of a Muslim king. It is under this light that persuasive attempts have been made to link up Aurangzeb and Akbar, the two Mughal emperors hitherto seen at opposite ends of the spectrum of religiosity and pluralism. The former has historically been projected as a bigot, the man who charged jizya, demolished temples and withheld state patronage to arts and culture. The latter has been hailed for the breadth of his vision, his ability to forge matrimonial alliances with the Rajputs — taking their princesses in marriage while they remained practising Hindus — initiating a dialogue with priests and practitioners of all faiths, even collecting the best principles of various religious denominations to come up with Deen-e-ilahi, a new faith that sought to appeal to the broader instincts of the educated. The faith died with Akbar, but the fact remains that Deen-e-ilahi and the underlying principle of Sulh-i-Kul were probably among the earliest attempts at finding a solution to inter-faith differences. ‘Akbar supervised translations of Singhasan Battisi, Atharva Veda, Mahabharata, Harivamsa and other scriptures into Persian,’ says historian Shireen Moosvi, professor at Aligarh Muslim University, adding that Sulh-i-Kul was the result

of genuine considerations to suit the needs of a multireligious country like India. Much before the Indian Constitution made secularism the touchstone of democracy, Akbar had practised it. Now, the difference between Aurangzeb and Akbar, clear as night from day, is being gradually blurred. No, despite serious attempts by historians, the polity is not looking at Aurangzeb afresh; in the mind of the common man, he continues to be a destroyer of temples, one guilty of regicide, patricide, fratricide and what have you. In February 2023, the name of Aurangabad, the city where he is buried in a simple tomb, was changed to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, after Chhatrapati Shivaji’s son, who was executed by Aurangzeb in 1689. Repeated attempts are being made to nibble at Akbar’s greatness, letting us know through an incident here, a rechristening attempt there, that Akbar was not so great after all. That the Rajputs were better, that Akbar was a Mughal and hence incapable of being our hero. The attempt is not only to rewrite history, but also to deprive contemporary Muslims of their heroes, in whose actions they could take pride, and icons they could quote in conversations as their contribution to the nation. The stray barbs about the Taj Mahal or the Ajmer Fort are actually not isolated or spontaneous utterings of a loose cannon, but a deliberate ploy to take the sheen off the accomplishments of the Mughals — and by extension, modern-day Muslims—who are now held accountable for all the battles and bloodshed of the past. In the grammar of Hindutva votaries, you see, every Muslim king was a Mughal, and every Indian Muslim of modern India is responsible for the failures and sins of the Mughals.... The derogatory ‘Babur ki Aulad’, a term often heard since the Babri Masjid–Ramjanmabhoomi dispute, stemmed not just from a political mindset, but a much deeper and divisive ideology. It is this ideology that refuses to take a dispassionate look at our past. It prefers rather to settle present-day disputes with the weapon of history, real or imagined.... In their world of binaries, you are either with them or against them. The recycling of Hindutva mythologies is merely an attempt to fuel modern-day bigotry. Nuanced study, not sweeping generalisations, is the need of the hour. Being Muslim in Hindu India; Ziya Us Salam, HarperCollins, ₹599.

06 nEws

CEASEFIRE TAKES HOLD ON DAY 49 OF ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT, TEMPORARILY SILENCING GUNS IN GAZA

saturday, 25 november, 2023 | IsLAMABAD

GAZA

Agencies

four-day truce between Israel and Hamas came into effect, with captives held in Gaza to be released in exchange for Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli prisons. The truce, broke by mediation of United States, Qatar and Egypt, begun after prolonged delay of 24 hours and killing of over 1,400 Palestinains mostly children after October 7 surprise attack in which 1,400 people killed. The pause in fighting is due to begin at 7:00 am (05:00 GMT) in the Palestinian territories and Israel. More than 14,800 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7. In Israel, the official death toll from Hamas’s attacks stands at about 1,200. Israel intensified it attacks ahead of the

pause in fighting, including an airstrike that killed at least 27 people at a UN school. The first group of Israeli captives – 13 women and children – will be released at about 4pm local time (14:00 GMT). The Red Cross will escort them to the Rafah border crossing and hand them over to the Israeli military who will begin the identification process. The captives will be taken to hospitals in Tel Aviv for physical and psychological tests. Thirty-nine Palestinian prisoners are also going to be released from Israel as part of the swap on the first day. They will be taken from two Israeli prisons: Damon and Megiddo, both southeast of Haifa. They will then be driven to the Ofer prison, south of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, and from there to a nearby crossing and handed over to their families. Muchneeded humanitarian aid is also expected to

cross from Egypt into Gaza in the hours that follow. Hamas says 200 aid trucks and more

trucks of fuel will enter Gaza daily. Israel and Hamas started a four-day

China to oﬀer visa-free policy to five European countries BEIJING

stAff report

China will roll out a one-year visafree policy to citizens from six countries – France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia – starting on December 1, 2023, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday, as part of fresh efforts to bring about cross-border people-to-people exchanges to serve the country’s high-quality development and opening-up. Residents from the six countries holding ordinary passports can enter China without a visa and stay for at most 15 days for business, sightseeing, visiting families and friends, and transit. Industry insiders said it would mark “one of the largest relaxations” in the visa-free program in decades, and would lead to the inflow of “unprecedented foreign tourists and entrepreneurs” to China that bodes well for the recovery of the world’s second-largest economy, especially its inbound tourism market, which has yet to bounce back to pre-COVID

