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US VETOES UN CEASEFIRE BID AS ISRAEL CONTINUES BRUTAL GAZA ASSAULT In partnership with

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Sunday, 10 December, 2023 I 25 Jamada Al-Awal, 1445

ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS CEASEFIRE ‘WOULD PREVENT COLLAPSE OF HAMAS TERRORIST ORGANISATION’

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Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 161 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition

UN SAYS ABOUT 80PC OF GAZA POPULATION DISPLACED, WITH DIRE SHORTAGES OF FOOD, FUEL

China ‘disappointed, regretful’ over US veto on UNSC resolution UNITED NATIONS MIAN ABRAR

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UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES

SRAEL pressed its invasion of the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza on Saturday after the United States blocked an extraordinary UN bid to call for a ceasefire in the two-month conflict. Hamas and the Palestinian Authority swiftly condemned the US veto as the Palestinian health ministry put the latest death toll in Gaza at 17,487 people, mostly women and children.

An Israeli strike on the southern city of Khan Yunis killed six people, while five others died in a separate attack in Rafah, the ministry said Saturday.

Vast areas of Gaza have been reduced to rubble and the UN says about 80 percent of the population has been displaced, with dire shortages of food, fuel, water and medicine reported. “It’s so cold, and the tent is so small.

All I have are the clothes I wear, I still don’t know what the next step will be,” said Mahmud Abu Rayan, displaced from Beit Lahia in the north. A UN Security Council resolution that would have called for an immediate ceasefire was vetoed by the United States on Friday. US envoy Robert Wood said the resolution was “divorced from reality” and “would have not moved the needle forward on the ground”.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the ceasefire “would prevent the collapse of the Hamas terrorist organisation, which is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, and would enable it to continue ruling the Gaza Strip”.

Hamas slammed on Saturday the US rejection of the ceasefire bid as “a direct participation of the occupation in killing our people and committing more massacres and ethnic cleansing”.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed

Pakistan set to launch 5G in July next year g

TELECOMMUNICATION TRIBUNAL AND AN ACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR 5G WILL BE FORMED WITHIN THREE WEEKS, SAYS DR UMAR SAIF PROFIT

NEWS DESK

Caretaker Federal Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication Dr Umar Saif said that Pakistan is set to launch 5G service in July next year, with plans to auction 300 MHz spectrum.

In a media briefing, the interim minister highlighted the anticipated growth of Pakistan’s IT exports in the Middle East, citing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed with three Qatari companies as contributing factors.

Dr Saif addressed ongoing efforts by the government to resolve issues faced by telecommunication companies regarding the implementation of 5G technology. He disclosed plans to establish a telecommunication tribunal within three weeks and the formation of an action advisory committee for 5G. Additionally, a consultant will be hired to oversee the 5G action plan, expressing optimism that all telecommunication companies will participate in the spectrum auction.

Dr Saif underscored the importance of women’s participation in decision-making and emphasized the need to provide equal opportunities for women in business. The government has launched various schemes to support women in entrepreneurship.

The occasion also featured a ceremony hosted by the World Bank Group, marking the conclusion of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) in Pakistan. Dr Saif highlighted the government’s crucial role in supporting women’s entrepreneurship and access to finance.

Over its three-year span, WeFi collaborated with 30 top-tier incubators and accelerators, enhancing their capacity to integrate gender-lens investmentreadiness into their curricula, he said.

China expressed deep disappointment and regret over the US’ veto of a UN Security Council resolution draft calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, Chinese Ambassador to UN Zhang Jun said on local time Friday, criticizing the “hypocrisy and double standards” of the US government.

The UN Security Council convened an emergency session during which Secretary-General António Guterres said that there is “a high risk of the total collapse of the humanitarian support system in Gaza, which would have devastating consequences.”

The draft, proposed by countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), received 13 votes and one ab-

stention from the UK. The only rejection came from the US, a permanent member of the Security Council with veto power.

After the voting, Zhang said the core of the resolution draft proposed by the UAE, on behalf of Arab countries, is to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. This resolution has nearly 100 co-sponsoring countries, including China. We are extremely disappointed and regretful that the resolution was vetoed by the US. The two months of conflict have caused unprecedented death and destruction, and an immediate ceasefire is the prerequisite for everything. On this issue, any negative attitude is untenable, and any justification (of rejection) is feeble, Zhang said.

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Shtayyeh said it was “a disgrace and another blank cheque given to the occupying state to massacre, destroy and displace”.

The veto was swiftly condemned by humanitarian groups, with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) saying the Security Council was “complicit in the ongoing slaughter”.

Israel’s military said Friday it had struck 450 targets in Gaza over 24 hours, showing footage of strikes from naval vessels in the Mediterranean.

The Palestinian health ministry reported

Pakistan ‘rues’ vetoe of Gaza ceasefire resolution ISLAMABAD

Pakistan on Saturday expressed “deep disappointment” after the US vetoed a resolution at the UN Security Council calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as Israeli bombardment of the besieged territory continues relentlessly, claiming over 17,000 lives, majority of them children and women so far.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Foreign Office said, “Despite the invocation of Article-99 of the UN Charter by the Secretary-General and his warnings of humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the UNCS has failed to perform its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security.”

“The collective punish-

40 Palestinians killed near Gaza City in the north, and dozens more in Jabalia and the main southern city of Khan Yunis.

Following two months of conflict and barbaric Israeli bombardment, UN chief Antonio Guterres said Friday “the people of Gaza are looking into the abyss”.

“People are desperate, fearful and angry,” he said. “All this takes place amid a spiralling humanitarian nightmare.”

Many of the 1.9 million Gazans who have been displaced by the war have headed

Nawaz Sharif for mending ties with ‘upset’ neighbouring countries including India LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif stressed on mending relations with India, Afghanistan and Iran on Saturday, observing that the country cannot expect to be taken seriously on a global stage if neighbouring countries were upset with it.

Speaking at the sixth session of the party’s parliamentary board in Lahore, the three-time former prime minister said that improving ties with India, Afghanistan, and Iran, and strengthening ties with China was on his party’s agenda.

Hinting at the PTI government’s tenure, he noted that attempts were made to “sabotage” the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) after his government.

The PML-N chief acknowledged that the nation has faced significant challenges over the past four years. He reflected on the “positive period” in 2017 when he served as the prime minister, highlighting “robust development”.

However, he expressed disappointment that the momentum of development was disrupted by certain individuals, hindering Pakistan’s prosperity.

Nawaz attributed the current inflation to economic mismanagement that began during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) government in 2019, with a substantial decline observed in 2022 by the time Shahbaz Sharif, his brother, assumed power. “Had

Shahbaz Sharif not taken charge, the country would have defaulted,” the elder brother maintained.

Lamenting the country’s reins being “handed over to an incompetent person”, the former premier emphasised that despite “PML-N’s contributions in various fields such as economy, defense, and foreign affairs”, his government was repeatedly ousted from power.

Reflecting on his past expulsions in 1993 and 1999, Nawaz questioned, “Was it because we managed things properly that we were ousted? Was it because we opposed the Kargil war? A decision that turned out to be correct over time,” he added.

He highlighted the PML-N’s “commitment to national security”, including conducting nuclear tests under pressure. The PML-N supremo mentioned that two Indian prime ministers visited Pakistan during two tenures of PML-N governments.

Nawaz stressed the need to hold accountable those responsible for bringing the country to its current state, questioning why the nation was treated in a manner contrary to the ideals of any patriotic Pakistani. He emphasised that the country belongs to its people, and future generations.

A day earlier, the PML-N supremo while addressing the fifth parliamentary board meeting of the party said the party was not in pursuit of power, but gave priority to the accountability of those people who were responsible for implicating him in “fabricated” cases that

STAFF REPORT

led to his ouster as the prime minister in 2017.

“This [accountability] is necessary so that the truth can be known to the people and justice can prevail,” he said at the meeting.

He was accompanied by his brother and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and his daughter and party’s Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz. Also present on the occasion was PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah.

Nawaz termed the matter of the £190 million settlement – also known as Al-Qadir Trust case – which also involved former premier Imran Khan, the “biggest corruption scandal in the history of the country”, adding that there was no doubt about it.

Apparently taking a dig at the former PTI chairman, the PML-N supremo claimed that the person who accused others of theft and robbery turned out to be the “biggest thief” himself. Nawaz said good and bad times were a part of life and the PML-N, despite facing injustices, had not abandoned its patience.

The former three-time premier maintained that he desired to pull Pakistan out of the existing difficulties and bring the country back on the path of progress.

Nawaz advised those who were aspiring to join politics to go ahead with only with the motive to bring the country back on the path of development by taking practical steps.

He continued that political aspirants should be committed to change the fate of the country’s people.

ment endured by the besieged people of Gaza is unprecedented and unacceptable,” the FO added as the world slammed Washington’s move.

“Pakistan is deeply disappointed that the UN Security Council [UNSC] once again failed to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, even in the face of a human tragedy of epic proportions taking place there,” the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement. Pakistan reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel must end its barbaric attacks and inhumane siege against Gaza.

“We urge the UN Security Council to act now, end this inhuman war and protect the people of Gaza from an impending genocide,” it was stressed.

south, turning Rafah near the Egyptian border into a vast camp.

Only 14 of the 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip were functioning in any capacity, according to United Nations’ humanitarian agency OCHA. With the civilian toll mounting, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Friday that Washington believes Israel needs to do more to protect civilians in the conflict.

Change can come with change in attitude, not uniform: PM Kakar

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ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Saturday lauded the contributions and sacrifices of the police force for maintaining law and order in the country, underscoring the need for change in attitude to improve upon the image of force.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar was addressing the 7th annual conference of former Inspector Generals of Police (AFIGP) who had served the police force for decades. The annual event was organized by the Association of Former Inspectors General of Police (AFIGP).

The prime minister while expressing his deep appreciation for the police force for maintaining internal order, said that it was a sacrosanct duty and no society could afford chaos as anarchy was unacceptable. He said the police force was the custodian to protect them from that anarchy and had been serving as the frontline force from sepoy to officer to protect the society. The caretaker prime minister referring to the functioning of the force, suggested that they required deep introspection as to how to further improve the situation and the image of force.

“Changes can come with change in attitude and not by mere changing the uniform,” he opined. Appreciating the sacrifices of police force, the prime minister said that they owed a lot for this force and particularly referred to the sacrifices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan police besides other provinces.

Recollecting the sacrifice of Shaheed Commandant FC and IGP KP Safwat Ghayur, he said that he had hardly seen an iconic figure like Safwat in the country. “If he had been alive, he would have been my leader and I would have been his follower,” he added.

The prime minister observed that two noble professions in the country were mistreated including nursing and police, adding that they needed to rebrand them by providing resources and infusing confidence in them.

That brand was more important indicating that selfesteem associated for doing any sort of job was significant, he added. He said the police force cleaned the filth and dirt from society and were the chosen and noble ones as they were protecting their children.

Chinese IPPs’ circular debt surpasses Rs400bn, threatens progress on power projects

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OUTSTANDING PAYABLE STANDS AT RS1.75TR, AND POWER DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES INCURRED LOSSES OF RS76B IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF FY-2023-24 PROFIT

NEWS DESK

The circular debt owed by Chinese Independent Power Producers (IPPs) has surpassed the Rs400 billion mark, posing challenges to the continuation of robust power sector initiatives

by Chinese companies.

The overall circular debt in the power sector reached Rs2.6 trillion by the end of October 2023, with no signs of abating as it accumulates at a monthly rate of Rs75 billion.

Top official sources confirmed the escalating circular debt crisis, expressing concerns about its impact on other power projects undertaken by Chinese companies.

Despite efforts by the previous government to alleviate the circular debt burden, recent months have witnessed a resurgence, with the Chinese IPPs’ debt escalating from Rs250-300 billion to the current Rs400 billion.

Officials warn that failure to address the circular debt issue amicably may lead the

Chinese to slow down progress on other power projects. The Power Ministry has engaged with the Chinese side, requesting an extension of the debt-to-equity ratio maturity for Chinese IPP projects.

The complexity of the situation arises from the fact that Chinese power plants, relying on imported coal and RLNG, contribute to the mounting circular debt. Repayment challenges persist, as the Chinese are reluctant to settle capacity repayments in the local currency, creating

difficulties for the dollar-scarce nation amid a depreciated rupee. Repayments remain linked to the dollar rate parity against the rupee.

With imported coal costs surging by over 450 percent, offering no easy solution to reduce capacity repayment charges, the government may explore the option of requesting the Chinese to consider domestic coal to lower power generation costs.

As of October 30, 2023, the circular debt reached Rs2.6 trillion, escalating from

Rs2.3 trillion at the end of June 2023. Revised estimates presented to the IMF indicate a projected increase of Rs385 billion in circular debt by the end of December.

The outstanding amount payable to power producers stands at Rs1.75 trillion, and power distribution companies incurred losses of Rs76 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year. Despite tariff and fuel price adjustments, and surcharges, the power sector remains in disarray, with no apparent relief on the horizon.

02 NEWS

BAILS OF IMRAN’S SISTERS, ASAD UMAR IN MAY 9 RIOTS CASE EXTENDED TILL JAN 9

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ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

N anti-terrorism court in Lahore on Saturday extended pre-arrest bail of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s former secretary general Asad Umar and ex-premier Imran Khan’s sisters — Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan — in multiple cases related to the May 9 riots.

The nominated suspects made an appearance before the Lahore ATC. However, Umar was slated to attend hearings at two different ATCs. While one of these granted him bail in the Jinnah House case, the other denied his pre-arrest bail plea in the Askari Tower attack case, citing his failure to appear before the court. The ex-minister did not appear before any of the courts Saturday.

The bail petitions were filed in cases in-

Multinational joint special forces exercise ‘Fajar Al Sharq-V’ concludes

RAWALPINDI

staff RepoRt

The two-week-long Multinational Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Fajar Al Sharq-V’ concluded here at National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi on Saturday. Troops from special forces of Pakistan, Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait participated in the exercise. The two weeks long exercise commenced on November 27 at NCTC, Pabbi with participation of Special forces contingents from the brotherly countries in Counter Terrorism domain, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said. Besides the Exercising troops, officers from the brotherly countries of Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait also witnessed the Closing Ceremony.

