Epaper_23-11-28 LHR

Profit UAE PLEDGES 25 BILLION DOLLARS INVESTMENT IN PAKISTAN In partnership with

Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 I 13 Jamada Al-Awal, 1445

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Rs 50.00 | Vol XIV No 149 I 40 Pages I Lahore Edition

PM, COAS MEET UAE PRESIDENT, RESOLVE TO FURTHER BILATERAL STRATEGIC COOPERATION

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KAKAR TO EMBARK ON BILATERAL VISIT TO KUWAIT ON NOVEMBER 28-29

COAS, Saudi counterpart discuss bilateral relations RAWALPINDI

STAFF REPORT

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ISLAMABAD MIAN ABRAR

AKISTAN and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth multi-billion dollars in a range of areas on Monday to boost economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said.

The prime minister, who is on a twoday visit to the UAE, said with the signing of the MoUs, the bilateral economic and strategic relations had entered into a new era of bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar held a bilateral meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates IN ABU DHABI. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) was also present at the occasion.

The leaders underlined that Pakistan and the UAE have historic and deeprooted fraternal ties which have stood the

test of time. They reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation and dialogue between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

Prime Minister Kakar expressed profound gratitude for the UAE’s firm support for Pakistan in economic and financial domain. The UAE is home to 1.8 million Pakistanis, contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two brotherly countries.

During the meeting, regional and global developments in the region were discussed with particular reference to the escalating hostilities in the occupied Palestine. The Prime Minister expressed concern on the human cost of the dire situation in Gaza and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to a lasting solution of the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s full support to the UAE’s Presidency for COP 28 and underlined the importance of COP 28 as an opportunity for meaningful progress towards effective and result

Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah AlMutair, Commander of the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF), called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at the GHQ, on Monday.

In a statement issued by the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR), the two high-ranking officials “discussed various areas of mutual interest including cooperation in the fields of defence, security, military training as well as regional situation and the ongoing conflict in Middle East”.

The “visiting dignitary appreciated [the] Pakistan Army’s role in fighting the menace of terrorism and paid rich tribute to the sacrifices made in bringing peace to the region”.

The COAS thanked the dignitary, stating that, “Pakistan deeply values its strategic and brotherly ties with the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia.”

Earlier on arrival at the GHQ, “a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the guard of honour to the visiting dignitary”, the ISPR stated.

oriented global actions on key areas to mitigate climate impact including establishment of the Loss and Damage fund.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of MoUs between Pakistan and the UAE pertaining to investment cooperation in the sectors of Energy, Port Operations Projects, Waste Water Treatment, Food

NAWAZ’S APPEALS IHC CJ wonders if amassing ‘unexplained assets’ possible without corruption ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Monday wondered how can a person amass assets beyond his known sources of income without indulging in corruption.

The remarks came during the hearing of Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s petition challenging his conviction in Al Azizia and Avenfield references.

A two-member division bench headed by the IHC chief justice and comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the appeals.

The statement by the counsel, Amjad Pervaiz, came during the hearing of Nawaz’s appeals against his convictions in the Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia corruption cases.

The division bench was

presided over by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Monday along with Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb. At the outset of the hearing, Nawaz’s lawyer Pervaiz presented a chronological list of event in the Panama reference against the Sharif family.

Upon the court inquiring if the “facts” presented by him were from before the reference was filed, the counsel answered that “three facts” were from before while the rest of them were from afterwards.

Citing the Supreme Court’s order on the Panama Papers case, in which Nawaz was disqualified, the lawyer recalled that a joint investigation team had been formed in light of the verdict.

At this point during the hearing, Justice Aurangzeb asked whether the counsel’s arguments had “any scope”. Pervaiz then apprised the court of the JIT’s consti-

tution and its members.

He informed the IHC that the JIT submitted a 12-volume report to the apex court in July 2017 after which the involved parties presented their arguments and the court issued the final verdict on July 28, 2017, disqualifying his client.

Justice Aurangzeb then asked the counsel, “What orders did the Supreme Court clearly issue? Did the SC issue any directives to the NAB chairman?” To this, Pervaiz responded that the apex court “gave positive orders to NAB that references be filed against Nawaz Sharif”.

He specified that the SC had ordered for the Avenfield reference to be filed against Nawaz, his daughter Maryam, sons Husain and Hasan, and Captain (rtd) Safdar, while the Al-Azizia and Flagship references were also to be filed against Nawaz and his two sons.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

Three days ago, on November 24, 2023, Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Humaid met Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir.

The officials jointly condemned the ongoing atrocities in the Gaza conflict and the oppression faced by Muslims in IIOJK, expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine and Kashmir.

Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh, who was on a four-day official visit to Pakistan, also separately met with PM Kakar and army chief Gen Asim to discuss matters of mutual interest.

During the meeting with Gen Asim at the General Headquarters (GHQ), discussions were held on matters of shared concern.

Separately, Lt-General Fahad Bin Abdullah Muhammad Al Mutair, Commander of the Royal Saudi Land Forces also called on General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, both sides deliberated upon various areas of mutual interest, bilateral cooperation including defence and security.

Security, Logistics Sector, Mining, Aviation and Banking & Financial Services.

These MoUs will unlock multi-billion dollars of investment from United Arab Emirates into Pakistan and will help realise various initiatives envisioned under SIFC.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

IN TODAY’S ISSUE

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LHC dismisses plea challenging interim PM’s ‘extended stay’

irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk

LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Lahore High Court (LHC) Judge Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan on Monday dismissed a plea seeking to declare the “extended stay” of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar beyond the prescribed timeframe as unconstitutional, deeming it non-maintainable.

During the proceedings, Justice Bilal expressed reservations about entertaining such applications and questioned whether the court could issue an order for the caretaker PM. The law officer informed the court that Justice Raza Qureshi had previously dismissed a petition of a similar nature. Justice Bilal noted that, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order, the Election Commission of Pakistan had set the election date, and the caretaker PM had ensured the conduct of elections. Strongly opposing the plea, the law officers argued against declaring the extended stay of the interim PM as illegal and unconstitutional.

The petitioner, Muhammad Muqsit Saleem, filed the plea naming the caretaker PM, the cabinet division through its secretary, and the ECP through the chief election commissioner as respondents. Saleem argued that the caretaker government, which took office on August 14, 2023, ceased to exist on November 15, 2023. He contended that any decisions made by the caretaker government after this date would be illegal and invalid.

The petitioner emphasised that an extension in the election date should not automatically extend the caretaker government’s mandate. He urged the court to consider the serious implications of the matter, especially in the current political climate where legal and constitutional issues are often dismissed without close scrutiny.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

02 NEWS

KP-BOIT SIGNS MOU WITH CHINESE FIRM FOR ESTABLISHING ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE

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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 | LAHORE

THE INITIATIVE IS ALIGNED WITH THE GOALS OF THE AUTOMOTIVE POLICY 2021–26 AND IS PART OF THE CAREC-LED EFFORTS FOR COOPERATION IN E-COMMERCE AND ELECTRONICS, SAYS IQBAL SARWAR, DIRECTOR AT KP-BOIT PROFIT

News Desk

HE Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade (KP-BoIT) and China’s ADM International Trading Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for jointly establishing infrastructure for charging and manufacturing Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the province.

The signing ceremony took place during the China Innovation Summit and Dig-

PSX’s KSE-100 closes near 60,000 as buying spree continues BANKS AND CEMENT SECTORS LEAD THE RALLY AMID POSITIVE IMF OUTLOOK AND EXPECTED POLICY RATE CUT

ital Economy Tour from November 22 to 25, 2023.

Iqbal Sarwar, a Director at KP-BoIT, explained that this initiative is aligned with the goals of the Automotive Policy 2021–26 and is part of the CAREC-led efforts for cooperation in e-commerce and electronics.

ADM aims to provide advanced EV services by creating a nationwide charging network and establishing assembly and manufacturing facilities for EVs and related products in Pakistan.

The collaboration is seen as a signifi-

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THE CENTRAL BANK MAY INITIATE A TOKEN REDUCTION OF 50-100 BASIS POINTS IN THE POLICY RATE IN ITS JANUARY 2024 MONETARY POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT PROFIT

PROFIT

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its bullish run on Monday, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 1.23% to close near the 60,000-point level. The index witnessed a strong buying spree in the second half of the session, led by banks and cement sectors. The volume and value of shares traded on the all-share index decreased slightly to 657.5 million and Rs20.2 billion, respectively. The PSX has been setting new records since the government reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on the first review of the $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) last week. The agreement is expected to unlock the second tranche of the SBA and pave the way for inflows from other lenders. The market is also anticipating a policy rate cut in the upcoming MPC meeting in December, which would improve the liquidity situation at the bourse. The KSE-100 Index soared by more than 2,000 points in a week and broke the 59,000 barrier for the first time ever on November 24. It ended the week at a record high of 59,086.35 points.

PAKISTANI RUPEE DEPRECIATION Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee depreciated for the third consecutive session against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Monday. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the local currency settled at 285.64, down by Re0.274.

ber Pakhtunkhwa Industries, Commerce, and Technical Education Department, along with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), will work jointly with EV Academy Islamabad to provide the necessary training.

The joint efforts aim to provide essential training for the manufacturing and production of electric vehicles in the province.

The EV Academy, known for its training courses on the latest technologies in the automotive industry, brings professional tech-

Policy rate expected to fall by 7% in 2024, report says MoNitoRiNg Desk

News Desk

cant step towards reducing imports and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals of the province. In a further move to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has partnered with the Electrical Vehicle Academy (EVA) Islamabad.

This private company offers hands-on training in electrical vehicles and has agreed to collaborate on training skilled individuals and technical students for EV manufacturing in the province.

As part of this collaboration, the Khy-

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is expected to reduce its benchmark policy rate by seven percentage points to 15 percent in the upcoming calendar year.

This move is expected to rejuvenate affordable financing for industries heavily dependent on bank borrowing, particularly in sectors such as textile, cement, steel, and agriculture.

The projection comes from a report titled “Commercial Banks Overcoming Headwinds – Resilient Near-Term Profitability Expected” by Arif Habib Limited economist Sana Tawfik.

The report, as reported by Express Tribune, suggests that despite the assumption of reduced earnings following the rate cut and the imposition of a 40 percent tax on windfall income from

around 28pc, primarily due to a substantial hike in gas prices.

The government stands to gain significantly from the rate cut as it will reduce interest payments on the mounting debt, providing fiscal space for necessary development expenditures and stimulating economic activities.

The current account deficit is expected to remain around $4 billion, coupled with rupee stability, supporting economic growth. The report also suggests that the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is poised for substantial growth as major financial institutions shift investments to the stock market from fixed-income instruments. The report concludes that near-term profitability for the banking sector is expected to remain robust in the first half of calendar year 2024, despite potential headwinds from a reversal in the policy rate cycle.

speculative rupee-dollar exchange business, commercial banks are expected to achieve a 12 percent growth in net profits in 2024.

Tawfik stated that energy sectors, including oil and gas exploration firms and power companies, would also benefit indirectly from the policy rate cut.

The report forecasts a 3.3 percent economic growth in the current fiscal year, attributing it to monetary policy easing, which is expected to benefit industrial, agricultural, and services sectors. The economist suggests that the central bank may initiate a token reduction of 50-100 basis points in the policy rate in its January 2024 monetary policy announcement. The rate cut is expected to coincide with a significant easing of inflation from March 2024 onwards, although inflation is projected to remain elevated in November at

Bushra Bibi subjected to distasteful slogans outside Adiala jail

hours – 9:30am till 10:45pm. The NAB team completed the investigation against the PTI chairman.

Today, an accountability court in Islamabad rejected NAB’s request for extending former prime minister Imran Khan’s physical remand in the case.

The court instead, sent the PTI chairman on a 14-day judicial remand.

The £190 million (approximately Rs60 billion) settlement case pertains to the money of a property tycoon being laundered and caught by the UK authorities during Imran’s government in 2019. The UK government had informed the Pakistani authorities regarding the money being caught. The May 9 arrest of the ex-prime minister came in this case for the first time.

RAWALPINDI

staff RepoRt

A handful of miscreants hurled disreputable slogans at Bushra Bibi, wife of former premier Imran Khan, as she reached Adiala jail on Monday for the hearing of the £190 million settlement case.

The wife of the Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf (PTI) chief was expected at the jail on Monday for the hearing of her interim bail request in the £190 million settlement case. The miscreants intercepted her vehicle and chanted “black magic unacceptable”. The police officers were reportedly silent spectators to the sloganeering, that went on till Bushra Bibi went inside the jail.

At the last hearing the court re-

manded Imran Khan — who is already in prison — to National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) custody concerning the graft investigation. NAB was instructed to present its report in court by today.