levels. Germany’s ambassador to China, Patricia Flor, said on social media platform X that the German diplomatic missions in China welcome the decision to offer German citizens a visa-free stay of up to 15 days in China beginning in December. Xu Xiaolei, a marketing manager at China’s CYTS Tours Holding Co, told media on Friday that the program could be “one of the largest” in decades, and will result in a major boost to the inbound tourism market. “A number of foreign tourists from those six countries are expected to travel to China during the upcoming Christmas holidays, traditionally a travel peak period,” said Xu. He also urged relevant parties, including travel companies and airport authorities, to do more work to prepare for the arrival of more foreign tourists. CYTS Tours has rolled out inbound tourism products targeting the six countries, with the Germany and Netherlands markets leading the recovery, according to media reports. China’s tourism market has seen uneven recovery this year. While the

outbound tourism market is recovering rapidly, the inbound tourism sector only recovered to 12 percent of the same period of 2019 in the first half of 2023, data from Ministry of Culture and Tourism revealed. In 2022, China welcomed about 20 million inbound tourists, accounting for 14 percent of the annual volume in 2019. In mid-November, China expanded its visa-free transit policy to include citizens from Norway for a 72/144-hour stay, bringing the total number of applicable countries to 54, according to media reports. China also scrapped 48-hour COVID test requirements for inbound arrivals starting from August 30. The measures came after China resumed 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei In July. Dong Shaopeng, a senior research fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies under the Renmin University of China, told media that the expansion of the visa-free policy is also in line with China’s commitment to further opening-up. “The active move can energize foreign private investment and busi-

China unveils vision, actions for Belt and Road cooperation in next decade BEIJING

eration. In the next decade, all parties will be encouraged to strive towards equal cooperation and mutual benefit, propelling Belt and Road cooperation into a new phase characterized by high-quality development, the document read. The document specified five objectives, namely building a smoother and more efficient connectivity network, ensuring comprehensive and practical cooperation to reach new levels, elevating the sense of gain and fulfillment for the peoples of all participating countries, establishing a new system to support China’s open economy at a more advanced stage and popularizing the vision of a global community of shared future. Policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, people-to-people ties and cooperation in new fields are the key areas and directions for Belt and Road cooperation in the next decade, according to the document.

CORPORATE CORNER

Sindh completes preparations for conducting a free, transparent elections: CM KARACHI

stAff report

Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Justice (R) Maqbool Baqir has said in a meeting with the delegation of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors that Sindh government fully believes in the freedom of press are being implemented. No negligence will be taken in this regard. He added that the SSP of the incident area has also been suspended, we are sure we will arrest the killer soon. I am looking into the matter myself. And I myself went to Mithi for two days and gave instructions in this regard. He said that the Sindh government has completed its preparations for conducting a clean and transparent election and the Election Commission will be provided with whatever assistance is required. Regarding the dues of the newspapers, the caretaker chief minister while giving instructions to the information secretary said that the audit firm should be finalized immediately and a transparent audit should be conducted so that the dues of the newspapers are paid immediately.

Afghanistan takes decisive action, permanently closing embassy in India NEW DELHI Agencies

stAff correspondent

China on Friday published a document titled “Vision and Actions for HighQuality Belt and Road Cooperation: Brighter Prospects for the Next Decade.” Formulated by the Office of the Leading Group for Promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, the document outlines paths and measures China will take to advance Belt and Road cooperation for the next decade. China will work with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries to build a series of signature projects and strengthen alignment of development strategies and market demands with partner countries, the document noted. China will continue to work on small yet impactful flagship projects, encourage efforts to develop Juncao and other initiatives, promote cooperation in international vocational education through Luban Workshops and other programs, according to the document. “We will leverage foreign aid funds to make solid progress in poverty reduction and alleviation as well as food security in BRI participating countries,” it said. The document stated that China also aims to strengthen BRI cooperation platforms and continue to host the Belt and Road Forum for International Coop-

ness visits to China, defying what some foreign media hyped as a ‘foreign capital exodus,'” said Dong. He noted that the measure could synergize with a series of policies the Chinese government released this year to further draw in foreign investment. The visa-free policy to five European countries and Malaysia comes amid closer bilateral trade and economic relations between China and the European bloc as well as China and Southeast Asia. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and EU were ranked as China’s largest and second-largest trading partners in the first 10 months of 2023. China will continue to improve policies related to visas and the inbound tour-ism sector, including optimizing Chinese visa application procedures and gradually phasing out visa application appointments, said an official from the Foreign Ministry during the China International Travel Mart 2023 held in Kunming in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province in November this year, according to a report by the China Economic Times.

ceasefire on Friday with the militants set to release 13 Israeli women and child hostages later in the day and aid to flow into the besieged Gaza enclave, the first pause in the near seven-week-old war. The truce began at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT), involving a comprehensive ceasefire in north and south Gaza, and was to be followed by the release of some of the more than 200 hostages taken by Hamas during the Islamists’ Oct. 7 attack inside Israel, mediators in Qatar said. A number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons were to be freed in exchange. AID TRUCK SET TO ENTER WAR-TORN ENCLAVE In these four days of ceasefire we’re supposed to witness a huge number of aid trucks entering Gaza as local Gazans are expecting today alone 200 trucks of aid to enter – 140,000 litres of fuel and at least four trucks of gas.