The Special Forces of participating countries, displayed their professional excellence on the final day. The exercise was aimed at further harnessing the historic military to military relations amongst brotherly countries and helped nurture joint employment concepts against counter terrorism, besides identifying areas of mutual interest for future military collaborations.

NAB recovers Rs2.3 trillion, saves $10 billion: Chairman ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Lt-Gen (r) Nazir Ahmed on Saturday claimed that the bureau has recovered an impressive amount of Rs2.3 trillion and generated over US $10 billion in savings for the national exchequer.

“Eradication of corruption requires collective efforts by all stakeholders as no single institution can accomplish this task alone”, LtGen (r) Nazir Ahmed emphasized while speaking at an event at NAB Headquarters here on Saturday. He reaffirmed NAB’s commitment to ensuring that every instance of corruption faces consequences.

The event was organized to celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day with the theme: “Documented Economy Curbs Corruption.” The anti-corruption watchdog chief emphasized that combating corruption requires collective effort, saying NAB was committed to ensuring that every instance of corruption faces consequences. Lt-Gen (r) Nazir Ahmed asserted that the documentation of the economy will undoubtedly benefit the country and significantly reduce corruption.

He reiterated NAB’s commitment to fulfilling the obligations outlined in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

Prominent economist and Director General of NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan and Country Representative of United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime (UNODC) Pakistan Jermey Milsom also attended the event as guest speakers. Dr Ashfaque Hassan Khan, in his keynote speech, stated that it is the responsibility of every citizen to get registered in the taxation system so that they can get welfare benefits from the State. He mentioned that individuals in the informal/unregistered economy often experience poverty due to a lack of access to banking incentives, including loans. He stressed that restructuring the tax system to provide incentives would be more advantageous than relying on punitive measures. Earlier, Nauman Aslam, Director General of the Awareness & Prevention (A&P) Division at NAB Headquarters, provided an overview of the significance of observing Anti-Corruption Day and highlighted the A&P Division’s role in raising awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption. The Chairman also recognized and honored NAB officers with Merit and appreciation Certificates for their exceptional performance in their respective domains.

Sunday, 10 December, 2023 | KARACHI

cluding attacks on the Jinnah House, which also serves as the residence of Lahore`s corps commander, Askari Tower in Gulberg, torching of PML-N offices in Model Town and a container near Kalma Chowk during the May 9 violence.

The PTI founder’s arrest on May 9 in the Al Qadir Trust case had resulted in widespread violence and saw important military installations come under attack, based on which the state had launched a severe crackdown against his party.

Sarwar Road police had registered the case of the attack on Jinnah House, which also serves as the residence of Lahore’s corps commander, following the property’s vandalism during the riots.

In August, both Aleema and Uzma had appeared before the joint investigation team (JIT) to join the probe into the attacks on the military installations.

In the latest development, ATC Judge Arshad Javed heard the pleas filed by Imran’s sisters and others in connection to Jinnah House attack case today.

The judge instructed all suspects to appear before the JIT on Monday at 4 pm.

The investigation officer informed the court that the inquiry in the case had not been concluded. After considering the arguments, the court granted pre-arrest bail to the suspects until January 9.

ASAD UMAR’S BAIL REJECTED IN ASKARI TOWER ATTACK CASE: Separately, another ATC heard the May 9 riots case against Umar. Judge Abher Gul turned down Umar’s plea seeking exemption from hearing on the day and cancelled his pre-arrest bail in the case.

Last month, Umar, who had resigned as the PTI’s secretary general in May, resigned from the party’s basic membership as well

as quit politics. In a post on X, he wrote, “After more than one decade in public life, I have decided to completely quit politics.

Health crisis as immunisation comes to a halt in Gilgit Baltistan GILGIT

staff RepoRt

The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government is under fire for its perceived apathy towards looming health threats in the region, leading to a critical halt in the immunisation programme in the vulnerable Diamer district.

This suspension not only jeopardises the health and well-being of the local population but also raises questions about Pakistan’s commitments to international organisations.

The dire situation unfolded due to the non-payment of salaries to 57 trained employees in Diamer district, including 48 vaccinators and nine data managers, for the past two years. As a result, these essential workers have refrained from carrying out their duties, exacerbating the health risks faced by the community.

The G-B Health Department’s attempt to regularise these crucial staff members under the “Strengthening of

Routine Immunisation under EPI Gilgit-Baltistan” project faced obstacles during the previous government of PTI, casting doubt on the continuity of essential healthcare services in the region.

Despite initial support for the project’s elevation to regular status, the notification was abruptly withdrawn a week after issuance based on recommendations from the then Chief Minister, Khalid Khurshid. Khurshid emphasised the need for a comprehensive re-evaluation, leading to the contested status of 48 vaccinators who sought legal recourse.

The Chief Court of G-B ruled in favour of the aggrieved staff, acknowledging the unique circumstances of the Diamer district and directing the department to regularise the services of the remaining vaccinators and data managers.

The decision revealed allegations of personal grudges influencing the reevaluation process.

Official documents underscored a fair induction process in 2019, which did not impose any conditions for a

diploma. The trained staff underwent extensive training sessions conducted

by WHO and UNICEF, contributing significantly to the success of the Health Department’s immunisation targets.

Despite repeated attempts, the Secretary of Health G-B, Dildar Malik, remained unreachable.

The current Chief Minister, Haji Gulbar Khan, who assumed office after Khurshid’s disqualification due to a fake degree, has struggled to address this critical issue, potentially placing his government at risk, especially in the event of a regional health emergency.

Amidst this crisis, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF closely monitor the situation, expressing concern and dissatisfaction with bureaucratic hurdles presented by the government. The international organisations emphasise the urgency of resolving these issues to ensure the continuity of essential health services and protect the well-being of the local population.

2,234 new companies registered in November 2023 with SECP g

FOREIGN INVESTMENT REPORTED IN 72 OF NEWLY REGISTERED COMPANIES ISLAMABAD

Ghulam abbas

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 2,234 new companies in November 2023, showing a growth of 8% as compared to the corresponding period of last financial year. The total number of registered companies now stands at 207,654.

Meanwhile total capitalization (paid-up capital) with regard to newly incorporated companies for the current month stood at Rs. 7.74 billion.

As per details, about 58% companies were registered as private limited companies, while 39 % were registered as single member companies. The remaining 3% were registered as public unlisted companies, not for profit associations, trade organizations, and limited liability partnerships (LLP) and Foreign Companies.

In the same period, two foreign

companies have also established a place of business in Pakistan. Almost 99.6 % of the companies were registered online, while 0.4% were incorporated offline. It is important to note that 116 foreign applicants were registered through eServices.

The information technology and trading sectors took the lead with incorporation of 313 companies each , services with 271, real estate development & construction with 243, tourism with 106, food & beverages with 83, education with 76, mining & quarrying with 67, marketing & advertisement with 56, corporate agricultural farming with 52, transport and engineering with 51 each ,ecommerce and power generation with 48 each, pharmaceutical with 41, textile with 38, , chemical with 35, fuel and energy with 32, healthcare with 29, broadcasting & telecasting with 26, lodging with 25, cosmetics & toiletries with 19, communications and paper & board with 12

each, and cables & electrical goods with 11. 176 companies were registered in “other” sectors in November.

As a result of integration of SECP with FBR and various provincial departments, 2,169 companies were registered with FBR for registration of NTN, 57 companies with EOBI, 39 companies with PESSI/SESSI and 38 companies with excise and taxation department.

Foreign investment has been reported in 72 new companies, having foreign investors from Afghanistan, Australia, Azerbaijan, China, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Iran, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, UAE, UK, and the USA. A major chunk of this investment was received from China in 44 companies, Turkey invested in 4, Azerbaijan in 3, Afghanistan, Germany, Malaysia, Netherlands and US in 2 each.

The SECP also has a dedicated WhatsApp facility for instant resolution of the queries pertaining to name availability and incorporation process. During this month, around 1,172 queries were responded to.

“I am resigning from [the] basic membership of PTI,” Umar, who once was a close aide of ex-premier Imran, had stated.

Court to announce reserved verdict in Sara Inam murder case on Dec 14 ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Saturday reserved the verdict in Sarah Inam’s murder case which will be announced on December 14. Sessions Judge Nasir Javaid Rana will announce the decision. Sarah, a 37year-old economist, was allegedly murdered with dumbbells by her husband Shahnawaz Amir, who is the son of journalist Ayaz Amir, in Islamabad’s Chak Shahzad area on September 23, 2022. During the hearing today, Shahnawaz’s mother Samina Shah said that Sarah was a “very sweet child who loved her a lot”. Samina told the court that she was in her room when the incident took place and couldn’t hear anything due to the noise from the air conditioner. “Shahnawaz called me and when I went to him, he was not in sense,” she said, adding that she called her husband, Ayaz Amir, and told him about the incident. Samina said that Ayaz told her to lock their son in the room, however, she replied that Shahnawaz was not in the right mind.

PPAF to impart vocational training to women entrepreneurs ISLAMABAD INp

Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is implementing the Ba-Ikhtiar Project (Digital Hub and Women Strivers) in collaboration with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to impart vocational training to women entrepreneurs. The initiative is aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Haripur by equipping them with digital literacy, said official source adding that PPAF will provide digital literacy training to 100 ambitious females over the next year, helping them boost their marketing skills using digital platforms. Ufone 4G will be providing smartphones along with mobile SIM and internet connectivity to facilitate the digital literacy training process under this project.

The PPAF’s on-ground project implementing partner, the National Rural Support Programme (NRSP), is responsible for the skills and vocational training of women entrepreneurs through TEVTA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Alongside, the project offers life skills and financial literacy training, covering topics like mobile wallets, bank accounts, and opportunities in micro-finance services for enhancing the businesses of talented entrepreneurs and fostering their increased income generation.

ECP’s inordinate delay to issue PTI electoral symbol ‘bat’ deplorable: PTI ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson expressed serious reservations over the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) unnecessary dillydallying tactics to allot PTI its elections symbol “Bat” despite submitting all the required documents to the commission after holding successful intraparty polls, demanding the electoral watchdog to issue the party polls symbol sans any further delay.

PTI spokesperson appealed that keeping in view the sensitivity of the issue, Lahore High Court (LHC) should hear the petition of Barrister Ali Zafar challenging the ECP’s order of November 23, 2023 at the earliest so as to avert the tragic death of democracy after the casualty of the constitution at the hands of the electoral body.

He lamented that said that PTI was on the target of the worst state repression and ongoing shameful political engineering before the elections, adding that all the evidences and signs were enough to expose the state’s ambitions to commit historical electoral fraud in the next polls. He went on to say that the country’s most popular political party having support of over three-fourths of the eligible voting population was being subjected to a heinous conspiracy like technical knockout.

PTI spokesperson said that all unconstitutional, illegal and undemocratic tactics

were repeatedly being used to sideline PTI Chairman-for-life Imran Khan, who had been unjustly imprisoned in Adiala Jail, and his party from the political arena.

He pointed out that there was unconstitutional, illegal, unrepresentative and undemocratic governments in the country, whose sole criminal mission was to deprive Imran Khan of the public mandate, adding that they were even devoid of the basic constitutional requirement of elections.

PTI spokesperson said in the wake of May 9 incidents, all brutal tactics ranging from breaking up PTI, detaining thousands of innocent workers including the founding chairman and the blind and unlawful use of state power were being utilized; however, the stubborn and diehard supporters of Khan and PTI were a big challenge for the evil planners of the state.

He said that the electoral watchdog had been entrusted with the central role in the nefarious plan to pull PTI out of elections and politics.

PTI spokesperson highlighted that the Chief Election Commissioner and the members appointed in the commission were exercising all options to erase PTI from the political page such as through their very controversial, biased decisions, unconstitutional and illegal decrees and shameful discriminatory treatment.

He made it clear that in utter desperation and frustration, the non-democratic and apolitical circles, who had been hell-

bent to oust PTI from politics, tasked the ECP with the specific target to technically knock out Khan’s party.

PTI spokesperson said that under this nefarious design, the process was started to deprive PTI of its basic right of the electoral symbol of “bat” aimed at depriving majority party’s voters of their political identity. He pointed out that in order to forcefully deprive PTI of the electoral symbol, the ECP declared PTI’s intra-party elections held the party constitution one and half year ago void without any legal justification and issued order to hold reelections within 20 days.

PTI spokesperson said that despite all reservations, PTI, in compliance with the commission’s illegal order of November 23, conducted elections in a transparent manner under the party constitution before challenging the commission’s order in LHC. However, he noted that it was unprecedented in the country’s history that Imran Khan, the founding chairman of the country’s largest and truly democratic party, who was appointed as the chairman-forlife of the PTI, voluntarily stepped down from the position for the sake of democracy and the rule of law.

PTI spokesperson stated that instead of handing over the chairmanship of the party to someone from his family, Imran Khan nominated a capable and loyal party worker as a candidate for the post of chairman in the intra-party elections.

He pointed out that PTI workers expressed their unwavering faith in the decision of the founding chairman by electing Barrister Gohar Khan unopposed as PTI Chairman in the transparent intra-party elections conducted under the supervision of the Independent Election Commission of the party.

PTI spokesperson reminded that PTI submitted all the necessary documents including the results to the ECP as per the law after the successful completion of intra-party elections on December 2.

However, he expressed his shock that even after submitting the results of the party’s poll by the Chairman PTI, the Commission’s failure to issue the party poll symbol just 60 days before the elections was a matter of grave concern and it was not less than the worst attempt of prepoll rigging. PTI spokesman emphasized that neither the commission had any legal right and justification to uphold the bat symbol anymore nor there was any such precedent in history.

He contended that the nefarious attempt to grab the symbol of the bat by force was a shameful attempt to take away the constitution, democracy, transparent elections and political identity from millions of Pakistanis, adding that polls without “bat” would lose their credibility and effectiveness, which would actually lead to the death of democracy and open the door to chaos and tension.

‘CARETAKER GOVT, ECP ‘TRYING EVERYTHING’ TO GIVE NAWAZ TWO-THIRD MAJORITY IN POLLS’

Sunday, 10 December, 2023 | KARACHI

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LAHORE

MoNItoRINg RepoRt

eteran politician and senior lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan on Saturday claimed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the caretaker government were ‘trying every possible way and thing’ to ensure Nawaz Sharif wins a two-thirds majority in next year’s general elections.

