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PROJECTS WITH ‘SIZABLE’ INVESTMENT UNDER SIFC TO BE SIGNED BEFORE ELECTIONS: PM

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Sunday, 26 November, 2023 I 11 Jamada Al-Awal, 1445

SAYS GOOD NEWS SOON ABOUT MOUS SIGNING g ‘PAKISTAN, KUWAIT TO SIGN SEVEN FOR PROJECTS WORTH BILLIONS OF DOLLARS MOUS FOR INVESTMENT WORTH $10B’

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Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 147 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

ARETAKER Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Saturday said that projects with ‘sizable figure’ of investment under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) would be signed before end of the current caretaker setup.

“In the coming weeks, the nation will hear good news as we are soon going to Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia and to other countries to sign Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) of the projects worth billions of dollars,” the prime minister said in an interview with a private news channel.

Pakistan and Kuwait will sign seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for investment worth $10 billion in Pakistan through seven projects in multiple fields including environment, mining and food security during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq Kakar to Kuwait.

PM Kakar said SIFC was a fully professional initiative that was being run under best international practices. “I see a natural and organic growth in it.”

To a question, the prime minister explained that the investment never came so early. He said first the government had to pass through a negotiation process on bankable projects, then there came the feasibility stage, then MoUs are

signed and then it transformed into tangible projects.

He said the SIFC had the institutional support, and changes of governments would not affect the progress of the projects under the Council.

PM Kakar said some segments were misleading the people that all the estimated investment amount worth $70 billion would at once be deposited in the Pakistani banks by the friendly countries.

To a query, the prime minister pointed out that the caretaker setup with the support of the state, had successfully halted the cross-border smuggling of dollars and other goods that would continue in future as well.

As regards upcoming general elec-

Maneka files case against Imran, Bushra Bibi for ‘fraudulent marriage’ ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Khawar Maneka, the ex-husband of PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, on Saturday filed a case against the former prime minister and first lady over the allegation of fraudulent marriage and fornication.

The development comes a day after a petitioner in a similar case withdrew his plea, citing technical reasons.

Earlier this week, Maneka had held Imran responsible for ruining his married life before eventually marrying Bushra Bibi himself.

The allegations were met with strong criticism from PTI leaders who questioned the moral necessity of Maneka’s interview, while their PML-N adversaries used the same to sling mud at the former premier.

Maneka submitted a private complaint today against the husband and wife in the court of Islamabad East Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah under Sections 34 (common intention), 496 (marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage) and 496B (fornication) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

During the hearing, he also submitted a statement under section 200 (examination of complainant) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

In the statement, Maneka, who was recently given bail in a graft case, reiterated his claims voiced in his interview and the plea he filed.

Subsequently, the court issued notices to the three witnesses mentioned in the case — namely Istekham-iPakistan Party member Awn Chaudhry, Mufti Muhammad Saeed who officiated the nikah and Maneka’s house employee Latif — and directed them to appear before the court on November 28 (Tuesday).

The complaint urged the court that Imran and Bushra be “summoned and punished strictly in accordance with law in the interest of justice”.

It said Imran was introduced to his family through Bushra’s sister “during the Islamabad dharna”, likely referring to the PTI’s 2014 sit-in.

Maneka that the PTI chief often visited his house for hours in his absence “under the guise of spiritual healings”, which was “not only undesirable but unethical”.

tions in the country, he said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was fully prepared to hold general elections on the given date. He said the caretaker government was also well aware of its role to assist the ECP in ensuring transparent and secure election process.

To a question about the security situation in the country, the prime minister maintained that there were serious security threats, especially in Balochistan which were expected to increase in the days to come. However, he said he did not want to relate these security concerns with elections.

To another question about complaints by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)

for not being given level playing fields for the election campaign, PM Kakar clarified that the government was not denying the field to any political party.

“Normally, the political parties use multiple tactics to attract the sympathies of their voters, and the victim card is quite common among those tactics,” he said.

The prime minister said the government was neither discriminating any party nor giving undue favour to any other.

He said the caretaker government was not imposing restrictions to hold political rallies or gatherings in Islamabad or any other part of the country.

However, he said the caretakers were bound to restrict those involved in the 9th May incidents as per the law as their matter was under trial in the counts.

He said the basic role of the ECP is to give equal opportunities to all the political parties in general election.

As regards, the missing persons in Balochistan, the prime minister made it clear that no institution was involved in enforced disappearance in the country.

He said the people involved in terrorism should be presented in the courts.

“Our view is that this is a campaign by some activists to malign the state institutions,” he added.

As regards trial of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the Judicial Complex, the prime minister said the government would follow the court order in this regard.

SC bench set to take up plea against forceful deportation of Afghans on Dec 1 ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Supreme Court has constituted a three-judge bench to take up for hear on December 1, a petition seeking restraining order against the enforced deportation of Afghan citizens.

According to Supreme Court’s roster for next week, the bench led

by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and comprising Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Ayesha Malik, is scheduled to hear the constitutional petition on December 1.

Initially, the SC registrar’s office rejected the plea, citing its failure to specify the questions of public importance related to the enforcement of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

However, the appellants including former PPP senator Farhatullah Babar and National Democratic Movement Chairman

Mohsin Dawar, pursued the matter through an appeal, represented

by Advocate Umer Ijaz Gilani.

In their petition, the former PPP senator and others sought a restraining order against the forcible deportation or harassment of individuals born in Pakistan with a legitimate claim to birthright citizenship under Section 4 of the Citizenship Act, 1951. They also referenced the ruling of the Islamabad High Court in the 2021 case of Hafiz Hamdullah Saboor.

The petitioners’ counsel argued that the “impugned directive” by the “apex committee” of the caretaker cabinet effectively reverses a 45-year-old Pakistani state policy of hospitality and leniency towards refugees, asylumseekers, and other migrants from the Afghan borders.

The plea contended that the federal government should be di-

rected to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partner organisations to register, expedite the processing, and decide on all asylum-seeking applications filed by foreigners currently residing in Pakistan.

The petitioners asserted that the government’s policy lacks a mechanism to differentiate between birthright citizens and illegal immigrants. The federal government has initiated a crackdown on “undocumented” Afghan nationals, essentially those seeking refuge in the country and awaiting legal formalities.

Since November 1, 2023, the state has commenced a campaign to forcibly evict around 1.3 million individuals under the pretext of addressing the issue of “illegal migrants,” placing the burden of the country’s worsening economic and security concerns on them.

IHC to take up plea against former army chief Bajwa, spymaster Faiz Hameed on 28th ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has fixed for hearing a plea against former army chief Gen (rtd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, ex-spymaster Lt Gen (rtd) Faiz Hameed and two journalists in a case pertaining to allegedly flouting the Official Secrets Act on Tuesday (November 28).

On October 9, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq had issued notices to the former military generals, concerned journalists and the director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in response to a petition seeking legal proceedings against them.

In the petition, Atif Ali — a concerned citizen — had sought the registration of a case against journalists Javed Chaudhry, Shahid Maitla and the former generals over news reports regarding the ex-military officers’ role in politics.

The petitioner had contended that the interview of exGen Bajwa was conducted in a “reckless” manner and the journalists, Chaudhry and Maitla, did not show any sense of responsibility in publishing them.

The petition claimed the revelations made in the interview(s) were a violation of the Official Secrets Act and tantamount to inciting mutiny and disharmony.

It requested the court to issue directions to the DG FIA to register an FIR (first information report) against the former chief of army staff, ex-Inter Services Intelligence chief and journalists. Besides, it also sought directions from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to impose a ban on the two journalists.

Initially, the registrar’s office of the IHC in March this year had raised an objection, saying that the high court was not an appropriate forum and asked the petitioner to approach the relevant authorities.

When the petition was heard by the IHC chief justice, he had asked the DG FIA to proceed in accordance with the law. However, the petitioner during the hearing had informed the court that the investigation agency did not take any action.

Subsequently, Justice Farooq had issued notices to all respondents which included Gen Bajwa, ex-ISI DG, journalists Chaudhry and Maitla, and the FIA. Gen Bajwa had reportedly discussed various matters, including the no-confidence motion, against former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan, civilmilitary relations and other issues in interviews with the journalists. The petitioner had also annexed these articles with the petition.

The petition stated that the authors of these news articles allegedly distorted facts in order to enhance the viewership. It further said the articles raised certain questions on the conduct of military authorities which required to be probed.

The petitioner claimed that the respondents had committed a “cognisable offence” and were liable to proceed in accordance with the relevant laws.

10 dead, 22 injured in fire at Karachi’s commercial high-rise KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

Ten persons lost their lives while 22 other sustained injuries in a blaze at RJ Mall on Karachi’s Rashid Minhas Road on Saturday, Karachi mayor said.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said, “I can so far confirm 10 casualties and 22 persons have been injured”.

He stated that the fire had been extinguished and the cooling process was under way.

Earlier, police surgeon Summaiya Syed informed that nine bodies have been brought to hospitals — eight at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and one at Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK). Wahab said one was

also brought to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

She further said that an 18-year-old was currently admitted at CHK. District East Deputy Commissioner (DC) Altaf Shaikh, who was personally supervising the rescue operation, said 30 others, including the wounded, were rescued.

The DC added that the building had been cleared up to the fourth floor while clearance of the fifth floor was under way. He said the exact cause of the fire would be ascertained after a proper probe once the rescue operation was completed.

Sharea Faisal Station House Officer (SHO) Raja Tariq Mehmood said the building was a commercial high-rise, housing shopping centres, call centres and software houses.

A statement from the Fire and Rescue spokesperson said they were alerted about the incident at 6:30am, after which eight fire tenders, two snorkels and two bowsers were sent.

Sindh Inspector General (IG) Riffat Mukhtar had issued directives to District East’s senior superintendent of police to take every possible step to rescue those trapped inside the building. He also ordered that the road be cleared so that fire brigades could reach there without any hassle. Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (rtd) Maqbool Baqar took notice of the incident and issued directives for the injured to be provided medical aid immediately. He expressed grief on the loss of lives of “six people” and directed the city commissioner to rescue the trapped persons safely.

Hamas delays hostage release, demands aid to northern Gaza JERUSALEM/ GAZA AGENCIES

The armed wing of Hamas said it had decided to delay Saturday’s scheduled second round of hostage releases until Israel committed to allowing aid trucks to enter northern Gaza.

Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades said the hostage releases would be delayed if Israel did not adhere to the agreed terms for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

There was no immediate Israeli response to the statement. Earlier an Israeli military spokesperson had told France’s BFM television station that, barring last minute changes, 13 Israeli hostages were expected to be freed.

He said 39 Palestinian prisoners would be released in return.

Under the truce deal between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, a total of 50 hostages are to be exchanged for 150 Palestinian prisoners, some of them convicted on

weapon charges and violent offences, over four days.

In the first exchange on Friday, 13 Israeli women and children – out of around 240 hostages captured by Hamas fighters on a killing spree in southern Israel on Oct. 7 – were released. Twenty-four jailed Palestinian women and 15 teenagers were released from Israeli jails.

Saturday’s setback came just hours after Egypt, which controls the Rafah border crossing into southern Gaza through which vital aid supplies have resumed, said it had received “positive signals” from all parties over a possible extension of that deal.

Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS), said in a statement that Cairo was holding extensive talks with all parties to reach an agreement which would mean “the release of more detainees in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.”

Israel has said the ceasefire could be extended if Hamas continues to release

hostages at a rate of at least 10 per day. A Palestinian source has said up to 100 hostages could go free.

Israel and Hamas have said hostilities would resume as soon as the truce ends, although US President Joe Biden said on Friday there was a real chance of extending the truce.

He declined to speculate how long the Israel-Hamas conflict would last. Asked at a press conference what his expectations were, he said Israel’s goal of eliminating Hamas was legitimate but difficult.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said 196 trucks of humanitarian aid carried food, water and medical supplies through the Rafah crossing on Friday, the biggest such convoy into Gaza since the territory was blockaded by Israel.

About 1,759 trucks have entered the narrow besieged enclave since Oct 21, it added.

Palestinians cheer release of prisoners On the other side, Palestinians cheered the return of prisoners from Israeli jails.

Of the 39 prisoners freed by Israel on Friday, 28 were released in the occupied West Bank, an AFP correspondent reported, while the other 11 were brought to annexed east Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club.

Crowds of Palestinians in the West Bank set off firecrackers, waved flags and whistled as two white coaches ferried prisoners out of the Ofer military camp, according to AFP journalists at the scene.

“I spent the end of my childhood and my adolescence in prison, far from my parents and their hugs,” freed prisoner Marah Bakir, 24, told AFP after returning to her home in annexed east Jerusalem.

“That’s how it is with a state that oppresses us.”

Earlier in the evening, Israeli authorities fired tear gas to disperse the crowds. The Palestinian Red Crescent said three people were shot and wounded by Israeli security forces.

“The police are in our house and are stopping people from coming to see us,” said Fatina Salman, whose daughter Malak, now 23, was among those released.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, vowed to bring all the Hamas captives home.

“This is one of the goals of the war, and we are committed to achieving all the goals of the war,” he said.

Jens Laerke, spokesman for UN humanitarian agency OCHA, expressed hope that the pause would lead “to a longer-term humanitarian ceasefire”.

Gazans have struggled to survive with shortages of water and other essentials.

The ceasefire also sparked a mass movement of thousands of people who had sought refuge in schools and hospitals from relentless Israeli bombardment.

The UN estimates that 1.7 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million people have been displaced by the fighting.

02

SHORT-TERM INFLATION SURPASSES 40% FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE WEEK

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Sunday, 26 November, 2023 | LAHORE

NEWS

Caretaker FM optimistic about gradual reduction in inflation PROFIT

NewS DeSk

HE annual short-term inflation for the week ending November 23 remained elevated at 41.13 percent, according to official data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday.