The Afghanistan embassy has announced its permanent closure in Indian capital New Delhi and as of now there are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic in Delhi, reported Indian news agency ANI. Releasing an official statement on the closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, the Afghan embassy said, “Effective from November 23, 2023, owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassy’s earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally.” The embassy said it was ‘cognizant’ that some may attempt to characterize this move as an internal conflict, allegedly involving diplomats who switched allegiance to the Taliban, adding “that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests”. “To the Afghan citizens in India, the embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission’s tenure,” it added. Despite “limitations in resources and power”, the Afghan embassy said it has worked “tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul”. Over the past two years and three months,

the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country, the embassy noted in its statement, adding that the number has nearly halved since August 2021, with very limited new visas being issued during this period. “We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India,” it added. “Unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts in order to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats. In the face of these challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances, prioritizing the interests of the 40 million Afghans in every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for the formation of a broad-based government,” the Afghan embassy stated further in its statement. It added that the Afghan embassy “exerted diplomatic pressure in its power on those who defy the will of the Afghan people by failing to form an inclusive government and denying millions of girls the right to attend school”. As of now, there are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic in India. Those who served

in the national capital have safely reached third countries, the embassy informed through its release, adding that the only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings. “The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government. It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India,” it added. “We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years. We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times,” the statement concluded. Notably, the Afghan embassy announced the closure of its operations on November 1, citing “lack of resources” and “failure to meet Afghanistan’s interests” by the Taliban regime.

DUTCH ELECTION

Far-right’s Wilders aims to be PM after shock win AMSTERDAM Agencies

Far-right populist Geert Wilders wants to be the Netherlands’ next prime minister and would focus his efforts on curbing immigration, he said following a landmark election win that will have repercussions in the Netherlands and beyond. Wilders’ win sent a warning shot to mainstream parties across Europe ahead of European Parliament elections next June, which will likely be fought on the same issues as the Dutch election: immigration, cost of living and climate change. “We’ve had it with the old politicians,” voter Herman Borcher said in the eastern town of Enschede, summing up the mood. A fan of former US President Donald Trump and Hungary’s eurosceptic Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Wilders is openly anti-Islam, and antiEU and said “the Netherlands will be returned to the Dutch.” But his most radical ideas – and in particular any plans to take the country out of the

EU or ban the Koran – will be rejected by other parties he must work with in order to form a coalition government, meaning he will have to compromise. That has not stopped fellow populists across the continent from welcoming his win as showing that “a new Europe is possible.” Beating all predictions, Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV) won 37 seats out of 150 on Wednesday, well ahead of 25 for a joint Labour/Green ticket and 24 for the conservative People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Coalition talks are expected to take months. “I would be very happy to become the Dutch prime minister, of course,” Wilders told party members who welcomed him with champagne and cake, adding that he was willing to negotiate. “We are eager to do that, because it gives us a lot of responsibilities, this huge win at the Dutch elections, and we really want to live up to it.” Wilders said he was in favour of a referendum on whether the Netherlands should leave the EU.

“But the first thing is a significant restriction on asylum and immigration,” Wilders said. “We don’t do that for ourselves, we do that for all Dutch people who voted for us”. Net migration to the Netherlands doubled in 2022 from a year earlier to around 223,000 people, data from Statistics Netherlands shows. Some 64% of immigrants last year had a European background, with a quarter of arrivals having a background in Ukraine. Rene Cuperus, a senior research fellow at global affairs think-tank the Clingendael Institute said 80% of the Dutch were in favour of EU membership and an exit was not in the cards, nor was Wilders’ idea of banning the Koran likely to materialise. “It’s not an anti-Islam vote. It’s not an anti EU vote. No, it’s more a middle finger against the establishment in The Hague,” Cuperus said, referring to the city where the government is based. “It’s an anti-establishment signal … to really warn the established parties to fix the housing market crisis and to fix migration.” But French and German ministers signalled there were still reasons to be concerned.

NEWS

CORPORATE CORNER

LAHORE : Punjab Governor Baleeghur Rehman presents Honorary Doctorate Degree on behalf of Institute for Arts & Culture (IAC) to UAE Ambasasor to Pakistan HE Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi. IAC Chancellor Muhammad Faisal Janjua also present on the occasin. PR

Pakistan Cables, UET host talk series on embracing sustainable practices to counter climatic challenges

LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

N a desperate attempt to tackle the city’s persistent smog problem, the Punjab government is contemplating the use of artificial rain. Smog has become a significant issue in Lahore, with previous measures to eradicate it proving ineffective. The proposed artificial rain technique involves spraying special chemicals on clouds, identified by the Meteorological Department, to induce rainfall. Sodium chloride, silver iodide, and other chemicals would be used for this purpose, with specialized airplanes deployed for the operation. If deemed feasible, this experiment could be conducted on November 28 or 29. The worsening smog in Lahore has