“The way things are going, they are trying to give Mian Sahib a two-thirds majority. The election commission, the administration and the caretakers [are in this].

However, it will not be easy,” Aitzaz Ahsan said in an interview on a private TV channel on Friday night. Ahsan said Nawaz being prime minister was a forgone conclusion. “He already is prime minister.

Today he’s getting the protocol of a prime minister. He has become PM for the fourth time. Now the rest of it is ceremonial.

“However, if there is a level playing field, PML-N will have a very minor part in the next [National] Assembly.”

He also called PML-N a ladla — favoured one. “PML-N has been given special treatment. [Nawaz] was in London for four years; has any prisoner or criminal been granted such permission? He [Nawaz] said he’d be gone for weeks. “And the man [Shehbaz] who gave guarantees for him became the prime minister. “Muslim League Noon are not just ladlay, they are ladla plus.”

BAT SYMBOL: He also spoke about PTI’s attempts to retain its bat symbol for

China ‘disappointed, regretful’ over US veto on UNSC resolution CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

It is contradictory to tolerate the continuation of the conflict while claiming to care about the safety and humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza. It is selfdeceptive to advocate preventing the spillover of the conflict while tolerating its continuation. It is extremely hypocritical to tolerate the continuation of the conflict while paying lip service to the protection of human rights and the protection of women and children, Zhang said, “All of this once again shows us what double standards are.”

Zhang stated that although the resolution was vetoed, the strong international calls for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and prevention of a greater humanitarian disaster will not diminish, and efforts by the Security Council to uphold justice and fulfil its responsibilities will not stop.

We urge Israel to listen to the international community’s calls, stop the collective punishment of the people in Gaza, and support further diplomatic mediation to facilitate the early release of all detained individuals. We call on all relevant parties to concentrate all efforts on the common goal of calming the flames of war in Gaza, giving the Palestinian people hope for survival, and leaving hope for peace in the Middle East, Zhang said.

Since hostilities escalated in early October, more than 17,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 4,000 women and 7,000 children. Tens of thousands are reportedly injured, and many are missing, presumably under the rubble, according to Guterres who reported the recent situation in Middle East at the Friday session. “Attacks from air, land and sea are intense, continuous and widespread. So far, they have reportedly hit 339 education facilities, 26 hospitals, 56 healthcare facilities, 88 mosques and three churches,” Guterres said.

The Secretary-General in a letter to the Security Council on December 6, made the rare move to invoke the Article 99. It says the UN chief “may bring to attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion, may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.”

This is the first time Guterres invoked the Article since he took office in 2017. “The Israel-Palestine conflict has been escalating over the last two months with the humanitarian crisis aggravating despite a short-lived temporary cease-fire.

The UN overall has not played its role of promoting peace due to the interference of the US, and its functions have been rendered mute,” Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University, told the media.

Analysts urged the US to listen to the joint calls of the international community and expressed the hope that the US can coordinate with China to realize a phased ceasefire to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

the upcoming general elections. “There are several options they have — which I won’t be able to delve into — because I have shared them with my associate [PTI chairman] Gauhar Khan.” He said even if the bat symbol is stripped from the PTI, “the bat symbol can come through other ways.

He said those who think they can “eliminate” parties, have forgotten how despite hanging Zulfikar Bhutto, the PPP came into power three times. “There can

ATC cancels Marriyum Aurangzeb’s non-bailable arrest warrant

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LAHORE

N anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Saturday withdrew the non-bailable arrest warrant issued against the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) leader Marriyum Aurangzeb after she appeared in court for the hearing of a case filed against her.

Last year in September, a case was registered against the former information minister and PML-N leader Javed Latif for allegedly spreading religious hate and declaring former Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) chairman a non-Muslim on a TV talk show. ATC Judge Abher Gul then issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Marriyum on November 25, 2023, over her non-appearance, while cancelling Latif’s arrest warrants for attending the court summons.

On Saturday, the court directed her to submit the written judgement of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding the co-accused and cancelled her warrants as she had appeared before the court.

The hearing of the case was adjourned till January 6, 2024.

Speaking to the media today, the party leader said that the case against her was ‘created’ when ‘they’ (PMLN) revealed that former prime minister Imran would attack the state

Staff RepoRt

Denouncing Israel’s relentless attacks on the Palestinian people and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, Pakistan on Saturday called for holding the Israeli occupation forces accountable for war crimes in the besieged enclave.

“We strongly and unequivocally condemn the indiscriminate use of force by Israel,” Ambassador Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon, acting permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations told the UN General Assembly on Friday.

Speaking in a debate on “Humanitarian Assistance”, he said that in addition to targeting civilians, Israel’s other actions such as blockading of essential humanitarian supplies; the forced displacement of people within the occupied territory, “are flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity and may amount to the crime of genocide.”

Meanwhile, a short distance away from the UN Headquarters in New York City, thousands of pro-Palestinian pro-

INp

Chancellor/Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman has said that smog is a grave issue and has many adverse effects on human health.

He was chairing the meeting of Consortium on Climate Change and Environment here at Governor House Lahore on Saturday.

During the meeting, proposals and measures to solve the issue of smog were specially discussed. Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission, Dr. Shahid Munir, along with vice chancellors and experts from various universities participated in the meeting.

On this occasion, Convenor of the Consortium, former Vice Chancellor of Islamia University Bahawalpur, Professor Dr. Athar Mehboob and Wajid Naseem Jatoi gave a detailed briefing to the Governor of Punjab on the progress of the Consortium.

Speaking on this occasion, Muhammad

Balighur Rehman said that extraordinary measures needed to be taken in extraordinary circumstances. He said that universities should play a role in solving the problem of smog and environmental pollution in the light of the research done on the environment and the experiences of experts.

He asked the Vice chancellors to engage university students in designing social media campaigns to spread awareness among the public about environmental pollution and smog. He emphasized that universities should use their resources to solve problems like smog and take steps to improve the environment.

The Governor Punjab said that work should be started on short-term solutions immediately. He said that final recommendations to various stakeholders, including government departments would be sent from his office within three days to control smog and environmental pollution.

Prof. Dr. Wajid Naseem Jatoi, Director, International Centre for Climate Change,

RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Armed Forces of Pakistan, CJCsSC & Services Chiefs pay glowing tribute to Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed, Nishan-eHaider on his 52nd Shahadat Anniversary on Saturday. During the 1971 war at Zafarwal Shakargarh Sector, Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed’s fearless actions and indomitable courage inflicted heavy losses upon the enemy & single handedly destroyed 16 Indian Tanks.

Sowar Muhammad Hussain’s martyrdom anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the Armed Forces of Pakistan to defend the motherland.

Let us remember these heroes who have laid down their lives in defence of motherland. The nation is proud of its gallant sons.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

institutions.

She further said that the person who had the case lodged against her was now himself accused of the May 9 incident and claimed that he has now walked away with a £190 million heist, terming it the biggest theft in the country’s history.

It should be noted that the first information report (FIR) was lodged by complainant Irshadur Rehman at the Green Town Police station during PTI leader Pervaiz Elahi’s chief ministership in Punjab.

Speaking to the media, she stated that the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif was ousted from power for not taking a salary from his son. “They loot themselves and then question how the country’s economy has deteriorated,” Marriyum lashed at the PTI. Alleging that Imran exploited his position during

his prime ministership to increase his wealth, she criticised the PTI leaders for not only stealing but also for becoming ‘stubborn’ later.

“If you have attacked Jinnah House, you will have to answer.”

Furthermore, referring to the ‘London plan’, Marriyum maintained that Nawaz was facing false cases in the court and at the same time, has been declared free of any corrupt practices by the IHC. Claiming that the people of Pakistan would make Nawaz the prime minister for the fourth time, Marriyum said that the country would return to the economic stability it had in 2017.

“Today the youth is facing unemployment, not the former chairman,” she blasted Imran and added that Nawaz would be voted by the people on February 8.

At UN, Pakistan calls for holding Israel accountable for war crimes in Gaza UNITED NATIONS

Armed forces, services chiefs pay glowing tribute to Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed

US vetoes UN ceasefire bid as Israel continues brutal Gaza assault

Staff RepoRt

testers took to the streets for what was billed as a “Shut Down Wall Street” event, just as the United States vetoed a resolution at the UN Security Council calling for a humanitarian cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Protesters rallied in front of a number of prominent city landmarks in Lower Manhattan, including City Hall and Wall Street, chanting, “Free Palestine,” calling for an end to the United States’ financial support of Israel and denouncing the U.S. veto.

Waving Palestinian flags, the protestors condemned Biden administration’s Middle East policy and called for an immediate ceasefire.

At the General Assembly, the Pakistani envoy also voiced grave concern at the killing and injuring of staff of UN Agencies and Entities, humanitarian workers and healthcare workers by Israel, saying never before so many of its brave personnel have lost their lives in such a short span of time.

“This deserves our collective condemnation and a collective demand for holding Israeli occupation forces accountable,” Ambassador Jdoon added.

Smog a grave issue, extraordinary measures needed to deal with situation: Baligh LAHORE

be no elimination. Benazir Bhutto was martyred. She has left this world. In that same year, her party came into power with a party prime minister and president.”

The embattled PTI has asked the ECP to immediately allot it the “bat” as its electoral symbol for the upcoming general elections. The party, which has complained of the lack of a level playing field, termed the delay in issuance of the electoral symbol “unjustifiable” and “intolerable”.

Previously, PTI spokesperson had urged the watchdog to promptly release detailed decision in line with the verbal order given on Aug 30, as it had no legal and constitutional justification to withhold the party’s electoral symbol.

The spokesman made it clear that the concept of free, fair and transparent polls “without the largest and most formidable political force of the country was a farce”.

He added that the “conspiracy to keep PTI out of the electoral arena on the state-mandated and unknown technical grounds” was akin to an attack on the Constitution and political system of the country.

NEWS 03

Food Security and Sustainability (ICCFS), Islamia University Bahawalpur was also designated as the Focal Person for Consortium on Climate Change, Environment.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar, Vice Chancellor Islamia University Bahawalpur, Prof. Dr. Shazia Anjum Islamia University Bahawalpur, Prof. Dr. Wajid Naseem Jatoi, Prof. Dr. Naseem Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Prof. Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Vice Chancellor ,University of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Arifa Tahir, Chairperson, Department of Environmental Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Prof. Dr. Syed Habib Bukhari, Vice Chancellor, Kohsar University, Murree, Prof. Dr. M. Sajjad Khan, Vice Chancellor, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur; Prof. Dr. Shaghfa Naz, Vice Chancellor, Lahore College for Women University, Dr. Uzair Khan, University of Lahore and Dr. Ali Hussain Kazim, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore.

“We certainly all recognise more can be done to… reduce civilian casualties. And we’re going to keep working with our Israeli counterparts to that end,” he said. The death toll also rose in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Israeli forces shot dead six Palestinians on Friday, the territory’s health ministry said. Israel claimed Friday it has lost 91 soldiers in Gaza. The real number of casualties is likely higher. It claimed two others were wounded in a failed bid to rescue hostages overnight, and that “numerous terrorists” were killed in the operation. Hamas said a hostage was killed in the botched Israeli rescue operation, and released a video purporting to show the body, which could not be independently verified. An attack on the US embassy in Iraq on Friday deepened fears of wider regional conflict. Salvoes of rockets were launched against the mission in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, adding to dozens of recent rocket and drone strikes by resistance groups against American or coalition forces in Iraq and Syria.

04 COMMENT

A politician adamant to err

Sunday, 10 December, 2023

Sticking to the schedule

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ECP’s money worries have been removed but still voices are heard for a polls delay

NE of the great hurdles for the Election Commission of Pakistan, that of money, has been removed by the Finance Ministry, which has given the State Bank the orders to transfer Rs 17.4 billion into the ECP’s account. This would bring the total disbursement so far to the ECP to Rs 27.4 billion. It might be remembered that the Finance Ministry’s refusal early in the year to transfer the requisite funds had left the ECP unable to hold the Punjab and KP Assemblies’ election within the constitutional framework. Even the federal elections are being held, by the ECP, on a date three months after the expiry of the constitutional limit. The monetary transaction should go to the credit of the ECP, which worked extra hard to get the money.

Another of the bottlenecks for the Punjab and KP Assemblies was the lack of military personnel to help fill in the gaps that would be left by a complete deployment of the police forces. The ECP has written to the military asking it to provide the necessary personnel.

Provision of security at polling stations is a big issue, which goes beyond the availability of troops. The postponement in January was made because the intelligence agencies had said there was a danger posed by militants. That spectre is being raised once again, amid voices that call for a postponement of polls. Not only has the ECP received petitions for postponement, but JUI(F) chief Maulana Fazlu Rehman has also voiced concerns about the polls in KP and Balochistan, traditionally the provinces where his party has been most competitive.

Another dimension is the potential uneven-ness of the playing field, by means of the placing of hurdles in the way of parties and groups from contesting. Though the PTI complied with the ECP order that it hold intraparty elections, those elections have been challenged by dissident founding member Akbar S. Babar, whose complaints about funding led to the adverse judgement against the PTI. The Balochistan caretaker government has also announced that it is contemplating action against both Manzoor Pashteen and his Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement. Elections must not only be safe, but they must also be inclusive if they are to have any credibility. The caretaker government should concentrate on the holding of these elections rather than anything else, which is what they seem to be doing.

Seeking Imran Khan’s fatal flaw

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Zafar aZiZ Chaudhry

OME weeks ago, the Pakistani media was abuzz with news about Imran Khan, and there was nothing but Imran Khan in Pakistani politics. His current image in the Press inspired by his political opponents indicates that his game is finished, and that he is no longer needed in Pakistani politics. During the short period he has spent in and out of politics in Pakistan, even if he has not so far made Pakistan economically strong due to some cogent reasons, his social and philanthropic work to improve the standard of a Pakistani’s standard of life and health will be enough to speak for him. No matter if he repeats his earlier mistakes, his charitable work and contribution to sports would still serve as a solid proof of his patriotism for his country and his love for his people.

I don’t think it is fair to think of him as irrelevant, spent or in any manner a political outcast. His true political stature would be judged in the next General Election by the people of Pakistan who are the final arbiters to decide who should rule this country in future.