On Sunday, a NAB team conducted continuous interrogation sessions of the PTI chairman at the Adiala Jail for 13

Pakistan LNG Limited awards spot cargo tender to Oman’s OQ Trading g

IN A SIMILAR TENDER ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER, PLL AWARDED TWO LNG CARGOES FOR DECEMBER DELIVERY TO COMMODITIES TRADER VITOL PROFIT

News Desk

Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has awarded a spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo tender to OQ Trading, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The tender, open to bids from OQ Trading, QatarEnergy Trading, Trafigura, and Vitol, saw OQ Trading submitting the lowest bid.

OQ, formerly known as Oman Oil Company, is an energy investment company headquartered in Muscat, Oman. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Government of Oman through the Oman Investment Authority.

The state-owned PLL, responsible for the procurement and sale of natural gas, LNG, and re-gasified LNG on behalf of the Pakistan government, issued the tender last week. The LNG cargo is scheduled for de-

livery to Port Qasim, Karachi, between January 8-9.

PLL manages the entire LNG supply chain, procuring LNG from international markets and arranging onward supply to end-users.

Pakistan, heavily reliant on gas for power generation, has faced challenges in securing spot LNG cargoes, especially after global prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, con-

tributing to widespread power outages.

In a similar tender issued in September, PLL awarded two LNG cargoes for December delivery to commodities trader Vitol. However, in June, PLL encountered difficulties in securing offers for six cargoes for October and December delivery to Port Qasim.

It is notable that Pakistan maintains two long-term LNG supply agreements with Qatar, one signed in 2016 for 3.75 million metric tons annually and another signed in 2021 for 3 million metric tons annually. Additionally, there is an annual portfolio contract with ENI for 0.75 million metric tons.

nicians and trainers with US experience in the field of manufacturing electric vehicles to contribute to the local advancement of electric vehicle technology.

Pakistan’s petroleum imports under Saudi oil facility reach $400m in July-October

THE FIGURE FALLS SHORT OF THE BUDGETED ESTIMATES, WHICH ANTICIPATED IMPORTS TOTALING $600 MILLION PROFIT

News Desk

Pakistan has imported petroleum products amounting to $400 million on a deferred payment basis under the Saudi oil facility during the period from July to October in the current fiscal year 2023-24. This figure falls short of the budgeted estimates, which anticipated imports totaling $600 million.

Official documents disclose that in October 2023 alone, the country imported petroleum products worth $100 million on a deferred payment basis through the Saudi oil facility.

Saudi Arabia also supplied petroleum products worth $100 million each in the months of July, August, and September 2023. In the previous fiscal year 2022-23, Pakistan’s import of petroleum products on a deferred payment basis under the Saudi oil facility amounted to $1.182 billion. This exceeded the budgeted estimates of $800 million. The financing agreement for this import, valued at $1.2 billion, was inked in November 2021 between the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division (EAD).

Ghani Chemical to invest $5.5mn for establishment of 7 MW coal power plant PROFIT

News Desk

Ghani Chemical Industries Limited (PSX: GCIL), a leading manufacturer of industrial and medical gases, has announced its plans to reduce its power costs and increase its market share in the southern region of the country. According to a stock filing at Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, the company’s board of directors has decided to establish a 7 MW coal power plant at a cost of $5-5.5 million. The plant will use a mix of local and imported coal and will be located in Port Qasim or nearby.

The plant will supply power to the company’s air separation unit (ASU) plants in Port Qasim, which produce oxygen, nitrogen and argon gases. The company expects to save 45-50% of its power costs by using coal instead of grid electricity. The board has also decided to relocate one of its two 110TPD ASU plants from Phool Nagar to a suitable location in the southern region, after the installation and commissioning of its new ASU plant in Hattar. The relocation is aimed at meeting the increased demand for medical and industrial gases in the south, as well as providing a backup for its other plants in the country.

Imran Khan’s aide comes under ‘acidic liquid’ attack at England home LONDON

staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader and former special assistant to the prime minister Mirza Shahzad Akbar on Monday said that he was attacked at his England home, adding that “acidic liquid” was thrown at him.

“Last evening, I was attacked at my address in England (where I am living in exile with my family) by unknown assailant/s who threw acidic liquid at me. Thankfully, my wife and children are safe, however, I sustained some injuries but nothing life-threatening,” Akbar said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

He added that police and emergency services arrived instantly and his house was now under protection. “I will not be intimidated nor bow down to those who are doing this,” he said without elaborating further.

Akbar was a former special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) during the PTI government. He had left Pakistan soon after PTI Chairman Imran Khan was ousted

through a no-confidence motion in April last year. He had reportedly left for Dubai from where he departed for the United Kingdom.

Akbar is a central figure in the Al-Qadir Trust case against the PTI chief. The case relates to the alleged illegal acquisition of land and construction of the Al Qadir University involving unlawful benefit given in the recovery of proceeds through the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) in a money laundering case against real estate tycoon Malik Riaz and his family.

In May, the PTI chief had shifted responsibility on Akbar for making a secret deal with the property tycoon. He had stated that since he was not aware of the settlement between the NCA and Riaz, and relied upon Akbar’s briefing that “the amount was to be repatriated to Pakistan against the liability of respondents [Bahria Town].”

“Shahzad Akbar got the deed of confidentiality approved from the cabinet on Dec 3, 2019. However, I am not aware of any other deed of confidentiality that may have been signed by SAPM Shahzad Akbar on

Nov 06, 2019. As regard the allegations that in the deed of confidentiality stately signed on Nov 06, the designated account for adjustment of liability of BTLK was malafiedly intimated to the NCA UK for transfer of funds instead of repatriation of the recovered amount to the State of Pak-

istan, in order to give and obtain material benefit, I reiterate that I am not aware of any deed of confidentiality… nor was I privy to or have participated in providing any designated account to the NCA for repatriation of the funds from UK to the state of Pakistan,” Imran Khan had said.

Earlier this month, an official had told media that the government had sought documents, including the “deed of confidentiality” from Akbar about the agreement.

The source said the cabinet division had written a letter to Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi to be delivered to Akbar through the Pakistan High Commissioner in London.

Akbar asked to provide five documents, including a copy of the agreement between individuals or entities and the foreign government or agency — in this case, the NCA. The government claimed these documents were not part of any record available with the Cabinet Division or any other authority. The documents also include the original deed of confidentiality dated November 6, 2019, signed by Akbar as the then SAPM on behalf of the government and the UK court’s order under which the money was seized.

The government also sought an explanation on how the seized money was adjusted against the penalty imposed by the Supreme Court on Bahria Town Ltd Karachi.

NAB’S REQUEST FOR EXTENSION IN IMRAN’S PHYSICAL REMAND IN £190M CASE REJECTED

NEWS 03

Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 | LAHORE

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ISLAMABAD:

staff RepoRt

N accountability court in Islamabad on Monday rejected the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) request for extending former prime minister Imran Khan’s physical remand in the £190 million case.

The court instead, sent the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) chairman on a 14day judicial remand.

Judge Muhammad Bashir of the Islamabad Accountability Court-I presided over the hearing of the corruption case, with the primary accused Imran and his wife Bushra Bibi present during the hearing held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.

Imran’s sisters, Aleema Khanum and Noreen Khanum, were also present during the hearing.

In the previous hearing, the judge had instructed NAB to conclude its investigation and present a report today. On Sunday, a team from NAB interrogated the former premier at the Adiala jail for 13 hours.

Strict security measures were implemented within and around the jail premises in preparation for the hearing on Monday.

The £190 million (approximately Rs60 billion) settlement case pertains to the money of a property tycoon being laun-

Verdict reserved by LHC on petition seeking removal of caretaker PM

dered and caught by the UK authorities during Imran’s government in 2019. The UK government had informed the Pakistani authorities regarding the money

LAHORE

staff RepoRt

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday reserved judgement on a petition seeking removal of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ulHaq Kakar from office for “failure to carry out his constitutional duties.” Petitioner Advocate Muhammad Muqsit argued before Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan that the constitution provided that the caretaker government is only for 90 days.

The caretaker government has completed its 90day tenure and the country is running without an executive, he submitted. The petitioner said the caretaker prime minister has failed to fulfil his constitutional obligation and could not hold elections in time. He has tarnished the sanctity of the office of the prime minister, Advocate Muqsit added. On November 15, the term of Mr Kakar has been expired and he is no longer caretaker prime minister, the advocate continued. He said that neither the Election Commission (ECP) nor any constitutional court extended the caretaker prime minister’s term. “I request the court to issue an order to remove the caretaker prime minister from the office,” he concluded his arguments. Justice Hassan reserved his verdict after listening to his arguments.

LHC dismisses plea challenging interim PM’s ‘extended stay’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Saleem highlighted that the caretaker government’s role is crucial in overseeing the country’s administration before elections, ensuring fair polls, and maintaining law and order. He argued that if elections are not held within the constitutionally specified timeframe, the caretaker government’s mandate should end.

Referring to the dissolution of the National Assembly, Saleem pointed out the constitutional obligations of the President and the ECP under Article 58(1) and Article 218, respectively. He cited the specific election periods outlined in Article 224 and emphasised that such provisions should not be manipulated to justify intentional non-compliance with timelines. The petitioner criticised the current caretaker government for exceeding the statutory limit, describing it as a violation of constitutional rights and an attack on democracy’s foundation. Saleem underscored that Article 224 limits the caretaker government’s tenure to ninety days, emphasising its failure to fulfill responsibilities and address critical societal issues. Saleem argued that the extended stay of the caretaker government goes against the Constitution and undermines the rule of law, raising concerns about its legitimacy and the intentions of those in power.

being caught.

The May 9 arrest of the ex-prime minister came in this case for the first time.

Addressing a press conference regard-

ing Imran’s arrest in the case at the time, then interior minister Rana Sanaullah said that as per law, the amount belonged to the Pakistani nation and should have been deposited in the national exchequer. “Instead [the then adviser to the prime minister] Shahzad Akbar acting as a front-man, formed the Al-Qadir Trust under a deal executed by him,” he claimed.

The minister said some 458-kanal of land in Sohawa and another 240-kanal in Bani Gala were registered in the name of Al-Qadir Trust.

Sanaullah said some seven to eight months ago, he had provided details of the two properties and had challenged the PTI chief to clarify if Al-Qadir Trust was not established by Imran himself to hide his corruption. He further said the PTI chief and his wife Bushra Bibi were the only two trustees of the trust.

He said the 240-kanal of land in Bani Gala, worth around Rs5-7 billion, was registered in the name of Farah Gogi, a close friend of Imran Khan’s wife, while Akbar had also taken Rs2 billion for his services.

He said instead of depositing Rs60 billion into the national treasury, the amount landed in the bank account of the Supreme Court, where the accused property tycoon was under trial. The amount was, in fact, returned to the accused in a complex manner to hoodwink the masses, he added.

UAE pledges 25 billion dollars investment in Pakistan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Prime Minister of Pakistan termed it as a historic event that will take economic cooperation between both brotherly countries to new heights and open doors of economic prosperity and socio-economic development of Pakistan. He highlighted the success of SIFC in creating a business and investment friendly environment through one window operation and fast tracking the initiatives.

Congratulating the people of Pakistan and the UAE, he said the foundation of friendship with Pakistan which was laid by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the 1970s, had been taken forward by his son Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to a new era.

Army Chief General Asim Munir and the federal ministers were present on the occasion while on the other side, all the important ministers of UAE were also present, according to state-run APP. PM Kakar expressed the hope that the MoUs that were signed by the two countries would turn into tangible projects very soon. Bilateral meeting: During the visit, PM Kakar held a bilateral meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi and discussed global and bilateral matters.

General Munir was also present on the occasion, according to a statement issued by the PM’s Office. The leaders underlined that Pakistan and the UAE have historic and deep-rooted fraternal ties that have stood the test of time.

They reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation and dialogue between Pakistan and the UAE. Prime Minister Kakar expressed profound gratitude for the

UAE’s firm support to Pakistan in the economic and financial domain.

Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed several multi-billion dollars Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in a range of areas here on Monday to boost economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ulHaq Kakar said in a video message. The prime minister, who is on a two-day visit to the UAE, said with the signing of the MoUs, the bilateral economic and strategic relations had entered into a new era of bilateral cooperation.

Congratulating the people of Pakistan and the UAE, he said foundation of friendship with Pakistan that was laid

by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the 1970s, had been taken forward by his son Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to a new era.

Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir and the federal ministers were present on the occasion while on the other side, all the important ministers of UAE were also present.

He expressed the hope that the MoUs that were signed by the two countries would turn into tangible projects very soon. The UAE is home to 1.8 million Pakistanis, contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two brotherly countries.

During the meeting, regional and global developments were also discussed with particular reference to the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in occupied Palestine.

The prime minister expressed Pakistan’s support for a just and durable solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line

with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions. He also reiterated Pakistan’s full support of the UAE’s Presidency for COP 28, underlining its importance as an opportunity for meaningful progress towards effective and result-oriented global actions in key areas to mitigate climate impact including the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of MoUs between Pakistan and the UAE pertaining to investment cooperation in the sectors of energy, port operations projects, waste water treatment, food security, logistics, minerals, and banking and financial services.