This marks the second consecutive week with inflation exceeding 40 percent, primarily attributed to a significant surge in

gas prices, which stood over 1,100 percent higher than the previous year.

The key drivers behind the inflationary trend were outlined, with gas prices leading the surge, followed by notable increases in the prices of cigarettes (94pc), wheat flour (88.2 pc), chili powder (81.7 pc), broken basmati rice (76.6 pc), garlic (71 pc), Irri-6/9 rice (62.3 pc), gents’ sponge chappal (58 pc), gents’ sandal (53.37 pc), branded tea (53 pc), gur (50.8 pc), and potatoes (47.9 pc).

Weekly Market Insights: PSX makes history, PKR gains further ground

However, certain items experienced a decline in prices year-on-year, with onions leading the way with a drop of 36.2 percent, followed by tomatoes (18.1pc), mustard oil (-4 pc), and vegetable ghee (-2.9 pc).

On a week-on-week basis, the consumer prices remained unchanged, in stark contrast to the previous week when prices spiked by 10 percent due to the hike in gas prices.

The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), comprising 51 items collected from 50

markets in 17 cities, is calculated weekly to assess the prices of essential commodities and services at shorter intervals. The SPI was reported at 308.90, compared to 309.09 in the preceding week.

According to PBS data, prices of 18 items increased, 12 items decreased, and 21 items remained stable compared to the previous week.

Items witnessing the highest week-onweek increases included garlic (4.6 pc), onion (2.4pc), chicken (1.8 pc), potatoes (1.7 pc), pulse masoor (1.01 pc), LPG (0.8 pc), firewood (0.6 pc), wheat flour (0.54 pc), matchbox (0.52 pc), pulse moong (0.52

Ogra takes weekly revisions in petroleum prices under consideration

PROFIT

PROFIT

NewS DeSk

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a bullish trend this week, as the KSE-100 index touched an all-time high of 59,086 points on Friday, registering a 3.55% increase from the previous week. The KSE-100 index closed at 59,086.35 points on Friday, with a marginal increase of 0.32% from the previous day. The total volume of the index was 289.17 million shares. The Pakistani rupee (PKR) also appreciated by 1.13 rupees against the US dollar this week and closed at PKR 285.37, marking the second consecutive weekly gain. The market sentiment was boosted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s preliminary approval for the release of the next loan tranche of around $700 million under the current $3 billion program. The loan will help Pakistan improve its balance of payments and fiscal position. The current account deficit also narrowed to $74 million in October, a 91% decline from the same month last year, indicating a lower demand for dollars in the market. The foreign direct investment (FDI) rose by 7% to $525 million during the first four months of the fiscal year, adding to the foreign exchange reserves. The IT export remittances increased by 4.4% to $893 million in July-October, while the total borrowing fell by $0.41 million to $3.85 billion. The international oil prices (Brent Crude) fluctuated during the week, falling to $78.93 per barrel on Wednesday and recovering to $81.42 per barrel on Friday. The market participation witnessed a decline, with an average traded volume of 657 million shares, marking an 8.9% decrease from the previous week’s average of 721.3m shares.

2 Elite Force cops die as vehicle falls into canal BAHAWALNAGAR Staff RepoRt

An Elite Force vehicle met an accident near Rojhanwali Morr in Bahawalnagar in which two officials of the force were killed and three others sustained injuries on Saturday. As per details, the driver of a speeding vehicle of Elite Force lost control due to fog and the vehicle fell into Seem Canal. Resultantly, two Elite officials died on the spot while three others sustained injuries. The dead and injured were shifted to the District Hospital.

The dead were identified as Hawaldar Muhammad Kashif and driver Constable Rizwan, while the injured included Abdullah Tariq, Mehmood, and Jafar. The Elite Force vehicle was going after some criminals when it met an accident. After getting news of the accident, police officers and other officials reached the District Hospital.

NewS DeSk

In a potential shift from the current fortnightly price announcement practice, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is contemplating weekly revisions in petroleum product prices.

The proposed change comes as a departure from the earlier monthly announcements, which were subsequently shifted to a fortnightly system starting September 1, 2020.

Ogra, the industry regulator, has initiated discussions with stakeholders in the oil industry regarding the viability of transitioning to weekly price reviews. The

regulatory body has sent letters encouraging stakeholders to provide comprehensive reviews and comments, outlining the benefits and drawbacks of such a move.

According to Ogra, think tanks are actively considering the proposal for weekly revisions, and the regulator seeks input from stakeholders to make an informed decision.

This potential change aims to address challenges faced by the oil industry, particularly in mitigating inventory losses, a concern that led to the earlier shift from monthly to fortnightly reviews.

Recent downward revisions in petroleum product prices have resulted in

inventory losses for the oil industry, prompting officials to advocate for the policy change. The move to weekly reviews is anticipated to prevent potential losses by providing more flexibility in adjusting prices in response to market dynamics.

One of the underlying issues that the new system aims to address is the occurrence of artificial shortages allegedly caused by dealers during price reviews.

The shift to weekly revisions is expected to curtail such practices and enhance market stability.

Upon concluding discussions with stakeholders, Ogra will submit

Pakistan, Kuwait to sign $10bn investment deals g

Federal cabinet approves seven MoUs for projects in environment, mining, IT and food security sectors PROFIT

NewS DeSk

Pakistan and Kuwait are set to sign seven memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for investments worth $10 billion in various sectors, including environment, mining, information technology (IT) and food security.

The MoUs will be signed during the upcoming visit of caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to Kuwait, following the approval of the federal cabinet in its meeting on Friday.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by PM Kakar, also endorsed the decisions of the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases and the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), which it had taken in its meeting on November 14, as well as those of the Economic Coordination Committee meeting on November 15.

The PM Office said in a statement that the MoUs were the result of the efforts by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which aims to foster strategic partnerships with friendly countries.

The projects to be signed with Kuwait include the expansion of water reservoirs, mining facilities, protection and expansion of mangrove forests for coastal areas, investment projects in the IT sector, and food security projects.

SIFC OKAYS DEALS WITH ALLIES The SIFC, headed by PM Kakar, also held a special session on Friday, which was attended by the relevant ministers, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and senior officials.

The SIFC 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 PM appreciated the efforts of relevant ministries for identifying prospective areas of collaboration and directed all stakeholders to realise envisioned long-term economic dividends.

The COAS assured unwavering resolve of Pakistan Army to support economic initiatives being undertaken by the government.

PPL starts oil, gas production from Adhi South-6 well PROFIT

NewS DeSk

Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), a leading oil and gas exploration and production company, has disclosed the commencement of production from Adhi South-6, a new development well drilled in Adhi Mining Lease.

PPL disclosed to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in a stock filling that the well was successfully drilled to a depth of 3,490 meters and completed as producer based on encouraging log results. The well has started producing at the rate of 600 barrels per day (bpd) of oil and 0.4 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas at 32/64″ choke. Adhi Mining Lease is operated by PPL with

39% working interest along with Joint Venture Partners Oil & Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDCL) and Pakistan Oilfield Ltd (POL) with working interest of 50% and 11% respectively.

The new production from Adhi South-6 is expected to boost the oil and gas output of the country and contribute to the energy security of Pakistan.

OUP’s two noteworthy publications book Review SyeD afSaR SajiD Oxford University Press (Pakistan) has recently published two important books viz.

‘A history of the Baloch and Balochistan’ and ‘Destined to Fail’. The first one is ‘an abridged English translation of an eightvolume book in Urdu, written by a direct descendant of the Khan of Kalat’ namely Mir Naseer Khan Ahmedzai Kambarani (1919-2013), while the second book ‘focuses on a rather simple question: Why did the US fail to build a liberal democratic state in post-Taliban Afghanistan?’

‘A history of the Baloch and Balochistan’ Dr. Martin Axmann, a noted political scientist and researcher associated with the Arnold Bergstraesser Institute of Socio-Political Research in Freiburg (Germany) since 1996, has contributed the ‘Introduction’ to the book wherein he dilates upon the subject from two kindered angles i.e. the etymology of the word ‘Baloch’ and the history or historiography related to their native land, Balochistan.

The story of the Baloch as elucidated in

pc), and plain bread (0.47 pc).

Conversely, items experiencing the most significant decreases included tomatoes (-5.8 pc), vegetable ghee (-1.4 pc), cooking oil (-1.3 pc), banana (-0.9 pc), vegetable ghee (-0.82 pc), eggs (0.33 pc), sugar (-0.2 pc), and packed tea (-0.17 pc).

On an annual basis, SPI inflation hit a record 48.35 percent in early May, subsequently cooling to 24.4 percent in late August, before surpassing the 40 percent threshold during the week ending November 16.

Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar expressed confidence that inflation would gradually decrease, attributing this positive outlook to the improved financial management of the country.

Speaking before the Senate on Friday, she highlighted the enhancements in financial management and anticipated a corresponding decline in inflation over time.

the original book is that of ‘a free, democratic, federal, and extremely integrative people of principled, courageous, belligerent, but also modest character’ who ‘led a largely peaceful and undisturbed life for thousands of years’.

They were never ‘the plaything of superior powers but always voluntarily allied with the good and just’.

The book is divided into two major chronological parts: (1) 853 BCE–1547 CE, and (2) 1547—1988, that comprise 10 and 21 chapters each, with eponymic captions like Balochistan and the Baloch; Foreign dynasties in Balochistan; the rise of Islam; Tribal reorganization in Sistan, Turan, and Makran; Ameer Meeru Mirwani and the Baloch reformation; the Baloch Confederacy under the Meerwani Baloch; the Kambarani Ameers of Kalat; the Ahmedzai Khans of Kalat; the rise of Colonialism in India, Afghanistan, and Persia; Ameer Khudadad and the British takeover of Balochistan; Ameer Ahmad Yar and the independence of Kalat State; Pakistan and the annexation of Kalat State; Balochistan States Union and the ‘One Unit’; and the impact of the 1970s Elections

on Balochistan.

Axmann observes that ‘The writer of the book tells us that the Baloch are divided into three main tribal groups namely Narohi, Brahui, and Rind who are purportedly associated with Kurd tribes. All the clans of the Baloch tribes today originate from these three main tribes ….. From about 1500 onwards, Baloch history becomes more tangible and is, above all, a question of perspective and interpretation. This period of about 500 years is the focus of the present study.’ Some thirty-eight facsimiles (images) of the ruling hierarchy of Balochistan, in a descending chronological order, follow the ‘Introduction to the book.

The book may be described as a compendious historic document incorporating facts, figures, and situations bearing on its two-dimensional subject viz.

‘History of the Baloch and Balochistan’.

Noted Baloch scholar Dr. Naseer Dashti’s book ‘The Baloch and Balochistan’ can be a supplementary but useful reading aid in regards to the work being reviewed here.

‘DESTINED TO FAIL’ This book is the brainchild of Saira Aquil, an Assistant Professor in the department of Defence and Strategic

recommendations to the Petroleum Division for review. Subsequently, these recommendations will be presented in the form of a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for formal approval.

It’s worth noting that an earlier attempt to deregulate petroleum products, allowing the oil industry to set prices without state control, faced obstacles and failed to materialize.

The proposed system, scheduled for enforcement on November 1, 2022, was hindered by internal disputes within the energy task force, ultimately leading to a lack of progress during the previous administration.

Pakistan, KSA companies partner to enhance recruitment of Pakistani workers RIYADH

Staff RepoRt

Special Assistant to Prime Minister (AMP) Jawad Sohrab Malik signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) with two leading Saudi companies, FNRCO and Maharah, paving the way for increased recruitment of Pakistani workers and professionals for various large-scale projects across Saudi Arabia. The LOIs emphasize the establishment of training and orientation centers in Pakistan, specifically tailored to address the skill development requirements of the Saudi labor market. This initiative will equip Pakistani workers with the necessary competencies to seamlessly integrate into the Saudi workforce and contribute effectively to the Kingdom’s ambitious development agenda. “These agreements represent a pivotal milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand employment opportunities for Pakistani citizens in Saudi Arabia,” remarked Special Assistant Malik. “By collaborating with esteemed Saudi partners like FNRCO and Maharah, we are creating a robust framework to facilitate the recruitment and integration of Pakistani workers, ensuring that their skills and expertise are harnessed to support Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and prosperity.”

FNRCO, a prominent Saudi conglomerate, is deeply involved in various large-scale projects, including the NEOM smart city initiative. The company’s partnership with Pakistan will open doors for Pakistani professionals to participate in these transformative undertakings. Maharah Human Resource Company, a leading provider of human resource solutions in Saudi Arabia, brings extensive expertise in recruitment, staffing, payroll, outsourcing, and training. Its collaboration with Pakistan will streamline the recruitment process and ensure that Pakistani workers receive the necessary support to thrive in the Saudi Arabian job market. The signing of these LOIs underscores the strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, extending beyond economic cooperation to encompass human capital development. By empowering Pakistani workers with the skills and opportunities they need, these agreements will foster mutual prosperity and strengthen the enduring partnership between the two nations.

Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Its sub-title reads: ‘Democracy and state building experiment in post-Taliban Afghanistan’. It has its origin in her PhD dissertation. It looks into the US failings in the state and democracy-building processes in postTaliban Afghanistan when this subject keenly attracted many a scholar and researcher of the twin concepts of statehood and political governance.

‘The book contributes to the critical debate of exogenous state and democracybuilding experiments pursued in the aftermath of Western-led intervention in war-torn societies.

The mistakes committed by the principal intervener, the United States, at the zero-hour of state-building in Afghanistan could not be rectified in the following years of intervention.