In all his struggle, he exerted himself to pursue his aims with his dogged determination which could not be deterred by any fear or avarice and therefore he continued to pursue his line more quickly and determinedly than others. This style was also more appealing to the public who put their trust in him more willingly and solidly.

In the speeches he made in his huge rallies they found a ring of truth in whatever he said, all of this was clearly born of his attractive physical style of governance, to which his charisma added more weight. In all his actions his patriotism and sincerity for his country had always been more palpable than anything else and therefore some of his unfair inborn temperamental traits were quite easily eschewed by the public.

Before entering politics, to his credit Imran Khan had performed many amazing feats as sportsman, philanthropist and social worker. In personal attributes he was extremely honest, motivated and determined . As a politician he started from scratch, founded the Pakistan Teheeik Insaf and worked hard for 22 years to make it so politically strong that in the

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi

Intellectual property rights in the film industry Joint Editor

Executive Editor

equipment. Patents grant exclusive rights Pirates remain the greatest threat tocamera the inventor, providing an incentive for further

I

Visha Khan

N the fast-paced world of the film industry, intellectual property rights (IPR) play a vital role in safeguarding the creative works of filmmakers. These rights are essential to protect original ideas, scripts, characters, and other artistic creations from unauthorized use or exploitation. As the film industry continues to evolve, so does the importance of IPR in maintaining a level playing field and encouraging innovation.

IPR encompasses a broad spectrum of legal rights that give creators the exclusive right to exploit their works. In the film industry, these rights are typically protected through copyright, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. Each of these rights serves a specific purpose in safeguarding the different aspects of a film. The film industry is a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise that thrives on creativity and innovation. From scripts and storylines to characters and visual effects, various aspects of a film are subject to IPR. Copyright is perhaps the most well-known and widely used form of IPR in the film industry.

It provides protection for original works of authorship, such as films, music, and screenplays.

Copyright grants the creator the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, and display their work. This allows filmmakers to have control over the exploitation of their films and ensures that they receive proper compensation for their efforts.

Trademarks, on the other hand, protect the commercial identity of a film. They are often used to safeguard film titles, logos, and characters. Trademark rights prevent others from using similar marks that could confuse consumers or dilute the value of a brand. For instance, the iconic “Star Wars” logo or the spellbinding “Harry Potter” title are trademarked, preventing others from capitalizing on their popularity.

Patents are less commonly used in the film industry but can still play a significant role. Filmmakers may patent certain technical inventions or novel technologies used in film production, such as special effects techniques or innovative

innovation in a highly competitive industry.

Trade secrets are yet another form of IPR that are crucial in the film industry. Film studios may have proprietary techniques, formulas, or production methods that are critical to their success. Trade secret protection ensures that these valuable assets remain confidential and are not disclosed or exploited by competitors.

In the digital age, the enforcement of IPR in the film industry has become more complex. With advancements in technology, it has become easier to copy and distribute films illegally. Piracy, both online and offline, poses a significant threat to the film industry, impacting revenue streams and undermining the incentives for creativity. As a result, filmmakers and industry stakeholders are continuously seeking innovative ways to combat piracy and protect their intellectual property.

One such solution is digital rights management (DRM) technology, which aims to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution of films.

DRM employs encryption and access controls to ensure that only authorized individuals can view or distribute copyrighted content. However, like any technology, DRM is not foolproof and can often be circumvented. This ongoing battle between content creators and pirates highlights the importance of constant innovation and efficient enforcement mechanisms to ensure adequate protection of IPR. One of the primary objectives of IPR in the film industry is to provide legal protection to the creators, allowing them to enjoy exclusive rights to their works. This encourages creativity and fosters a thriving industry where artists can financially benefit from their creations. With IPR in place, filmmakers can negotiate licensing and distribution deals, secure investments, and prevent unauthorized use or reproduction of their work.

IPR protection also plays a crucial role in stimulating economic growth by promoting investments and job creation. When filmmakers

2018 elections, it gained sufficient strength to get a majority in the Parliament and form his government.

When he took office as PM he had before him insurmountable challenges included flawed energy policies, a spiraling fiscal deficit, all-pervasive corruption, grossly inadequate tax-to-GDP ratio, under-investment in education and health sectors. among others.

In order to overcome these economic setbacks, PTI’s economic reform programme envisaged an increase of 9 percent of GDP with a 5 percent increase in tax collection, 2 percent reduction in wasteful expenditure and 2 percent reduction in losses of public-sector enterprises. This economic agenda projected a growth rate of 6 percent, inflation to be brought down to 7 percent, fiscal deficit to be brought down to 4.5 percent, and tax revenues to be raised by 15 percent. These were his ambitious plans and big challenges ahead.

Despite being a good sportsman, and the most charismatic personality of Pakistan, Imran Khan is unfortunately not a good politician. He can be several times erratic even after finding out the result of his earlier bad decision. Lack of flexibility is his grave weakness which can be extremely harmful to him and his class.

A good politician should have a generous heart and mind, should proceed with a spirit of accommodating his political rivals, and give them due weight as long as they do not run counter to his own programme, and try to take them along through the thick and thin of their political journey for the common good of the people. While taking decisions in a vital matter affecting the vast masses, he refused to sit with opposition members whom he ridiculed as corrupt people. He consistently accused them of being money launderers and vowed that he would not sit idle till he brought back the looted money. It was primarily the function of the NAB to take action against the corrupt, independently of being answerable to the PM, therefore the PM had no answer why there was no cogent reason for non-recovery of looted wealth.

Complete elimination of corruption was still the ultimate responsibility of the PM. Hence no pretext was sufficient to condone the PM. But ironically whenever the question of honesty of a politician was raised before the people, their entire mass unequivocally supported Imran Khan. People could only swear by Imran Khan’s personal morasl to the exclusion of all others.

Temperamentally, Imran Khan is non-compromising and less prone to take advice from even his

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

have confidence that their IPR will be upheld, they are more likely to invest in ambitious projects, leading to the establishment of studios, production companies, and cinema chains. The film industry, in turn, generates employment opportunities for actors, crew members, technicians, and related support services.

However, IPR in the film industry faces several challenges. One significant challenge is piracy. The rise of digital technology has made it easier for unauthorized copies of films to be made and distributed, leading to substantial revenue losses for filmmakers. Piracy not only impacts the profits of the creators but also affects the overall economic viability of the industry.

Efforts are being made to combat piracy through stricter enforcement measures, public awareness campaigns, and the development of legal streaming platforms. Another challenge is the issue of copyright infringement. In a highly creative and collaborative field like filmmaking, it is not uncommon for disputes to arise regarding ownership and usage rights. Clear contracts and agreements that outline the ownership of intellectual property and the terms of use are essential to avoid legal battles and protect the rights of all parties involved. Filmmakers need to be vigilant in ensuring that all necessary permissions and licenses are obtained to avoid infringing on someone else’s rights.

In recent years, the emergence of streaming platforms and online content distribution has further complicated the landscape of IPR in the film industry. With the availability of content on a global scale, ensuring the protection of rights becomes even more challenging. Filmmakers need to navigate the complexities of licensing agreements and territorial rights to strike a balance between reaching a wider audience and maintaining control over their works.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are crucial for the film industry as they protect the creative works of artists, encourage investment and job creation, and drive economic growth. However, challenges such as piracy, copyright infringement, and the complexities of online distribution pose significant hurdles. It is essential for filmmakers, industry stakeholders, and legal authorities to work together to strengthen IPR protection and ensure a thriving and sustainable film industry for years to come.

The writer is a High Court Advocate

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The writer is a former member of the provincial civil service and can be contacted at zafar.aziz.ch@gmail.com.

He has the capacity to lose his balance of mind in times of extreme agitation. At the time of oppositionÊs no-confidence motion against him and in sheer fear of losing his government, Imran Khan took an unprecedented step by dissolving the National Assembly, despite the fact that after filing of a No-Confidence Motion against the Prime Minister, the PM loses his right to dissolve the National Assembly.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are crucial for the film industry as they protect the creative works of artists, encourage investment and job creation, and drive economic growth. However, challenges such as piracy, copyright infringement, and the complexities of online distribution pose significant hurdles. It is essential for filmmakers, industry stakeholders, and legal authorities to work together to strengthen IPR protection and ensure a thriving and sustainable film industry for years to come.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

closest comrades. A sage politician sufficiently meditates over his proposed moves, consults his co-party men, and then takes a firm action. But Imran Khan rarely took that route. His political ideas more often take absolute terms.

During an interview to a foreign journalist, his vehement assertion of the phrase “Absolutely not!” brought an upheaval of international proportions which also loomed large in the domestic politics. Absolutism has made Pakistani politics less and less issue-oriented and more and more tribal, which is likely to create more problems on national and international scale.

This absolutism converts most party supporters as purely partisan— “you are with us, or against us”.

His most arrogant trait was his habit of antagonizing the courts by publicly leveling allegations against them and often not responding to their calls or notices. Imran Khan badly failed to maintain good foreign relations especially with vital countries like the USA, China and Saudi Arabia, and it became a key challenge for Shahbaz Sharif’s government to repair those relations.

He has the capacity to lose his balance of mind in times of extreme agitation. At the time of opposition’s no-confidence motion against him and in sheer fear of losing his government, Imran Khan took an unprecedented step by dissolving the National Assembly, despite the fact that after filing of a No-Confidence Motion against the Prime Minister, the PM loses his right to dissolve the National Assembly. Due to the timely intervention of the Supreme Court, the invalid order of Imran Khan was set aside, and a political disaster was averted.

The act of dissolving the National Assembly was a blatant violation of Pakistan’s constitution.

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Kindness chronicles

WHILE the Ben 10 comic series may appear to be a fantastical creation, a closer look reveals its surprising parallels to our contemporary world. A world plagued by darkness and adversity, where both hope and trauma are intimately known. What if I were to tell you that a potent force, surpassing any supernatural watch, exists to combat these forces of darkness? This force is not confined to a single hero; rather, it is accessible to anyone who chooses to harness it – kindness.

Kindness is often misconstrued as mere friendliness or generosity, but in reality, it transcends these notions. Defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle as “helpfulness towards someone in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper himself, but for that of the person helped,” kindness is a selfless act driven by a sense of responsibility and the desire to enhance the world.

In contrast to the comic, where there is only one Omnitrix to be the hero, kindness knows no limits or boundaries. It is an instinctive virtue that anyone can possess, as long as it is not wielded for personal gain. Its power lies in its capacity to bring happiness to those who have lost hope, manifesting in various forms – from small gestures to grand acts of kindness.

Yet, the true potency of kindness extends beyond aiding those already virtuous. It has the potential to transform even the most malevolent individuals, echoing Victor Hugo’s sentiment in Les Misérables, “You should respond with kindness toward evil done to you, and you will destroy in an evil person that pleasure which he derives from evil.”

Despite scepticism about practising kindness without expecting reciprocity, it conceals a hidden blessing. Research indicates that those regularly engaged in acts of kindness tend to be healthier and live longer. It is not solely about extending kindness to others but also about fostering self-compassion – a reminder that kindness benefits not only others but also our own well-being.

The power of kindness knows no bounds, applicable anywhere, at any time, toward anyone. It is a supreme power often overlooked while daydreaming about possessing a supernatural watch. However, the true power lies within us – a force we can awaken through practising selfcompassion and mindfulness. If our goal is genuinely to improve the world, we must tap into this real power – the power of kindness.

TAHIR JAMALI SHAHEED BENAZIRABAD.

Urban surge

URBANISATION is the process of people moving from rural areas to cities, posing a global challenge. In the 1950s, 70% of people lived in rural areas, but this has changed due to factors like industrialization and globalisation. Pakistan is the 6th most urbanised country, with 34% living in urban areas. A 2017 survey predicts a 3% growth rate in urbanisation by 2050, reaching 250 million people in cities. Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta have experienced significant growth.

For an area to be declared urban, it needs municipal facilities, hospitals, corporations, schools, and colleges, with a minimum population of 5,000. The criteria include 400 people within one kilometre, and 75% of the population engaged in nonagricultural occupations.

In essence, urbanisation involves people moving from rural to urban areas for improved economic opportunities or education. This trend is increasing and may double in the future, including in Pakistan.

HABIB SEYAN BALOCHISTAN

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

US influence evident in the escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing

Sunday, 10 December, 2023

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Key to the South China Sea confrontation

Abdul rAhMAn MAlik

HE recent escalation of tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea has brought the USA’s enduring influence in the region to the forefront. Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China stance, which was once seen as a strategic pivot, now appears to be unraveling in the face of deep-seated pro-US sentiments among the Filipino public. As the Philippines navigates its complex relationship with China, the fingerprints of US influence are becoming increasingly apparent, shaping the dynamics of this evolving diplomatic saga.

Duterte’s presidency in 2016 marked a significant shift in the Philippines’ foreign policy. His pivot towards China was a bold departure from the traditionally close ties with the USA. Duterte’s decision to downplay the South China Sea dispute and pursue economic and military cooperation with Beijing was met with skepticism both domestically and internationally.

However, this shift in allegiance was not merely a strategic realignment; it was an attempt to diversify diplomatic partnerships and reduce dependence on any single global power. Duterte’s pragmatism led him to seek economic benefits from China’s deep pockets, envisioning infrastructure investments and financial support that could propel the Philippines into a new era of development.

The pragmatism that defined Duterte’s foreign policy faced a formidable challenge— the deeply entrenched pro-US sentiments within the Filipino public.

Despite his efforts to pivot towards China, the historical ties, shared democratic values, and longstanding military alliance with the USA continued to resonate with the Filipino people. The balancing act between China and the USA proved to be a precarious dance, fraught with political consequences.

As Duterte faced criticism for his perceived capitulation to Beijing, the Filipino public remained skeptical about the sustainability of the pro-China tilt. The South China Sea dispute, particularly the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of the Philippines, fueled nationalist sentiments and strengthened the resolve of those who saw the USA as a more reliable ally in safe-

guarding Philippine sovereignty. The USA, cognizant of the pro-US sentiments within the Philippines, strategically leveraged its military assistance and deepened its alliances in the region. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), signed in 2014, allowed the US military increased access to Philippine bases, strengthening their presence in the South China Sea. This move served both as a deterrent against Chinese aggression and a reaffirmation of the US-Philippine alliance.

