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PAKISTAN ASKS AFGHANISTAN TO HANDOVER TTP LEADERSHIP
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Thursday, 14 December, 2023 I 29 Jamada Al-Awal, 1445
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Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 165 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
FO URGES AFGHAN GOVT TO FULFILL ITS OBLIGATIONS g SAYS INDIAN SC HAS NO JURISDICTION ON INTERNATIONALLY AND STOP USE OF ITS SOIL AGAINST PAKISTAN RECOGNIZED JAMMU & KASHMIR DISPUTE ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
OREIGN Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Wednesday urged Afghan authorities to handover to Pakistan the terrorist leadership especially that of the TTP involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan. In an interview here, Mumtaz Zahra said Pakistan will take action against them according to its laws, saying, “We have sufficient evidence against them.” She said the foreign secretary delivered a strong demarche to the Afghan Charge D’Affaires yesterday over the recent deadly attack in Dera Ismail Khan. She said the Foreign Secretary demanded that the Afghan government denounce this act at the highest level, conduct an investigation into it, and take stern action against those responsible. The spokesperson said the Afghan government should fulfill its obligations and not allow the use of its land against Pakistan. When asked about the Indian Supreme Court's judgment endorsing Modi government decision to abrogate the special status of illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, she said it has no legal status and Pakistan has rejected it. Mumtaz Zahra said the Indian Supreme Court has no jurisdiction on internationally recognized disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. She said no country in the world recognizes IIOJK as an integral part of India. She said the motives behind the Indian move are apparent. As part of a considered campaign, it aims to convert Kashmiris into a minority on their own land, which, she said, the Kashmiri people and Pakistan as a party, will never accept. The spokesperson said Pakistan will continue to raise the voice of Kashmiri people at international level until they get their right to self-determination.
Ready to probe DIK attack; Kabul should not be blamed for every issue: Mujahid
WASHINGTON
ISLAMABAD
AGENCIES
STAFF REPORT
The Afghan Taliban announced on Wednesday that its government is ready to investigate the deadly DI Khan attack, asserting that Kabul should not be blamed for every issue. “Pakistan is a strong military power and they should have prevented such incidents on its territory”, Afghan Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated. “We are shocked at the attack in Pakistan. We will look into the demands made by Pakistan,” Zabihullah Mujahid, emphasizing that Afghanistan should not be blamed for every issue and that Pakistan should focus on its security. On Tuesday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, had reported that a group of six terrorists targeted a security forces' check post in the Daraban general area in DI Khan district in the early hours of Tuesday. The assailants attempted to breach the post, leading to a thwarted attack that culminated in an explosive-laden vehicle being rammed into the post, followed by a suicide bombing.
The spokesperson said Pakistan is ready for talks with India but on equal basis and without compromising on Kashmir cause. She said India will have to roll back the illegal steps of 5th August 2019 for talks with Pakistan. Kashmir dispute will remain a priority as and when talks take place with India. She said Pakistan will never leave alone their Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said India was
Day after acquittal in Al-Azizia case, Nawaz says ‘lies evaporated’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
US 'strongly condemns' DI Khan terrorist attack
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday asserted that the cases against him were “hollow” and the “lies have evaporated” a day after the Islamabad High Court acquitted him in the Al-Azizia reference. Speaking in a press conference alongside the senior PML-N leadership including Ahsan Iqbal, Ishaq Dar, Maryam Nawaz and Hamza Shehbaz, the PML-N supremo said: “After a long absence, I am grateful to God that I am seeing this day again. “The cases — the fake cases — God has saved me from them.” Yesterday, he was acquitted by the IHC in the AlAzizia reference. It was one of the two graft references that Nawaz was convicted in. He was acquitted in the Avenfield reference on Nov 29 by the same bench. The former PM dismissed the Al-Azizia case filed against him as bogus, asserting, “It wasn’t NAB’s independent decision; NAB was directed to pursue that.” “A judge was appointed and instructed to ensure that Nawaz Sharif gets the punishment,” he alleged while naming a sitting Supreme Court judge who was part of the Panama case. The former premier stated that all the cases filed against him were allegedly orchestrated “to bring our government down and to bring Nawaz Sharif down from his seat of the prime minister.” He mentioned that during the trials, the judges found nothing in the Panama Papers case. He stated, “Because they wanted to punish me, they did not find anything in Panama Papers case. They want me to get out of the chair, so they brought the so-called Iqama case.” Nawaz recalled that one of the judges on the Panamagate bench used the word “godfather” to describe him in the verdict. He questioned, “Do judges use words like these?” He remarked, “First, this trial was false, on top of these, the remarks by the bench, and the media was conducting its own trial.” He also criticised the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for what he perceived as an unjust punishment for him and his daughter. “Those who did all this to the nation should be held accountable,” he stated. He emphasised that it’s not just about what happened to him, stating, “What has occurred with the people of Pakistan, with inflation skyrocketing and their lives becoming miserable, demands accountability.”