The ‘multi-lateral state and democracybuilding project’ remained a ‘unilateral decision-making project’ in practice, making it less cost-effective. Furthermore, a systematic inquiry into the processes establishes the rationale that political change is not the guarantor of social change in conflict-ridden societies like Afghanistan.

Failure of the Afghan state and democracybuilding experiment clearly shows that the US cannot fix the world according to its own ideas.’

The contents of the book bear a list of abbreviations and acronyms, acknowledgements, preface, introduction, notes, bibliography and index apart from its nine seminal chapters with self-contained titles: (1) Understanding the failed state; (2) State formation in Afghanistan: From tribal confederacy to a weak state (1747-1978); (3) The decomposition process of the Afghan state: Soviet intervention, Afghan civil war and the Taliban regime; (4) The exclusionary democratisation process in post-Taliban Afghanistan: An analysis; (5) Impediments in the state and democracy-building processes: US’s contradictory policies and security dilemmas; (6) The Taliban insurgency: Internal and external dynamics; (7) Limitations in the state-building process; (8) Conclusion; and (9) Epilogue: Leaving without a responsible end (2014-2016).

A plethora of literature exists on the subject that could be used as a supplement to enhance an interested reader’s apprehension, perception, and understanding of the conundrum that the instant book seeks to expatiate.

Sunday, 26 November, 2023 | LAHORE

03

32% COMPUTERISATION OF GWADAR’S LAND RECORD COMPLETED

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NEWS

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

percent HIRTY-TWO computerization of Gwadar’s land record has been completed, Gwadar Pro reported quoting Deputy Commissioner Gwadar, Aurangzeb Badini.

He stated that the computerization of land records is currently underway in Gwadar. In a progress review meeting, it was noted that 32% of the record computerization has been completed.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) solutions are replacing manual records, a move expected to resolve land issues and litigations in the district, according to Badini.

A revolution in computerizing all data, providing online accessibility, and instituting

robust backup plans is deemed essential for Gwadar’s development. Badini added that it is time to envision paperless government offices.

The digitization of land records is expected to reduce land disputes, subsequently fostering economic development by boosting trade and agriculture.

As such, it is crucial for the development and management of smart cities, holding great importance in the Gwadar smart city plan. The land record digitization initiative in Baluchistan, especially in Gwadar, is set to revolutionize the province’s administrative processes, increase transparency, and prevent corruption and land grabbing in the future.

According to officials, the digitization of land records is part of a broader drive under which all government departments

are being digitized.

As per the vision, digital facilities will be provided in Gwadar, Pishin, Jaffarabad, and Quetta, including individual registries, maps, land tax, collection SMS services, etc.

Officials stated that related departments have been working on this project since 2017, converting manual land records into computerized records. A computerized person will be issued in the center facilities.

Registry entries and instant computerized transfers, immediate access to digitized land map equivalents, and a portal for filing complaints to the public will also be available, according to officials.

In the next phase, every facility is expected to be available to the public under the roof of Central Facilities in a onewindow operation, including land transfer.

People could directly go to the facility center instead of the Patwari or Tehsildar.

3,000 Indian Sikh Yatrees arrive to mark Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Around 3,000 Indian Sikh Yatrees reached Pakistan through Wagah Border crossing here on Saturday to participate in the 554th birth anniversary of Sikh religion founder Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Additional Secretary of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) (Shrines) Rana Shahid Saleem, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) Pardhan Sardar Ameer Singh, committee members – Sardar Satwant Singh, Sardar

ATC extends Sheikh Rashid’s interim bail

Rawinder Singh and others warmly welcomed the yatrees.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Amritsar party leader Khushmindar Singh told the media on arrival to Pakistan that special love for Pakistanis compelled them to visit the country again and again.

He recalled that he had visited the sacred land of Pakistan three times, commenting that facilities and arrangements for pilgrims improved every time. He said that Sikh yatrees were contented with the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, adding, “We are grateful to the Pak-

Long-awaited issuance of e-passports begins

RAWALPINDI

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi extended the interim bail of former federal minister Sheikh Rashid in 10 cases related to May 9 riots. Bail was extended till December 9. ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif presided over the hearing. At the request of the public prosecutor, the court adjourned the hearing and instructed both sides to complete arguments in the next hearing. He said there are a dozen cases against him related to the riots of May 9, however, he was not personally present at any of those locations.

Referring to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s return, the AML leader said that now elections are ‘imminent’. On election day, people roaming in Murree “will face the music”, he said. After the hearing, while speaking to the media, Rashid urged those responsible to focus on the country’s declining economic conditions and added that the people are concerned with inflation and not elections. He further said that the government prosecutors have requested more time to gather evidence.

‘Karachi police’ found involved in another robbery incident KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

istan government, particularly the ETPB, for making arrangements for protection of Gurdwaras in Pakistan.”

Additional Secretary (Shrines) Rana Shahid Saleem in his welcome address to the guests mentioned that the ETPB had made foolproof security arrangements besides accommodation and travelling facilities for Sikh pilgrims. Special marquees have also been installed and special buses arranged for pilgrims, he added.

He said officers and employees of the ETPB will remain busy day and night to serve the guests, adding that the board

was making an all-out effort to facilitate the pilgrims.

He said that foolproof security arrangements had been made for Sikh pilgrims, coming from across the globe including India. “We warmly welcome all Sikh pilgrims coming from across the world with open hearts,” he maintained.

PSGPC head Sardar Ameer Singh said that he had grateful to his parents to decide to live in Pakistan at the time of partition as the land is like Makkah and Madina for Sikhism.

During the 10-day stay in Pakistan from Nov 25 to Dec 4, the yatrees will visit Gurdwara Janamasthan Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Punja Sahib Hassanabdal, Gurudwara Sacha Sauda, Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore, Gurudwara Rohri Sahib Aimenabad and Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Narowal.

Another robbery incident was reported from Karachi, allegedly involving Sindh police personnel on Saturday. As per initial details, the individuals wearing police uniforms looted a Suzuki loaded with a total of 110 cartons of motorbike oil – worth Rs 500,000 – from the Baloch colony bridge. The labourer submitted an application to the Baloch Colony police station, according to which, three ‘police officers’ along with two individuals in plain clothes stopped the loaded vehicle on the Baloch Colony bridge. The victim in his application stated that the police officers took them – the driver and his relative who was presented in the vehicle – to Chamra Chowrangi located in Korangi and were told to wait for the police mobile. While, the remaining individuals took the vehicle loaded with goods and mobil oil, however, after waiting for an hour they walked from the location where they were dropped off by the ‘police officers’.In his application, the victim further stated after a while, the vehicle was found abandoned at Korangi crossing – which was loaded with goods worth Rs500,000, while the goods along with the battery and the iron cage were stolen.

Staff RepoRt

The long-awaited issuance of e-passports in Pakistan has finally commenced, marking a significant milestone in the country’s passport modernization efforts. Initially, the e-passport facility will be available for diplomatic and government officials, with plans to gradually expand to the general public in the near future, says in media reports.

The introduction of e-passports is expected to streamline the immigration process and enhance security measures. Passengers holding e-passports will be able to clear immigration through designated e-gates or smart gates, significantly reducing processing times and queues.

To facilitate the adoption of e-passports, the government has announced the fees for different epassport categories. For a five-year 36-page e-passport, the normal fee is Rs 9,000, while the urgent fee is Rs 15,000. Similarly, the normal fee for a ten-year 36-page e-passport is Rs 13,500, with the urgent fee set at Rs 22,500. For those opting for a 72-page e-passport, the normal fee for a five-year validity period is Rs 15,000,

and the urgent fee is Rs 27,000. The normal fee for a ten-year 72-page e-passport is Rs 24,750, while the urgent fee is Rs 40,500.

The introduction of e-passports is a welcome development that will modernize Pakistan’s passport system and facilitate smoother travel for its citizens.

With the planned installation of e-gates at major international airports, the immigration process is expected to become more efficient and convenient for passengers holding e-passports.

Punjab University lodges protest, demand apology from LESCO LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Punjab University administration lodged a strong protest and demanded an apology from LESCO for adding the institution’s name to the defaulter list on Saturday. According to the details, the Punjab University spokesperson demanded an apology from LESCO authorities for declaring the university as the defaulter of the power provider utility. The spokesperson stated that the Punjab University administration has paid all the dues, including the recent bill, of LESCO on time, despite that the LESCO officials tried to damage the reputation of the institute by adding the name of Punjab University to the LESCO’s defaulter list. The University administration strongly condemned the baseless allegation, demanded an apology from the LESCO authorities, and raised concerns over the employees of LESCO. The spokesperson further demanded immediate action against the individuals responsible in this regard. It is pertinent to mention here that, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) on Friday released the list of the government institutions grappling with outstanding dues owed to power provider utility. According to the list, Pakistan International Airline (PIA) Lahore has topped the list with a default of more than Rs230 million, followed by the Chairman Municipal Committee Kasur with Rs170 million, Chairman Municipal Committee Street Light, Kasur with more than Rs150 million. As per the LESCO spokesperson, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and the office of the MS services hospital defaulted over Rs130 million each, while the Senior Mechanical Engineer WASA and Tehsil Municipal Officer (TMO) of Data Ganj Bakhsh Town, Lahore owes more than Rs110 million each, and the Director of Operation North, Lahore Development Authority (LDA) owes over Rs100 million to LESCO. As per the list, the DHQ Kasur, WASA Sewage Pumping Station Navan Kot, Lahore Mayo Hospital’s eye ward, TMO Dataganj Bakhsh Town Main Bazar Noori Building, are grappling with outstanding dues owed Rs70 million to LESCO. However, TMO Samanabad, Lahore District Jail, and Panjab University New Campus also owe LESCO more than Rs 60 million.

South Waziristan’s hidden culinary jewel – the black périgord truffle PESHAWAR

aziz BuneRi

In the heart of South Waziristan’s Badar Valley lies a culinary treasure yet to grace global palates—the Black Périgord Truffle (BPT).

This elusive and exquisite spore, known scientifically as tuber melanosporum, is not merely a gastronomic delight but holds the promise of transforming local livelihoods.

Murshad Masud Qazi, a social activist, sheds light on the potential of BPT as more than just a seasonal wonder.

With dimensions reaching up to 20 centimeters beneath the earth’s surface, the BPT stands out for its delectable aroma and meat-like flavor, setting it apart from commonplace mushrooms.

Qazi envisions a future where local communities can harness a sustainable income by securing fair prices for this hidden gem.

CLIMATIC CANVAS FOR GROWTH Dr Umer Iqbal, a senior scientific officer at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), elucidates the environmental nuances essential for the BPT’s growth. Native to southern Europe, these truffles find an ideal habitat in the cold embrace of South Waziristan, where pine trees constitute 20% of the forest cover.

Growing beneath the roots of trees like oak, beech, poplar, or pine, BPT flourishes, making the region a potential epicenter for this culinary rarity. Iqbal reveals the secrets to preserving the essence of BPT, emphasizing that these treasures can be stored in both dried and fresh forms. Stored in brine water with necessary preservatives, the truffles retain their natural freshness, a testament to the meticulous care required for this delicate delicacy.

EXPORT POTENTIAL AND MARKET PROJECTION Qazi sees not just a local commodity

but a global sensation. If black truffles were to grace international markets, Qazi estimates a fetching price of $200 per piece. In the broader market context, the current international value of BPT ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per pound. With a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%, analysts anticipate the market size to soar from $295.7 million in 2022 to an

impressive $496.6 million by 2028.

BEYOND THE PLATE Beyond its gastronomic applications, the BPT’s allure extends to medicinal realms. Qazi believes this rare and environment-friendly organic product holds untapped potential for addressing chronic diseases, adding a layer of intrigue to its global narrative.

Comeback on the cards? Honda records second best half yearly performance in five years CONTINED FROM BACK PAGE

While ‘other income’ might be the highest in nominal terms, relative to Honda’s final profit it’s the second highest across the period at 219% compared to 1HMY23’s 482%. However, these conspicuous improvements across Honda’s bottom line mask the fact that the company has enhanced its operations in numerous subtle ways.

These operational enhancements, though less visible, are no less significant in contributing to Honda’s financial success.

The well oiled profit churning machine

Honda’s come out as Honda’s abysmal sales revenue is emblematic of the collapse that it’s witnessed across its four wheeler lineup.

The reduction in sales revenue, however, does not capture the collapse in its sales.

This is because whilst its sales revenue fell by 79% year-on-year, its sales revenue only contracted by 64% over the same period.

Honda’s real win comes when we look at the sales revenue generated in terms of per vehicle sales.

In this respect, Honda has ascended to a five-year high. Revenue per vehicle sold skyrocketed to an unparalleled high

of Rs 6 million. How did Honda pull off this feat? The most likely explanation is the series of price increases that Honda, like other automotive manufacturers, has put into effect. However, more importantly, Honda has overhauled its entire vehicle lineup, with both its City and Civic models undergoing a facelift in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Furthermore, Honda also introduced its first crossover sub-compact utility vehicle in the form of the HR-V. We have previously dissected the performance of Honda’s HR-V, however, as a percentage of Honda’s total sales, the BR-

V/HR-V joint category has swelled to 35% of Honda’s total sales. This represents an unprecedented high for the category. The category’s surge in relative sales is also a probable contributor to Honda’s leap in average revenue per car, with both the BRV and HR-V boasting heftier price tags than Honda’s baseline City.

Raking in higher revenue per vehicle sold, rather than nominal revenue, and also maximising investment income, characterises Honda’s performance for its H1MY24 figures. A cursory examination of the figures might portray Honda’s net profit as the company’s sole standout

achievement. While that is indeed the case, and we have endeavoured to explicate how Honda accomplished this, the company’s nominal figures obscure the extent to which the company has excelled on its current smaller scale.