Furthermore, the USA provided military aid, equipment, and training to the Philippine armed forces, enhancing their capabilities to address security concerns in the region. This support bolstered the Philippines’ ability to assert its territorial claims, sending a clear message to Beijing that any attempt to infringe upon Philippine sovereignty would be met with resolute resistance.

Recent incidents in the South China Sea have brought the simmering tensions to the forefront. Manila’s assertion of its sovereign rights over areas such as the Scarborough Shoal and the Recto Bank has not only reignited the dispute but has also exposed the fragility of Duterte’s pro-China policy. The Filipino public’s vocal opposition to perceived encroachments by China, coupled with the assertive stance of the Philippine government, reflects a growing disillusionment with the benefits of the pro-China pivot.

As the international community watches the devel-

The USA and China are still dancing delicately in the South China Sea as the Biden Administration re-engages with the Philippines. The result will not only determine the PhilippinesÊ future, but it will also demonstrate the persistent power dynamics in Indo-Pacific geopolitics

opments in the South China Sea, the USA has seized the opportunity to reiterate its commitment to upholding the rules-based order and supporting its allies in the face of territorial threats. American warships conducting freedom-of-navigation operations in the region serve as a symbolic display of solidarity with the Philippines and a clear message to Beijing that unilateral attempts to alter the status quo will not go unchallenged.

Duterte’s pro-China tilt was fueled by the promise of massive Chinese investments in Philippine infrastructure projects. However, the economic realities have not matched the grand expectations. Delays, disputes over terms, and concerns about the debt implications of Chinese financing have dampened the initial enthusiasm surrounding these investments.

In contrast, the USA, recognizing the economic aspirations of the Philippines, has offered alternative avenues for economic cooperation. Trade agreements, investment partnerships, and development assistance packages have been proposed, providing the Philippines with viable alternatives to navigate its economic future without overly relying on China.

The change in the US administration brought with it a recalibration of American foreign policy priorities. The Biden Administration, while acknowledging the importance of engaging with China on global challenges, has also placed a renewed emphasis on strengthening alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines, given its strategic location and historical ties with the USA, has become a focal point in this regional recalibration.

Through diplomatic overtures, economic initiatives, and military cooperation, the Biden Administration aims to reinforce the Philippines’ position as a key ally in the Indo-Pacific. This strategic engagement is not only a response to the evolving geopolitical landscape but also a testament to the enduring influence of the USA in shaping the destiny of its allies.

As Manila finds itself at a geopolitical crossroads, the question of how to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries looms large. The Filipino leadership, under the weight of public expectations and external pressures, must carefully balance national interests, economic considerations, and security imperatives.

The evolving situation in the South China Sea underscores the importance of a nuanced and agile foreign policy that acknowledges the realities of a multipolar world. While the USA continues to exert influence through military alliances and economic partnerships,

Is Russia ready for a major shift in its Middle East policy?

Is it possible that Russia has finally found a geostrategic opportunity in the Middle East that would allow it to expand, in terms of its strategic alliances and political role, beyond Syria?

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MIDDLE EAST MONITOR dr rAMzy bAroud

AZA was among the main topics on the agenda of Russian President Vladimir Putin as he arrived in the Middle East on 6 December. Some news reports referred to the trip as “rare”, especially since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022.

We know that the situation in Gaza, namely the Israeli war and the subsequent genocide, is a major objective of Putin’s visit, based on press statements from Russia’s official media. But we do not yet know exactly how Gaza factored into Putin’s one-day visit.

Putin’s visit included the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, two of the richest and most economically influential Arab countries. They are, like Russia, members of OPEC+ – the larger and most influential group of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Oil prices, energy supplies and the fractious security of the Red Sea waterways are reportedly also part of Putin’s agenda. However, it is unlikely that the Russian president has initiated such an important visit to discuss any of these issues.

Indeed, fluctuating oil prices and achieving OPEC+ consensus regarding production levels have been ongoing issues linking Russia to the Middle East for years, especially since the start of the Ukraine war, which invited unprecedented US-Western sanctions. But what does Putin have to say about Gaza, in particular?

In the early phase of the Israeli war with the Palestinian resistance in the besieged Gaza Strip, Russia had taken a guarded position, condemning the targeting of civilians, while calling for a comprehensive political solution. But, days later, Moscow’s position began evolving into a stronger stance, namely condemning the Israeli war on Gaza, Washington’s blind support for Tel Aviv and the US’ intransigence during United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meetings.

President Putin, on 13 October, compared Israel’s besiegement of the Gaza Strip to the Nazi siege of Leningrad in 1941. “In my view it is unacceptable. More than two million people live there. Far from all of them support Hamas, by the way, far from all. But all of them have to suffer, including women and children,” he said.

Moscow’s UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzia, has repeatedly attempted, to no avail, to pass a UNSC resolution demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.

His efforts culminated in nil due to US refusal, backed by equally strong rejection of other Western allies of Israel.

Despite his unsuccessful efforts, Nebenzia has used the UNSC as a platform to declare Russia’s progressively strong stances against the Israeli war, going as far as questioning Israel’s long-touted “right to defend itself”. “All they (the West) can do is to keep [talking] about Israel’s alleged right for self-defence, which, as an occupying state, it does not have, as was confirmed by the [UN] International

Court consultative ruling in 2004,” Nebenzia said on 2 November.

Following the US shameful use of the veto power to block the passing of a UNSC resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Russian representative Dmitry Polyanskiy stated: “Our American colleagues have condemned thousands – if not tens of thousands – more civilians (..) including women and children, to death, along with the UN workers who are trying to help them.” But for various reasons, the Russian position did not evolve beyond political rhetoric, however strong, into any tangible strategies.

The typical explanation for Russia’s inability to formulate a practical strategy regarding Gaza is its lack of any serious diplomatic or political capital beyond the current war on Ukraine and that Moscow was fully aware of the Middle East’s delicate geopolitical balances. But things began to change – not in Moscow, but in Gaza itself. Over two months into a war that has resulted in the killing of more than 17,000 civilians, so far, Tel Aviv is finally discovering the limits of its military power.

Moreover, the war gradually began to destabilise the Middle East, involving state and powerful non-state actors, many of whom are close allies to Moscow and protectors of Russian interests in the region. They include Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Ansarallah in Yemen, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and, of course, Hamas itself. As a sign of a closer relationship between Hamas and Russia, the Palestinian movement has released all Israeli captives with dual Israeli-Russian citizenship.

It has done so without a formal prisoner swap agreement, like the ones that have been mediated through Qatar and Egypt, resulting in the release of scores of Israelis and hundreds of Palestinians, starting on 24 November.

Surely, Putin’s visit to the Middle East carries greater meaning than the mere “emphasis on the strong relationships” between Russia and a few Arab countries. This meaning is compounded by the immediate visit to Moscow

by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on 7 December, also with the sole purpose of discussing the situation in Gaza.

Is it possible that Russia has finally found a geostrategic opportunity in the Middle East that would allow it to expand, in terms of its strategic alliances and political role, beyond Syria?

This expansion must appear as an attractive opportunity for Moscow, especially as early signs of Israeli military failure and, to an extent, US failure in Gaza are becoming unmistakably clear. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to deliver an important speech at the 21st Doha Forum in Qatar on 10 December. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted by TASS Russian news agency on 6 December confirming that Lavrov will be discussing the war in Gaza and the overall situation in Palestine and the Middle East. “The minister will pay special attention to the problem of Palestinian-Israeli settlement, of course, and security issues in the Middle East,” Zakharova said.

None of this, including the potential new Russian “vision” in the Middle East, would have been possible if it were not for the Israeli-US inability to defeat small Resistance groups in a tiny, besieged region like Gaza.

Aside from the setback of the Israeli military machine, which has been financed and sustained by Washington, the genocide in Gaza has cost the US whatever little political credibility it still enjoyed in the Middle East. Time will tell whether Russia will be able to stake a claim and help define a new Middle East in the post-Gaza war. However, one of the most important factors that Russia will consider before making any major moves is the tangible outcome of the Israeli war on Gaza. And, unlike most Israeli wars against Palestinians and Arabs in the past, this time around, it seems that Palestinian resistance – despite its very limited capabilities in the face of a powerful Israel-US military machine – is the one most likely to control the outcomes.

China remains a significant player with the capacity to shape the region’s future.

There is no denying American influence in Manila’s latest conflict with Beijing. The USA has deliberately positioned itself to play a key role in determining how the Philippines responds to the difficulties posed by an aggressive China, from military backing and strategic alliances to economic alternatives and diplomatic engagement.

The Duterte administration’s initial pro-China stance was met with a lot of attention, but it soon encountered difficulties when attempting to reconcile practical considerations with deeply held public opinions. As the Biden Administration re-engages with the Philippines, the USA and China continue to tread carefully in the South China Sea. The outcome of this delicate dance will not only shape the future of the Philippines, but it will also serve as a testament to the enduring power dynamics in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

The region has long been a hotbed of geopolitical tensions, with various nations vying for influence and control. As such, the outcome of this ongoing struggle will have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond. It remains to be seen how the situation will ultimately play out, but one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the world is watching. Although the pro-China shift of the Duterte administration attracted notice at first, it eventually ran into problems when trying to strike a balance between practical concerns and firmly held public opinions.

The USA and China are still dancing delicately in the South China Sea as the Biden Administration re-engages with the Philippines. The result will not only determine the Philippines’ future, but it will also demonstrate the persistent power dynamics in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

The writer is a freelance columnist

Cop28 is a farce rigged to fail, but there are other ways we can try to save the planet

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GUARDIAN

GeorGe Monbiot

ET’S face it: climate summits are broken.

The delegates talk and talk, while Earth systems slide towards deadly tipping points.

Since the climate negotiations began in 1992 more carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels has been released worldwide than in all preceding human history. This year is likely to set a new emissions record. They are talking us to oblivion.

Throughout these Conference of the Parties (Cop) summits, fossil fuel lobbyists have swarmed the corridors and meeting rooms. It’s like allowing weapons manufacturers to dominate a peace conference. This year, the lobbyists outnumber all but one of the national delegations. And they’re not the only ones: Cop28 is also heaving with meat and livestock lobbyists and reps from other planet-trashing industries. What should be the most important summit on Earth is treated like a trade fair.

It’s not surprising that the two decisive measures these negotiations should have delivered at the outset – agreements to leave fossil fuels in the ground and to end most livestock farming – have never featured in the final outcome of any Cop summit. Nor should we be astonished that these agreements favour nonsolutions such as carbon capture and storage, whose sole purpose is to provide an excuse for inaction.

The appointment of Sultan Al Jaber as president of Cop28 could be seen as this fiasco’s denouement.

His day job is chief executive of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company, Adnoc. Adnoc is now planning a massive expansion of its oil and gas operations. Before the meetings began, Al Jaber was planning to use them as a lobbying opportunity to sell his company’s products to delegates. In arguing with people calling for more effective action, he recited classic fossil fuel industry tropes, including that old favourite: if we were to phase out fossil fuels, we’d go back to living in caves. Fossil fuels present the real threat to civilisation. There have been some uninspiring presidents of the international climate summits, but none so manifestly unsuited to the role.

Perhaps it’s unsurprising that, of 27 summits completed so far, 25 have been abject failures, while two (1997’s Kyoto protocol and the Paris agreement, in 2015) have been half-successes. If any other process had a 3.7% success rate, it would be abandoned in favour of something better. But the world’s governments carry on doing the same thing in the expectation of different results. You could almost imagine they wanted to fail. The first and most obvious reform is to shut out the lobbyists. But the fossil fuel lobby, grotesque as it is, is by no means the only problem with the way these jamborees are run. The process itself is terminally crocked.

The only global negotiations that are organised like the climate summits are other environmental summits, such as the UN biodiversity conferences. When states want something to happen – trade agreements, for example – they use different methods. The failure

of the Cop meetings is baked in. In 1994, Saudi Arabia, backed by other members of the oil cartel Opec, insisted that all general decisions must be made by consensus. Because this question was never resolved, the UN’s rules on decision-making remain in draft form.

The result is that the oil states got what they wanted, by default. What “consensus” means is that every nation has a veto: 198 delegates can agree to a measure, but it can be blocked by the 199th. The most lethal interests prevail, by design. The only way such impasses can be resolved is by a determined president “gavelling” decisions through: insisting that a consensus has been reached and hoping no one calls their bluff. It’s not easy to picture Al Jaber playing this role.

Since this horrible farce began 31 years ago, plenty of people have proposed reforms. The proposals fall into three categories. One is to improve the way consensus decisions are made. Well-meaning as these are, they’re futile: you can tweak the process, but it will remain dysfunctional.

Another approach is to replace consensus decision-making with voting, an option that remains, in draft form, in the UN rules. The obvious objection is that a majority would impose decisions on other nations. But this reflects a narrow conception of what voting could do. There are plenty of ways of ensuring everyone can be heard, without relying on crude binary choices. One of the most promising is the Borda count, a decision-making method first proposed in 1435.

The modified Borda count developed by the de Borda Institute looks especially useful. First, the delegates agree on what the principal issues are.

These are then turned into a list of options, on which everyone is asked to agree (the options could range from the immediate phase-out of fossil fuels to planetary Armageddon). The options are listed on a ballot paper, and each delegate is asked to rank them in order of preference. A scoring system awards points for every ranking. The more options a delegate ranks, the more points each one is worth to them. This enables complex decisions to be made without excluding anyone.

The third approach, which could run alongside the second, is to bypass the Cop process by developing new binding treaties. The professor of environmental politics Anthony Burke suggests an approach modelled on the 2017 treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons, the 1997 anti-personnel mine ban convention and the 2008 convention on cluster munitions. In these cases, states and citizens’ groups frustrated with a lack of progress began building treaties without the participation of the powerful nations – the US in particular – that sought to resist them. They developed enough momentum not only to push the treaties through the UN general assembly, but also to establish new diplomatic norms that made defiance of the treaties much harder to justify, even for nations that refuse to ratify them.

Burke proposes treaties on deforestation and the elimination of coal, and a stronger version of the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty that others have developed. He suggests that if they don’t immediately gain the support of the general assembly, they can begin as regional treaties, establishing, for example, deforestation-free zones. He argues that these treaties should be folded into an overarching greenhouse convention, supported by an International Climate Agency, modelled on the International Atomic Energy Agency. However, we do it, we need to break the power of the Earth-devouring industries before they break us. Otherwise, we will keep watching as yet another year is wasted, yet another of our last chances scorches and shrivels.