The official statement said these MoUs will unlock multi-billion dollars of investment from UAE into Pakistan and will help realise various initiatives envisioned under Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

KUWAIT VISIT: Following his visit to the UAE, PM Kakar will embark on a bilateral visit to Kuwait on November 28-29, the Foreign Office said in a statement. During the visit, the prime minister will meet Sheikh Meshal Al Jaber Al Sabah, Crown Prince of State of Kuwait, and Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al Ahmed AL Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait.

The visit will include the signing of various MoUs in the fields of manpower, information technology, mineral exploration and food security, energy, and defence. Pakistan and Kuwait enjoy deep-rooted and historical ties spanning over six decades. The year 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, as per the statement.

NTDC issues apology and withdraws controversial letter CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

After extensive deliberation, the committee unanimously resolved to recommend the matter to the Lender (The Asian Development Bank). The committee instructed NESPAK after consultation with the NTDC, to share a note within three days, highlighting the technical qualification based on a 2015 letter, now deemed infructuous due to a lapse of five years.

It was also apprised that though the ADB had issued an NOC to the Newage company, the committee recommended that agreement should not be signed until the revaluation process is completed in the light of the com-

mittee recommendations.

The agenda item pertaining to the Daso Hydro Power Station to Islamabad transmission line contract was also discussed. The Turkish company SA-RA Energy, the second lowest bidder, contested the contract’s award to Sino-Hydro, citing lack of relevant experience and document irregularities.

Senator Saifullah Abro expressed displeasure over the lack of performance of the concerned department in resolving the matter. He said that the committee wanted to ensure transparency in the matter of awarding of projects and prudent utilisation of the funds was in the best interest of the state and the people of Pakistan.

It was further informed by the officials of the Power ministry that they had communicated the concerns raised by the committee along with the relevant documents but the World Bank country office has expressed full confidence in the process therefore they awarded the contract. The chairman proposed an in-camera briefing within 10 days to expedite resolution.

During the meeting, irregularities in the transmission line contract of the Dasu Hydro project sparked a clash between Senator Bahramand Tangi and Chairman Senator Saifullah Abro, leading to Tangi’s protest walkout. The remaining agenda items were deferred.

Sufficient wheat stock ensures measures for consistent flour supply: Solangi ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Information, Murtaza Solangi on Monday said there is enough wheat stock in Pakistan to meet the country’s needs and to tackle any flour shortage due to supply chain problems, concrete measures would be initiated. While responding to a motion under Rule 218 by Senator Sania Nishtar, focused on addressing gaps in the wheat supply chain that may lead to flour shortage, the minister stated that currently there was no wheat shortage in the country. Senator Nishtar had pointed out the specific lacuna in wheat policy, citing the conversion of green bags to white bags at the retail level. She also hinted at the smuggling as a factor, contributing to wheat shortages in addition to creation of systematic artificial shortages and hoarding. Murtaza Solangi emphasized that there was an adequate stock of wheat in the country as public wheat stock included 39,24,367 metric tons in Punjab, 8,17,394 metric tons in Sindh, 2,15,082 metric tons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 89,354 metric tons in Balochistan. Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation Ltd (PASSCO) accounted for 17,18,177 metric tons, he added. Private wheat stock comprises 3,37,270 metric tons in Punjab, 93,165 metric tons in Sindh, 14,918 metric tons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 4,157 metric tons in Balochistan. The Minister Parliamentary Affairs said that Pakistan had over seven million (7,213,884) metric tons of wheat, with an additional imported stock of 10,33,845 metric tons, ensuring there was no shortage.

He said the support price for provinces differed, being Rs 4600 in Punjab and Rs 4700 in Sindh. During discussions on the motion, Senator Dilawar Khan said that Pakistan should export wheat rather than its import and called for concessions to the agriculture sector.

Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri highlighted Balochistan’s agricultural challenges, emphasizing the lack of canal systems. He expressed concern about the removal of subsidies for poor farmers on electricity.

Two martyred, 7 injured as suicide bomber targets security forces convoy in Bannu: ISPR RAWALPINDI

staff RepoRt

Two civilians were martyred and seven others including three security personnel were injured when a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of security forces, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. According to military’s media wing, a suicide exploded himself near convoy of security forces in Baka Khel area of Bannu. As a result of explosion, two civilians were martyred while three security personnel among seven others sustained injuries. ISPR said that the suicide bomber was an Afghan citizens belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadur groups of banned Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Operation was underway to eliminate any other terrorist present in the area and security forces of Pakistan were committed to eradicate menace of terrorism, ISPR added.

ATC directs arrest, production of Marriyum Aurangzeb in court on Dec 09 LAHORE

staff RepoRt

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) of Lahore on Monday directed the arrest of PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb and producing her in court on December 09. The arrest warrant of Marriyum Aurangzeb was issued by ATC Judge Abhar Gul and he directed concerned SHO compliance of the warrant in a case related to a provocative speech she allegedly made. The court had issued non-bailable arrest warrant of Aurangzeb over her failure to attend the case hearing. PML-N leader Mian Javed Latif has also been an accused in the case. The court directed Javed Latif and other accused to appear in court in the next hearing of case on December 09.

The case was filed against former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and other PMLN leaders at the Green Town police station.

Nawaz’s appeals: IHC CJ wonders if amassing ‘unexplained assets’ possible without corruption CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Pervaiz then said, “According to the Supreme Court’s orders, NAB can also file a supplementary reference on new evidence coming forth.”

At this, Justice Aurangzeb asked the counsel about what happened during the period between the SC issuing orders and the NAB filing the references. He further inquired if all three references were filed on the same day, to which Pervaiz replied in the affirmative, adding that they were filed in September 2017.

The IHC judge then asked if the ex-premier was present in the country when the references were filed, to which the counsel responded that his client was in the United Kingdom along with his daughter.

At this point during the hearing, Justice Farooq asked whether the suspects were indicted in the Avenfield reference only or in all three cases. Pervaiz replied that they were

indicted in “all three cases on the same day” but the proceedings were held separately later on. He further informed the IHC that the prosecution did not provide him with a copy of volume 10 of the JIT report. The chief justice then said, “At least some of the details from volume 10 would have come on record during the trial?”

However, the lawyer said that no document from the volume was brought on the record, adding that a “few questions were answered during the interrogation”.

At one point, Justice Aurangzeb noted that Nawaz was also acquitted in one reference. At this, the NAB prosecutor said that Nawaz was acquitted in the Flagship reference by an accountability court.

“Has NAB filed an appeal against the acquittal?” asked Justice Aurangzeb. The NAB prosecutor responded by saying that an appeal had been filed but notices had not yet been issued and it was not even fixed for hearing. Nawaz’s lawyer contended that ac-

countability Judge Mohammad Bashir had issued a verdict on one of the references, after which a plea was filed for transferring the remaining cases to another court.

Justice Aurangzeb then noted that the PML-N had filed pleas for hearing all three references simultaneously. “The judge heard one swiftly and stayed proceedings on the other two,” he said. Pervaiz said that the accountability watchdog filed references against Nawaz on the basis of the JIT report.

“Did NAB ever use its own mind when doing something?” asked Justice Aurangzeb.

“NAB did not do anything other than send a call-up notice to Nawaz Sharif,” Pervez said. He added that the bureau did not present any “concrete evidence” apart from statements from witnesses. He said that the call-up notice issued by NAB had nothing to do with the investigation.

“So NAB did not conduct a separate investigation on its part?” asked Justice Aurangzeb, to which the lawyer responded in

the affirmative. Pervaiz said that NAB did not issue a questionnaire to Nawaz.

Nawaz’s lawyer then read out the text of the indictment in the Avenfield reference. He said that Nawaz had denied wrongdoing after the charges were framed.

He said that after the indictment, an accountability court had sought evidence from NAB, which first presented a preliminary report before submitting a detailed one. He said that the preliminary investigation report only referred to the SC verdict, adding that the charges against Nawaz were incorrectly framed. He said the statements of six out of the 18 witnesses were recorded in the Avenfield reference when NAB filed a supplementary reference.

“Did any witness give a statement after which NAB decided to file supplementary reference?” asked Justice Aurangzeb. To this, Pervaiz said that the first witness produced records from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

“I will say that our case was opened and while the witnesses were being cross-examined, NAB decided to bring a supplementary reference,” he contended. However, the court directed the lawyer to take some time and submit a response to the court.

The lawyer further said that the trial court announced its verdict in the Avenfield reference in the absence of Nawaz and Maryam. “Mian Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz were in London to visit Kulsoom Nawaz,” he said. He said that Kulsoom was suffering from late-stage cancer at the time.

He said that the PML-N had asked the trial court to change the date of the hearing but the application was rejected the same day.

At one point, PML-N’s Tarar asked the court to exempt Nawaz from appearing before the court. “There are security issues at every hearing,” he contended. “You file an application for exemption then we will see,” Justice Farooq responded. The hearing was then adjourned till Wednesday.

04 COMMENT

On arguments and conclusions

Tuesday, 28 November 2023

Don’t you know..

T

…they’re talking about an election

HERE’S an election around the corner, we’ve finally been told. But one wouldn’t be able to tell, if one were to take to the streets, or browse through the TV news channels, or newspapers, or even the social media profiles of individual politicians.

To the uninitiated, it would almost appear as if the Election Commission’s many half starts have lulled the parties into an ain’t-happening mode. But, despite Pakistan’s youth bulge, there are many for whom the ‘24 polls aren’t quite the first rodeo. These cynics suspect something quite sinister: that the parties have done a cost-benefit analysis of the whole thing, and have slotted it as an exercise in futility.

The powers that be will decide where the chips fall.

The most irritating thing about the cynics, the world over, is that more often than not, they’re right.

If one were to take a glance, the PTI, for obvious reasons, is least visible in the run up to the polls, despite being on a high of popularity. It’s between the courts and prison for this particular party, mood-on-the-street notwithstanding. And in the constituencies where party vote doesn’t cross that of the individual candidate’s, well, those candidates in question have been whisked away to the two new parties on the block.

The League is back to being what the PTI was in 2018, but this time the gloves are nigh completely off. Beset by the woes of the economy (the bad press for which is borne by Ishaq Dar’s party more than the Kakar administration, what to speak of Dr Shamshad herself) the party is facing some resistance on the campaign trail, even in its strongholds. The party might have gotten together a massive rally in Lahore, but that isn’t to be categorised as part of an election campaign trail. It was a welcome rally, which is a switch that can be flicked only once.

The party that actually can have an electioneering campaign, is the PPP, in Fortress Sindh, which has stuck by the party. Only the ill-informed reader thinking in the most reductive manner would think the electorate there is voting for the party because of some sort of feudal pressure in what is Pakistan’s most urbanised province. The voter there certainly is responding to whatever mix of development and political posturing that the party is offering. But without the costs of having to run the economy as well.

However, even that mix of freedom (which the PTI does not have) and absence of bad economic press (that the League does not have) hasn’t quite translated into a strong spirited election campaign. They were about to, but a spanner has been thrown in the works by a rumoured rift between the father-and-son duo that run the party, one that manifested itself in a recent interview on a news channel.

In short, barring the outright farcical elections that inoffice military dictators have carried out, these are set to be the least election-y elections this country has ever seen. On second thought, perhaps even the 2002 polls had more gumption, yielding the then out-of-favour PPP the largest percentage of the popular vote.

The former is of greater import

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HASAN AFTAB SAEED

N the social media one sees with amazing frequency, and always with a cringe, ‘proofs’ for the existence of God such as the word Allah ‘written’ in a cloud or on toasted bread; or a mosque left standing when everything around it perished in a natural disaster. In discussions with friends and acquaintances, I have often had an uncontrollable urge to tell the person I am interacting with that while I could not concur more with his conclusion, the argument that helps him reach that conclusion is appalling, and that I would not like to be found dead subscribing to it. Depending on the situation, with the very elderly for example, it takes a lot of tact to be able to convey the gist without appearing haughty and impolite.

When something gets said and a man knows better, it is vitally important for him to speak up. Especially on the important issues, it is incumbent on him to set the record straight, unless the other person is one of those who have rendered it absolutely beyond doubt that they are incapable of being reasonable. Such individuals are best left alone. As a rule, however; within the ambit of his influence and authority; and being as careful in his words and tone as humanly possible, it is a man’s duty to confront falsehood with truth, unreason with reason, and ig-

norance with wisdom.

A common pitfall that proves to be impossible to avoid for most mortals is that they are willing to accept substandard arguments as long as the conclusions suit them. They do not realize the harm of the weakness to call a spade a spade when momentarily it is convenient to stay silent. Apart from the obvious moral implications involved, the practical damage of this compromise is twofold.

ONE: the ‘victory’ is shallow, for a conclusion that is reached by a silly argument can as easily be dismissed by an equally silly argument.

TWO: if one is not careful about the quality of one’s arguments, one cannot help ending up subscribing to a world view the various parts of which make a certain kind of sense (to him, if not to anybody else) but which do not fit together to form a coherent whole. Conclusions based on sound arguments fit facts like a wall-to-all carpet fits a room. Anything wrong with an argument regarding one sphere of life of necessity affects a man’s world view in totality the way of an incorrectly cut carpet made to fit one or two sides of the room, only to leave a gap on the other sides or a bulge somewhere.