Honda’s gross profit margin for H1MY24 is the second highest across the five-year period, with its net profit margin registering as the highest it has been over the past five years. It’s only Honda’s operating profit margin that tarnishes the company’s record in terms of these metrics, as it registers as the second lowest over the span of the past five years.

04 COMMENT

China’s Middle East Gambit

They need not have died

Sunday, 26 November, 2023

Seeing the conflict from the lens of conflict with the USA

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Deaths in Karachi shopping mall fire could have been avoided with proper planning

HE fire that killed 10 people and injured 22 in a mall on Karachi’s Rashid Minhas Road once again raised questions about attitudes towards safety in all of the country’s urban centres.

In a coincidence that can only be described as bizarre, experts at a symposium in Karachi only on Wednesday had said that 90 percent of the buildings in Karachi had no firefighting system.

As a result, it had been said, in all urban centres, 15.000 people lost their lives a year, while over a trillion rupees a year were also lost in fires. At the seminar, caretaker Sindh Industries, Commerce and Revenue Minister Yunus Dagha said that a meeting of the SITE board would be held in the coming week, and the seminar’s proposals would be adopted. His initiative would have come too late for the mall, for while the proposals he would have presented would be quite detailed, the problem with the mall turned out to be painfully simple: it lacked a fire exit.

Apart from old buildings built in a less regulated era, which need some design rectification, the problem with new buildings is they are not held to any standard, and their electrical and gas plans do not get checked by any authority.

The provincial governments apparently do not see the need to designate a civic authority which can enforce fire safety regulations on the,. It is essential for the governments first of all to prepare s set of fire safety precaution. At the moment, organizations are left to their own/ devices as far as fire safety goes. As ters;t. Employees pay little attention to the kind of occupational environment they face. Until these changes are made,ci tragedies as the one in Karachi will keep occurring..

A

rashid MehMood

decade after the start of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the People’s Republic of China is facing a significant diplomatic dilemma as a result of the ongoing Israel- Gaza war creates complications that put Beijing’s Hamas conflict. This is a critical juncture careful balancing act to the test, demanding an examin the PRC’s evolving engagement with the Middle ination of Beijing’s political clout beyond trade relaEast. China is becoming more and more powerful in tions in times of peace.

Moreover, China’s foreign policy is deeply rooted the region, as evidenced by the March rapprochein its pro-Palestinian sentiments, which date back to ment between Saudi Arabia Mao Zedong’s time. The and Iran that Beijing Gaza conflict has wider arranged. China has cultigeopolitical implications vated harmonious and cothat are entwined with the operative relations with major powers like Iran, Is- Hamas, which is the main force in larger strategic competition between the USA and the rael, and Arab states by the Gaza Strip, is considered a PRC. Beijing believes that skillfully navigating the complex geopolitical land- terrorist organization by Israel, the Western influence is to blame for the Israel-Palesscape of the Middle East USA, and the EU. They argue that tine conflict. China argues over the years. Israel in parthat its interests, which are ticular has become China’s Israel’s offensive against Hamas mainly focused on energy most important strategic security and freedom of ally, giving Beijing the embodies the necessary navigation, are not signifitechnological advances it needs to compete with the conditions to combat terrorism. At cantly impacted by the conflict as long as it does not USA. the same time, China’s spread into a larger regional However, China, led by crisis, at least not right now.

Xi Jinping, aims to establish involvement in Middle Eastern Despite that, China is conitself as a responsible global fronted with the challenge player dedicated to peace affairs has grown, resulting in an of its hesitancy to take a sigand stability, despite critiincreasing sphere of influence in nificant role in the Israelcism from Western counHamas conflict as it tries and Israel regarding its the region. As a result, many attempts to gain influence in stance on the Gaza conflict. the Middle East, establish itChina has taken a measured countries, especially those in the self as a rival power, and stance in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Middle East, place a great deal of promote peace. Despite China’s potential influence, calling for a “two-state soweight on China’s position this reluctance highlights lution” and a ceasefire withhow intricate China’s out openly supporting any regarding the Gaza-Israel dispute geopolitical engagement is side. China has long supgiven the complexity of the ported Palestinian neutrality Middle East. in the Arab-Israeli conflict, On the other hand, and this is consistent with China’s geopolitical mathat position. It has two driving forces behind its diplomatic machinations in noeuvre to strengthen its influence in the Arab world the Middle East: political and economic ones. But the and offset its global positioning in relation to the

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi

Unmasking the Shadows of Strife Joint Editor

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Executive Editor

The world must act Tahira Khan

N the heart-wrenching saga of the Palestinian struggle, the recent events have left the world grappling with the enormity of the crisis. The loss of innocent lives, especially children, has reached staggering proportions, demanding urgent attention and concerted efforts to address the root causes. As we reflect on the situation, it becomes apparent that historical figures like Salauddin Yaqoubi and Sultan Abdul Hamid, known for their courage, are invoked to question the current state of affairs and the response of Muslims worldwide.

It is disheartening to observe that, despite the efforts to ensure the safety of Palestinians, more than 11,320 lives have been lost, including a heartbreaking 4,650 children. The absence of the courage reminiscent of historical leaders raises questions about the current generation's ability to stand up against the oppressors. The tactics employed to divert Muslims from their path, as alleged, pose a challenge that today's Muslims seem ill-prepared to confront.

The geopolitical landscape is marred by the influence of powerful nations and their political manoeuvres. The United Kingdom Parliament's stance against a ceasefire raises concerns about the political interests overshadowing the urgency to protect innocent lives. The article delves into the ramifications of political decisions and questions why certain powerful nations escape accountability for their actions.

In examining these political dimensions, it is crucial to recognize the intricate web of alliances and interests that often dictate international responses to conflicts.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rife with historical grievances and geopolitical considerations, requires a nuanced understanding to navigate through the complexities at play.

The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Palestine is painted vividly with the blood of children and women. There have been harrowing scenes of children found under collapsed buildings, traumatized and often left without family. The

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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The writer is a freelance columnist

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

The writer is freelance columnist based in Islamabad, He can be reached at rashidmehmoodkayani@gmail.com

Editor’s mail

failure of international organizations, notably efforts to address the crisis.

The narrative takes a critical look at the conthe United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), to effectively in- troversies surrounding the conflict, such as the tervene in this juncture is highlighted, empha- alleged use of Al Shifa Hospital by Hamas and sizing the need for urgent global humanitarian the subsequent Israeli response. There are challenges in discerning truth from propaganda, action.

As the world watches these events unfold, highlighting instances where misinformation it is essential to explore avenues for immediate may have played a role in shaping public opinhumanitarian assistance. The plight of innocent ion.

In an era dominated by information warfare civilians caught in the crossfire should galvaand the nize the interweaponizanational tion of narracommunity to tives, it is set aside politimperative to ical differscrutinize ences and As the world witnesses the unfolding sources and prioritize the tragedy in Palestine, there is a responsibility n a r r a t i v e s and safety critically. The well-being of shared by humanity. There must be a complexities those most the Israelivulnerable. collective effort to address the root causes, of Palestinian The call protect innocent lives, and work towards a conflict defor action from a nuvarious counlasting solution that ensures justice, peace, amand n c e d tries, urging the USA to inand dignity for the people of Palestine. The understanding of the various tervene and global community is urged to rise above perspectives prevent further at play, acatrocities, is political interests and act decisively to knowledging explored. The that truth rejection of a prevent further loss of life in this deeply often beUN resolution entrenched and complex conflict comes a casufor humanitaralty in the fog ian intervenof war. tion in the In the Israel-Hamas face of this war raises humanitarian questions about the international community's commit- crisis, there is a plea for global solidarity. There ment to justice and peace. There have been re- is an urgency for powerful nations to set aside marks from the US ambassador to the UN, political interests and focus on humanity. It calls Linda Thomas-Greenfield, asserting Israel's for a reassessment of international policies, urgright to self-defence, juxtaposed with the stag- ing countries to prioritize the lives of innocent gering civilian casualties and potential viola- civilians over geopolitical manoeuvring.

Global solidarity in the context of the Israelitions of human rights.

A comprehensive examination of the inter- Palestinian conflict extends beyond humanitarian national response necessitates an exploration of assistance to diplomatic and political realms. The the diplomatic and geopolitical considerations international community must unite in condemnshaping the decisions of key actors. Understand- ing violence, advocating for peaceful resolutions, ing the intricate dance of power and interests is and holding accountable those responsible for crucial in assessing the effectiveness of global perpetuating the cycle of suffering.

As the world witnesses the unfolding tragedy in Palestine, there is a responsibility shared by humanity. There must be a collective effort to address the root causes, protect innocent lives, and work towards a lasting solution that ensures justice, peace, and dignity for the people of Palestine. The global community is urged to rise above political interests and act decisively to prevent further loss of life in this deeply entrenched and complex conflict.

The present ceasefire must not be seen as the final goal. It is not a pause in the massacre, and if all the hostages are released, that should not mean Israel is to be left to carry on the slaughter.

The world must act before it is too late.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

USA, is achieved through its strategic alignment with the Palestinian cause in the ongoing crisis. China is forced by the subtleties of power dynamics to abstain from openly denouncing Hamas as a result of this cunning manoeuvre. The irony resides in the seemingly contradictory similarities between Israel and China, two states that epitomize advanced technological security and rigorously monitor and control Muslim populations that are viewed as security threats.

Even though China and Israel seem to have a lot in common, with strong security apparatuses, geopolitical pragmatism drives China to forgo clear support for Israel, which is a staunch ally of the USA. Beijing sees little use for standing with Israel in the current war. Rather, it deliberately positions itself as a supporter of the Palestinian cause, lining its own objectives with the attitudes that are dominant in the Arab world. This geopolitical move highlights the complex web of international relations and the subtle interactions between interests and alliances.

Meanwhile, Israel emphasizes how the conflict has recently flared up, while China emphasizes how the fundamental solution to Palestine’s problem is inherent. These conflicting focuses show different viewpoints. The world community has come up with a variety of interpretations for every iteration of the Gaza-Israel puzzle in recent years.

Hamas, which is the main force in the Gaza Strip, is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the USA, and the EU. They argue that Israel’s offensive against Hamas embodies the necessary conditions to combat terrorism. At the same time, China’s involvement in Middle Eastern affairs has grown, resulting in an increasing sphere of influence in the region. As a result, many countries, especially those in the Middle East, place a great deal of weight on China’s position regarding the GazaIsrael dispute.

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

Medicine prices:

THOUGH there have been crackdowns against black marketers and hoarders, the issue of medicine shortage has only gained momentum in recent months. The perfect combo of shortage of medicines and their soaring prices has hit the patients hard. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) needs to initiate some urgent and effective plan to control the mafia.

ZAINAB SANIA AKKI MARWAT

Street crime in Karachi

EITHER muggers and snatchers in Karachi are amazingly swift and agile in snatching cellphones with unbelievable ease, or the whole activity takes place in connivance with those responsible for maintaining law and order in the mega city. Instead of controlling the rising incidents of snatching, the police department seems to have some agenda of its own.

The government should intervene urgently.

SYED OUN ABBAS KARACHI

Flouting rules in Banigala

Flouting rules in Banigala It seems the residents of Banigala have been living under the law of the jungle. The chalked-out rules, for any purpose, are openly flouted by builders. The construction work on a plaza along the Zafeer Abbasi Road has been causing severe inconvenience to the commuters. The rubble is left on the road unattended, exacerbating the issues. The authorities concerned should take notice of it.

SAFDAR HAYAT ISLAMABAD

Climate change and issues arising from it

THE worsening climate change phenomenon seems to have blurred the line between environmental and climate change issues in Pakistan. The climate change discourse has overpowered the environmental issues in a broader perspective. Measured on a scale, environmental issues are day-to-day affairs, including worsening air quality, while climate change is a conglomerate of such affairs. A broader shift from environment to climate change may distract our focus from environmental issues.

ZIA UL ISLAM ISLAMABAD

Bitter society

Ridiculing others for their mistakes is a common practice in society.

People who have power or authority in any field usually abuse their dominant positions. Children, students and labourers suffer at the hands of their parents, teachers and bosses, respectively. One reason behind this behaviour is depression. People are facing economic issues, security issues, social disparity, human rights violations, and social disharmony. These problems end up killing their inner satisfaction and propel them into a deep, dark abyss that affects their mental, emotional and physical health. As a result, intole- rance, and bitterness prevail in society.

WAQAS AHMAD MARDAN

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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COMMENT 05

Call for the Restoration of Military Courts

Sunday, 26 November, 2023

The May 9 perpetrators must be punished

M

Abdul bAsit Alvi

ILITARY courts play a crucial role within the justice system, especially in dealing with cases related to national security and terrorism. Globally, there are instances of exemplary military courts showcasing exceptional effectiveness in handling such cases. Several case studies highlight success stories, demonstrating how military courts contribute to delivering swift, fair, and decisive justice in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the United States established military commissions to prosecute individuals involved in acts of terrorism against the country. Operating under the Military Commissions Act, these commissions aimed to provide a legal framework for trying individuals associated with al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations. Despite facing legal and procedural challenges, the military commissions have successfully rendered justice in numerous high-profile cases, emphasizing the US commitment to holding terrorists accountable under a specialized legal framework.

In the aftermath of the attempted coup in Turkey in 2016, the country utilized military courts to prosecute individuals implicated in the coup plot. These courts played a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges posed by the coup attempt, ensuring the swift dispensation of justice for those involved. The trials underscored the significance of military courts in responding to security threats and maintaining stability during times of crisis.