Soon, there will be no years left.

George Monbiot is a Guardian columnist.

06 NEWS

auction at PSX US EMBASSY IN BAGHDAD STRUCK WITH Sukuk a huge success; govt raises Rs479bn SEVEN MORTARS AS ATTACKS ESCALATE

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BAGHDAD

REUTERS

PPROXIMATELY seven mortar rounds landed in the US Embassy compound in Baghdad during an attack early on Friday, a US military official told Reuters, in what appeared to be the largest attack of its kind in recent memory. US forces in Iraq and Syria were also targeted with rockets and drones at least five more times on Friday; three times at separate bases in Syria, and twice at the Ain al-Asad airbase west of Baghdad, a different US defence official said.

The attacks were the most recorded against US forces in the region in a single day since mid-October, when Iranaligned militias started targeting US assets in Iraq and Syria over Washington’s backing of Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a call with Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, condemned the

Sunday, 10 December, 2023 | KARACHI

attacks and singled out Iran-aligned armed groups Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba for the recent targeting of US personnel.

The US military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, left open the possibility that more projectiles were fired at the embassy compound but did not land within it. The US officials said Friday’s attacks caused no injuries, and the embassy attack caused very minor damage.

Reuters was first to report the number of mortars that hit the embassy compound. Explosions were heard near the embassy, in the centre of Baghdad, at about 4 a.m. (0100 GMT) on Friday.

Sirens calling on people to take cover were activated.

State media said the attack damaged the headquarters of an Iraqi security agency. Sheikh Ali Damoush, a senior official in the Lebanese group Hezbollah, said in a Friday sermon that attacks by Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East aim to apply pressure for a halt to Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip. He did not refer specifically to Friday’s attack.

US forces in Iraq and Syria have been attacked at least 84 times since Oct. 17, the defence official said.

The US has responded with a series of strikes that have killed at least 15 militants in Iraq and up to seven in Syria.

The State Department called on the Iraqi security forces to immediately investigate and arrest the perpetrators.

“The many Iran-aligned militias that operate freely in Iraq threaten the security and stability of Iraq, our personnel, and our partners in the region,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. “The Iraqi government has repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions as well as US military personnel, who are present in the country at Iraq’s invitation. This is non-negotiable, as is our right to self-defence,” Miller added.

‘Acts of terrorism’ The attacks pose a challenge for Sudani, who has pledged to protect foreign missions and capitalise on fragile stability to focus on the economy and court foreign investment, including from the United States.

Sudani directed security agencies to pursue the perpetrators, describing them as “unruly, lawless groups that do not in any way represent the will of the Iraqi people,” a statement from his office said.

He also said that undermining Iraq’s stability, reputation and targeting places Iraq has committed to protect were acts of terrorism. The head of militia Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, one of the main factions that has been targeting US forces in the region, said in a social media post that he rejected “stopping or easing operations” while “Zionist crimes continue in Gaza.”

Aside from its diplomatic staff in Iraq, the United States has about 2,500 troops in the country on a mission it says aims to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State, which in 2014 seized large swathes of both Iraq and Syria before being defeated.

Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen have been firing at Israel and ships in the Red Sea in a campaign they say aims to support the Palestinians. US warships have shot down several of their projectiles.

CRITICAL STUDIES OF SOUTH ASIAN ANGLOPHONE FICTION

Book Review: Critical studies of South Asian Anglophone Fiction SYED AFSAR SAJID

China’s consumer price index goes down in November BEIJING

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

China’s consumer prices and factory prices declined in November due to a decline in commodity prices.

Despite the foreign media hyping up deflation risks, China is introducing more policies to support a real estate sector undergoing adjustments and promote further economic recovery next year, experts said.

China’s consumer price index (CPI), the main gauge of inflation, fell 0.5 percent in November from a year earlier and slipped 0.5 percent from October, which is mainly due to a decrease in energy prices, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Saturday.

The decrease in CPI in November was mainly attributed to factors including downward fluctuations in food and energy prices. Core CPI remained stable during the month, according to the NBS statistician Dong Lijuan.

Core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, increased by 0.6 percent year-on-year, maintaining a moderate increase, the same as the previous month, Dong said.

The producer price index (PPI) fell 3 percent year-onyear in November, affected by the decline in international oil prices and weak demand across some industrial product markets, according to NBS. The factors contributing to the widening decline in November’s prices can be attributed to the persistent risk of external deflationary pressure, Tian Yun, a veteran economist based in Beijing, told the Global Times on Saturday.

The reduction on the US Federal Reserve’s balance sheet has led to a decline in commodity prices, especially oil and agricultural prices, which can be seen from the import data in November, Tian said.

In the first 11 months of the year, average import prices of several major commodities, excluding iron ore, have declined, according to Chinese customs data.

The stimulative impact for expanding domestic demand from the real estate sector on the economy is not as robust as it was in the past, primarily due to ongoing structural adjustments in the real estate sector, experts noted.

In November, China’s manufacturing industry recorded a Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) of 49.4 percent, indicating the challenges faced in achieving further economic recovery.

China is increasing support for the real estate sector to stabilize future development expectations. As next year’s economic policies return to an expansionary range, the effects should gradually become evident, Tian said.

Aamer Shaheen is an Assistant Professor of English Literature at GC University, Faisalabad. Author of many an academic research paper for national and international journals, on a miscellany of topics from Anglophone literature, he also has a book titled ‘National Imagination and Diasporic Identities in Pakistani Anglophone 9/11 Fiction’, to his credit (2020).

The flap of the current work succinctly highlights its form and text thus: ‘The book critically examines fairly recent South Asian Anglophone Fiction, with regard to the postcolonial themes of literary criticism: the state of nation and diasporic identity, by centring half a dozen fictive texts of prominent novelists originating from South Asian countries of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.’

Indian authors Sanjeev Sahota’s ‘The Year of the Runaways’ (2015) and Arundhati Roy’s ‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness’ have been critically examined as the state of nation novels depicting the wily concept of Hindutva and cast-led radicalization in Indian society.

Fiction writers of Pakistani origin Nadeem Aslam’s ‘Maps for Lost Lovers’ (2004) and Kamila Shamsie’s ‘Home Fire’ (2017) have been studied as ‘the emblems of identity- related predicaments’, accruing from ‘local homeland culture or religion’ of the Pakistani diaspora in Britain. Sri Lankan fiction writer Arudpragasam’s two novels ‘The Story of a Brief Marriage’ (2016) and ‘A Passage North’ (2021) have been shown as ‘the memorial temple sites’ for the Sri Lankan Tamils to enable them to commemorate their compatriots who were either

lost or fated to live with acute postwar traumas, during the 26-year long (1983-2009) Civil War. Eulogistic appreciation of the work by a cross-section of literary scholars tends to lend weight to its credentials as well as literary propriety. Dr. Asma Aftab Khan (GCUF) commends the analyses conducted by the author in this book that are ‘grounded in the material historico-political realities of South Asian societies in the backdrop of their colonial past, neocolonial present and postcolonial future’. She goes on to say that it is like an act of ‘atonement’ on the part of the author and hopes that this book will go a long way to offering the readers ‘new insights’ into the South Asian fiction.

Dr. Muhammad Asif Khan (TIUB) is of the view that the author has analysed ‘the cultural themes explored by Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan fiction writers’ in the postcolonial theoretical framework.

Dr. Muhammad Ayub Jajja (TIUB) thinks that the instant book ‘subtly comments on ‘Subalternization’ and

‘Othering’ of lower caste Dalits and Muslims in India, women’s resistance against patriarchy, the rising trends of obsessive Westoxification and fundamentalism among Pakistanis at diasporic spaces, and war front and post-war memories and traumas of Sri LankanTamils’.

In a rather lengthy introduction to the book, the writer deliberates its theme and intent. In its conclusion, he observes that ‘The six novels, subjected to comprehension in this book, thus, present three major ways, apart from many other prevalent, of looking at contemporary South Asian Anglophone fiction: the state of nation, diasporic predicaments, and war memories’.

‘The Year of the Runaways’, Indian author Sanjeev Sahota’s second novel, narrates the story of three men and a woman, Avtar, Randeep, Tarlochan aka Tochi, and Narinder (Randeep’s spouse), and their unsavoury experiences of living in Britain as illegal immigrants.

Four chapters of the book accord with the seasons, starting in winter.

Their meagre past haunts them like an ignominious shadow and they are mortally afraid of being deported to India, if detected.

‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness’ is purported to be ‘an aching love story and a decisive remonstration’. Its heroes are those who have been broken by the world they live in. Latterly they are ‘rescued, mended by love, and by hope’. But they never surrender. Ms. Roy’s art as a storyteller is at its best in this novel albeit an unconventional, quadrilateral romance underpinning its geo-political trinity entwining Delhi (Old and New), the warstricken valley of Kashmir, and the Central Indian forests.

Iran says reviving nuclear deal ‘useless’ TEHRAN AFP

Iran said on Saturday that attempting to revive its landmark nuclear deal with world powers that was effectively scrapped by former US president Donald Trump was increasingly “useless”.

“Today, the more we advance, the more the JCPOA becomes useless,” Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in a speech to students at the University of Tehran, using the initials of the official name of the nuclear deal.

In 2015, Iran agreed to curbs on its nuclear programme in ex-

change for a lifting of sanctions.

But while the deal was signed with several world powers — including China, Russia, Britain, France, and Germany — it was rendered effectively useless when the United States unilaterally withdrew under Trump in 2018.

With the US reimposing sanctions, international banks and businesses have stayed away from Iran for fear of falling foul of US regulators. Tentative efforts to revive the deal by Trump’s successor, Joe Biden, have been at a standstill since mid-2022. “Because [Iran’s] red lines have sometimes been ignored by the other side, we are not cur-

rently on the path to return to the agreement,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

“Of course, this does not mean that we have set the agreement aside. If the agreement serves our interests, [we will accept it] with all its flaws,” he added.

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, called in October on the international community not to fail in Iran as it did in North Korea, which now has nuclear weapons.

Iran says its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful, but since 2021 the UN body has struggled to monitor the development of its capabilities.

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INVESTORS OFFER 16 TIMES MORE THAN TARGET AMOUNT OF RS30B PROFIT

NEWS DESK

The government raised Rs479 billion through the sale of one-year Ijarah Sukuk at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), attracting 16 times more than the target amount of Rs30 billion.

The event was attended by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar, and PSX MD and CEO Farrukh H Khan, among others.

The PM said the auction was a remarkable achievement for the entire market ecosystem and reflected the confidence of investors in the economy.

He said the government had addressed the structural and macroeconomic issues and improved the fiscal and external accounts.

The auction marked the first time that the Ministry of Finance conducted a primary market auction of government debt securities at the PSX, in addition to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The cut-off yield for the Sukuk was below 20%, which was significantly lower than the average 22% return on one-year T-bills. The auction was aimed at simplifying the participation in government securities, diversifying the investor base, and enhancing transparency.

The finance minister said the auction was a momentous occasion for the financial markets and the economy of Pakistan. She said the amendment to existing rules had enabled the raising of government debt in capital markets.

The PSX chief said the auction would augment efficiency, flexibility, registration, trading and transfer of the government debt securities.

Earlier on Tuesday, the PSX announced it would hold the first-ever auction of listed government Ijara Sukuk bonds in a bid to raise Rs90 billion from the sale of one-year Islamic bonds between December 2023 and February 2024. The bonds are based on the Shariah-compliant principle of Ijarah, which involves the leasing of assets.

The auction was said to be held through the Capital Market Infrastructure Institutions (CMIIs), which include the PSX, the National Clearing and Settlement Company of Pakistan (NCCPL), and the Central Depository Company of Pakistan (CDC).

The Ministry of Finance had recently approved some amendments to the rules governing the issuance, registration, trading, and transfer of government debt securities through the CMIIs, allowing the PSX to conduct the primary market issuance.

Now, the second auction will be held on January 23, with the same target of Rs30 billion, and settlement on January 24, 2023. The third and final auction will be held in February 2024, with a target of Rs30 billion and settlement on the same day as the auction date.

Six French teenagers convicted in connection with 2020 beheading of teacher Paty PARIS

AGENCIES

A French court on Friday convicted six teenagers in connection with the 2020 beheading of history teacher Samuel Paty, whose murder shocked the country.

The teacher had shown his pupils caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a class on freedom of expression, angering some Muslim parents. Most Muslims avoid depictions of prophets, considering them to be blasphemous. Among those on trial was a teenage girl who had allegedly told her parents that Paty had asked Muslim pupils to leave the room before showing the caricatures. The court found her guilty of having made false accusation charges and slanderous comments, as it was established that she was not in the class at the time. The other adolescents were found guilty of charges related to taking part in a pre-meditated criminal conspiracy and helping to prepare an ambush.

Paty, 47, was killed outside his school in a Paris suburb by an 18-year-old assailant of Chechen origin, who was shot dead by police soon after the attack.

The court found those adolescents as guilty of having pointed out Paty to the murderer.

Louis Cailliez, lawyer for Paty’s sister Mickaelle, told reporters his client was “satisfied with the full conviction”, but less so with the sentences, that she found “too lenient”. Dylan Slama, a lawyer for one of the teenagers, said that though it was hard to talk about satisfaction in such tragic circumstances, there was a sense of relief for his client.

The heaviest sentence was given to an adolescent who was formally given a 6-month prison sentence, although he should be able to serve this at home while under electronic surveillance. The girl who was found guilty of making false accusations and slanderous comments was given an 18-month suspended sentence and put on probation measures for two years.

China ready to create favorable conditions for people-to-people exchanges: FM BEIJING

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

China welcomes measures to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries, and stands ready to work with them to create favorable conditions and provide greater convenience for the smooth movement of people, China’s Foreign Ministry told a press conference.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks amid the further expanded scope of mutual visa exemptions between China and other countries.

In the latest example, China and Singapore announced on Thursday a 30-day mutual visa exemption agreement during Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong’s visit to China.

On the same day, Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga

Uno said that the Indonesian government will implement a visa-free policy for tourists from 20 countries and regions including China in an effort to attract more foreign visitors, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Previously, Malaysia implemented a 30day visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens, and Thailand has also rolled out a phased visa-free policy for Chinese tourists.