It is easy to ‘solve’ isolated problems on a caseby-case basis, so that separately each conclusion may even sound reasonable. But as a philosophy the whole framework is bound to collapse sooner or later owing to its inherent contradictions, for the coherence that comes out of a sound logic and argument is just not there. Any world view worth its salt must, in the very least, be a coherent framework.

For these reasons, arguments are even more important than the conclusions they lead to. For it is entirely possible (in fact it is very common) for an individual to reach the correct outcome based on a faulty argument: by chance, owing to multiple errors cancelling each other out, or due to an incorrect premise. To be continually mindful of the quality of one’s arguments is crucial because this consciousness helps one to improve (or replace) one’s argument when one realizes its deficiency or error. A focus on conclusions on the other hand leaves little motivation to critically review one’s arguments, especially when those conclusions are convenient and/or psychologically soothing.

Chance and partial agreements with somebody do not amount to anything, if the overall frameworks are poles apart. Consider this: I am a

A common pitfall that proves to be impossible to avoid for most mortals is that they are willing to accept substandard arguments as long as the conclusions suit them. They do not realize the harm of the weakness to call a spade a spade when momentarily it is convenient to stay silent. Apart from the obvious moral implications involved, the practical damage of this compromise is twofold.

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami

Navigating labour rights in Pakistan Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi Joint Editor

T

Executive Editor

SEHriSH NAz

Without labour, nothing prospers.’ — Sophocles

HE marginalized classes in our society demand a more participatory, just, and inclusive government. It’s the state’s responsibility to establish parameters for enhanced human rights, particularly within labour policies. Pakistan’s history, marked by military dictatorships and fragmented democratic governments, reveals a persistent oppression of laborers. Despite some positive steps, governance remains in the hands of elite oligarchs, plutocrats, and corporocrats, reflected in labour policies and Industrial Relation Ordinances.

Six major labour policies in Pakistan, spanning from 1955 to 2018, were intended to address societal gaps for labour and ensure economic justice, egalitarian fairness, and democratic values. Unfortunately, these policies persisted through both military dictatorships and democratic periods, exposing a deeply rooted colonial mentality toward the labor class.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT: Pakistan’s creation aimed to provide a liberal democratic state for the Muslim minority of colonial India.

Post-Zia era marked a departure from an Islamic state, aligning with human rights regimes established after World War II. Attempts to restrict democratic space in Pakistan involved bureaucracy, military, and religious groups, despite their initial opposition to an Islamic state. In 1951, Pakistan endorsed ILO Conventions, leading to a decline in unionized labor from 25% to 1%. Military dictatorships consistently suppressed workers and unions.

MAJOR LABOUR SHIFTS UNDER DIFFERENT GOVERNMENTS: The Trade Union Act of 1926 provided freedom to form unions but restricted strike rights. The 1959 revocation denounced workers’ rights after the first military dictatorship. Policies announced in 1969 aligned with ILO conventions but failed to address fundamental issues. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s 1972 labor policy was progressive, yet subsequent military rule

and democratic governments often curtailed labour rights. The 2018 policy expanded labor rights democratically.

Attention to peopleÊs well-being, rather than just economic growth, is crucial. The focus should be on strengthening trade unions, establishing and expanding union rights, and removing barriers that hinder progress.

FUTURE TRAJECTORIES OF LABOUR POLICIES: Pakistan must implement ILO conventions it ratified, setting parameters for new policies and labor law implementation. The state’s duty is to ensure these laws are universally acknowledged, as non-compliance risks sanctions. With Pakistan’s export-dependent economy, any misstep could result in substantial losses.

ISSUES IN 2018 LABOUR POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN SINDH: Since June 2016, the minimum wage for a worker has remained stagnant at 15,000, disproportionately affecting urban working-class segments.

Women earn half of men’s wages, and agricultural workers are excluded from the minimum wage. The lack of reforms contributes to inequality and perpetuates an unfair system.

PRECARIOUS WORK AND CORROSION OF LABOUR RIGHTS: The rise of precarious work, marked by low wages and poor working conditions, disproportionately affects vulnerable groups.

Public-sector unions have suffered, with threats, lack of pension rights, and the denial of the right to form unions. The garment industry, with 15 million workers, lacks a strong network for

Six major labour policies in Pakistan, spanning from 1955 to 2018, were intended to address societal gaps for labor and ensure economic justice, egalitarian fairness, and democratic values. Unfortunately, these policies persisted through both military dictatorships and democratic periods, exposing a deeply rooted colonial mentality toward the labor class.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

collective organization.

LABOUR RIGHTS IN PAKISTAN: Despite having one of the largest labour forces globally, Pakistan faces severe labour rights violations. Workers are paid minimum wages, required to work overtime without compensation, and lack social security and pension benefits. The Constitution prohibits bonded and child labour and upholds the freedom to form associations, yet implementation remains inadequate. Legislation like the Industrial and Commercial Employment (Standing Orders) Ordinance 1968 and the Punjab Shops and Establishment Ordinance 1969 provides a foundation for protecting workers’ rights.

Attention to people’s well-being, rather than just economic growth, is crucial. The focus should be on strengthening trade unions, establishing and expanding union rights, and removing barriers that hinder progress. A modern version of the 1926 Trade Union Act is needed, and a movement must mobilize Parliament to address longstanding issues in labor rights.

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The writer is a freelance columnist

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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There are two broad categories of men: those who are more focused on the quality of their arguments and those who are concerned more about the conclusions their arguments lead to. I find myself to be in much greater sympathy with the former even if I do not agree with their conclusions, for at least it is meaningful to have a conversation with them. monotheist (so are the Jews); I do not believe in the ‘return’ of Hazrat Isa AS (Sir Syed Ahmad Khan believes the same); I believe in the centrality of the Quran in Islam (Ghulam Ahmad Perwez claims the same); Heck, I am sure I agree with one or two things believed by Deepak Chopra too! But I could not be more distant from the Jews, Khan, Perwez or Chopra – no disrespect to any of them – when it comes to their world views, none of which I would touch with a barge pole.

There are two broad categories of men: those who are more focused on the quality of their arguments and those who are concerned more about the conclusions their arguments lead to. I find myself to be in much greater sympathy with the former even if I do not agree with their conclusions, for at least it is meaningful to have a conversation with them. As for the latter, it is no fun whatever to be in agreement with them on any given issue. Some of them, by their own admission, are great ones for the ‘heart’ as opposed to the mind, justifying their attitude on the premise that reasoning can be faulty, and therefore can lead one stray. Their solution to the problem: instead of reasoning, trust the feelings. They do not realize that while their premise (reasoning can be faulty) is correct, their argument leaves much to be desired. For how can one know if one’s reasoning has gone awry, except by more reasoning? When an argument is presented, it is reason that will settle the issue of its validity/invalidity. If, on the other hand, feelings are the basis of a philosophy, there is no way to settle the issue one way or the other except the judge’s mood and feelings. Could anything be more arbitrary than that!

The author is a connoisseur of music, literature, and food (but not drinks). He can be reached at www.facebook.com/hasanaftabsaeed

Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

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

Combating AMR

IN November each year, World Antibiotics Awareness Week (WAAW) provides a crucial opportunity to educate the public, health professionals, and policymakers about the dangers of antibiotic resistance. This phenomenon, known as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), poses a significant threat to human health, with dire consequences if not addressed promptly and collaboratively. AMR occurs when bacteria develop resistance due to the overuse of antibiotics, and it is now recognized as a major public health crisis.

AMR has reached alarming levels globally, with an estimated 700,000 deaths occurring annually due to resistant infections. If left unchecked, AMR could lead to 300 million deaths worldwide by 2050. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture contributes to the rise of superbugs—extremely resistant bacteria. The misuse of antibiotics, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, jeopardises the effectiveness of essential drugs.

In Pakistan, antibiotic use is alarmingly high, both in human and animal health. The misuse of antibiotics, particularly for viral infections, contributes to the rise of superbugs, causing numerous deaths and hospitalizations annually. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, global antibiotic use has surged, further intensifying the AMR crisis.

A key strategy in combating AMR is the extensive use of vaccines, which can prevent infections and reduce the overuse of antibiotics. Vaccines for pneumonia, diarrheas, otitis media, meningitis, and typhoid have shown remarkable success in reducing infections and, consequently, antibiotic use.

Pakistan’s National Action Plan for combating AMR recognizes vaccines as a crucial tool in addressing this issue. The benefits of vaccines, such as the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), in mitigating the burden of resistant strains can be substantial. Ensuring universal coverage of relevant vaccines is vital in the fight against AMR. A collaborative and holistic “One Health” approach, involving various sectors like human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, finance, environment, and consumers, is essential to decrease AMR. Education and awareness are critical to promoting vaccine uptake, prudent antibiotic use, and infection control measures. As we observe the 2023 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, it is imperative that we act urgently by taking all available steps to curb antimicrobial resistance.

Every individual must contribute to this national and global cause to reduce AMR, prevent the spread of superbugs, and safeguard lives, including the future of our children.

PROFESSOR EJAZ A KHAN ISLAMABAD

Stress management

I am writing to express my concern about the increasing levels of stress in our society and the urgent need for effective stress management strategies.

Stress has become a pervasive issue affecting people of all ages, and its impact on mental and physical health cannot be underestimated.

In today’s fast-paced world, individuals face a myriad of challenges, including work pressures, family responsibilities, and societal demands. This constant barrage of stressors can lead to a wide range of health problems, including anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments. It is imperative that we address this issue seriously and provide guidance to our readers on how to manage and alleviate stress. I urge you to consider dedicating more space in our publication to articles, features, and expert opinions on stress management. Readers need practical advice on techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, time management, and seeking professional help when necessary. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of work-life balance and self-care is crucial in our efforts to combat stress.

It is our responsibility as a community to support one another in managing stress and maintaining good mental and physical well-being. By focusing on stress management, we can improve the overall quality of life for our readers and contribute to a healthier, happier society.

AMNA NAVEED KARACHI

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

Kurti and Vucic: The odd couple who made oddity a science Tuesday, 28 November 2023

S

dr aloN BEN-MEir

INCE Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia nearly 15 years ago, the two countries have remained at odds with one another. In spite of the continuing efforts by the EU to mitigate the conflict between them, little if any progress has been made. The contentious point is that Serbia is simply unwilling to recognize Kosovo’s independence and still considers it one of Serbia’s provinces. The EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, who has been leading the efforts, believes, for good reason, that a resolution to the Serbia-Kosovo conflict not only serves the national interests of Pristina and Belgrade but also enhances the stability of the Balkans, which is of great concern to the EU, especially as the Ukraine war continues to rage.

The EU has all along made the accession of Serbia and Kosovo conditional upon their mutual recognition. The European Council believed all along that such a precondition would motivate both countries to make the necessary concessions, which would have made them begin the process of integration into the EU. Sadly, the European Council’s hope did not materialize. Neither side has agreed to modify their principal position in spite of the fact that both countries want to integrate into the EU. Following arduous back and forth negotiations and scores of meetings between Vucic and Kurti, the leaders remain at odds with each other to a point where they managed to make oddity a science.

They often appear as if they have agreed on a range of issues but then it turns out that their interpretation of what they have supposedly agreed upon fundamentally differs from one another.

A case in point is their acceptance of the Franco-German plan, which focuses on the

DEEPFAKE CRACKDOWN

A deepfake is described as a video or sound recording that realistically replaces a person’s face or voice with that of someone else with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Actors such as Rashmika Mandanna and Katrina Kaif have recently found themselves at the receiving end of this technological mischief and misuse TRIBUNE

Editorial

The growing menace of deepfakes has prompted the government to consider new regulations which could involve the imposition of penalties. Describing deepfakes as the new threat to democracy, IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that these can weaken trust in society and its institutions. A deepfake is described as a video or sound recording that realistically replaces a person’s face or voice with that of someone else with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Actors such as Rashmika Mandanna and Katrina Kaif have recently found themselves at the receiving end of this technological mischief and misuse.

Vaishnaw met various stakeholders, including representatives of social media platforms and AI experts, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted apprehensions about the adverse impact of AI, particularly deepfake technology. In his address at the G20 Virtual Summit, the PM stressed the need for international collaboration to frame global AI regulations.

The government is preparing an action plan focusing on four key aspects: detection of deepfakes; preventing the spread of such content; strengthening reporting mechanisms; and raising awareness. Deepfake technology not only poses a threat to the privacy of public figures but can also be used to foment trouble, spread disinformation and fake news, and jeopardise national security.

India, a country of around 80 crore Internet users, is especially vulnerable; deepfakes can be a lethal tool during elections to settle political scores and mislead voters. Imposing heavy penalties on both the creator and the platform hosting deepfakes can be an effective deterrent. The government and the industry need to work in tandem to develop ‘responsible AI’ that benefits society and wards off anti-social elements. The public also has a key role to play in countering deepfakes. People must be sensitised to the perils of mindlessly sharing or forwarding content on social media.

normalization of relations from the perspective of a common EU future, the most critical element being the exchange of permanent missions, similar to embassies but at a lower level. Vucic subsequently refused to abide by the agreement and the Franco-German plan remains frozen.