Colombia, a nation grappling with internal conflicts and insurgencies, employs a military criminal justice system to handle cases involving military personnel accused of committing crimes, including those related to terrorism and insurgency. This system strikes a balance

between holding individuals accountable for their actions and maintaining discipline within the armed forces.

Colombia's experience illustrates how a well-functioning military justice system can contribute to both national security and the preservation of the rule of law.

Regrettably, the civilian judicial system in Pakistan has failed to deliver timely and transparent justice to its citizens. It is a common observation that legal cases, spanning generations, often remain unresolved. The overwhelming caseload further burdens our courts, with the superior and lower judiciaries grappling with a staggering backlog of 2.144 million cases. In 2021 alone, 4.102 million cases were concluded, while 4.06 million new cases were filed, leading to an overall pending caseload of 2.16 million at the start of the next year.

Statistics from the Supreme Court, Federal Shariat Court, and five high courts indicate that 229,822 cases were disposed of in 2020, with 241,250 new cases instituted. The pending cases before superior courts at the year's end stood at 389,549, slightly higher than the previous year's tally of 378,216. Similarly, the district judiciary faced 1,783,826 pending cases at the beginning of the previous year, adjudicating 3,872,686 cases while 3,822,881 new cases were filed, resulting in a total pending caseload of 1,754,947 by the end of 2021.

In contrast, recognizing the pressing need for expeditious justice, Pakistan, a country grappling with terrorism, established Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs). These specialized courts aim to fast-track legal proceedings, ensuring a swift response to security threats. ATCs have played a pivotal role in prosecuting individuals involved in high-profile terrorist incidents, contributing to the dismantling of terrorist networks and restoring public confidence in the justice system.

Additionally, military courts in Pakistan were instituted following a terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar on 16 December 2014. The tragic incident prompted the establishment of military courts through the 21st Constitutional Amendment, effective from 6 January 2015. These courts were granted jurisdiction for the speedy trial of cases related to specified acts. Since their inception, military courts have handled approximately 717 cases, finalizing 546 of them. Notably, they imposed death sentences on 310 terrorists and various terms of rigorous imprisonment on 234 others.

This track record underscores the role of military courts in delivering swift justice.

The government's response to the May 9 attacks, perpetrated by a group of militants and terrorists targeting civil and military installations, involved the use of Military Act and Military Courts. It is crucial to note that decisions made by military courts are subject to appeal in higher civilian courts, mitigating concerns of potential

India’s massive shift in military policy

human rights violations.

A Supreme Court bench comprising five members, led by Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan, has declared the verdict of trying civilians in military courts null and void. Following this development, the caretaker federal government, subsequent to the Defence Ministry, has also lodged an appeal challenging the Supreme Court's decision to invalidate the military trial of civilians. Acting on behalf of the federal government, the Attorney General filed an intra-court appeal in the Supreme Court, seeking the annulment of the Supreme Court's decision against trying civilians in military courts. The appeal requests a stay on the decision pending the verdict of the five-member bench on the appeal.

The petition contends that the bench established for the Military Courts case did not adhere to the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure, asserting that the fivemember bench's decision is legally flawed and ineffective. The federal government clarifies in the petition that it does not seek a military trial for all individuals detained in connection with the May 9 incidents. Instead, military trials are proposed only for those charged under the Official Secrets Act, and specifically for individuals implicated in damaging military installations during the May 9 events.

The Ministry of Defence's intra-court appeal argues that the petitions on which the Supreme Court's fivemember bench based its decision were inadmissible.

Nullifying the provisions of the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act, as per the appeal, would result in irreparable damage to the country. The Ministry of Defence calls for the annulment of the October 23 decision by the Supreme Court and the restoration of invalidated provisions of the Official Secrets Act. Additionally, the Ministry seeks the reinstatement of the repealed Section 59(4) of the Army Act and requests an injunction against trials in military courts until a final decision is reached on the appeals.

Subsequently, the Interior Ministry has also contested the verdict against military courts. The Ministry of Interior has filed an initial appeal in the Supreme Court, addressing the issue of trying civilians in military courts. A comprehensive appeal from the Ministry of Interior is anticipated soon. The appeal seeks the annulment of the decision against military courts.

Pakistan's Senate has also passed a resolution, urging the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision that declared the military trials of civilians arrested for violent nationwide protests on May 9 null and void. The resolution emphasizes that the judgement should not be implemented unless it is reviewed by a larger bench of the Supreme Court. The resolution, presented in the upper house of Pakistan's parliament, criticizes the Supreme Court's verdict, stating that it appears to attempt to rewrite the law by encroaching upon the legislative authority of Parliament.

Regarding the May 9 attacks, the resolution characterizes it as a dark day and condemns the anti-state acts committed against Pakistan's armed forces. It argues that the culprits of May 9, who attacked Defence installations and dismantled memorials of martyrs, deserve no empathy or leniency and should be tried in military courts, receiving stringent punishments to set an example for internal and external enemies, creating deterrence, and upholding the supremacy of the State. The resolution notes the lack of unanimity in the bench led by Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, unlike previous benches that upheld trials of civilians under the Army Act. Consequently, the resolution contends that the decision is legally flawed and should not be implemented unless considered by a larger bench in light of this, and ground realities, the nation underscores the clear necessity of restoring military courts promptly, echoing its demand to swiftly punish terrorists and anti-state elements.

The writer is a freelance columnist

How governments use IMF bailouts to hurt political opponents

After the meeting of U.S. and Indian foreign and defence ministers, M.K. Bhadrakumar says Delhi is shedding its strategic ambivalence and joining Washington‘s adversarial stance on China

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INDIAN PUNCHLINE M.K. bhAdrAKuMAr

F the United States is a declining power and China’s rise inevitable in the Indo-Pacific; if Russia regards itself as a global power and is determined to bury the U.S.-dominated rules-based order; if the defeat of the U.S. and NATO in the Ukraine war has become a fait accompli; if Canada was encouraged by the U.S. to fret and fume over alleged Indian involvement in the killing of the Canadian Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil; if Israel’s bloodbath in Gaza is actually genocide — well, India’s policymakers haven’t heard any of this.

That is the message from the U.S.-Indian 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meeting in New Delhi on Nov. 10. The big picture is that after audaciously claiming the mantle of leadership of the Global South as recently as in September, in a span of over two months, India is gliding over to the American camp as the U.S.’ indispensable ally, even aspiring to be a “global defence hub” with Pentagon’s help.

The following were some of the takeaways at the 2+2 meeting: *Sharing technology relating to “maritime challenges, including in the undersea domain”; *co-development and co-production of ground mobility systems; *India to undertake U.S. aircraft maintenance and mid-voyage repair of U.S. naval vessels; *U.S. investment in India’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul of U.S. aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles; *finalisation of a Security of Supply Arrangement, which will deepen the integration of defence industrial ecosystems and strengthening of supply chain resilience; *creation of new liaison positions between the two armed forces further to India’s full membership of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces, headquartered in Bahrain; *Maximisation of the scope of the Logistics and Exchange Memorandum Agreement, and identify steps to enhance the reach of the U.S. naval vessels to Indian bases.

No doubt, the above is only the tip of the iceberg, while this extraordinary transition in Indian policies will largely remain

behind closed-doors. The U.S. seems supremely confident that India is ready to enter into an exclusive alliance, something that New Delhi never sought with any big power. What is the offer that the Biden administration has made to India that the latter cannot refuse?

NO SIGN OF PARTISAN CONCERN Clearly, such a massive shift in India’s military policies needs to be correlated with the fundamental postulates of foreign policy. That said, curiously, call it “bipartisan consensus” or whatever, India’s main opposition party apparently couldn’t care less about the shift. This is not surprising. The shift is actually about a nascent India-U.S. alliance to counter China — and that is a policy front where it is difficult to choose between Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

To be sure, both Russia and China understand that Indian foreign policy is transitioning. But they pretend not to notice and would hope it is an aberration. At any rate, neither Russia nor China can stop India in its tracks. Their capacity to leverage Indian policies has dramatically shrunk — Moscow’s in particular — in the contemporary security environment.

The heart of the matter is that India is not ecstatic about the growing multipolarity in the world order. India is a beneficiary of the “rules-based order” and feels far more comfortable with a bipolar world order where multipolarity, if at all, remains a fringe phenomenon while the U.S.’ preeminence will continue to prevail for decades to come.

Such a paradigm is perceived as advantageous for India to navigate its pathway toward checking China’s hegemonic instincts while also optimally developing its own comprehensive national power. It is an ambitious agenda which is risky too, as policies change in Washington as presidents come and go and American interests get redefined and priorities change.

Today, however, the Indian willingness to align with the U.S. is more evident than ever before. The animus against China’s rise was palpable at the 2+2 meeting. India has cast away any residual pretensions and is shifting toward an openly adversarial relationship with China. The QUAD has become an important locomotive. To be sure, a Chinese response can be expected — when or in what form, time will tell.

This is only possible because Delhi feels reasonably assured that Washington’s Indo-Pacific focus remains intact under the Biden administration despite growing engagement with China seen in the summit meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Biden in San Francisco with both sides hoping to make the Sino-American relationship more predictable.

The three regional issues that figured prominently at the 2+2 were Afghanistan, Ukraine and the Palestine-Israel conflict.

The joint statement devoted a separate paragraph with the sub-title Afghanistan, which implicitly accused the Taliban rulers of not adhering to their “commitment to

prevent any group or individual from using the territory of Afghanistan to threaten the security of any country.”

The joint statement went on to pointedly recall UNSC Resolution 2593 (2021), which specifically “demands that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or finance terrorist attacks.”

Delhi is making a radical departure from its attempts to constructively engage with the Taliban rulers. One reason could be intelligence inputs to the effect that Afghanistan is once again becoming a revolving door for international terrorist groups.

A second possibility could be that the U.S. and India share a sense of exasperation over the Taliban’s growing proximity with China and the spectre of Afghanistan turning into a hub of the Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing’s plan to build a road connecting Afghanistan via the Wakhan Corridor is a geo-strategic game changer.

Anything that relates to the security of Xinjiang is of incessant interest to Delhi.

The 2+2 joint statement signals a renewed U.S.-Indian convergence on Afghanistan. How far this would translate as proactive moves is a moot point. Notably, the U.S. and its allies are also exploiting Russia’s preoccupations with the conflict in Ukraine to double down on their post-Cold War strategy to roll back Russian influence in Afghanistan.

Moscow senses that it is losing ground in its backyard.

When it comes to Ukraine and the Palestine-Israel conflict, what emerges is that the U.S. and Indian sides have succeeded in harmonising their respective positions on these crucial regional conflicts.

Delhi is shedding its strategic ambivalence and moving towards the U.S. position. This comes out in the strokes in the joint statement by what it says and what it doesn’t. Thus, on Ukraine, Russia’s attritional war has “consequences predominantly affecting the global South.” This apart, Moscow can learn to live with the 2+2 formulation on the Ukraine war.

As regards the West Asian situation, the joint statement voices vehement support for Israel’s fight against “terrorism.”

But here, again, India refuses to call out Hamas. Nor is India endorsing Israel’s war on Hamas, leave alone pre-judge its chances of success. Most important, the joint statement omits any reference to Israel’s “right to self-defence,” a mantra constantly on Biden’s lips.

India cannot possibly call the Gaza war an act of “self defence” when Israel has unleashed such a brutal military operation against hapless civilians and razed Gaza City to the ground — reminiscent of the joint British-American aerial bombing attack on the city of Dresden, the capital of Saxony, during World War II, which killed over 25,000 German people.

M.K. Bhadrakumar is a former diplomat. He was India’s ambassador to Uzbekistan and Turkey. Views are personal.

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CONVERSATION

M rodwAn AbouhArb And bernhArd reinsberg

RI Lanka received a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in March amid soaring inflation, debt and a sovereign default. In exchange for US$3 billion, the government committed to spending cuts and tax and financial sector reforms. These have prevented Sri Lankan wages from recovering after they fell by almost half in real terms during the preceding financial crisis, leading to protests in the streets of Colombo.

Sri Lankans’ experience of these measures has been far from uniform. Emerging evidence indicates that the government — led

by Ranil Wickremesinghe, part of the Buddhist Sinhalese majority — has concentrated the burdens primarily on ethnic minorities, who are the poorest in Sri Lanka and typically support the opposition. The government has sought to protect the elite, which is primarily Buddhist Sinhalese, by avoiding imposing wealth taxes and only making small increases in corporation tax. It has placed the costs of austerity on low-income people by doubling the value-added tax rate to 15%. It has also doubled the tax that people pay on pensionfund returns. Again, this hits poor ethnic minorities hardest because they frequently earn too little to pay income tax.

Unfortunately, this experience is part of a worldwide pattern. Our new book, IMF Lending: Partisanship, Punishment and Protest, shows how governments lump the burden of adjustment on opposition supporters while shielding their own backers – in other words, using IMF programmes for political gain.

IMF PROGRAMMES AND PAST RESEARCH Scholars have long noted that IMF restructuring programmes create winners and losers, but always in relation to different sectors of the economy. For example, the fact that programmes attempt to strengthen exports has been shown to favour farmers and business owners over urban middle-class state employees like civil servants. The problem with purely comparing sectors is highlighted when you look at citizens’ experiences. One segment of the survey data we used in our research, covering nine countries in Africa, showed that three out of ten civil servants actually thought IMF reforms made their lives better, while a similar proportion observed no difference.

Admittedly this data is from 1999-2001, since none of the more recent surveys that we used asked this question, but it raises an important point: if IMF reforms are entirely bad for the civil service, why are so many civil servants upbeat about the effects? Politics is likely to be the missing piece of the puzzle.