INP

LAHORE: As part of its 70th anniversary celebrations, Pakistan Cables in collaboration with the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) held a seminar, themed “Ignite Possibilities”, on the evolving landscape of sustainability in engineering, with a view to inspire young engineers to develop leadership in sustainable development. “For 70 years, we have put innovation and cuttingedge research at the core of our operations. The next decades of Pakistan Cables will be fuelled by our vision to support sustainability platforms to transform how we view engineering and its role in securing our future,” said the CEO of Pakistan Cables, Fahd K Chinoy. PR

Zong 4G ensures employee safety with fire safety awareness month

ISLAMABAD: Zong 4G, a leading telecommunication company, is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees. In observance of Fire Safety Awareness Month this November, Zong 4G, has taken proactive measures to equip its workforce with essential knowledge and skills to respond effectively in the event of a fire emergency.As part of the Fire Safety Awareness Month activities, Zong 4G conducted a successful fire drill on the 24th of November. The drill was meticulously planned to simulate real-life scenarios and evaluate the effectiveness of emergency response procedures. The objective was to improve response times and ensure that employees were well-prepared to handle any potential fire-related situations. PR

Transit advertisment campaign by HR Ministry termed a powerful tool

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushal Hussein Mullik, has said that Women Protection and Rehabilitation Centers are working at the Federal, Provincial and district level, providing early response to the victims of violence by extending medical, legal, psychological support and rehabilitation services. She was addressing the launch of 16 days Awareness campaign “Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” including a Transit Advertising Campaign organized by Ministry of Human Rights. The advertising campaign will kick start from November 25 in collaboration with Ministry of Railways and with the support of UN Women. PR

resulted in a surge in respiratory illnesses among citizens. Complaints of cold, flu, fever, and throat infections have become increasingly common. The smog continues to blanket the city and its surroundings, causing severe visibility issues and posing serious health risks. On Friday, Lahore topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, according to the international website Air Quality Index. The city’s air pollution levels were recorded at a staggering 352 particulate meters, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The severity of smog has also intensified in six divisions, including Lahore. Medical experts strongly advise residents to wear masks and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure to minimize the risk of respiratory ailments.

WPRC promptly responds to victims of violence at all levels: Mushal ISLAMABAD

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushal Hussein Mullik, on Friday said the Women Protection and Rehabilitation Centers (WPRC) were providing early and prompt response to the victims of violence at all levels. Mushal Mullik said WPRC working at the Federal, Provincial and District levels, had been providing early response to the victims of violence by extending medical, legal, psychological support and rehabilitation services. She was addressing the launch

of 16-day Awareness Campaign “Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” including a Transit Advertising Campaign, organized by the Ministry of Human Rights. The advertising campaign will kick start by November 25 in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways and with the support of UN Women Pakistan. Highlighting the importance of the promotion and protection of women rights, the Special Assistant to Prime Minister said that the Ministry of Human Rights was reviewing laws and policies with regard to women protection. She informed that Zainab Alert Response and Recovery Act, 2020;

Redefining Comfort: Hotel One by Pearl-Continental debuts in Karachi

KARACHI: In an exciting move to bring premium hospitality within everyone's reach, Hashoo Group's renowned select-service brand, Hotel One by PearlContinental, has teamed up with Karachi's esteemed Hotel Galaxy. Together, they proudly introduce the newly rebranded Hotel One, offering an elevated and budget-friendly hospitality experience in Pakistan's bustling business hub, Karachi.The partnership was solidified through the signing of an agreement by senior executives from both organizations, followed by the official soft launch of the rebranded hotel.Haseeb A. Gardezi, Chief Operating Officer, Hospitality & Education Division, Hashoo Group, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "We constantly seek like-minded partners who share our vision of providing high-quality and accessible hospitality services throughout Pakistan. Our collaboration with Hotel Galaxy marks a significant stride towards the future of the hospitality industry in the country." PR

Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie, President & CEO, NBP attended the UnionPay International Regional Member Council Meeting in Riyadh, KSA. During the Council Meeting, he also Presented NBP's Vision for e-commerce and online payments. The meeting was also attended by delegates from across the financial sector from Middle East, Türkiye, China, and Pakistan. PR

November and the beginning of winter in Pakistan, clouds of mourning begin to hover In Pakistan, during the winter season, smog can become a problem due to various factors like industrial emissions and crop burning. It's important to take precautions and stay safe during this time.Smog can have various health risks, such as respiratory problems, eye irritation, and aggravated asthma symptoms. It's important to take care of your health and minimize exposure to smog.Smog can have harmful effects on the environment. It contributes to air pollution, damages plants and crops, and can lead to the formation of acid rain. It's important to reduce smog for the well-being of both humans and the environment.Exposure to smog can lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and

increased risk of respiratory infections. It's important to take care of your respiratory health, especially during smoggy conditions.Long-term exposure to smog can have serious health effects, including the development or worsening of chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. It can also increase the risk of heart disease and lung cancer. It's important to prioritize clean air and take measures to reduce smog levels.To reduce smog levels, we can take steps like reducing vehicle emissions, using public transportation, carpooling, and supporting clean energy sources. Planting trees and promoting green spaces also help improve air quality. Yes, there are specific regions around the world that are heavily affected by smog. Some examples include cities like Beijing in China, Delhi in India, and Los Angeles in the United States. These areas often experience high levels of air pollution and

Enforcement of Women Property Rights Act 2020; The Anti Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021; and the Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace (Amendment) Act, 2022 were the significant legislations, aimed at protecting women. Mushal said the Federal Government had enacted the Legal Aid and Justice Authority Act, 2020 to provide legal, financial and other forms of assistance to vulnerable groups, including women, in criminal cases. Human Rights Relief and Revolving Funds have been established in order to provide financial assistance to the victims of human rights violations, she added.