China’s overseas embassies and consulates will cut 25 percent of visa fee from December 11, 2023 to December 31, 2024 to promote cross-border personnel exchanges, the WeChat account of China Consular Affairs said on Friday.

“The visa-free policy will not only facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries, but also stimulate both sides in the fields of tourism, catering and other consumption areas,” Wang Peng, an associate researcher from the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global

Times on Friday.

Noting that the measure will provide favorable conditions for China and other countries to enhance trade and economic ties, Wang said that it also reflected these countries’ confidence in China’s spending power and its prospects for economic development.

In an earlier interview, Nia Niscaya, an expert from Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, told the Global Times that from January to September, Indonesia received 570,000 trips from China, nearly triple the target of 200,000.

Indonesia regards China as a strategic partner, and the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has made China one of Indonesia’s top three sources of investment.

China is also the largest source of visitors for Indonesia’s tourist market, Niscaya noted.

Having survived the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the right time to renew cooperation with China, she said.

Sunday, 10 December, 2023 | KARACHI

CORPORATE CORNER Naval chief pinning honorary rank of commander Pakistan Navy to Prof Dr Farhan Essa Abdullah

KARACHI: A great honour for Rotary International in general and Past District Governor Prof Dr Farhan Essa Abdullah in particular who was bestowed Honorary Rank of Commander Pakistan Navy by the Chief of the Naval Staff for his extra ordinary philanthropic work for the underprivileged.The rank wearing ceremony was held at PNS Shifa’s wardroom . Rear Admiral Muhammad Saleem H(I)M Commander Karachi was the Chief Guest.The ceremony was attended by senior Naval officers , family and friends of Honorary Cdr Farhan Essa. PR

MQM-P urges devolution through amendments to ensure resources distribtion to grassroots level

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi MovementPakistan (MQM-P) Senior Deputy Convenor Mustafa Kamal has said that his party has proposed three constitutional amendments for the devolution of powers from the Chief Minister's House to the people in the streets in order to save the country.Addressing the "Meet the Editors" programme of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) on the theme of "General Elections and Future Strategy", Kamal said that the amendments proposed by the MQM-P were vital to save the country.He said that the party was sending these proposals to the leaders of all political parties.

"Those who are angry with the slogan of province should support our constitutional amendments," he said. "Despite the 18th Amendment, powers and financial resources have not been transferred to the grassroots level."He criticised the PPP, saying that the former rulling party in the province was banking on the boycott from London. PR

KE & House of Habib join hands to promote localisation

KARACHI: During a ceremony recently held at KE Head Office, the company inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with House of Habib to collaborate for sourcing locally manufactured components for its electricity infrastructure requirements while complementing the ‘Made in Pakistan’ ideology. KE is committed to initiatives focused on localisation and has already begun streamlining reliable local alternatives for components such as protection covers for HT bushing, DO Cutout, fuse base, cable end caps and PPEs including safety gloves. Both organisations have joined hands to fortify and indigenise the power sector supply chains through emphasis on locally sourced components, which will serve as resourceful catalysts in energising the city. PR

Final meeting of SIFC Working Group on development of SEZ

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Minister for Privatisation, Mr. Fawad Hasan Fawad, chaired the second and final meeting of SIFC Working Group on Development of Special Economic Zones held at the Privatisation Division on Friday, 8th December, 2023. The working group suggested creation of a single authority for managing all types of economic, technology and industrial zones for facilitation of investment and development of industry. A working paper based on the recommendations of the working group will be submitted to SIFC executive committee in its next meeting.

The meeting was attended by representatives of all key stakeholders at the federal and provincial level.

It was highlighted that the existing frameworks allow for different types of special zones offering different sets of incentives which is counterproductive for industrialization. The best facilitation of investment can be offered only when a single authority is formed and fully empowered by all stake holders to cater to investors. It was further pointed out that legal and constitutional provisions exist for such cooperation and coordination between the federation and the federating units. PR

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ATTOCK REFINERY WARNS OF SHUTDOWN DUE TO LOW PRODUCT LIFTING BY OMCS NEWS

OMCS IMPORTING MORE FUEL INSTEAD OF LIFTING ALLOCATED QUOTAS FROM REFINERY, CAUSING HIGH STOCKS AND RS700/MONTH LOSS

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HE Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), the only refinery in the north of Pakistan, has warned the government of its possible shutdown due to low product lifting by the oil marketing companies (OMCs) due to which the refinery is bleeding about Rs700 million per month.

In separate letters to the petroleum minister and the Ogra chairman, ARL CEO Adil Khattak said that OMCs had been importing more petrol and diesel instead of lifting their allocated quotas from ARL, causing high stocks of these products at the refinery.

He revealed the sales figures for the last four months which showed that only 38% of petrol and 47% of diesel sold by OMCs in ARL’s sales envelope was lifted from ARL and the rest was brought in from local or imported sources.

According to ARL’s CEO, this practice violated the rules that favored local refinery production over imports and led to foreign exchange loss and higher

inland freight equalisation margins, which increased the prices for consumers. ARL processes 100% of indigenous crude oil from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Potohar regions.

He said that ARL was facing serious challenges in disposing of its petrol and diesel production for the past few months and the situation had reached an alarming point where ARL would be forced to shut down if no corrective measures were taken.

Khattak explained that the shutdown would be inevitable to manage high stocks of petrol and diesel, which would be most unfortunate. He added that the closure of ARL could also affect the oil fields in the region, which could face penalties from the oil producers.

He cited data provided by the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) that clearly indicated that product from other sources was moved by OMCs in ARL’s supply envelope, thus impacting the country’s inland freight equalization margin and consumers. He said that this also meant that locally produced product from ARL was not prioritised.

Wheelchair race organized at Governor House Lahore LAHORE INP

Wheelchair race was organized by the Pakistan Para Olympics Association at Governor House Lahore on Saturday.

Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman and his wife Begum Ayesha Baligh met the participants of the wheelchair race and welcomed them at Governor House Lahore. President Pakistan Para Olympics Association, Dr. Khalid Jameel and participants of the wheelchair race were present on the occasion.

Speaking on this occasion, Muhammad Balighur Rahman said that special people should get equal opportunities in society. He said that a symbolic race has been organized in the Governor House to promote healthy activity and encourage differently abled persons.

He said that wheelchair ramps have been constructed for the first time in the Governor House Lahore, while an elevator was being installed to provide access of the Durbar Hall and the upper part of Governor House to the special people, adding that the lift will also have Braille facilities for the visu-

ally impaired.

The Governor Punjab said that he has also drawn the attention of the provincial government towards installing special traffic signals to cater to the needs of differently abled persons. He said that the facility of traffic signals with sound should be provided for the visually impaired.

At the end of the race, Balighur Rehman distributed certificates to the race winners and encouraged them. The participants of the wheelchair race thanked the Governor of Punjab for inviting them to the Governor House

Speakers remind international obligations on Kashmir issue BRUSSELS INP

Speakers of a seminar at the European headquarters in Brussels said that the international community should fulfill its responsibilities regarding the Kashmir issue and put pressure on India for the rights of Kashmiris facing the state terrorism for a long time.

A seminar titled "Rights of the Kashmiris and Obligations of the International Community" was organized at European Press Club by the Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU) in connection with its ongoing "Annual Kashmir EU-Week" in Brussels.

It may be recalled that the annual Kashmir EU Week events in Brussels began this week and a photo exhibition on Kashmir is also part of

the program which will continue until December 15 at the European Press Club. During the Kashmir EU week, a seminar and debate on Kashmir has also been held in the European Parliament this week.

The seminar which held at the European Press Club was presided by Chairman Kashmir Council EU Ali Raza Syed. Former Member of Brussels Assembly Dr. Manzoor Zahoor, Human rights activist Arsalan Agha, senior Kashmiri leaders Sardar Siddique, Chaudhry Khalid Joshi and Sardar Mahmood and European intellectuals Andre Barcs and Hafiz Uneeb Rashid and other personalities spoke on the occasion. Human rights activist and Chairman of International Forum for Justice/ Human Rights Jammu and Kashmir Ahsan Untoo also addressed the seminar through a communication

link from the Occupied Kashmir.

The speakers asserted that India has been suppressing the rights of Kashmiris for seven and a half decades and especially India is adopting all kinds of cruel tactics to crush their right to self-determination.

They said that Occupied Kashmir, especially the Kashmir valley, is presenting the appearance of a prison and no international human rights organization and foreign journalists are allowed to go there.

They added that now the Indian government has approved the new constituencies of the assembly of occupied Jammu and Kashmir under which the people of Kashmir valley will become a political minority in the assembly and in this case action can be taken against the right of selfdetermination of the Kashmiris.

He urged the government to direct the OMCs to ensure prioritising of local product lifting over imports and other sources like smuggling in ARL’s supply envelope so that the refinery could operate at optimum throughput. He also reminded the government that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had approved six months ago the allocation of 5,000 barrels per day of condensate crude oil from the Nashpa field to ARL, which was currently being exported, but this had not been implemented so far.

He demanded the federal government’s intervention to enable ARL to operate at its optimum capacity, which would not only save foreign exchange by reducing imports but also stop embezzlement and overcharging of inland freight equalization margins.

He suggested that the least Ogra could do was to carry out an audit of OMCs’ supplies in ARL’s supply area to identify defaulting OMCs who were bringing in imported products instead of uplifting products from ARL, thus causing not only loss of foreign exchange but also indulging in misappropriation of inland freight equalization margins.

Under information, communication blockade India manipulating demographic landscape of IIojK: Mushaal

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushaal Hussein Mullick has said that the ideologies espoused by fascists Modi and Netanyahu pose a significant threat to global peace.

She asserted that freedom from Indian occupation is the rightful destiny of Jammu and Kashmir. She was addressing the International Human Rights Day Conference 2023 organized by the International Human Rights Observer.Ms. Sabein Hussein Mullick (Focal person to SAPM), Dr. Khalid Aftab sulehri (Chairman International Human Rights Observer (IHRO)), Ambassador Dr. Nadeem Hussain Malik, Ahmed Raza Qausri (Advocate), Muhammad Shafique (Executive Director and former Human rights Commissioner), Mr. Manzoor Masih (Member National Human rights commission), Syed Naseer Gillani (Think tank expert SDGs), Mr. Izzat Kamal Pasha (Secretary General CDA Labour union), and Prof.

Maqsood jaffri were among the participants of the event.Mushaal said that the dignity of the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was being compromised on daily basis through excessive use of force, arbitrary and unlawful detentions, political persecution, restrictions on movement, enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings and use of rape as a weapon. PR

Pakistan's Mega Trends and Youth Aspirations spotlighted by Ipsos at PFBA Event in Karachi

Sindh, Balochistan cooperation to benefit both provinces: Tessori

KARACHI: Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori has said that Sindh and Balochistan can benefit from mutual cooperation in various fields for which exchange of delegations was need of the hour.This he said while talking with Governor Balochistan Malik Abdul Wali Kakar here today at Governor House. Enhancement in inter provincial cooperation, exchange of delegations specially in health and education sectors and other related matters were discussed in detail on the occasion.Governor Balochistan while appreciating the public oriented welfare initiatives of Governor Sindh, said that the general public were getting benefit from these unprecedented endeavours. PR

Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin urges for participating in environmental conservation, tree plantation

ISLAMABAD: The 53rd al Dai al Mutlaq and leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who arrived in Pakistan on 20th November 2023 upon invitation from the Government of Pakistan and community members has departed from Islamabad International Airport last night. During his stay in Karachi, a series of educational seminars took place preceded by a discourse in which His Holiness counseled community members towards upholding the values of an ideal civilization and praised the natural beauties of Pakistan and the socio-economic potential of the the nation has to offer. A highlight of his stay was the inauguration of the H.H. Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Building- School of Law at the University of Karachi on Monday 27th November. After a brief 2day stay at Hyderabad, His Holiness visited Islamabad where the Government of Pakistan presented him with the country’s highest civilian honor “Nishan-iPakistan” on 5th December in a special investiture ceremony at the President's House. PR

PEC protest against murder of its engineer

KARACHI: On the night of December 4, 2023 in Islamabad Bihara, a story of terrorism and brutality was told, in which an innocent and very noble officer of PEC, Assistant Registrar PEC Engineer Asim Long and his wife Riday Noor were killed.

He was shot and killed while his one and a half year old daughter was miraculously unharmed. In this regard, on December 8, 2023 at Islam Press Club, members of the management committee of Pakistan Engineering Council, governing. The members of the body, the chairman of the Contractor Association of Pakistan and other members and the officers of the PEC administration held a press conference in which Engineer Ejaz Hussain Ansari Vice Chairman PEC, Engineer Zahid Arif former Vice Chairman PEC, Engr. Azhar ul Islam, Engineer Dr. Samreen Hussain, Engineer Imran Khan Cheema, Engineer Khadim Hussain Bhatti, Engineer Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed Sheikh and Muhammad Muqarrab Iqbal, representing the Pakistan Engineering Council, strongly condemned this brutal terrorist incident and demanded the officials of the federal institutions to conduct a full investigation into the incident and arrest the killers immediately. PR

The session featured the findings and way forward for the future from two mega-research projects by Ipsos. One of them was the Ipsos Global Trends Survey, which represented 87% of the global GDP and 70% of the world's population and in which 48,000 people from 50 countries were interviewed.

Combined with the British Council Next Generation Pakistan research, a nationally representative qualitative and quantitative research with youth aged 16–34.

Mr. Alexis CHAHTAHTINSKY (Consul General of France) and Mr. Laurent CHOPITON (Head of the French Economic Department), Was the special invitee to the event, while it was attended by many notable members of the Pakistan-France Business Alliance (PFBA). PR

IoBM hosts 26th convocation 2023

KARACHI: The Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi, held its 26th Convocation at its campus on Saturday, December 09, 2023. 1,446 graduates from more than 40 disciplines including Bachelor’s, Master's, and Ph.D. were conferred degrees at the ceremony this year that was attended by senior representatives from IoBM, graduating students, their parents, and faculty.