An extensive academic literature already shows that governments often use their discretion to play politics over development loans. For example, a recent study found that projects funded by Chi-

nese money are more likely to be undertaken in the birth region of a political leader. With IMF programmes, it’s commonly assumed that they narrow borrowing governments’ policy options, but that is an oversimplification.

Borrowers certainly have less overall freedom over economic policy, but they maintain broad discretion in how they implement loan conditions. Our study is the first to quantify how they use this discretion and examine the consequences for protests within the countries in question.

OUR STUDY We collected individual survey data from over 100 countries from four widely used sources: Afrobarometer, Asian Barometer, Latinobarómetro and the World Values Surveys. It covers a 40-year timespan up to the late 2010s, with periods varying from region to region.

We first examined whether opposition supporters had different experiences of reforms than government supporters. Sure enough, these were indeed more negative.

We worried this might be because these people are more critical of their governments in general. So we compared countries which had just experienced a restructuring programme with others which had not, and found that sentiment among opposition supporters was much more negative in borrower countries.

THE EFFECT ON PROTEST We expected that this highly unequal treatment would increase the chances of protest – especially when stoked by opposition politicians. This too was robustly supported across the surveys.

In Africa, people who reported being worse off due to the structural adjustment programme were more likely to protest. Opposition supporters as a whole were also more likely to protest, especially if the country had just experienced a more severe IMF programme.

Again, this data was from 1999-2001.

Nonetheless, the other surveys also showed that protest was more likely among opposition supporters, especially during times of high pressure for adjustment. Scholars normally blame the increase in inequality caused by IMF programmes on the loan conditions, but the effects are clearly amplified by governments’ policy choices. How could this situation be improved? The IMF could require borrower countries to impose loan conditions in a nonpartisan way, but would probably argue that its mandate prohibits considering domestic politics. Policing this would also be very difficult and time-consuming.

An alternative would be for the IMF to tame its demands on borrower countries. This would reduce the burdens that could be inflicted on opposition supporters. Economists might warn that this could encourage countries to be more financially irresponsible. Equally, however, it ought to make it more likely that adjustment programmes will be completed, thereby making the borrowing country more economically resilient for the future. It would also avoid any adverse reaction from the financial markets against a country breaking conditions.

Another potential avenue is to let opposition parties and civil society organisations participate in bailout negotiations. This would ensure everyone “owns” the bailout, and might even make it harder for incumbent governments to exploit policy conditions for political gain.

M. Rodwan Abouharb is Associate Professor in International Relations, UC. Bernhard Reinsberg is Reader in Politics, University of Glasgow.

BIDEN SAYS CHANCES FOR GAZA TRUCE EXTENSION ARE ‘REAL’ 06 NEWS

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MASSACHUSETTS AGENCIES

S President Joe Biden said Friday’s release of a first group of hostages taken by Hamas was just a “start” and that there were “real” chances to extend a temporary truce in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where he was spending the Thanksgiving holiday with his family, Biden also said it was time to “renew” work on creating a two-state solution to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

A total of 24 hostages — 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and a Filipino — were turned

over Friday to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza by Hamas, while Israel freed 39 women and minors held in its prisons, the Qatari foreign ministry said. Biden, who led US efforts to secure the pause in the brutal fighting between Israel and Hamas militants controlling Gaza, said “I think the chances are real” for extending the truce.

He welcomed the way the start of the process had gone as the four-day truce to facilitate the hostage and prisoner releases held.

“This morning I’ve been engaged with my team as we began the first couple days of implementing this deal. It’s only a start, but so far it’s gone well,” he said.

Asked about the American women

and children hostages who could be released as part of the deal, Biden said he did not know when they would be set free but “we expect it to occur.”

He also urged a broader effort to emerge from the crisis toward creating a viable Palestinian state to exist alongside Israel, citing the “need to renew our resolve to pursue this two-state solution.”

Protesters across the United States have called for Biden to push for a permanent ceasefire, with a demonstration on Thursday even interrupting the country’s largest Thanksgiving Day parade in New York.

As the president attended the Nantucket Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday, a group of about 10 protesters

chanted “Biden, Biden you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide,” while holding a banner that read “Free Palestine.”

Earlier in the day, as the president walked about, a handful of people shouted “free Palestine” and “ceasefire now.”

Hamas’s October 7 attack sparked an air and ground offensive by Israel, which has vowed to destroy the Palestinian militants.

In Gaza, nearly 15,000 people, 6,150 of them children, have been killed in the war, officials in the Hamas-run territory said.

About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel during the October 7 attack and around 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.

Wang urges efforts to push for sound development of China-Japan ties BEIJING

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday urged efforts to push the sound and correct development of China-Japan relations.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on the sidelines of the trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting between China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), in Busan, ROK. Wang highlighted the recent talks between the two heads of state in San Francisco, emphasizing their commitment to the principles and consensus outlined in the four political documents between the two countries.

They aim to comprehensively advance strategic and mutually beneficial bilateral relations, working towards a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the demands of the new era.

This, according to Wang, has set an important political course for bilateral relations, and he urged efforts to implement the consensus reached by both leaders for the sound and correct development of China-Japan relations.

Emphasizing that peaceful coexistence, lasting friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development serve the fundamental interests of the two peoples, Wang called on both sides to formulate corresponding roadmaps and timetables to implement strategic and mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

To that end, both sides need to establish correct mutual understanding, making sure that the two countries

do not pose a threat to each other, but are each other’s cooperative partners, said Wang.

Stressing the need to respect each other’s legitimate concerns, he said Japan should keep its commitments on the Taiwan question, firmly adhere to the one-China principle and refrain from interfering in China’s internal affairs.

Regarding the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, Wang said it is related to marine security and public health and China opposes Japan’s irresponsible practices, urging the need to establish a comprehensive, effective and independent long-term monitoring mechanism for all stakeholders.

He also called for strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly resisting anti-globalization and protectionism to maintain the stability and smooth flow of the industrial and supply chains.

BRI benefits partner nations with vast opportunities XIA’N STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Pomegranate, introduced to China over 2,000 years ago from Central Asia, has become a symbol of free trade propelled by the Silk Road.

Now a sought-after fruit in Xi’an, the capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, pomegranate-made products from Azerbaijan, one of the fruit’s main producers, drew attention at the 7th Silk Road International Exposition, which ended on Monday.

Pomegranate juice and wine from Azerbaijan were brought to the expo for the first time this year, which kicked off on November 16 in Xi’an and attracted guests from over 50 countries and regions.

“We hope to take the expo as an opportunity to establish long-term partnerships with Chinese distributors,” said Teymur Nadiroghlu, trade representative at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in China.

Stressing the long-established collaboration between the two countries in construction, energy, logistics, and tourism, Nadiroghlu mentioned the huge potential for sales growth of Azerbaijani food and beverage products in the Chinese market.

The previous six editions of the

Silk Road International Exposition had welcomed more than 10,000 overseas exhibitors from over 190 countries and regions, with the total value of contracts signed for foreign investment projects exceeding $45.3 billion.

China has signed more than 200 documents with 152 countries and 32 international organizations on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), covering 83 percent of the countries with which China has established diplomatic relations.

The expo’s role as a platform for BRI partner countries to tap into the huge, ever-expanding Chinese market is becoming more prominent.

During a roundtable discussion at the expo, Mirzahmedov Bobirjon Batirovich, president of the Uzbek-Chinese Association for the Development of Foreign Trade and Investment, noted that although Uzbekistan is located in the hinterland of Eurasia, trade volume between Uzbekistan and China exceeded $9 billion in 2022, thanks to the BRI. Meanwhile, during this year’s China-Central Asia Summit, the construction of a wharf project in Kazakhstan was officially launched, following an agreement between the Xi’an International Trade and Logistics Park and Kazakhstan’s national railways group.

Sunday, 26 November, 2023 | LAHORE

Israel’s three war crimes and need for a ‘true ceasefire’ GAZA

AGENCIES

Israel and Hamas entered a four-day pause in fighting with the Palestinian group releasing a first group of hostages later in the day and increased aid to flow into the besieged Gaza Strip, the first such break in a nearly seven-week-old war. A number of Palestinians are also being released from Israeli jails later in the day as part of the ceasefire. The move has been welcomed by world leaders as well as many analysts.

“It’s very good news because it initiates the process of a ceasefire. It breaks two Israeli taboos, which were held by Netanyahu. The first was that there will never be any ceasefire… and that he will bring the Israeli prisoners only by force,” Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary General and Co-founder of the Palestinian National Initiative, told CGTN. “Now, he [has] had to accept an exchange of prisoners, something that he denied he would do in the past. And 50 Israeli children and women will be released and 150 Palestinian children and women also will be released.”

Israel’s ‘three war crimes’ Barghouti said it is “very likely” the pause might be extended “because it is clear that the Israeli military operation is not succeeding.”

He said that world can see the “three war crimes that Israel is committing – genocide, collective punishment and ethnic cleansing,” and this has tested many of the world leaders’ support for Israel, including President Biden.

He also highlighted that the families of other Israeli prisoners are now exercising greater pressure.

“They see that 50 will be released. They want all the rest of them to be released, and that is achievable. If Israel accepts to release all the 7,200 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 children that they are holding in their jails,” added the former Palestinian unity government minister.

‘Hamas turned Gaza into one big military bunker’ Danny Ayalon, former Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and the country’s ambassador to the United States between 2002 and 2006, however, laid the blame squarely on Hamas.

“We left Gaza in 2005, 2007. Hamas took over and they have since turned Gaza into one big military bunker of terrorist war crimes that they have perpetrated, aiming at our own civilian population and hiding behind their own,” alleged the former minister.

He said that the underlying humanitarian issues stem from Hamas not wanting to surrender, and keeping the hostages, including infants and the elderly, in effect holding “two million people of Gaza hostage.”

He believes that if Hamas surrenders and disarms, the resolution of the broader problem is likely.

“No country would allow Hamas, a terrorist organization, to be on its border, creating an imminent threat on a constant basis. We would like to see a peaceful Palestinian leadership that believes in coexistence,” stressed Ayalon. “This may take time, but this cannot happen before Hamas is ousted off the Gaza Strip. The entire international community should just come up against Hamas and eradicate it just as they did and are still with ISIS,” he added.

Qatar ‘holds the most influence over Hamas’ Ayalon acknowledged that the Qatari government, having mediated the truce deal, “holds the most influence and leverage over Hamas,” so if the Gulf emirate facilitates the “safe exit” of Hamas leaders then Israel will allow it “although they are all murderers.”

The key condition would be that Hamas leaves Gaza alone, and if Qatar accepts them, there would be a willingness to work towards future peace.

Israeli and Spanish governments clash over Gaza TEL AVIV

AGENCIES

The Israeli foreign ministry on Friday summoned the ambassadors of Spain and Belgium for a “harsh rebuke” over comments by the two countries’ leaders about the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Spain’s foreign ministry swiftly riposted by calling in the Israeli ambassador to explain her government’s “false and unacceptable” allegations against the Spanish prime minister.

Visiting the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Friday, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said the Israeli “operation needs to respect international humanitarian law” and denounced the destruction in the Gaza Strip as “unacceptable”.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed his views, saying the “indiscriminate killings of innocent civilians” in the Palestinian territory was “completely unacceptable”. Both leaders called for a permanent ceasefire in the war-battered territory.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen “gave the order to summon the ambassadors of these countries for a harsh rebuke”, his office said in a statement, accusing the two leaders of supporting “terrorism”.

In a separate statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he “strongly” condemned the comments by the European leaders. The statement released by his office blamed them for not placing “total responsibility on Hamas for the crimes against humanity it perpetrated: massacring Israeli citizens and using Palestinians as human shields”.

Sunday, 26 November, 2023 | LAHORE

CORPORATE CORNER Beaconhouse to offer OxfordAQA Qualifications in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Beaconhouse, Pakistan’s largest network of private schools with over 350,000 students, has signed an agreement with OxfordAQA, a collaboration between Oxford University Press and AQA, the UK’s leading secondary school qualification provider. This partnership aims to introduce OxfordAQA International GCSEs and A Levels in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone for the country's educational landscape.

Under the MoU, Beaconhouse will administer OxfordAQA examinations, facilitated by Oxford University Press Pakistan. The school will provide secure examination venues across Pakistan, enabling Beaconhouse students nationwide to take these exams. PR

OGDCL organizes ‘Mindful Miles Walk’ to promote environmental conservation

07 MUSHAAL UNDERSCORES MODERN TECH TO PROMOTE GENDER INCLUSIVITY, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT NEWS

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ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

PECIAL Assistant to Prime Minister on Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Saturday emphasized the use modern technology for the promotion of Gender Inclusivity and Women Empowerment.

She stated this while speaking during a meeting with the delegation of a renowned IT company, Infocomm Technology Pvt. Ltd on Saturday. The company works on the use of Cloud-based technology for Women Protect IoT Bands, Women’s Health Monitoring via centralized application to address multi-purpose one-window solution.

Focal Person to SAPM Ms Sabien Hussein Mullick, Advisor to SAPM on Gender Inclusion Sam Dada, Sam Anza Akhund Consultant Education Parliamentarians Caucus Senate of Pakistan (EPC), Salma Ashraf (EPC), Ashraf Ghaus (EPC), Saad Arshad Chief Operating Office Infocomm Technology, Minhal Suleman and

Railways urges Chinese authorities for swift execution of work on ML-1 LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Administration of the Pakistan Railway (PR) has urged the Chinese authorities for swift action on the ML-1 (Mainline-1) project.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pakistan Railway Amir Baloch

made the request during a warm reception of a high-level delegation from China’s National Railway Administration.