Harmony Amidst Disruption: Habib University hosts PHEC 2023

KARACHI: Habib University’s sixth annual Postcolonial Higher Education Conference (PHEC) kicked off on Friday under the central theme of “The Ethical and The Spiritual in Islam: Pasts, Presents, Futures”. The two-day event, renowned as a prominent platform for academic discourse, is dedicated to enriching scholarly conversations in a post-colonial context and strengthening global connections. In line with Habib University’s tradition of fostering insightful discussions, this year's PHEC aims to explore the essential conceptual and practical linkages between the ethical and spiritual dimensions in Islamic traditions. PR

Beaconhouse Jubilee Campus showcases fashion talent of students

KARACHI: The Beanconhouse School System, Jubilee Campus in its pursuit to conserve the environment and promote a sustainable lifestyle held an event to showcase the creative fashion accomplishments of its students fully based on recyclable material.The event held at the Jubilee Campus of the Beaconhouse School System marked the launching of “The Green Raiment” the first-ever sustainable fashion brand launched by any school in Pakistan. PR

Effects of smog on human health ZUNAIRA RIAZ

LAHORE CONTEMPLATES ARTIFICIAL RAIN STRATEGY TO COMBAT SMOG CRISIS

Saturday, 25 November, 2023 | ISLAMABAD

smog due to factors like industrial activities and high population density. To reduce smog levels, we can take steps like reducing vehicle emissions, using public transportation, carpooling, and supporting clean energy sources. Planting trees and promoting green spaces also help improve air quality. We can encourage more people to use public transportation by highlighting its benefits such as cost savings, reduced traffic congestion, and environmental sustainability. Promoting convenient and reliable public transportation options, offering incentives like discounted fares or loyalty programs, and raising awareness about the positive impact on air quality can also help encourage more people to choose public transportation. Using public transportation during smog can be particularly beneficial. Public transport vehicles are often equipped with advanced emission control systems, reducing

Imam-e-Kaaba leads Friday prayer at Faisal Mosque

ISLAMABAD: Imam-e-Kaaba, H.E. Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah Bin Humaid delivered a Friday sermon at Faisal Mosque and led the prayer where he called upon Muslim countries to be united and prayed for the end of atrocities of Palestinian Muslims.The Friday prayer at Faisal Mosque was also attended by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Nawaf Said Al-Malki, President of the International Islamic University, Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi , Vice presidents of IIUI, Diplomats of various Muslim countries , prominent religious and political figures, and thousands of faithful from twin cities. PR

Assessing Pakistan’s Economic Plan: Challenges and opportunities for sustainable future

ISLAMABAD: The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, hosted a seminar titled “Assessing Pakistan’s Economic Plan: Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future.” The event brought together a distinguished panel of experts, comprising eminent personalities with extensive experience in the public, private, development, and corporate sectors, and offered valuable insights and recommendations for shaping the sustainable economic future of Pakistan. PR

Karachi gears up for 6th Karachi International Water Conference amidst water crisis, climate emergencies

KARACHI: 6th Karachi International Water Conference is scheduled to be held on 27th and 28th of November, 2023 at Marriott Hotel, it was announced here earlier today. It is geared to bring together global thought leaders, experts, and stakeholders from the water, environment, climate, health, and food security sectors to address the critical issues of the water crisis in the wake of the ongoing climate emergency. In an era dominated by discussions on the climate emergency, the 6th Karachi International Water Conference aims to redirect attention to the pressing issue of the water crisis. As the world witnesses the direct impact of carbon emissions on water, including boiling oceans, melting ice, rising sea levels, unprecedented downpours, and more frequent storms, the conference asserts that water-related disasters are now the major manifestation of the climate emergency. PR

their contribution to air pollution. By choosing public transportation, we can collectively reduce the number of vehicles on the road, minimizing smog and improving air quality for everyone. Let's ride the bus or train and breathe in cleaner air together! To stay safe from smog, it's important to limit your exposure to polluted air. You can do this by staying indoors when smog levels are high, especially during peak times of pollution. If you must go outside, wearing a mask can help filter out some of the pollutants. Additionally, keeping your home well-ventilated and using air purifiers can improve indoor air quality. Take care and prioritize your health! Smog conditions during winter can vary around the world. In some regions, winter weather conditions, such as temperature inversions, can trap pollutants and lead to higher smog levels. It's important to stay informed about local air quality reports and

take necessary precautions to protect yourself during winter months.Some common pollutants found in smog include particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and groundlevel ozone. These pollutants can come from various sources like vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. It's important to reduce our emissions and take steps to improve air quality for a healthier environment In Pakistani cities, smog conditions can be a concern, especially during the winter months. Cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad have experienced high levels of smog due to a combination of factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and agricultural practices. During smoggy periods, air quality can deteriorate, leading to reduced visibility and health risks.