Another earlier example is the EU mediation of an agreement between Pristina and Belgrade in 2013 that called for the formation of the Association of Serb Municipalities that would allow the Serbmajority communities in Kosovo to have limited self-rule but remain solidly as an integral part of Kosovo. Since then, the Association still has not been established.

Prime Minister Kurti opposed the plan when he was in the opposition. Recently he came to accept it conditionally upon Serbia recognizing Kosovo’s independence, because he needed to demonstrate to his public that he can receive something significant in return from Belgrade.

Vucic, who initially agreed not to oppose Kosovo’s membership in several international organization in exchange for the Association of Serb Municipalities, reneged on his promises stating that Serbia is “ready” for the formation of the association, but it does not accept Kosovo’s membership in international organizations, including the United Nations, nor its independence.

The European Council expressed deep concerns about the lack of genuine interest of both parties to implement any agreement that could lead to normalization and implementation of the Association, along with other EU-facilitated dialogue. The EU’s call on Kosovo and Serbia to implement the agreement without any further delay or preconditions was another shout in the wilderness that no one could hear.

On October 27, France’s President Macron, Germany’s Chancellor Scholz, and Italy’s Prime Minister Meloni called on Serbia to “deliver on de-facto recognition” of Kosovo, to which Vucic simply paid no heed. From his perspective, de facto, which translates to recognizing Kosovo’s territorial integrity, is tantamount to recognizing Kosovo’s independence, which for him is a non-starter. Recently, Borrell stated, “Unhappily, the parties were not ready to agree on that, without preconditions that were unacceptable to the other party. We will continue insisting and working in order to get an agreement.”

It is rather puzzling that after so much trial

and error, the EU has failed get the two sides to agree on anything. The reasons are clear: For Kurti, the preservation of Kosovo’s independence is sacrosanct. Even though scores of countries have not recognized Kosovo, those are not as critical as Serbia’s recognition because it is Serbia that considers Kosovo as one of its provinces and has categorically refused to recognize Kosovo’s independence or even accept its de facto independence by recognizing its territorial integrity.

For Vucic, the current geopolitical environment in the Balkans is not conducive to take such a momentous step for three reasons. First, he wants to maintain good relations with both Russia and the EU. Second, the close cultural, religious, and commercial relationship between Serbia and Russia coupled with the raging war in Ukraine risks raising the ire of Putin at a time when he is eager to maintain Serbia’s economic and political stability. Third, Vucic is not in hurry, and as long as Putin is in power and is breathing down his neck, he can wait knowing that the EU seeks to distance Serbia from Russia, feeling assured that the EU will always welcome Serbia into its fold.

The above strongly suggests one glaring fact. The EU’s decade-long strategy of making Serbia and Kosovo’s integration conditional upon mutual recognition of their independence has failed. It is now time for the EU to adopt a new strategy anchored on rewarding the party who is willing to make the necessary concessions without punishing the party that refuses to concede any ground but will be under intense pressure to do so.

This approach will take away from Vucic the “veto” power that he exercised, which prevented Kosovo from becoming even a

candidate for integration into the European community.

The following are the four steps Kosovo should take, with the support of the EU, to break the impasse.

First, Borrell should work with Kurti and schedule new elections in the majoritySerb municipalities in northern Kosovo. This first step will dramatically reduce the tension between the ethnic Serbian communities and Pristina, which has been building up since the beginning of the year. It started with the license plate dispute, to the municipal elections that were boycotted by ethnic Serbs, to the violence that erupted following the failed elections. Kurti should make it clear time and again that he considers every person within the country’s borders a Kosovar, and embrace the ethnic Serbs like any Albanian Kosovar, which is consistent with and required by the EU charter.

Second, Kurti should immediately begin creating the Association of Serb Municipalities, irrespective of whether or not Vucic reciprocates. Against this step,

It is doubtful that KosovoÊs Prime Minister Kurti and SerbiaÊs President Vucic will agree on anything unless the European Council changes the dynamic of the Serbia-Kosovo conflict by rewarding the side that cooperates, which would pressure the noncooperative party to modify its position

the leading EU member states, Germany, France, and Italy, should work diligently to persuade the five remaining EU member states – Greece, Romania, Cyprus, Slovakia, and Spain – to recognize Kosovo, which is a prerequisite for Kosovo’s eventual full accession.

Third, Kurti should declare that Kosovo will accept the Franco-German plan as it stands and will act on its implementation as soon as Serbia also agrees to follow suit. The EU should reward Kosovo by making it a candidate for EU membership.

The above three steps will exert tremendous pressure on Vucic to change his tune, because the last thing he wants to see is Kosovo advance toward integration while he is left behind.

Fourth, Kurti should focus on strengthening Kosovo’s economy, weeding out corruption which would encourage investment, creating job foreign opportunities for those who graduate with university degrees to prevent brain drain, and improving healthcare and certainly the entire education system. The greater progress Kosovo makes to meet the EU standard in these areas, the closer it comes to integration.

The EU mediation between Serbia and Kosovo has hit a brick wall. By no longer conditioning Serbia’s and Kosovo’s integration into the EU unless Serbia recognizes Kosovo’s independence, it will dramatically change the dynamic of the conflict and end the impasse.

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

Brothers in arms: Russian weapons are key for India’s self-reliance

New Delhi had borne the brunt for not openly criticizing Moscow for its decision to launch the military operation against Ukraine in February 2022. The West sees India as being too dependent on Russia for weapons and other needs, and hence not being able to oppose President Vladimir Putin’s actions. So much so that in a scathing attack, Ukraine accused India of taking crude oil from Russia stained with ‘blood’

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RT

NEEraj rajput

NDIAN military commanders are rarely seen speaking on geopolitics, let alone at public forums. That job is best left to career diplomats or the political leadership. So, when India’s top commander, Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, suggested at an event in Bengaluru last month that Russia’s geopolitical influence would decrease but the world would witness an assertive China in the years to come, it came as a shock to many strategists and geopolitical pundits.

“The current geopolitical environment is in a state of flux. The old order is withering away and the shapes and contours of the new world order are yet to stabilize. The geopolitical importance of Russia will go down in times to come. It is in spite of being a nuclear power. The Wagner rebellion indicates the internal weakness and is indicative of what may lie in store for the future as far as Russia is concerned,” Chauhan stated while speaking on the topic of ‘Inevitability of Changes in the Defense Forces’ at an event organized

by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, a public sector aviation company.

Chauhan’s statement came days after Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said during a visit to the US that India’s relations with Russia are “very, very stable.” For almost two years now, Jaishankar has single-handedly taken on Western leaders and media, defending, or rather clarifying, India’s stand of ‘strategic autonomy’ with regard to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

New Delhi had borne the brunt for not openly criticizing Moscow for its decision to launch the military operation against Ukraine in February 2022. The West sees India as being too dependent on Russia for weapons and other needs, and hence not being able to oppose President Vladimir Putin’s actions. So much so that in a scathing attack, Ukraine accused India of taking crude oil from Russia stained with ‘blood’.

However, while Chauhan is considered less vocal than his predecessor, the late General Bipin Rawat, when he speaks, he speaks to the point. So, when he invoked the revolt by the Wagner Private Military Company as a sign of Russia’s “internal weakness,” he publicly voiced something that many in the

Indian military apparatus have been wondering about. Chauhan was not the first to voice his apprehension about New Delhi’s most vital ally. Earlier this year, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande suggested that the “Russia-Ukraine war’s impact on supply chains has impacted the availability of some spares and weapons for India,” adding that it highlights the need for New Delhi to be “self-reliant in defense manufacturing.”

There are many concerns related to the Ukraine conflict, including why a superpower like Russia couldn’t defeat a relatively weak and small country like Ukraine in a matter of days or weeks. Why did Russian ground forces return from the outskirts of Ukraine’s capital leaving behind tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other military vehicles during the initial weeks of the special military operation?

As the narrative about the conflict has been shaped in India with the help of mainly Western English-language media, not many would recall that Russia had moved back its forces as a result of peace negotiations with Kiev in March 2022. The peace deal was, however, thrown in the dustbin by Ukraine – and today some European politicians are openly stating that the US prevented Ukraine from signing the agreement.

Russia losing an important city like Kherson to the Ukrainian armed forces after months of seizure, too, is something being analyzed in India through a prism of mainly Western narrative – in the absence of one from Moscow. Hence, what many casual observers in India may simply fail to see (or take seriously) is that Russia is fighting not just against Ukraine’s armed forces, but another superpower – the US and its NATO allies – as Russia’s Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev pointed out earlier this year.

That is, however, not the case with India’s strategic community. The biggest lesson that New Delhi is learning from the Ukraine conflict and now from the IsraelHamas war, too, is the need for better military preparedness and security arrangements.

India, whose relations with both of its nuclear-armed neighbors – China and Pakistan – remain frosty and could, Delhi fears, descend into a two-front war on its borders, can hardly question Russia’s geopolitical significance. Relations between India and China have been extremely strained since the deadly June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, when the two nations’ armies engaged in a bloody fight in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, adjoining Aksai Chin. New Delhi regards the area as an integral part of India, while China also claims it as its own. A fivepoint plan to de-escalate at the India-China border after the clash was signed by New Delhi and Beijing in Moscow.

Notably, Russia is the only country which can act as a facilitator between India and China. Moscow persuaded India and China to send military contingents for Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

exercises in 2017 and then in 2021, even though both countries had earlier canceled a bilateral military exercise at the height of another border dispute in Doklam along Bhutan (tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan) in mid-2017. Recently, Russia again managed to bring the arch-rivals to the same platform during the war drills held by the ASEAN Plus countries in Vladivostok.

Russia, India, and China have stood at the inception of the BRICS grouping, which has now expanded to represent the “alternative” voice in global affairs – the one of the Global South. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg earlier this year, and agreed to “direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement,” according to Indian diplomats.

New Delhi’s bilateral engagement with Russia, particularly in the energy and defense sectors, will not wane anytime soon.

The new deals and arrangements announced last week during the Dubai Airshow 2023, including India reportedly signing a long-pending contract for the supply and licensed manufacturing of Russian Igla-S portable anti-aircraft missile systems (MANPADS), are just the tip of the iceberg.

While India’s dependency on Russia has been reduced in the past couple of years, Moscow still constitutes 50% of the arms imported by New Delhi, as per global think tank the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Even after Modi’s flagship program of ‘Make in India’, New Delhi is still the second largest importer of arms and ammunition in the world, next only to Saudi Arabia.

Putin, an ardent friend of Modi, is an admirer of ‘Make in India’, under which New Delhi wants to become self-reliant in the defense sector.

India’s domestic defense production in the year 2022-23 has crossed $15.38 billion, as per Indian Defense Ministry records. The country now manufactures fighter jets (LCA Tejas), submarines (Scorpene class and Arihant class), tanks (Arjun MBT), artillery guns (Dhanush & ATAGS) corvettes, frigates, missile destroyers, and even aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant). Indian government enterprise the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) now produces a whole range of missiles, including ICBMs (Agni series), SAM (Akash), MRSAM (Barak-8), Anti-radiation (Rudram), and even air-to-air missiles (Astra), to name just a few.

Even if India is inking arms deals with friendly foreign countries, they are mainly under the ‘Make in India’ project. Be it C-295 military transport aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones, or GE-414 and Safran aviation engines, all are going to be manufactured in India in conjunction with global arms companies.

Essentially, Western countries are helping India develop a domestic defense ecosystem, something Russia has been

doing for the past several decades.

Beginning from MiG-21 fighter jets, Sukhoi aircraft, the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile, the INS Arihant nuclear submarine, T-90 tanks, BMP-2 ‘Sarath’ (infantry combat vehicles), and various other military equipment. India still uses Russian aircraft carrier the INS Vikramaditya (the erstwhile Kiev class Admiral Gorshkov), AK series rifles, various anti-aircraft guns like OSA, Pechora and Strela, Grad rocket system, artillery guns, Konkur ATGMs, and Dragunov sniper rifles.

Even while India is getting closer to the US, France, and other Western countries, it has procured an ultra-modern S-400 missile system from Russia and the two countries have inked a deal for a joint project to manufacture AK-203 rifles in Amethi (northern India state of Uttar Pradesh).

What has frustrated the Indian military is the delay in the supply of the S-400 missile system. Last month, India Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari publicly complained of a delay in receiving the batteries due to the Ukraine conflict. “Our contract was for five systems and three have been delivered. There is a hindrance in delivery due to the Russia-Ukraine war and we are sure that in the next one year, we will be getting the remaining systems,” Chaudhari said at an annual press conference.