The 21-member delegation, led

by Zhu Mengrui, team leader of the ML-1 project, expressed full support and commitment to the timely initiation of the transformative ML-

5th Adab Festival Pakistan 2023 launched to celebrating literary excellence and cultural diversity

ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), in alignment with its Health, Diversity & Inclusion (HDI) initiative, on Saturday organized the "Mindful Miles Walk" for its employees, a dynamic and healthy activity aimed at protecting the environment.The event, organized by the OGDCL Sports Board, was inaugurated by Mr. Ahmed Hayat Lak, the Managing Director and CEO of OGDCL, on the picturesque Trail Five of Islamabad's Margalla Hills. A large number of the company employees participated in this healthy activity to raise awareness about the significance of environment conservation.The culmination of the walk was marked by a delightful brunch at Monal Restaurant, providing a casual and friendly atmosphere for the participants to connect and relax after the invigorating exercise. PR

Pak-Italy join hands for olive sector development in Pakistan

KARACHI: Adab Festival Pakistan, the premier literary event of Pakistan, kept attendees engaged all day today with its diverse and engaging program on its first day.

The festival kicked off with an opening ceremony hosted by Pomme Gohar. The ceremony included the National Anthem performed by students of Education Trust Nasra School (ETNS) followed by insightful speeches from key figures, the pioneer of literature festivals in Pakistan, the Founder of Karachi and Islamabad Literature Festivals and Founder and Director of Adab Festival Ameena Saiyid, Inaam Nadeem, Farid Ahmed Khan, Munis Abdullah and Minister of School Education and Literacy, College Education & Women Development, Rana Hussain. The ceremony culminated with the eminent Adab Festival/Infaq Foundation English and Urdu Literary Awards and a performance by ETNS students.

Exciting sessions marked the day featuring prominent figures and discussions on diverse subjects. Among the highlights was the Power Women of Pakistan session moderated by Sheema Kermani in which Jehan Ara, Uzra Dawood, Tasneem Ahmer, Aisha Sarwari and Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch spoke of their journeys. PR

Tech solutions, customer awareness can reduce financial crimes: Sirajuddin

ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of World Olive Tree Day, Pak Olive National Gala is being held in Islamabad to provide opportunities to explore Olive Sector Development in Pakistan. The event is being organized by “Promotion of Olive Cultivation on commercial scale in Pakistan Phase-II” and the Italian-funded “OliveCulture-Holistic and Multiprofessional Mechanism for a Pakistani Olive Oil Value Chain” project.In addition to providing an opportunity to explore the olive sector, the PakOlive Brand has been launched on this special occasion to help drive consumers to purchase certified quality olive oil, produced in Pakistan. The event is joined by olive sector developers, consumers, businesses, entrepreneurs, service providers, support institutions, investors, farmers, youth, rural women, and the foreign community. PR

Mustafa Ali, (a special athlete) were in attendance.

During the meeting, Mushaal Hussein Mullick discussed in length with the delegates topics of mutual interest such as the Elimination of Violence

Against Women, Diversity and Inclusion, Financial Literacy, the introduction of an e-commerce platform to support women-led businesses, one-window solution for payment collections and disbursements, healthcare & traveling.

The SAPM was apprised about the work done on the planned summit under the leadership of the SAPM Mushaal Mullick on Gender Inclusivity and women Empowerment via Technology enablement.

The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister appreciated the good work of the Infocomm in the fields concerning Women’s rights and Women empowerment.

Mushaal also lauded the efforts of Mustafa Ali, a special athlete, who is going on a motorbike journey across borders carrying the message of Soft Image of Pakistan, Women Empowerment across the Globe, and a Polio awareness campaign.

Focal person to SAPM, Sabien Hussein Mullick also appreciated the efforts of the infocomm for women’s empowerment and for building a positive image of Pakistan across the globe through various initiatives and events.

KARACHI: Technological solutions and customer awareness are two crucial aspects of combating the rising incidents of financial crimes across the country, said Federal Banking Ombudsman Sirajuddin Aziz.Speaking as a chief guest at the conference" Financial Crimes in the Digital Age" organized by Eastnets in collaboration with Dellsons Associates here on Saturday, he said the banks should continue to upgrade their systems towards strengthening the data security of their customers, besides bringing reforms to plug the loopholes in the practices and mechanisms that made the data of customers accessible to white collar criminals.He mentioned that victims of financial crimes in Pakistan are highly qualified, ironically, as against fraudsters who are less educated but tactical in deceiving the public into getting their credentials to steal money from bank accounts; therefore, the need for awareness among bankers and customers of banks is high and ongoing. PR

1 project.

Amir Baloch highlighted the unprecedented cooperation between Pakistan and China in energy and transport sectors, emphasizing ML-1 as a game-changer that will revolutionize Pakistan’s transport and boost revenue in the freight sector.

Mobilink Bank secures best bank for Inclusion Award at PBA 2023

ISLAMABAD: Mobilink Bank has won the prestigious title of Best Bank for Inclusion at the Pakistan Banking Awards (PBA) 2023, held at Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi, on Friday, November 24. The accolade highlights the Bank's outstanding contributions in promoting inclusive financial practices, championing accessibility to banking services and demonstrating a commitment to serving a diverse clientele. Committed to fostering financial inclusion, supporting SMEs and leveraging digital advancements to cater to the evolving banking needs of underbanked communities, this award is a testament to the Bank's dedication to ensuring greater financial inclusivity and empowerment, particularly for women. PR

KARACHI: ABAD Chairman Asif Sumsam presenting a memento to Caretaker Sindh Minister for Home and Prisons Brig (retd) Haris Nawaz here at ABAD House. Senior Vice Chairman Ibrahim Habib, Vice Chairman Zeeshan Siddiqui and Chairman Southern Region Mustafa Shaikhani are also seen in picture. PR

Hotel eye software is fully operational and working effectively

ISLAMABAD: Following the special directives of Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, Islamabad Capital Police is playing an effective role in the prevention of crimes and security in the federal capital.According to details, the Islamabad Capital Police Safe City Monitoring Team effectively took stern action and apprehended a wanted criminal with the help of “Hotel Eye” software in the jurisdiction of Secretariat Police Station, a public police relations officer said.He said that the accused had been residing in a hotel within the area of Secretariat Police Station. The hotel eye software recorded the activities of the suspect, and as soon as the information was entered, the Safe City’s Technical Monitoring Team informed the Secretariat Police Station, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect, he added. PR

GIGA GROUP unveils Gate 3 of DHA-2 Islamabad

Habib University concludes 6th Postcolonial Higher Education Conference

KARACHI: Habib University celebrated the successful conclusion of its esteemed 6th edition of the Postcolonial Higher Education Conference (PHEC). This globally recognized annual event, held at the university's campus, gathered scholars, thinkers, activists, and writers from around the world to engage in enriching discussions under the theme "The Ethical and The Spiritual in Islam: Pasts, Presents, and Futures." Day 2 of the conference featured a distinguished keynote address by world-renowned author and scholar Dr. Oludamini Ogunnaike, Associate Professor of African Religious Thought and Democracy at the University of Virginia. In his thought-provoking speech titled, “Against the Dying of the Light: The Perils and Imperatives of Decoloniality in Islamic Temporalities,” Dr. Ogunnaike highlighted the need to break free from colonial mindsets, urging the audience to appreciate and inhabit their place in the world beyond imposed formations. Addressing the audience Dr Ogunnaike said “A colonial mindset forms the basis of where power, knowledge and being will exist in society. PR

ISLAMABAD: GIGA GROUP proudly unveils the spectacular Gate 3 of DHA-2 Islamabad, which is a gift from Giga Group to the residents of DHA-2 Islamabad. Gate 3 will add to the scenic beauty of this locality. The Gate was inaugurated by Brig Muhammad Jawad, Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) on 24 November 2023. The event was attended by Mr. Najeeb Amin, CEO Giga Group and people from different walks of life. Spectacular fireworks were the culmination of the event which was witnessed by a huge number of DHA residents. While talking to media, Najeeb Amin expressed his elation, stating, "Gate 3, a very difficult project, has been built by a very dedicated and competent team of Giga Engineers, upon which was sits a doubledecker skywalk, first of its kind in Pakistan.

The Giga Skywalk will be inaugurated along with opening of Giga West (previously D Mall). PR

ML-1: The silky touch for ailing Pakistan Railways MANAHIL KHAN

In first ten years of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan and China have worked very closely to help rejuvenate the ailing economy of Pakistan. CPEC is designed to improve Pakistan’s infrastructure and connect it to other prongs of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The first phase of CPEC has already been completed and the second phase is now underway. ML1, a key prong of CPEC’s second phase, is a railway project that will upgrade and modernize Pakistan Railways. The project is financed by China, and the work will be carried out by Chinese companies.

ML1 is the largest railway project in Pakistan, and it is a key part of the CPEC. The railway project will start in the Pakistani city of Karachi and end in the city of Peshawar.

ML1 is a railway project that will revive and redesign the construction of a 1,296km track running from Karachi to Peshawar. The project is a joint venture between Pakistan and China, and is expected to cost an estimated $8.2 billion. The ML1 project is a cru-

cial part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and will see the construction of a new railway line that runs from Karachi to Peshawar. The project is a joint venture between Pakistan and China, and is expected to cost an estimated $8.2 billion.

The new railway line will replace the existing Karachi-Peshawar Railway Line, which is over a hundred years old and in need of significant repairs. The new line will be built to modern standards and will be able to handle heavier and faster trains. It is expected to greatly reduce travel times between Karachi and Peshawar, and will also provide a muchneeded boost to the economy of Pakistan. The ML1 project is a key part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and its successful completion is essential for the future of Pakistan.

ML1 will pass through the towns of Hyderabad, Sukkur, Multan and Lahore. The total length of the railway line is 1,872 kilometers. The project will cost $8.2 billion, and it is scheduled to be completed by 2024.

ML1 is a major infrastructure project that will have a transformative effect on Pakistan.

When complete, it will improve Pakistan’s

economy and connectivity.

As a key project the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), ML1 is set to focus on the construction of a new mainline railway running from Karachi to Peshawar, via Islamabad. The project is a massive undertaking which is expected to take around five years to complete. Once complete, the new railway will significantly improve Pakistan’s transport infrastructure, making it easier and faster to move goods and people around the country.

In addition, the project is also expected to create thousands of new jobs, both during construction and when the railway is up and running. There are numerous other benefits of the ML1 project, including: – boosting Pakistan’s economy by increasing trade and investment; – improving connectivity between different parts of the country; – helping to reduce pollution and traffic congestion; – and providing a much-needed boost to the country’s ailing railway system.

ML1 project will be financed through a mix of debt and equity. The project’s total cost is estimated at $2.8 billion, with $1.6

billion to be financed through debt and $1.2 billion through equity. The project’s sponsors – China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC) – will provide $600 million in equity, while the remaining $1.2 billion will be raised through debt financing. The project’s debt will be structured as a mix of post-completion and pre-completion financing.

The post-completion financing will consist of a $1.2 billion senior loan from a consortium of Chinese banks, to be repaid over a period of 10 years. The pre-completion financing will be provided by CCCC and CREC, and will be used to fund the project’s construction costs. The project’s sponsors have also committed to provide $400 million in contingent financing, to be used if the project experience any cost overruns or delays.

The CPEC Phase 2 ML1 project is a critical part of the Chinese government’s Belt and Road Initiative, and as such, is supported by a number of Chinese government institutions.

The Export-Import Bank of China has commit-

ted to provide $1.2 billion in project financing, while the China Development Bank has committed to provide an additional $600 million.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a long-term infrastructure development project between the two countries. It is funded by the Chinese government and includes the construction of a rail link between the two countries, as well as other infrastructure projects. The ML1 project is the second phase of the CPEC project and is focused on the construction of a new rail link between Pakistan and China. The project is expected to cost $8.2 billion and is scheduled to be completed by 2025. There are a number of challenges facing the ML1 project. Firstly, the financing of the project is still uncertain, with a number of lenders reluctant to commit to the project. Secondly, there are a number of environmental concerns surrounding the project, with critics arguing that the impact on the livelihoods of local communities has not been properly considered.

The author is a student at the NDU. She could be reached at minakhan1291@gmail.com

Sunday, 26 November, 2023

PRAYER TIMINGS

NEWS

HONDA RECORDS SECOND BEST HALF YEARLY PERFORMANCE IN FIVE YEARS

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LOWER EXCHANGE LOSSES, WITH OTHER INCOME AND REVENUE PER CAR HITTING FIVE YEAR HIGHS GOES A LONG WAY WHEN YOUR SALES HAVE COLLAPSED PROFIT

DANIYAL AHMAD

ESPITE registering their most dismal half-yearly sales revenue in the past five years — even lower than the pandemic-stricken years — Honda Pakistan, officially known as Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan, has achieved something remarkable. They have amassed their second highest half-year profit over the same period. How did they pull off this feat? The most evident reasons are higher revenue per car, astute timing of their import orders, and the overall recovery of Pakistan’s economic condition. However, a deeper analysis reveals that Honda is operating like a welloiled machine — no pun intended — based on a five-year time horizon.

Before we commence, it’s important to note that Honda operates on its own market year from April 1 to March 30.

Consequently, Honda’s current market

year is from April 1 2023 to March 30 2024. It’s September 30, 2023 earnings are thus their half yearly earnings — 1HMY24. Now, back to the numbers.

Honda’s success is hard to spot at first glance. Both its sales revenue and gross profit, at Rs 18 billion and Rs 1.4 billion are the lowest in five years. Its operating profit fares only slightly better coming in at Rs 137 million — it’s second worst in five years. However, beyond this is where Honda’s misery comes to an end as the company’s final profit clocks in at Rs 820 million — it’s second highest in the past five years.