Saturday, 25 November, 2023

OQ TRADING SUBMITS LOWEST BID FOR ONE LNG CARGO TO BE DELIVERED IN JANUARY 2024 NEWS

PROFIT

AHMAD AHMADANI

N international commodity supplier, the OQ Trading has submitted a lowest commercial offer of US$ 18.4600 per Million British Thermal Unit (MMBTU) for supply of a cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the month of January 2024. Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL), a state-owned company, which procures LNG from the international market, issued the tender on Monday (20th November) and was seeking delivery of one LNG cargo at Port Qasim, Karachi

on January 8 to 9. The date and time of bid closing and opening was 24th November, 2023. As per details, PLL has received four bids for supply of one LNG cargo from the global commodity suppliers. And, after qualifying in the bidding round of technical evaluation, the OQ Trading submitted the lowest bid of US $18.46 per MMBTU, Vitol Bahrain bid was of US $18.58, Qatar Energy Trading made a bid of US$19.43, and the Trafigura submitted a bid of $19.64. The lowest bid received from the international market for a cargo in January was $18.46 per MMBTU. PLL has been mandated by the

Government of Pakistan (GoP) to import and sell the natural gas, the LNG and re-gasified LNG. PLL procures LNG from the international markets and makes arrangements for the supply of gas to the end users, managing the whole supply chain of LNG in the country. Dependent on gas for energy purposes especially the power generation, Pakistan has been struggling hard to ensure the procurement of spot cargoes of LNG after the price of commodity witnessed significant increase last year after the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan has two long-term supply deals

with Qatar, one signed in 2016 for 3.75 million metric tons of LNG a year, and another signed in 2021 for three million metric tons a year. It also has an annual portfolio contract with ENI for 0.75 million metric tons a year. And the caretaker government has been making all out efforts to overcome expected gas shortage in the approaching winter season. Besides, back in September, PLL issued a tender seeking two LNG cargoes for the month of December. PLL awarded the tender to commodities trader Vitol. In June, PLL failed to secure offers for six cargoes on a DES basis for October and December delivery to Port Qasim.

Court dismisses plea against Imran’s nikkah after complaint withdrawn ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

‘Unimaginable’ facilities provided to ‘laadla of courts’ in jail: Bugti ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Friday claimed that extraordinary facilities were being provided to former prime minister Imran Khan in jail that average citizen cannot even imagine, dubbing him ‘darling of the court.’ “Facilities provided to him (Imran) are more than those provided to an ordinary prisoner or a prime minister behind bars as he is, after all, a laadla of the courts”, Sarfraz Bugti said during an interview with Independent Urdu published on Friday. Sharing details about the PTI chief’s arrest on May 9, Bugti claimed directives were issued “within two minutes” to take the PTI chief to Islamabad Police Lines in a Mercedes. To a question about the special court’s directives to present the former premier and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi before the court on Nov 28 in the cypher case, Bugti said he would follow the court orders to the letter. “We will abide by the court’s order regarding Imran’s appearance in court on November 28,” he said, acknowledging the importance of due legal process. The caretaker minister also mentioned former chief justice Umar Ata Bandial’s “good to see you” remarks for Imran, saying that such instances strengthen his argument for judicial reforms. “We direly need judicial reforms here,” he stated. The caretaker minister further said that most of the cases filed against PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif were baseless, but at the same time asserted that no favours were being given to the PML-N. More than 99pc of returning immigrants are Afghans On the matter of deporting undocumented immigrants, Bugti said they were being sent back to their home country due to the lack of peace in Pakistan. “This country is for Pakistanis; Pakistanis will live in it. Foreigners who want to live here should come in a legal manner. We will welcome them. “If someone comes under a veil or by leaping over a wall, then we cannot give them the status of a guest,” the interior minister said. Bugti stated that around 300,000 illegal immigrants had returned to their home country so far, of which more than 99 per cent are Afghan nationals. Pakistan needs a ‘firewall’ against ‘hostile agencies’ When asked about the “failure” in dealing with the deadly clashes in Kurram district last month — that claimed over a dozen lives — Bugti said the word “failure is too big”. The interior minister said there was no doubt that “hostile agencies in the fault lines of Pakistan” always tried to increase violence. “There is an attempt to increase fault lines,” he added. Referring to the Jaranwala incident in August and unrest in Gilgit Baltistan in early September, Bugti said the “connections of conspiracies” in these places traced to “somewhere else”. Expanding on the security situation in the country, Bugti talked about “planned” social media campaigns and said the country “basically needs a firewall that could regulate our media, especially social media”. ‘78pc of missing persons cases resolved’ Responding to a question about Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar being summoned by the Islamabad High Court in a case pertaining to missing persons, the minister said it was “not appropriate if the court began summoning the premier on every other minor issue”.