The welcome address was given by the Chancellor of IoBM, Mr. Bashir Janmohammad while the keynote address was delivered by Mr. Rizwan Ahmed Sheikh, CEO, Saudi Pak Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company who is an IoBM alumnus from the first-ever batch to graduate from the varsity. Mr. Talib S. Karim, President IoBM, presented a progress report on behalf of the varsity at the event. Guiding the graduates with his extensive knowledge and experience, Mr. Bashir Janmohammad stressed the need for intellectual minds to trust in their country and dedicate their efforts toward contributing to the betterment of the nation. PR

Sunday, 10 December, 2023

WEEKLY WRAP: PSX BREACHES 66K BARRIER, PKR GAINS MORE GROUND AMID POSITIVE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK NEWS

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HE Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its bullish momentum, reaching new highs in the week ending on Dec 8, 2023. The benchmark KSE-100 index gained 7.35% week-on-week (WoW) to close at 66,224 points, the highest level in its history. The Pakistani rupee also appreciated against the US dollar by 0.39% WoW to settle at 283.87.

According to a report by AKD Securities Limited, the stock market was driven by positive news regarding the country’s economic prospects. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic recovery, projecting an increase in the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)-held reserves to $9.0 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

Bahador Bijani, the Executive Director of IMF, praised the actions and policies of the Pakistani authorities, saying that they have improved the economic situation and that the future outlook for the country is very bright.

The market also welcomed the finalisation of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) agreement and the increased likelihood of a similar outcome for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

These agreements are expected to boost trade and investment flows between Pakistan and the Gulf countries, which are among its major economic partners.

Another positive development was the inclusion of Pakistan in the IMF’s executive board meeting on January 11, 2024, which raised hopes for the second loan tranche The IMF program is crucial for Pakistan to access external financing and maintain macroeconomic stability.

As per the report, the upbeat sentiment was reflected in the significant surge in participation, with the weekly average traded volume totaling 1.02 million shares, up 64% WoW. The foreign investors also showed confidence in the Pakistani market, as they recorded a net inflow of $11.2 million during the week. The foreign interest was mainly concentrated in the refinery, oil and gas, and power sectors.

On the currency front, the rupee strengthened against the dollar, as the demand for the greenback eased and the supply increased due to the inflows from the Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) and the remittances.

However, the SBP-held foreign exchange reserves fell by $237 million to stand at $7.0 billion as of Dec 1, 2023, down 3.3% WoW. The decline was attributed to the external debt servicing and other official payments.

Sector-wise, the refinery sector emerged as the top performer, gaining 18.28% WoW, followed by the oil and gas exploration sector, which rose by 13.96% WoW. The refinery sector benefited from the higher refining margins and the improved demand for petroleum products.

The oil and gas exploration sector was supported by the higher international oil prices and the positive news regarding the BIT and FTA agreements with the GCC. The woolen sector was the worst performer, losing 8.39% WoW, followed by the textile weaving sector, which dropped by 5.76% WoW. The woolen sector suffered from the lower demand for winter clothing and the higher cost of raw materials. The textile weaving sector faced the challenges of the power outages, the gas shortages, and the rupee appreciation.

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WORKERS’ INFLOWS DECREASED 10% TO $11 BILLION DURING FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF FY24 PROFIT

NEWS DESK

People linked future of Pakistani politics with Nawaz; says Maryam Nawaz JALALPUR JATTAN STAFF REPORT

Reaffirming the “enduring political legacy” of her father, Maryam Nawaz, the senior vice president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), on Saturday countered critics who had prematurely declared the end of Nawaz Sharif’s political career, highlighting the irony of those making such claims finding themselves in dire political straits today.

Addressing a workers convention in Jalalpur Jattan, Maryam stressed that the people have linked the future of Pakistani politics with Nawaz, despite the challenges he has faced over the past 22 years.

Nawaz, she said, has spent a significant portion of his political journey—11 years—in jail and is still entangled in ongoing court cases. According to Maryam, her father faced false cases and conspiracies, including disqualification over allegations of not taking a salary from his son.

Maryam stated that Nawaz’s resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to his commitment to public service. She claimed that Nawaz Sharif has experienced imprisonment in various jails across Pakistan and is currently appearing before courts to combat what she termed as “false cases” for the past seven years.

The PML-N leader argued that, whenever the decision-making power rested in the hands of the people, they consistently favoured Nawaz Sharif.

Despite claims from political opponents that Nawaz Sharif’s politics had come to an end, Maryam asserted that the reality was quite the opposite, as evidenced

by Nawaz’s return to the country and the people’s continued support in elections.

The PML-N leader maintained that opponents had failed to present any concrete evidence against Nawaz. Expressing frustration with the slow pace of justice in her father’s ongoing legal battles, she remarked that when her father is finally receiving justice today, his critics are asserting that Nawaz Sharif is receiving favourable treatment.

In a pointed reference to political rival Imran Khan, Maryam drew attention to the irony of the person who accused Nawaz Sharif of theft and corruption finding himself embroiled in what she termed as “the biggest corruption case in the country’s history.” She criticized Imran for his alleged involvement in the corruption scandal and his failure to explain the origin of 190 million pounds.

Maryam maintained that Nawaz Sharif’s enduring popularity and the lack of substantiated accusations against him speak volumes about his contributions to Pakistani politics.

Pakistan received $2.2 billion in remittances from its overseas workers in November 2023, a 4 percent increase from the same month last year, but a 9 percent decrease from October 2023, according to the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Workers’ remittances inflow of $11 billion has been recorded during the first five months (JulyNovember) of FY24, a 10 percent decrease from the same period last year, the SBP data showed.

The main sources of remit-

tances in November were Saudi Arabia ($540.3 million), the UAE ($409.4 million), the UK ($341.7 million) and the USA ($261.5 million).

The remittances data comes ahead of the IMF’s executive board meeting on January 11, 2024, where it will decide on the release of the next $700 million tranche from its $3 billion loan programme to Pakistan. Pakistan received the first tranche of $1.2 billion in July 2023.

The IMF has projected that Pakistan’s remittances will decline by $3.5 billion to $29.377 billion in the current fiscal year ending on June 30, 2024, due to

the adverse effects of economic downturn. The IMF has also warned that Pakistan’s oil import bill will increase from $15.3 billion to $17.63 billion in the same period, putting pressure on its foreign exchange reserves and balance of payments.

According to the SBP, Pakistan’s forex reserves held by the central bank dropped by $237 million to $7.020 billion as of December 1, 2023. The country’s total reserves have been decreased by $286 million to $12.107 billion. The SBP expects its reserves to reach $9 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

Imran challenges ECP’s decision on contempt trial in prison LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and premier Imran Khan on Saturday challenged the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to conduct his contempt trial in Adiala jail.

The contempt case revolves around Imran’s alleged use of derogatory and contemptuous remarks against the Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja during press conferences and public gatherings. The former prime minister requested the court to set aside the ECP’s impugned order of November 30, 2023, under which the electoral body decided to conduct his trial or proceedings in Adiala jail on account of unspecified security reasons.

The PTI chief also prayed the court to declare closed trials in prison a sheer violation of fundamental rights and urged relevant authorities to conduct his trial in an open and public court, similar to normal court proceedings.

Additionally, he sought to halt the proceedings before the Election Commission under the Election Act 2017, restraining the respondent CEC from conducting jail proceedings, issuing orders, or taking coercive measures against him.

The federal government through its secretary of Ministry of Law and Justice, ECP through its CEC, secretary ECP, director general (law) ECP, secretary Ministry of Interior, superintendent district Adiala jail, and additional inspector general (AIG) of police (operations) were made respondents.

Imran filed the petition through Barrister Sameer Khosa, who contended that the impugned order incorrectly holds that respondent CEC has jurisdiction to order a trial in secret and in prison. He added that the CEC has relied on the report furnished by superintendent Adiala jail, which states that provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 do not apply in contempt proceedings because it is a sui generis proceeding.

“The respondent CEC has

failed to appreciate that unless a specific power is granted under a statute authorising it to conduct proceedings in jail, there is no inherent power to conduct proceedings in this manner. Given that the report by the respondent, Superintendent Jail, states that the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 does not apply to the proceedings, there is no authorization in either the Elections Act 2017 or the Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003 to conduct proceedings in jail.”

“Thus, the impugned order, in purporting to exercise a power that ECP does not have, is patently without jurisdiction.”

He contended that the CEC is not a court that can exercise judicial powers; instead, it is an executive agency. “Neither is it a court for Article 204 of the Constitution, Article 175, or the High Court as mandated by Article 203 of the Constitution.” He further said that even if power is granted to a court under a statute, the exercise of such power cannot be extended to the CEC, which is not a court.

PTI’s Asad Qaiser re-arrested under 3-MPO after getting bail SWABI

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader and former speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser was rearrested under 3-MPO after securing bail from a Mardan District and Sessions Court on Saturday. The district and sessions court Mardan granted him bail in the May 9 case against surety bonds of Rs90,000. Following his release on bail, the Swabi police rearrested him under MPO. PTI leader Asad Qaiser’s bail application was heard by a Judicial Magistrate in Mardan, in which the court granted the bail of the former speaker of the National Assembly against a surety bond of Rs90,000. It should be noted that on December 2, a district and sessions court in Mardan accepted the bail application of PTI leader Asad Qaiser and issued an order for his release, but he was arrested by the police once again. Asad Qaiser is currently imprisoned in Central Jail Mardan. Qaiser, who is accused of corruption in the procurement of equipment for Gajju Khan Medical College, was arrested from Bani Gala, Islamabad, on Nov 3. The ACE booked Mr Qaiser over his alleged corruption in the purchase of medical equipment for Swabi’s Gajju Khan Medical College.

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INDUSTRY ADVOCATES FOR POLICY BACKING, SEEKING PREFERENTIAL TARIFF RATES AND GUIDANCE ON SUSTAINABILITY AND RECYCLING STANDARDS PROFIT

NEWS DESK

The textile industry has presented an ambitious proposal to the government, outlining a comprehensive plan aimed at achieving a $50 billion export target. The plan includes recommendations for overcoming barriers and providing incentives to enhance international market penetration.

The industry’s proposal encompasses the establishment of 1,000 garment plants on an expedited basis to generate exportable surplus and diversify the export basket. Each plant, equipped with 500 stitching machines and requiring a $5 million investment, is expected to yield $20 million in annual exports and create 1,000 jobs.

During a presentation to the Export Advisory Council for Textiles, the industry suggested a “no-cost-nocommitment” incentive package. This package features proposals such as offering free office spaces for international brands and retailers, encouraging their physical presence in Pakistan.

The initial six months’ costs are to be covered through upfront financing from the Export Development Fund, coupled with a 0.1 percent rebate for firms procuring merchandise exceeding $50 million from Pakistan.

The industry highlighted shifts in the US fashion industry’s strategy, transitioning from “China plus Vietnam plus many” to “Asia plus rest of the world.”

Recognizing the changing landscape, Pakistani firms aim to capitalize on opportunities arising from the reevaluation of textile product sourcing.

As sustainability gains prominence, textile companies are expected to increase sourcing of clothing made from recycled or sustainable fibers.

Challenges include high sourcing costs and lowprofit margins. The industry is calling for policy support, including preferential tariff rates and guidance on sustainability and recycling standards.

Addressing industry-specific concerns, the textile sector urged the government to announce a separate power tariff category for exporters, ensuring a competitive environment.

Calls were made for a steady supply of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG)/locally produced gas at regionally competitive prices and a transition to zero emissions for exporting industries to meet net-zero greenhouse gas emission targets.

The industry also sought exemptions from sales tax for export-sector inputs, expedited processing of FASTER refunds by the Federal Board of Revenue, and the creation of free commercial zones with simplified procedures.

Additionally, it emphasized the need for tax incentives and financing schemes to gain a competitive edge in the global market, focusing on diversifying textile and apparel exports beyond cotton-based products.

Nawaz trying to become PM for fourth time, but will fail this time too: Bilawal LOWER DIR

STAFF REPORT

As the much-awaited general elections draw closer, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday intensified his critique of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, claiming the latter was demanding a two-third majority in upcoming elections. Addressing PPP’s workers’ convention in Timergara, the PPP chairman lashed out at PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, saying that elder Sharif was trying to become prime minister for the fourth time, but he will fail to deliver this time too.

“Nawaz has failed the first three times, what will do by electing the fourth time?”.

“Instead of making someone Prime Minister for the second, third time or fourth time, young leadership should be given chances,” Bilawal reiterated his demand. “Politics of division and hatred is on the rise in Pakistan and one party intends to take revenge by winning the elections.”

“Raiwandwala has become the prime minister three times and now wants to be selected for the fourth time,” said Bilawal while criticising Nawaz Sharif.

Recounting Nawaz Sharif’s political journey, Bilawal reminded the audience that Sharif, initially “selected” in 1990, later clashed with those who facilitated his rise to power. He continued to elaborate on subsequent stints, emphasising a pattern of political confrontations leading to his ousting in 1999 and 2017.

Chilas bus firing: ‘Brave’ mother survives six bullets to save children KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

One of the victims of the Chilas firing incident, who survived six bullets to keep her children and husband safe when unidentified assailants opened fire on a passenger bus on Karakoram Highway, has been shifted to Karachi for treatment of her injuries.

28-year-old Roshan Bibi is one of the 26 people injured in the horrific attack, which also killed nine others who had boarded the ill-fated bus travelling from Ghizar district of Gilgit-Baltistan to Rawalpindi last week.

The mother of a five-year-old daughter and two-year-old son exhibited sheer

courage and attentiveness when she heard the gunshots directed toward the bus.

According to her husband, Bulbul Shah, Roshan was sitting on the window seat with their daughter in her lap, when the bus came under attack.

He said that his wife hid both the kids under the seats, pushed him down on the bus’s floor, and shielded the family by covering them with only her body.

In the bid to keep her loved ones safe, Roshan was severely injured with six bullets in her abdomen. Three of the bullets have been removed but the remaining stay inside her body as the doctors couldn’t take them out due to some complications.

Currently, Roshan is admitted to a private hospital in Karachi, where she underwent some tests and scans.

Shah said that his wife will undergo some more surgeries to remove the remaining bullets after advice from experts.

Speaking to Geo News, Roshan said that some parts of her back were numb due to injury but she is thankful that her children remained safe.

She also expressed joy that she and her husband are fine now.

Roshan has so far undergone two operations and was shifted to Karachi by air from Islamabad after doctors referred her to the port city.

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