So, how has Honda managed to metamorphose a modest operating profit into its second loftiest net profit? By slashing its exchange losses, and boosting its investment income. At Rs 234 million, Honda recorded its second lowest ‘other expenses’ for our select five year period— a feat only outdone during the pandemic-induced lockdowns.

But what exactly are these ‘other ex-

Court re-issues non bailable arrest warrant for Maryam Aurangzeb LAHORE

A Lahore anti-terrorism court has re-issued a nonbailable arrest warrant for PML-N leader Maryam Aurangzeb in a case related to a provocative speech she allegedly made. During the previous hearing, Aurangzeb failed to appear before Judge Abhar Gul, prompting the court to issue the warrant. The court also directed PMLN leader Mian Javed Latif and other accused persons to appear at the next hearing on December 9.

The case against Aurangzeb and other League leaders was registered at the Green Town police station. The court has sought a reply from the prosecution on Aurangzeb’s plea for acquittal.

Three tourists dead, 17 injured in Kalam coaster plunge SWAT

At least three tourists died and 20 injured after a vehicle carrying tourists fell into a ditch on Kalam Road near Pishmal area of Bahrain Tehsil in Swat district Saturday, rescuers confirmed.

The rescuers and administration informed that 17 other tourists sustained injuries in the accident.

The tourists were traveling back from Kalam and headed towards Mingora during which the accident took place. Rescue teams along with locals and police, recovered the dead bodies and shifted them to Kalam Civil Hospital. The rescue officials and locals also shifted the injured individuals to the hospital for immediate medical assistance.

According to locals, the tourist coaster skidded off the road due to high speed.

The deceased were identified as Waqas Ashraf, son of Mohammad Ashraf; Molvi Atif, son of Mohammad Aslam and Mohammad Abdullah, son of Khalid Mahmood, all residents of Lahore.

The injured tourists were identified as: Abubakkar of Lahore, Mohsin Raza of Faisalabad, Salman of Lahore, Numan Aslam of Lahore, Rana Faraz of Faisalabad, Kahlid of Lahore, Ahmer Faraz of Lahore, Kaleem Bhatti, Rizwan Ali, Waseem Khalid, Sheraz, Ahsan Ilyas, Mohammd Ihsan, Hamid Qureshi, Syed Hassan and Zulqarnian.

has a surplus stock of its HR-V and BRV line of vehicles that it needs to shift — an unusual situation given that the company operates on a just-in-time model for its vehicles, manufacturing them only once orders are placed to avoid excess inventory at all costs.

However, this is purely conjecture.

Beyond the reduction in exchange losses, Honda’s bottom line has been fortified by the ‘other income’ it has garnered. At Rs 1.8 billion, Honda’s ‘other income’ has reached a five-year high on a half-yearly basis. ‘Other income’ is essentially a catch-all term for the investment income that Honda earns. This includes, but is not limited to, profit on bank deposits, interest on loans to employees, unwinding of discount on long-term trade debts and loans to employees, gain on financial assets, gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and markup on advances to suppliers.

Continued on page 03

nawaz sharif slams ‘gang of five’ for wrongfully punishing him SIALKOT STAFF REPORT

STAFF REPORT

SYED SHAHABUDDIN

penses’? This is the ledger where Honda notes its exchange losses, the very same losses that wreaked havoc on its financials last year when Pakistan was rationing letters of credit to importers.

How did Honda manage to rein in its exchange losses? The company rarely comments on them unless they are, of course, tearing their financial performance to shreds. The most plausible explanation is Pakistan’s acceptance of the International Monetary Fund’s stand-by agreement, leading to a relaxation of import restrictions. Additionally, the stability of the Pakistani Rupee from July to September, compared to the volatility from March to June, might have enabled Honda to execute their import orders more effectively.

If we were to indulge in a bit of speculation, we could surmise that Honda might have even created a buffer stock, a lesson learned from the trauma of exchange losses it endured last year.

Why do we suggest this? It currently

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said he was wrongfully punished without any reason, slamming the judges who were involved in issuing verdicts against them.

“What was the need to conspire against us? What was the need for the judges to give a decision against us?” said Nawaz during a workers’ convention in Sialkot.

The representative of millions of people was overthrown by the “Gang of Five” (retired Gen Bajwa, retired Lt-Gen Faiz, Imran Khan, Saqib Nisar, and Asif Saeed Khosa)”, said the three-time prime minister.

The politico said he has seen a very difficult time. “I have spent more time in prisons, exiles and trials than I did in power.” Nawaz added he “never gave up”. The PML-N stalwart lamented that a series of punishments against him and his party has continued since 2017, but has only ended a few days ago.

“Our government was abolished without any reason,” he said.

The veteran politician emphasised learning a lesson from the past, or else Pakistan’s story would not be among those of other nations.

The PML-N supremo complained about the country’s decline

since 2017 — the year when he was removed from power — and said the rupee was stronger back when his party was in power. “There was no such thing as inflation in 2017.”

Nawaz further said that he was replaced by someone (PTI Chairman Imran Khan) who only knows how to verbally abuse others, questioning why was there electoral manipulation in 2018 and why the Results Transmission System (RTS) was made inoperational.

“This person (Imran) destroyed our culture and society and we cannot hand over our country to such people,” said the PML-N supremo, adding that even though injustice was done to them, they never acted against the interest of the country. “Whatever happened to the country in the last 70 years should never happen to another nation,” he added. Nawaz further said that those who brought Imran as a leader of this country are equally responsible as much as him. “If our government hadn’t been toppled, Pakistan would have been a strong country,” he added.

Nawaz commends role of Sialkot’s business community Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif commended the invaluable contributions of the business community

of Sialkot, recognizing their pivotal role in fortifying the bedrock of the national economy.

He speaking during his visit to the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Saturday.

Upon arrival at chamber, the PML-N supreme leader was welcomed by President SCCI, Abdul Ghafoor Malik along with the business community of the city.

Speaking on the occasion, SCCI President Abdul Ghafoor Malik stressed the need for a sustainable and long-term economic plan to promote exports and encourage import substitution. He also shed light on various infrastructural needs of the district with the affirmation that exports could double in the years to come provided that an enabling environment was created.

Commending the role of business community of Sialkot, Nawaz Sharif underscored Pakistan’s vast potential for exponential growth, emphasizing the indispensable need for a resolute and unwavering strategy in navigating critical spheres such as economy and social progress. His unwavering commitment was palpable as he articulated his steadfast dedication to fostering an environment conducive to bolstering exports and propelling industrial advancement, all in pursuit of a thriving and prosperous future for the nation.

We had settled all with pmL-n two months prior to no-trust motion: raja riaz ISLAMABAD

MONITORING REPORT

We had settled all matter with the PML-N, two months ahead of the no-confidence motion and I am grateful to Shehbaz Sharif as he has fulfilled, what he committed to anyone,” former opposition leader in National Assembly Raja Riaz made the revelations during in an interview with a private Tv news channel on Saturday.

“We were in talks with Shehbaz Sharif, which were later conveyed to Nawaz Sharif on phone,” Raja Riaz said, adding that there was no guarantor, “we and they are committed to what was decided before the no-trust motion.”

The former PTI MNA was talking about the notrust motion in the National Assembly last year, which paved the way for ouster the PTI chairman from the prime minister’s office.

“We were determined and committed to force Imran Khan out of the

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CCP’s investigation into major car manufacturer stalled

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PM’s office,” he recalled. “We had come to know that we would be picked from the Parliament Lodges, thus we moved to the Sindh House,” replying a question Riaz said. “What the PTI chairman said, was not complied, it means they had withdrawn from him,” Raja Riaz said. “When we were not allowed to be picked, it was hint that the no-confidence motion will become successful,” he said.

Raja Riaz, who has now joined the PML-N, has said that the lobbying being conducted only for Nawaz Sharif to become the prime minister. “PMLN going to sweep in Punjab, there is no matching rival of the party”.

“PTI chairman was not respecting us, his secretary even not taking our phones. Azam Khan has now become an approver against him, earlier he was a Pharaoh,” Riaz said. “PTI chairman had not courage to ring the bell to summon him.”

“We had burnt boats and were ready to cast vote and be declared disqualified. We were present in the house, but Shehbaz Sharif prevented us from casting vote,” he said.

Replying a question over opposing statements of Asif Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto, Raja Riaz said these statements should not be taken ‘serious’. “One is igniting fire, while other extinguishing it”, he commented. “Zardari is a seasoned politician, while Bilawal is still learning,” he said.

“The PTI has been in dire straits and lacking candidates for election, while there is scarce time for new candidates,” Raja Riaz said.

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COURT STAY AND LACK OF COOPERATION BY MANUFACTURER HINDERS INQUIRY PROCESS PROFIT

GHULAM ABBAS

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is once again grappling with obstacles in its ongoing inquiry into the automobile sector, specifically targeting consumer exploitation encompassing premium payments (On money), delayed vehicle deliveries, and escalated car prices post-booking with full or partial payments. The investigation, initiated on 29 November 2018, encountered setbacks due to a court order and the non-cooperation of Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited.

According to available details, despite six letters from CCP requesting information between November 2018 and November 2022, Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited has failed to fully cooperate with the inquiry. In January 2023, the company obtained a stay order through a writ petition filed in the Lahore High Court, obstructing the investigation.

Although the Lahore High Court permitted CCP to proceed with the inquiry in January 2023, it refrained from issuing a final order. Honda, however, disregarded the court order and refused to provide further information for the purpose of the inquiry.

The CCP’s investigation arose from observations of car manufacturers, including Honda, Toyota, and Suzuki, raising prices for booked vehicles. Consumer complaints via the PM Portal further fueled the inquiry, citing delayed deliveries and increased prices even after customers made full or partial payments.

Authorized dealers were accused of exploiting customers by imposing premiums (On money) for early delivery. The CCP expanded the investigation to include other car manufacturers entering the market.

The outcome of the CCP’s inquiry hinges on the Lahore High Court’s final decision regarding the dismissal of Honda Pakistan’s stay order, with the case scheduled for a hearing in the first week of December 2023. As of now, no adverse findings have been made by CCP against any company, and there is no reported prejudice. In the event of an adverse order, remedies for Honda include an appeal to the Competition Appellate Tribunal and the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The CCP, with a history of actively intervening in the automobile sector, imposed a substantial fine of Rs 140 million on the Pakistan Automobile Manufacturers Authorized Dealers Association (Pamada) in 2015 for exploiting consumers. In 2013, the CCP revised the terms and conditions in the Provisional Booking Order (PBO) of car makers, prompting positive changes in practices by Toyota and Suzuki.

Law and order in Swat region top most priority of interim govt: KP CM SWAT

SYED SHAHABUDDIN

Caretaker Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Justice (r) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah on Saturday described the maintenance of law and order situation in Swat region as the top most priority of the caretaker government, saying all possible measures would be taken to ensure peace and tranquility in the region.

“Police would be strengthened further in term of equipment, arms and ammunition and all available resources would be provided to enable the police force deal with modern day challenges in an effective manner”, Caretaker KP Chief Minister Justice (r) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah expressed the views during daylong visit to district Swat on Saturday.

The caretaker CM inspected various public service delivery outlets, including hospitals, police stations, drug addicts rehabilitation centres etc.

He took stock of the services and facilities being provided there. He issued necessary directives to the authorities concerned to further improve the service delivery system and facilitate the public to the maximum. Later on, the Chief Minister chaired a meeting of the high-ups of district administration at Commissioner Malakand office. Advisor to Caretaker Chief Minister Dr Sarfraz Ali Shah, KP Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan, Malakand Commissioner Saqib Raza Aslam, Regional Police Officer Muhammad Ali, Swat Deputy Commissioner Dr Qasim, Malakand Deputy Commissioner Shahid Khan and heads of all line departments attended the meeting.

On the occasion, Justice (r) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah was briefed about the overall law and order situation, administrative matters, progress on the ongoing developmental schemes and related issues.

He directed the Malakand divisional administration to further improve public service delivery in the region.

He also directed the police authorities for coordinated efforts to further improve the overall law and order in the region, elaborating on that crackdown should be launched on drug dealers with special focus on bigfish to eradicate the menace from the society.

senator durrani urges nawaz, Zardari and imran to sacrifice personal ambition for national unity government ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Former federal minister and senior politician Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani on Saturday welcomed endorsement of his idea of formation if unity government by PPPP President Asif Zardari.

Senator Durrani also proposed that the heads of major political parties should pave the way for the formation of national unity government by stepping aside from the race for prime ministerial slot.

“Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari and Imran Khan should not aspire to become prime minister and instead play their role for the formation of national unity government in the country,” Durrani said while talking to Pakistan Today.

He said that the leaders of PML-N, PPP, and PTI should put forth their respective candidates for the position of Prime Minister.

Senator Durrani, who initiated the process of political reconciliation in the country amidst corro-

sive impact of the divisive politics that has erected formidable barriers to the progress and uplift of the masses. On November 15, 2023, Durrani presented the plan for formation of an elected national unity government in the country after the general elections.

He quoted examples from Britain, Ireland, and South Africa where national unity governments were formed while being within the parliamentary structures to steer the country from crises.

Durrani also welcomed for-

Published by Asad Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

mer president Asif Ali Zardari’s recent statement endorsing the proposal for national unity government and said leaders of other parties should also demonstrate the same mindset.

He said that the establishment of a national unity government after general elections would reshape the political landscape and governance model in the country where incompetence and dynastic politics are among the major stumbling blocks to progress and prosperity.