A local court in the federal capital on Friday dismissed a petition challenging nikkah of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan with Bushra Bibi after the petitioner withdrew his plea. Muhammad Hanif had filed a petition, seeking legal action against the former prime minister for marrying Bushra Bibi while she was reportedly in iddat, but he withdrew the plea after which the court dismissed the case. In his recent application submitted in the court, the petitioner said: “For the time being, the applicant wants to withdraw the complaint due to technical reasons.” “If permission to withdraw the complaint is not accorded, applicant shall suffer irreparable loss.” Keeping in view the statement of the complainant, Judicial Magistrate (East) Qudrat Ullah granted withdrawal of the complaint under Section 248 Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and wrapped up the case. Imran-Bushra marriage case The petitioner had claimed that Bushra Bibi was divorced by her former husband in November

2017 and later she married Khan on January 1, 2018, despite the fact that her Iddat period had not ended, “which is against the Sharia and Muslim norms.” The complainant submitted in the court the statements of Mufti Muhammad Saeed — who conducted the marriage between Imran and Bushra, and Awn Chaudhry — Imran’s close friend — one of the witnesses at the wedding. Saeed, who solemnised the couple’s nikkah, had said that the PTI chief married Bushra Bibi during the latter’s iddat (the time a woman goes into isolation after her husband dies or divorces her), despite knowing everything. In his statement to a lower court, Saeed said he had solemnised Khan’s nikah with Bushra Bibi on January 1, 2018, over the assurance of a woman claiming to be the former first lady’s sister. “Then the former premier contacted me again in February 2018 and requested me to solemnise his nikah with Bushra Bibi again as the first time it was against the Shariah,” Saeed stated before the court. He said that the first time when the nikah was solemnised,

Bushra Bibi’s Iddat hadn’t ended. He quoted Khan as saying that Bushra Bibi had been divorced in November 2017 and that there was a “prediction” that the PTI chairman would become the prime minister of Pakistan if he married Bushra Bibi. Mufti Saeed added that the first nikah was illegal, which had been solemnised based on the “prediction”. Marriage In February 2018, the PTI had announced that Khan married Bushra Riaz Watoo, better known now as Bushra Bibi, who is a respected faith healer. The ceremony was held in Lahore. Although Khan’s sisters were not in attendance, the bride’s mother and friends attended the intimate ceremony. Before marrying the spiritual guide, Khan was married twice. He first married Jemima Goldsmith, daughter of a British billionaire, in 1995, but it ended in 2004. He has two kids — Suleman and Qasim — from his first wife. Both of them live with their mother. His second marriage was to Reham Khan in January 2015, which dissolved in a short span of 10 months.

ECP moved over extended stay of interim set-ups LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was requested on Friday to declare the ‘extended stay’ of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar ‘unconstitutional’. The request was made through a plea filed before the ECP praying to restrain the caretaker prime minister from holding office and carrying out its functions till the matter is decided by the commission. Muhammad Muqsit Saleem, who filed the petition, made the interim premier, secretary Cabinet Division, and the chief election commissioner as respondents. The petitioner contended that on August 14, 2023, the caretaker PM took an oath of office, followed by another oath of his cabinet on August 17, 2023. The caretaker government’s tenure ceased on November 15, 2023, and any further administrative or financial decisions made by the interim set-up is hence illegal and invalid. The petitioner added that the matter requires serious consideration and judicial attention because an extension in the date for holding elections cannot automatically imply that the mandate for the interim PM is extended. Furthermore, the plea stated that the caretaker government is appointed to oversee states’ administrations, ensuring transparent elections and maintaining law and order in the electoral process. If elections are not held

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OGRA notifies hike in RLNG prices for November 2023 6:37

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PROFIT

AHMAD AHMADANI

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has declared a notable increase in the prices of imported Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG), effective from November 1, 2023, for a one-month duration. Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has notified hike in the prices of imported Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) which will be effective from November 1, 2023 for a one-month duration. OGRA, in a statement, said that the increase in RLNG prices is due to increase in RLNG brent prices in the international market. According to the OGRA notification, the price of RLNG for Sui Northern has been increased by 1.20 percent while the price of RLNG for Sui Southern has been increased by 1.17pc and the new RLNG prices for both Sui Northern and Sui Southern will be applicable from November 1, 2023. For Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the transmission price per Million British Thermal Units (MMBTU) is now set at $12.4687, while the distribution price has been fixed at $13.4930 per MMBTU. Similarly, for Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), the transmission price has been raised to $12.0477 per MMBTU and the distribution price is now set at $14.0337 per MMBTU. It should be noted that the price of RLNG in October for Sui Northern was $13.33 per MMBTU while for Sui Southern, the price of RLNG in October was $13.87/MMBTU. It is pertinent to mention that OGRA’s determination of hike in the prices of imported RLNG for November 2023 is a direct response to the fluctuating RLNG brent prices in the international market besides highlighting the impact of global energy markets on local energy pricing. Similarly, this price hike in RLNG prices is likely to cause significant implications for both commercial and residential consumers of the natural gas across the country. Moreover, the hike in RLNG prices, in the start of winter season, is expected to influence the cost dynamics for heating and energy consumption across the country.

Dollar Industries takes center stage at ‘Paperworld Middle East & Gift and Lifestyle Middle East 2023’ ISLAMABAD

GHULAM ABBAS

within the timeframe as specified by the constitution, the mandate of the government should typically end, however, he added that this does not seem to be the case as per the current political landscape of the country. The petition also stated that the National Assembly was dissolved by President Arif Alvi on the advice of the former prime minister Imran Khan under Article 58(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan, after which he is constitutionally bound to appoint a date for the election of a new government within 90 days of dissolution. The elections must adhere to Article 218, which must correspond with other provisions of the Constitution, including Articles 224 and 48(5). The constitution specifies 90day and 60-day election periods. According to Article 224(1), a general election to the National Assembly or a provincial assembly must be held within 60 days of the day the assembly’s term is set to expire.