The delay in supplies of the S-400 is believed to be mainly attributed to payment issues caused by sanctions against Russia, resulting in a large number of transfers pending from the Indian side. Moscow and New Delhi have reportedly agreed to resolve payment issues while also formalizing a plan for the local production of Russian equipment and spare parts during the meeting of the countries’ defense ministers on the sidelines of the SCO summit in New Delhi in April.

However, many in the Indian military and strategic community still have concerns over the feasibility of this arrangement, particularly the degree of the technology transfer.

Being self-reliant in defense is thus the biggest lesson India has learnt from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. New Delhi, which is concerned about both a short and swift war, and/or a prolonged war keeping in view the tumultuous relations with two neighboring countries, China and Pakistan, can no longer solely rely on foreign companies for its defense needs if a conflict erupts.

It is not surprising that the air chief, speaking about Russia’s S-400 delivery, pointed out: India is using its indigenous development to protect its borders. The Air Force has now got clearance from the Defense Ministry to develop five units of Project Kusha, under which the Indian version of S400 missile systems would be developed.

Neeraj Rajput is a New Delhi-based defense journalist and author, editor-inchief of Hindi digital platform ‘Final Assault’.

06 NEWS

Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 | LAHORE

HAMAS MILITARY WING CONFIRMS MARTYRDOM OF FOUR LEADERS SINCE OCTOBER 7

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GAZA

AGENCIES

HE military wing of the Palestinian group Hamas has claimed that four of its leaders have been martyred since October 7.

Al-Qassam Brigades said those killed included Ahmed Al-Ghandour, a member of the Military Council and commander of the Northern Brigade.

“The Al-Qassam Brigades is mourning a group of its heroic leaders, namely Commander Ahmed Al-Ghandour, known as Abu Anas, a member of the Military Council, the commander of the Northern Brigade, and the leaders: Wael Rajab, Raafat Salman, and Ayman Siam,” the group said in a statement.

However, it did not provide details

about the dates of their deaths. The group also declared their “commitment to the freedom path”.

Officials hail China ASEAN strategic synergy at forum on boosting trade, tourism under BRI BEIJING

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Themed “enhancing connectivity and sharing prosperity,” an ASEAN-China forum kicked off in Vientiane, Laos on November 27, highlighting the achievements and prospects of aligning Chinaproposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC2025).

Hosted by ASEAN-China Center (ACC), the event was held against the backdrop of “Visit Laos Year 2024,” a tourism promotion campaign launched by Vientiane on November 24. Laos will assume the chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2024. The year 2024 also marks China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Shen Yueyue, vice chairperson of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said at the forum’s opening that over the past decade, China-ASEAN economic and cultural exchanges have increased dramatically, and political mutual trust has deepened.

According to Shen, China will adhere to ASEAN as a priority direction in its neighborhood diplomacy, further strengthen strategic synergy with ASEAN members and achieve a higher level of connectivity and integrated development, including infrastructure cooperation, negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0, and strengthening cooperation in the fields of green, digital and new energy, as well as exchanges in culture, tourism, and education.

“China can only do well when ASEAN is doing well.

When China does well, ASEAN will get even better.

And this is also exactly what ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership has been meant and built upon,” said Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ACC. China and ASEAN remain each other’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade between China and the ASEAN increasing by 0.9 percent yearon-year to 5.23 trillion yuan ($374 billion) in the first 10 months of 2023, accounting for more than 15 percent of China’s total foreign trade during the same period, official data shows. Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and people for “constant support and help,” especially in the BRI-related projects with Laos.

The Israeli army had previously announced the deaths of Hamas leaders in airstrikes on Gaza during its military

campaign. However, most Israeli strikes have resulted in heavy civilian casualties and significant infrastructure destruction in the region.

A four-day pause in the hostilities, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, went into effect on Friday, temporarily halting Israel’s onslaught on the Gaza Strip. In the first two days of the ‘pause’, Israel and Hamas exchanged 41 Israelis and foreigners for 78 Palestinians in Israeli jails.

Under the agreement, hostages will be released in batches during the four days.

Israel launched a massive military campaign in Gaza following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. It has since martyred at least 14,854 Palestinians, including 6,150 children and over 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave. The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.

China’s industrial profits rise for 3rd consecutive month in October BEIJING

MIAN ABRAR

China’s industrial profits continued to grow for the third consecutive month in October, rising 2.7 percent year-on-year, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday.

In the first 10 months of the year, industrial profits fell 7.8 percent year-on-year, narrowing from a nine percent decline in the first nine months.

“The effects of macro policies have continued to show, industrial production has remained stable, and industrial enterprise revenue has accelerated its recovery,” said NBS statistician Yu Weining.

Industrial enterprise revenue grew 0.3 percent year-on-year in the first 10 months, up from a flat reading in the first nine months.

“Profits in the raw materials and consumer goods sectors have continued to improve,” said Yu. As downstream demand has gradually recovered, product prices in the raw materials sector have generally rebounded, revenue growth has accelerated, and profits have continued to improve, Yu added.

Profits in the raw materials manufacturing industry jumped 22.9 percent year-on-year in October, maintaining a relatively fast pace of growth.

In the first 10 months, profits in the raw materials manufacturing industry declined 10.5 percent yearon-year, narrowing from a 15.3 percent drop in the first nine months.

Going forward, China will focus on expanding domestic demand, stimulating the vitality of businesses, promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, and cultivating and expanding emerging industries, according to the NBS. No room for ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities: mainland spokesperson A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Monday stressed that the mainland is willing to create broad space for peaceful reunification across the Taiwan Straits, but will definitely not leave any room for separatist activities aimed at “Taiwan independence.”

Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to recent comments from

Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, politicians with Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, on crossStraits relations. According to media reports, they expressed the view that there was no timetable on the mainland side to attack Taiwan region by force. Chen said the mainland would not tolerate or show leniency to the “Taiwan independence” forces if they dared to take risks and instigate incidents promoting “Taiwan independence.”

He cited the Anti-Secession Law to say that the state shall employ non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“I want to emphasize that ‘Taiwan independence’ means war,” the spokesperson added.

Lai and Hsiao, both “Taiwan independence” separatists, have distorted facts and downplayed the harmfulness and danger of “Taiwan independence” separatist activities to deceive voters in the 2024 leadership election in Taiwan, Chen said. He called on residents in Taiwan region to oppose “Taiwan independence” and promote the return of cross-Straits relations to the path of peaceful development.

US President Biden to skip COP28 climate summit WASHINGTON AGENCIES

President Joe Biden will miss the latest UN climate summit in Dubai, after two years of attending the talks in hopes of highlighting US leadership, a US official said.

Some 70,000 people including national leaders and Pope Francis are expected at COP28 as it opens on Thursday, in what could be the largest United Nations climate summit ever. Schedules released by the White House for Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris showed neither heading to Dubai this week.

Biden’s engagements include a trip to Colorado to highlight US investment in wind energy, a meeting with the president of Angola and the lighting of the national Christmas tree.

A US official confirmed that Biden was not planning to attend COP28 this week or during a second window close to the end of the talks on December 12.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Biden administration was still discussing whether to send a top-level official to Dubai. John Kerry, the US climate envoy and former secretary of state and senator, will be leading day-to-day negotiations for the United States.

The official did not give a reason for Biden’s decision. But Biden has been focused for more than a month on the war between Israel and Hamas and is also looking to highlight his domestic agenda with less than a year to the US presidential election.

Biden in 2021 travelled to Glasgow to vow that the United States would again take a global leadership role on climate after his predecessor Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris climate accord. Trump, who is seeking the White House again, is a climate sceptic who says that action is too costly to the United States.

Irish author Paul Lynch clinches 2023 Booker Prize LONDON

AGENCIES

Irish author Paul Lynch won the 2023 Booker Prize for fiction on Sunday for his novel “Prophet Song,” a dystopian work about an Ireland that descends into tyranny. The 46-year-old pipped five other shortlisted novelists to the prestigious award at a ceremony in London. He becomes the fifth Irish writer to win the high-profile literary prize, which has propelled to fame countless household names, including past winners Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood and Hilary Mantel.

“This was not an easy book to write,” Lynch said after collecting his award, which comes with £50,000 (around $63,000) and a huge boost to his profile.

“The rational part of me believed I was dooming my career by writing this novel. Though I had to write the book anyway. We do not have a choice in such matters,” he added.

Lynch’s book is set in Dublin in a near future version of Ireland. It follows the struggles of a mother of four as she tries to save her family from totalitarianism.

There are no paragraph breaks in the novel, which is Lynch’s fifth.

Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan, who chaired the fiveperson judging panel, called the story “a triumph of emotional storytelling, bracing and brave”.

“With great vividness, Prophet Song captures the social and political anxieties of our current moment,” she said.

“Readers will find it soul-shattering and true, and will not soon forget its warnings.”

The Booker is open to works of fiction by writers of any nationality, written in English and published in the UK or Ireland between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023.

– Murdoch, Doyle – None of this year’s six finalists — which included two Americans, a Canadian, a Kenyan and another Irish author — had been shortlisted before and only one had previously been longlisted.

The shortlisted novels, announced in September, were chosen from a 13-strong longlist that had been whittled down from an initial 158 works.

Among them was Irish author Paul Murray’s “The Bee Sting”, a tragicomic saga which looks at the role of fate in the travails of one family.

Murray was previously longlisted in 2010.

Kenyan writer Chetna Maroo’s moving debut novel “Western Lane” about grief and sisterhood follows the story of a teenage girl for whom squash is life.

The judges also selected “If I Survive You” by US writer Jonathan Escoffery, which follows a Jamaican family and their chaotic new life in Miami.

He was joined by fellow American author, Paul Harding, whose “This Other Eden” — inspired by historical events — tells the story of Apple Island, an enclave off the US coast where society’s misfits flock and build a new home.

Canada was represented on the shortlist in the shape of “Study for Obedience” by Sarah Bernstein. The unsettling novel explores the themes of prejudice and guilt through a suspicious narrator.

The Booker was first awarded in 1969. Last year’s winner was Sri Lankan writer Shehan Karunatilaka for “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida”.

The previous Irish winners are Iris Murdoch, John Banville, Roddy Doyle and Anne Enright.

India’s envoy to US faces backlash from Sikh community at NYC Gurdwara

NEW YORK AGENCIES

A group of Sikh community members confronted Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu at a New York Gurdwara who was visiting Hicksville Gurdwara in Long Island on the occasion of Gurpurab.

In the footage, it could be seen that a number of protesters surrounded him and started shouting and accused him of plotting the assassination of Canadian national Hardeep Singh Nijjar and also conspiring to get another leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun murdered.

The video of the ex-

change between Sandhu and the Sikh community members has been taking rounds. The footage starts with the envoy telling the protesters that he is visiting the gurdwara for seva (service).

US authorities thwart conspiracy to kill Pannun Financial Times reported that US authorities had thwarted a conspiracy to kill Pannun, leader of Khalistani organisation Sikhs for Justice, on American soil. Asked about the report, the White House said the US is “treating a reported plot to kill a Sikh separatist on American soil with utmost seriousness” and has raised

the issue with the Indian government “at the senior-most levels”.

White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Indian authorities had “expressed surprise and concern” in the matter and “stated that activity of this nature was not their policy”.

Canada expels India’s envoy Canada in September expelled New Delhi’s head of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)— India’s foreign intelligence agency—stationed in Ottawa accusing India’s involvement in the killing of a Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.

The already strained relations between Ottawa

and New Delhi took a dramatic new low.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed an emergency session of the parliamentary opposition that his government had credible evidence linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in June in British Columbia.

He called in the strongest possible terms for the Indian government to cooperate in clearing up the matter.

Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 | LAHORE

CORPORATE CORNER NSU Islamabad's Exclusive EV Repair Course: Shaping the Future of Automotive Expertise

ISLAMABAD: The National Skills University Islamabad, a leading technology university, is pleased to announce an upcoming Electric Vehicle (EV) Repair and Maintenance Course scheduled from December 18 to 20, 2023. The course is being conducted in collaboration with Pak-China Huazi Green Energy (Pvt) Ltd, by renowned Chinese engineering technologists who bring a wealth of expertise and experience in the rapidly evolving field of electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles have gained significant attention as the automotive industry undergoes a profound transformation towards sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Keeping pace with this shift, this course is a unique example of academia-industry collaboration recognizing the importance of fostering a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and repairing electric vehicles to the highest standards. PR

Data Producers and Data Users’ Dialogue Workshops

KARACHI: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics is crafting a National Data Dissemination Policy that is crucial for ensuring that the statistics produced by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) is reaching and benefiting a wide range of users. For this purpose, PBS is engaging both data producers and users in dialogue workshops with the support of UNFPA to gather diverse perspectives, identify needs, and bridge any existing gaps in the data dissemination process.