According to Article 224(2), when the National Assembly or a provincial assembly is dissolved, a general election to the Assembly must be held within 90 days of the dissolution, and the results must be declared no later than 14 days after the polls conclude. Adding more, the applicant said that beyond the statutory time, the government is violating constitutional rights and basic democratic foundations. “The extended stay has raised serious concerns regarding the legitimacy of those in power.” Article 224 outlines the provisions for the caretaker government. The article implies that the government shall remain in office for a period not exceeding 90 days and that the primary function of such a government is to hold free and fair elections. “The current government has failed to fulfill its responsibilities and has proven to be ineffective in resolving critical issues that are detrimental to our society.”

The vibrant atmosphere of creativity and innovation filled the halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre as Paperworld Middle East & Gift and Lifestyle Middle East 2023 concluded on November 23. The 12th edition of Paperworld Middle East, the largest international trade event for paper, stationery, arts and crafts, office supplies, and school products, ran alongside the 3rd edition of Gift and Lifestyle Middle East, creating a dynamic showcase for diverse industries. This year’s co-located events attracted a staggering 10,000 visitors from more than 100 countries, solidifying their status as a global platform for the paper trade and a wide variety of gifting items. With over 490 exhibitors from 20 countries across four expansive halls, the event featured the richness and diversity of the industry. Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East, a part of the ambient portfolio, seamlessly complemented Paperworld Middle East with its focus on gifting, leather finished goods, lifestyle, and baby and kids products. The 12th edition of Paperworld Middle East & 3rd edition of Gift and Lifestyle provided an essential platform for industry players to connect, showcase innovations, and explore new opportunities in the ever-evolving market. Among the distinguished participants, Dollar Industries Pvt. Ltd took a prominent position, showcasing its commitment to excellence and innovation. Mr. Arif Mukhtar, Head of Business Development – Export at Dollar Industries, expressed his positive feedback about the fair. He emphasized the event’s success, robust visitor turnout, and efficient organization, highlighting notable improvements compared to the previous year. The show featured six official country pavilions, showcasing the global nature of the event, with participants from India, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Jordan.

Global economy bears consequences of US debt crisis: report ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

How the Global economy is paying for the U.S. debt crisis, a detailed review was made in a report published by Gwadar Pro on Friday. Just one day before a potential U.S. government shutdown, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a stopgap funding bill on November 16th to keep the federal government operational. This act essentially means that U.S. policy-makers have once again deferred the fiscal time bomb by a few months. In reality, the U.S. debt issue has become a persistent ailment for both the American government and global investors. As the Federal Reserve enters a cycle of interest rate hikes, U.S. debt has been snowballing

and will potentially trigger an avalanche in the international financial system. Just how large has this snowball become? The U.S. federal debt, as reported by the U.S. Treasury Department on October 26th, 2023, has skyrocketed to $33.67 trillion, an increase of $2.27 trillion since the temporary suspension of the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling took effect on June 3rd, 2023, set to expire at the beginning of 2025. The debt is projected to exceed $50 trillion by 2030. The massive fiscal deficits accumulated over the long term are a significant driver of the ballooning federal debt. During the 2018 financial crisis, the U.S. government implemented two rounds of fiscal stimulus, totalling approximately $1.5 trillion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, six rounds of fiscal stimulus policies were introduced, nearing $5.7 trillion.

These policies were financed by issuing bonds on a large scale. From 2007 to 2019, the U.S. government debt increased by about $14 trillion, and in the little over three years since 2020, it has risen by more than $8.2 trillion. According to a report by National Public Radio (NPR), the recent significant rise in federal government spending can be attributed to major factors such as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the increased healthcare costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population, as well as a rise in other social service expenditures by the government. The three main budget items—defense, healthcare, and social security—collectively account for as much as 60% of the budget and are considered essential. Additionally, the long-standing current account deficit has been covered by increas-

ing national debt. In 2022, the U.S. trade deficit in goods and services soared by 12.2% from $845.1 billion in 2021 to $948.1 billion, marking a record high for the third consecutive year. The U.S. has long been in a state of trade deficit, necessitating substantial financing or borrowing to bridge the gap. The U.S. Congress established a maximum debt threshold for the federal government as early as 1917, known as the “debt ceiling” or “national debt limit.” From a systemic design perspective, the debt ceiling aligns with the common interests of the United States and all its creditors. It serves as a critical component in maintaining the U.S. government’s debt credibility and the hegemony of the dollar, as well as a declaration of creditworthiness to creditors. However, in practice, the U.S. Congress

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

has raised the debt limit over 110 times since 1917, from $11.5 billion in 1917 to $1 trillion in 1982, $10 trillion in 2008, $20 trillion in 2017, and breaking $30 trillion in 2022. The debt ceiling has become a defensive line that greed continuously pushes back. This supposed limit has been stretched continuously, symbolizing a defense line under siege by insatiable greed. The question arises: where is the ceiling for the debt limit? By the end of the 2022 fiscal year, the size of the U.S. debt ceiling as a percentage of GDP had soared to 125%; the Congressional Budget Office predicts it will reach 185% by 2052. Legally, Congress is granted the regulatory authority to impose limits on the total national debt, but there is a lack of regulation regarding the direction and purpose of bond funds.