These workshops will foster collaboration between various data users and producers including Government bodies (like Provincial Bureaus of Statistics and Crop reporting services etc.). Further, they will ensure a more comprehensive understanding of data requirements and consequently enhance the quality and accessibility of statistical information for policymakers and planners. This strategy will ensure evidence-based decision-making across different levels of governance. PR

Magtymguly Fraghi promoted diversity, peace, and harmony among nations, Syed Jamal Shah

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ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

HAIRPERSON Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib has said that serving 93 lakh needy families is a form of worship, highlighting the moral imperative of addressing poverty as a collective responsibility. While addressing a gathering of BISP employees at Usmania Masjid Muzaffarabad, Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at making BISP an exemplary institution in the fight against poverty.

Dr. Amjad Saqib emphasized the importance of linking children from needy families to technical skill areas, providing them with avenues for a brighter future. Dr. Amjad Saqib stressed BISP employees to establish of an endowment fund dedicated for the welfare of needy families. This innovative initiative seeks

to create a sustainable mechanism for long-term support, showcasing BISP's commitment to transformative solutions.

During his visit to the BISP office in Muzaffarabad, Dr. Muhammad Amjad

ISLAMABAD APP

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Medical Education and Patient Care and Minister of State Prof. Dr. Aamir Bilal said on Monday the quality of medical and dental education will be enhanced at par with international standards, considering local needs and ground realities.

He was chairing a high-level meeting at the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) head office for the promotion of medical education and quality health care in the country.

He said there will be no compromise on the minimum standards

and quality. Dr Bilal said that PMDC has a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and standardization of medical and dental education, professional practice, and ethical standards in the country.

He said that all necessary steps will be taken to revise existing rules and regulations of PMDC including the syllabus for MDCAT, curriculum for undergraduate medical dental education, and accreditation standards for the accreditation of medical and dental institutes.

He emphasized that it will be ensured to standardize the MDCAT, NRE and NEB exams to stringent quality assessments, updated curricula, and modern teaching

KARACHI: 6th Karachi International Water Conference spread over two days, organized by Hisaar Foundation in association and collaboration with Infra Zamin and other partners opened successfully here, earlier today. Attended by a large number of people from different walks of life, it proved to be a significant forum addressing critical issues surrounding water crises and climate discourse. With fifteen insightful sessions, the conference facilitated enriching discussions, detailed presentations, and engaging dialogues with a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists from both Pakistan and the international community.

What’s more, the occasion also marked the launch of Undertow a book of selected photographs by Maazim Kamil with some eye-catching photographs from the book exhibited in an attractive display. PR

methodologies to produce competent and globally competitive healthcare professionals which are safe for society.

The meeting was attended by PMDC council members, the Federal Special Secretary for Health, President CPSP, members of the task force and sub-committees, nominee of HEC, nominees of the provincial health departments, present and former vice-chancellors, deans, experts in the field, representatives of nursing council from across the country.

The meeting was also attended

by Federal Secretary Health Iftikhar Ali Shallwani and Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj President of PMDC.

Bugti condemns ICCI calls for supportive terrorists attack on industrial policy for SMEs security forces' convoy

APP

6th Karachi International Water Conference opens successfully addressing Water Crisis and Climate Discourse

Saqib personally engaged with needy women, listening to their concerns and experiences. He underscored the significance of maintaining cleanliness in the offices and treating needy women with

dignity, reinforcing the program's commitment to empathy and respect. Zonal Director Central Zonal office BISP AJK Muzaffarabad Dr. Abdul Aziz Qurashi along with whole team of BISP Muzaffarabad Division warmly welcomed CP BISP in Muzaffarabad. Dr. Amjad Saqib directed the staff to ensure the complete disbursement of payment to needy families without any deduction. Recognizing the importance of transparency, he advised dialogue with POS agents for the efficient and transparent disbursement of stipends.

Dr. Amjad Saqib urged BISP employees to collectively make the program an exemplary institution. He invoked the principles of ‘Mawakhat’, encouraging everyone to contribute to the welfare of poor families and uphold the core values of compassion and service.

Later, Dr Amjad Saqib also participated as a keynote speaker in the panel discussion on Youth Enterprenurship Microfinancing and Financial Inclusion at AJK Youth Summit.

Quality of medical eduction to Gas theft crackdown: Another 69 connections be enhanced: SAPM disconnected in Punjab, KP

ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD: Magtymguly Fragi, the greatest poet of Turkmenistan, has promoted diversity, peace, and harmony among people. The poet’s vision is based on constructing a community with prosperity and stability in Eurasia, South Asia, and beyond.

There is a strong sense of cultural affinity, and we can collaborate to strengthen our cooperation in diverse fields. We have to adopt tangible dialogue regarding culture and heritage for this region to build unity in diversity. These were the remarks by Syed Jamal Shah, Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture, during the Scientific and Practical International Conference “Magtymguly Fragi and Friendship of Nations in the Modern World” Organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies in collaboration with Tabani Group of Companies. In her opening remarks, Dr. Farhat Asif, President Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, highlighted the 300th birth anniversary of the great poet and said that the Greatest Turkmen poet, thinker, and the man behind the vision and wisdom of today’s glorious modern Turkmenistan, the great Magtymguly Fargi – the bestower of Happiness. PR

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BISP CHIEF OUTLINES STRATEGY AIMED AT MAKING BISP EXEMPLARY INSTITUTION IN FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY NEWS

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Monday strongly condemned the suicide attack on the vehicle of the security forces in Bannu.

In a statement here, the interior minister expressed his deep sorrow and regret over the martyrdom of the two citizens in a suicide attack.

He said the nation shared the grief of the families of the martyrs and was praying for the speedy recovery of the injured security personnel and citizens. He directed to provide the best medical facilities to the injured. "Security forces are determined to eradicate terrorism, whereas the terrorists who attack security forces and civilians do not deserve any leniency.

Pakistani people are standing by the side of their soldiers," he added.

He said the whole nation was united to end the scourge of terrorism whereas Pakistan would not rest until the end of the last terrorist from its soil.

ISLAMABAD: Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the constitution of an Industry Advisory Council led by Dr. Gohar Ejaz, Federal Minister for Commerce to formulate the country’s industrial policy and stressed that the new industrial policy should be supportive of the SMEs. Ahsan Bakhtawari said that SMEs are the backbone of our economy as besides promoting the economic activities and exports, they play a vital role in job creation, poverty reduction, and innovation.

Therefore, it is very important that the new industrial policy should focus on supporting the SMEs so that these businesses could play a more effective role in reviving the economy. He said that the new industrial policy should ensure easier access to finance for SMEs for expansion and growth and help in their capacity building. He said that the new industrial policy should offer good incentives for SMEs to adopt modern technologies and digital solutions in order to improve their productivity and competitiveness. PR

Riphah International University Hosts The NCUK Study Abroad Expo at Gulberg Greens

IMARAT Builders Mall Continues to Elevate Shopping Experience with Haier and Imbaco Furnishers Collaborations

ISLAMABAD: Achieving Educational Excellence through International Collaboration Riphah International University, one of the best private universities in Pakistan organized NCUK Study Abroad Expo 2023 at its Gulberg Greens Campus Islamabad. The event gathered substantial participation from students, educators, and researchers across Pakistan, providing a comprehensive platform to explore opportunities, scholarships, and information sessions for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Riphah International University provided this forum for all the candidates who wanted to learn about study opportunities in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Malaysia to interact with university representatives directly. It is important to mention here that the pathway offered by Riphah is the only HEC accredited pathway to study. PR

ISLAMABAD: IMARAT Builders Mall, the epitome of construction and interior shopping in the twin cities, proudly announces two significant collaborations that promise to redefine home living and interior spaces for its esteemed customers. In an exciting development, Pakistan's biggest builders’ mall has inked strategic agreements with renowned brands Haier and Imbaco Furnishers, enriching its diverse portfolio of offerings. Located on GT Road Islamabad, IBM is ideally located to cater to residents of twin cities, especially those residing in the surrounding DHA. Haier: Elevating Homes with Cutting-Edge Appliances IMARAT Builders Mall is thrilled to welcome Haier, a global leader in home appliances, to its distinguished roster of partners. The collaboration with Haier marks a monumental step. PR

and Islamabad

LAHORE: During the ongoing crackdown against gas pilferers, SNGPL continued raids in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, disconnecting another 69 connections while 173 under billing cases processed ; Rs 2.53 million fine imposed In Lahore, the regional team disconnected 8 connections on illegal use of gas while another 9 on use of compressor.In Bahawalpur the company disconnected one connection on use of compressor .The regional team in Multan disconnected 2 connections on illegal use of gas and another 3 on compressor use ,68 Under billing cases have been processed.The team imposed fine of Rs 0.11 million against gas pilferes.In Peshawar and Karak,the company disconnected 32 connections on account of direct use of gas and illegal use of gas,15 under billing cases have been processed and amount of Rs 0.09 million against gas theft and under billing cases .The regional team in Islamabad disconnected 1 connection on illegal use of gas.The regional team of Mardan processed 60 under billing cases. In Peshawar and Karak,the company disconnected 32 connections on account of direct use of gas and illegal use of gas,15 under billing cases have been processed and amount of Rs 0.09 million against gas theft and under billing cases . PR

Sustainability reporting key to profitability and success, says new guide from ACCA

LAHORE: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has today published a new guide entitled ‘Sustainability reporting – the guide to preparation’. It is published ahead of COP28, the UN climate summit starting on 30 November in the UAE, in which ACCA is participating. Driving forward sustainability reporting - and increasing its global adoption - will be among the topics discussed.Aimed at professional accountants, senior management and talent developers, this guide sets out key steps to help organisations start to prepare for sustainability reporting. It includes an eight-stage reporting cycle and suggestions with examples. It can be adapted to organisations of various sizes. The guide focuses on preparing for sustainability reporting in accordance with the inaugural ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board) Standards, however it is equally relevant to organisations applying other sustainability reporting standards. PR

Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin inaugurates School of Law Building at KU, aims to promote holistic development through education

The 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq and the leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohras His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin inaugurated the “H. H. Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Building—School of Law” at the University of Karachi on Monday. The inauguration ceremony was held at the new premises and the acting chief minister Sindh Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar, the Chancellor and the Governor Sindh Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, ex-CM Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, provincial Secretary Boards and Universities Noor Ahmed Samoo, the KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, the members of the Senate and the Syndicate of the University of Karachi, deans and chairpersons, notable dignitaries, members legal fraternity, and representative of Dawoodi Bohra community were also present on this occasion. PR

ECP SAYS IMRAN KHAN IS ‘NOT PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE’ NEWS

T

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

HE Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Monday said that PTI Chairman Imran Khan is not a “prisoner of conscience” as claimed by the party and rather Khan is “incarcerated as he is accused in various cases” including the one related to the misuse of a diplomatic cypher.

ECP statement comes in response to the PTI’s claim that its chairman, former prime minister Imran Khan, is a ‘prisoner of conscience’.

“Former PM & Chairman Imran Khan is currently incarcerated as a prisoner of conscience,” the PTI stated in its 24-point Charter of Demand.

The charter was sent to the ECP on Nov 6 by PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan. On Nov 22, the ECP issued terse responses to each of the 24 points of the charter, stating: “Former PM & Chairman Imran Khan is in jail in differ-

ent cases including [the] cypher case.”

The term ‘prisoner of conscience’ refers to a person who has been put in prison for holding political or religious views that are not tolerated in the state he/she lives in. The PTI also claimed that it is being victimised and persecuted as a political entity. The ECP, however, washed its hands of any responsibility in this regard, stating that “it has no role” in this alleged victimisation.

The ECP reiterated the “no-role” statement in response to the PTI’s claim that its leaders were coerced into giving interviews and statements against the party and parting ways with it.

The polls oversight authority clarified that it could not refrain any political leader from joining or leaving any political party.

To the party’s claim that it was not getting a level-playing field, the ECP said it had already issued directions to all caretaker governments for providing a level-playing field to all.

When the PTI pointed out that the

Ishaq Dar claims credit for rupee’s rise against dollar ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Former finance minister Ishaq Dar on Monday heaped praises on himself for own policies for the strengthening local currency and credited himself for the Pakistani rupee’s appreciation over time against the US dollar, saying the state’s intervention in the forex market was crucial to keep the currency stable.

“I consider the rupee’s depreciation the mother of economic evils. The appreciation of the rupee against the dollar today is due to the ‘Ishaq-Dar’ policy,” the Leader of the House in the Senate told the Upper House of parliament after the caretaker government clamped down on elements involved in dollar smuggling and speculators. But the International Monetary (IMF) has stressed, in a statement after Pakistan and the lender reached a staff-level agreement on the first review under a short-term deal for $700 million, that the rupee must remain market-determined to sustainably alleviate external pressures and rebuild reserves. The rupee is expected to trade in a narrow range against the US dollar this week, as importers and exporters weigh the impact of mixed economic signals on the country’s currency. It closed at 285.64 in the interbank market today.

“The real exchange rate today is 244 to the dollar. Some of our institutions have way too much autonomy, but let me tell you,’ spoiled children deserve the rod’.”

Dar, who has served as the finance czar twice under Nawaz Sharif and once under Shehbaz Sharif’s regime, said: “A major reason behind our economy’s destruction is the fall in the rupee’s rate against the dollar.”

The senator reminded his colleagues that in 2014 and four years following that, until his removal as the finance minister, the rupee had remained stable. “The central bank’s intervention was only to a certain extent.”

He claimed that during the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) tenure, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) intervened more often to control the rupee’s value when compared to the stints of the Pakistan Muslim LegaueNawaz (PML-N). “I am considered an enemy of rupee devaluation by a financial institution. However, after giving in to the demand of the same financial institution, the PTI allowed the devaluation of the rupee. See, what happened after that,” he said, claiming it ballooned Pakistan’s loans. The PML-N senator said there needs to be a consensus among all stakeholders to regulate the rupee’s value.

Ahad Cheema gets clean chit in assets beyond means case LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) gave clean chit to caretaker prime minister’s advisor Ahad Khan Cheema in the in the reference of assets beyond means on Monday. According to the report submitted by NAB, all the assets of Ahad Cheema match with his income and therefore it doesn’t require any reference against him, says in media reports. The report said that all the alleged ‘benamidars’ (individuals holding property on behalf of others) of Ahad Cheema made the properties from their personal income and it cannot be linked with Cheema.

The report claims that the accounts of Ahad Cheema’s relatives including Sadia Mansoor, Mansoor Ahmed and Nazia Ashraf are not ‘benami’ accounts of Cheema.

Ahad Cheema’s total income is 213 million while his expenses are 131 million, the investigation revealed. It added that the former bureaucrat provided NAB with his income and profit records during the re-investigation. The submitted record was found correct after thorough verification. The NAB made an appeal to the accountability court to decide on Ahad Cheema’s acquittal plea as per the law.

general elections were not taking place within the constitutionally stipulated period of 90 days, the ECP said the issue had been deliberated by the Supreme Court.

The ECP said it had set Feb 8, 2024 as the election date in consultation with the president on the order of the court.

When the PTI alleged that the caretaker governments were actively involved in pre-poll rigging against the PTI, the ECP simply reiterated that it had already issued directions to the caretaker governments and “the PTI should come up with specific and concrete proposals/evidence” in support of its claims. The PTI had apprised the ECP that the former government released Rs51 billion for development schemes of its MNAs in the last one month of the previous government.

The ECP, however, noted that the schemes were approved and funds were released before the dissolution of the assemblies. The PTI found transferring funds to interim governments illegal.

The ECP responded that it had already issued necessary directions and

guidelines in this regard to the caretaker governments. The PTI had urged the ECP to issue instructions to the relevant authorities to allow the party to conduct political meetings.

The ECP responded, “All political parties will be provided a level-playing field during the forthcoming elections.”

The PTI had pointed out that the ANP was allowed to conduct a meeting in Hangu recently and 183 security personnel provided security to the rally but on the same day, the PTI was denied permission to hold a political meeting on the pretext of insufficient security. It highlighted the irony that on that day, 283 policemen were used to baton-charge the PTI workers. The ECP, however, stated that it “will ensure” that all political parties “will be” allowed to hold public rallies and gatherings.

Without naming PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, the PTI had raised objection to a convicted and absconder prisoner being given unprecedented protocol and permission to hold public meetings.

Nature of the taxation system encourages tax evasion: Privatisation Minister g

RATIONALISING PUBLIC EXPENDITURES AND PRIVATISING SOES ESSENTIAL FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY- EXPERTS PROFIT

GHULAM ABBAS

The 3rd “Pakistan Prosperity Forum” organised by the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (PRIME) kicked off on Monday where the imperative need for a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan’s taxation system and the privatisation of StateOwned Enterprises (SOEs) took centre stage. Key stakeholders from the government, International Monetary Fund (IMF), business community, academia, and media gathered to address critical economic challenges and propose sustainable reforms.

Federal Minister for Privatisation, Fawad Hasan Fawad, spoke at the event emphasising the flawed nature of Pakistan’s taxation system, stating that it not only encourages individuals to evade taxes.

He revealed that a staggering 93 % of the tax revenue collected is either voluntary or withholding, with only 7 % collected by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Fawad highlighted the disproportionate burden on corporate taxpayers, leading to a 40 percent

increase in tax rates since 2016.

Fawad Hasan Fawad went on to underscore the unsustainable state of the public sector, particularly the commercial SOEs. Over a three-year period from 2018 to 2021, the government injected Rs. 2.54 trillion in subsidies, grants, and loans to sustain these entities. The size of the government has tripled in the past couple of decades, contributing to a deteriorating business environment.

Addressing the need for reforms, he emphasised the importance of bureaucratic and taxation reforms. He advocated against increasing the size of federal and provincial governments, focusing on building the state’s capacity to regulate markets efficiently.

Former Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Shahid Hafeez Kardar, stressed the necessity of rationalising public expenditures to ensure the sustainability of public finances.

Kardar highlighted that Pakistan’s Gross Public Debt stands at 667 % of revenues, and external debt is 232 % of exports. To make the debt sustainable, he recommended reducing government expenditures, adopting a contributory pension system, minimising

the government’s footprint in the economy, rationalising tariffs, and revamping the taxation system.

Businessman Rizwan Rawji presented a Charter of Economy prepared by PRIME, emphasising the critical role of political stability and strong political will in promoting economic prosperity. He outlined key pillars of economic reform, including low and broadbased tax rates, spending restraints, reduced government involvement, privatisation of lossmaking SOEs, tariff rationalisation, and sound monetary policies.

Ali Salman, Executive Director of PRIME, talked about the importance of reducing the government’s size and presence in the economy for fiscal sustainability and creating a conducive business environment.

In unanimous agreement, the speakers emphasised that reforms should commence with restructuring and resizing the governcomplemented by ment, restrictions on public spending.

The focus should extend to revamping the taxation system, reducing the number and rates of taxes to broaden the tax base and stimulate economic growth.

Gaza truce extended for two more days ISLAMABAD AGENCIES

Qatar’s foreign ministry said on Monday the truce in Gaza has been extended for two more days.

“An agreement has been reached to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional two days in the Gaza Strip,” a foreign ministry spokesperson said in post on social media platform X. The Qatari foreign ministry says the planes were headed to the Egyptian city of El-Arish, from where the assistance would be transferred to Gaza.

The planes are carrying 156 tonnes of aid, including food, medical items and shelter supplies. This brings the total number of planes to 26, with a total of 879 tonnes of assistance, the ministry said. Hamas confirms agreement with Qatar, Egypt on two-day extension of truce Palestinian resistance group Hamas on Monday said that it has agreed with Qatar and Egypt to a two-day extension in truce.

UN chief pushes for Gaza truce to become full humanitarian ceasefire United Nations Secretry-General Antonio Guterres pushed on Monday for a full humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and

Palestinian militants Hamas instead of a temporary truce, as the “humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is getting worse by the day.”

“The dialogue that led to the agreement must continue, resulting in a full humanitarian ceasefire, for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and the wider region,” Guterres’ spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. “The United Nations will continue to support these efforts in every possible way,” he said.

Guterres again called for the hostages held by Hamas to be released immediately and unconditionally, Dujarric said.

The United Nations has scaled up the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza over the past four days during the truce and sent aid to some northern areas of the coastal enclave that had been largely cut off for weeks, Dujarric said.

“But this aid barely registers against the huge needs of 1.7 million displaced people. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is getting worse by the day,” he said.

Israeli PMO updates families of hostages slated to be released today The Israeli prime minister’s office has notified the families of the Israeli hostages set to be released by Hamas on Monday as per the truce deal.

The prime minister’s office said it would provide more information as needed.

Elon Musk in talks with Israel over giving SpaceX’s Starlink access to Gaza Israel hosted X and Starlink owner Elon Musk, announcing a preliminary agreement for utilising SpaceX’s Starlink communications in the Gaza Strip.

The visit coincided with a temporary halt in the conflict with Hamas. While Musk’s office has yet to comment on the trip, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has scheduled a meeting with him to discuss various matters, including combating online antisemitism.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also set to engage with Musk, focusing on the security aspects of artificial intelligence.

This visit follows their meeting in California in September, where Netanyahu urged Musk to balance free expression and combat hate speech.

After Israeli offensive, harsh weather add to woes of Palestinians Some 2.2 million residents of Gaza who have been subjected to devastating Israeli bombing since October 7, are now facing harsh weather conditions which have further exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation in the territory.

Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

6:00

1:30

3:45

NTDC issues apology and withdraws controversial letter g

6:37

5:02

7:00

SENATE'S STANDING COMMITTEE ON POWER CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY IN PROJECT AWARDS PROFIT

AHMAD AHMADANI

The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has apologised for its ‘controversial’ letter regarding the powers and authority of the Senate Standing Committee on Power to discuss the contracts and officially announced the withdrawal of this letter. A meeting of the senate’s standing committee on power was held on Monday under the chairmanship of Senator Saifullah Abro and the meeting was attended by Senators’ Fida Muhammad, Dilawar Khan, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Sana Jamali, Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Bahramand Khan Tangi, Azam Nazeer Tarar along with officials from related attached departments.

Perturbed over the absence of both the energy minister and the energy secretary from the meeting, the members expressed indignation. Officials from the energy ministry informed that the energy minister is out of the country, while the secretary is in an online meeting. Upon which, the chairman of the standing committee, senator Saifullah Abru remarked that two and a half years have passed since the formation of the committee, yet no problem is going towards resolution.

On the subject of the earlier letter, officials of NTDC said that they respected the upper house wholeheartedly. They said that the letter was written by the chairman, on whose behalf, they apologised and officially withdrew this letter. In its letter the NTDC had said that it was not the authority of the standing committee to discuss the contracts.

Addressing the Board of Directors (BoD) of NTDC, the committee discussed non-implementation and a non-serious attitude toward the committee’s recommendations. Power Division Officers apologised for the inappropriate letter to the Senate Standing Committee on Power, clarifying that the board did not approve the draft letter, and the chairman resigned. The committee deferred the matter and instructed NESPAK and NTDC to share a note within three days.

The committee, in its deliberations, took up the matter of NESPAK’s non-implementation regarding the submission of a re-evaluation report and the status of an ADB project. NESPAK informed the committee that the domestic preference granted in the financial evaluation was based on an EDB (Engineering Development Board) letter from February 2015. The committee raised concerns about the validity of the letter, its usage, and the impact on the procurement process.

Afghans barred from supporting candidates in upcoming elections

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Ministry of Interior on Monday cautioned the illegal and legal Afghan migrants to avoid supporting or providing funding to any candidate for political and electoral activities in Pakistan whereas violations would lead to deportation despite the latter’s legal status. According to the Ministry of Interior statement, Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan were cautioned that it was illegal to support or provide funding to any candidate for political and electoral activities in Pakistan. “Any Afghan citizen involved in such activities will be deported regardless of his or her legal status in Pakistan.” It said that Pakistani masses were cautioned not to provide employment to illegal aliens or assist such individuals in obtaining employment.

“Information about any such illegal alien or the person providing employment to him should be provided to the Ministry of Interior for legal action on the helpline available on the website of the Ministry (UAN 051 111-367-226, HOTLINE 051-9211685,” the Ministry statement added.

Hajj 2024 application process commences as submissions open ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Submission of applications for the Hajj 2024 under regular scheme started Monday. People aspiring to perform Hajj under the government scheme can submit their applications to 15 banks by December 12.

According to the statement issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 89,605 Pakistanis will perform pilgrimage under the government scheme next year.

And in case more applications are received, balloting will be done. For the first time, women will be able to perform their religious obligation without their male companions (Mehram). Moreover, applicants for the passports will get their Hajj applications processed on the tokens given to them.

IMF experts to help Pakistan expand tax net g

GLOBAL LENDER’S TEAM WILL HOLD A WEEK-LONG CONSULTATION WITH FBR ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TAX POLICY, INCLUDING INTRODUCING AMENDMENTS AND INCENTIVES FOR RETAILERS PROFIT

NEWS DESK

A team of tax experts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrived in Pakistan on Monday to advise the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on how to increase tax revenue and broaden the tax base, sources said.

The team will hold a week-long consul-

tation with the FBR on various aspects of the tax policy, including introducing amendments and incentives for retailers, sources said. The aim is to bring 1.5 million people into the tax net by June 2024, while the number of taxpayers will be taken up to 6.5 million by then. Moreover, third party data and technology would be used to expand the net, the officials said.

The tax policy changes will be implemented by the next budget, according to sources. The consultation will not affect the disbursement of the next loan tranche from the IMF, sources said.

Pakistan is expected to receive around US$700 million from the IMF after the executive board approves the staff-level agreement on December 7, sources said. This will

bring the total amount received under the program to almost US$1.9 billion, sources said.

Earlier on November 15, Pakistan reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the first review of a $3 billion Standby Agreement (SBA).

The IMF said in a statement the agreement supports the Pakistani authorities’

commitment to advance the planned fiscal consolidation and accelerate cost-reducing reforms in the energy sector.

The short-term deal also envisages a complete return to a market-determined exchange rate, and pursues state-owned enterprise and governance reforms to attract investment and support job creation while continuing to strengthen social assistance.

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