The military's media wing stated, "The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple casualties; 23 brave soldiers embraced shahadat, while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell." The Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), affiliated with the banned Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack. To a question about Pakistan's call for an investigation, Mujahid said, "If they ask for an investigation, if they share the details with us, we will do the investigation".
committing extra territorial killings and kidnappings in South Asia but now its network of espionage and terrorism has gone global. Alluding to the killing of a Sikh leader in Canada and the foiling of a plot to kill another Sikh leader in the US, the spokesperson said, gradually but surely, India is exposing before the world. She said the world should be worried over the Indian actions. TERRORISTS FIGHTING A WAR
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed solidarity with Pakistan on Wednesday, a day after a deadly terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan martyred 23 military personnel. Blinken said, "The US strongly condemns the terrorist attack at a security post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," adding that the country stood with the people of Pakistan “in ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice”. He also offered condolences to the families of the victims. A day earlier, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that a group of six terrorists attacked a security forces’ check post in the Daraban general area in the early hours of Tuesday. “The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack," according to the military's media wing. “The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple casualties; 23 brave soldiers embraced shahadat, while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell,” the ISPR added. The Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a group that only emerged on the scene in
THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN WON: PM KAKAR: Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said that militants were fighting a war that had already been won. “I want to tell the accursed attackers that you have already lost the war. This war is won and the Pakistani state has won it,” he said while speaking to the media after visiting those injured in Tuesday’s attack. “It only needs to be announced and only
PTI’s Imran, Qureshi plead not guilty as court indicts them afresh CYPHER CASE ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Special Court established under the Official Secrets Act on Wednesday once again indicted former premier Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cypher case. The proceedings took place at Adiala jail wherein both the PTI leaders pleaded not guilty as the court sought evidence from the prosecution. Imran’s wife Bushra Bibi and his sisters were also in attendance alongside Qureshi’s family and FIA Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi. During the hearing, the judge read out the two-page charge sheet against the PTI leaders, which alleged that the two had violated the Official Secrets Act during their time in office. It alleged that Imran had waved a secret diplomatic document at a public rally on March 27, adding that the accused used the cypher for his own personal interests. Qureshi pleaded his innocence after the charges were read out, while Imran said, “I did something wrong by exposing the domestic and foreign establishment. Add that to the list of charges too.” He further said, “They made us the accused after toppling our government. How can the one who was ousted also be the accused?” Imran further said that this entire “drama” was being staged to save ex-army chief retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and US diplomat Donald Lu. The PTI chief that he was “not afraid of the death penalty”, insisting the cypher was written to topple his government. “There is a conspiracy within the cypher
which is being hidden,” he said. “How can there be a fair trial when the media is being muzzled? If a fair trial is not conducted, the responsibility will lie with you for the rest of your life,” Imran said. At this, the judge reminded the PTI chief that this was a court of law and his tone was “not appropriate”. The cypher case pertains to a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) charge sheet alleges was never returned by Imran. The PTI has long held that the document contained a threat from the United States to oust Imran as prime minister. Imran and Qureshi were ini-
tially indicted in the case on Oct 23. Both had pleaded not guilty. The trial was being held at Adiala Jail and four witnesses had already recorded their statements, with the fifth being cross-examined when an Islamabad High Court (IHC) division bench termed the government’s notification for a jail trial “erroneous” and scrapped the entire proceedings. As a result of the judgment, the special court started a fresh trial. Last month, Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain had ruled that the trial proceedings would continue at the Adiala Jail but in an open court.
RAWALPINDI
court as the hearing "lacked transparency" and was carried "impulsively". The counsels further contended that it was because of the same "hasty" decisions that the case's proceedings were declared unconstitutional before by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). They said the PTI will stage a strong protest tomorrow, accusing the prosecutors of wrongly stating that the PTI leaders have been indicted. "No procedure related to indictment was carried out in court today," Safdar reiterated. Furthermore, senior lawyers Sardari Latif Khosa, Aitzaz Ahsan and Salman Akram Raja also separately addressed the media, and denounced not being allowed to attend the jail trial.
'Lacked Transparency': PTI counsels decry cypher case indictment procedure STAFF REPORT
Lawyers representing former PTI chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cypher case decried on Wednesday the indictment procedure adopted in the case. Talking to the media outside Adiala jail after the indictment proceedings, Salman Safdar , counsel for Imran Khan and Barrister Taimur Malik, representing Shah Mahmood Qureshi claimed that neither indictment was carried out in front of them, nor were the accused made to sign the charge-sheet. PTI’s lawyer informed the media that they will be challenging the indictment process in the
February this year, claimed responsibility for the DI Khan attack. Earlier last week, the United States threw its weight behind Pakistan in the wake of renewed threat posed by banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as the key aide of President Biden said his country stands with Pakistan. The support from the US came at a time when Pakistan is grappling with increased terrorist attacks being perpetrated by the TTP from across the border in Afghanistan. US special Representative for Afghanistan Tom West flew to Pakistan earlier this week and held talks with Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and other officials. Before wrapping up his three-day visit, the US pointman for Afghanistan on Saturday in a statement acknowledged the "grave threat" posed by the TTP to Pakistan. "Departing Islamabad after productive two-day visit. Important conversations with [Caretaker Foreign Minister] Jalil Jilani, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and Asif Durrani[Pakistan's Special Representative to Afghanistan], and MOI Secretary Durrani about grave security challenges posed by TTP as well as imperative to protect Afghan refugees," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
the time for this needs to be determined. During this, we may suffer some losses and some the enemy will suffer, but they are fighting a losing battle and we are fighting a war that has already been won.” Kakar said that instead of him reassuring those that were injured, they had bolstered him with their words of encouragement and faith. The premier vowed the state would not back down or surrender to militants.
Power Division asks NEPRA to raise power tariff for KE consumers by Rs 1.71/unit g
NEPRA TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON GOVERNMENT REQUEST REGARDING KE TARIFF PROFIT
AHMAD AHMADANI
The Power Division has requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to raise electricity price for the consumers of K-Electric by Rs 1.71 per unit. NEPRA will hold a public hearing on government requests next Wednesday (20th December 2023). As per details, NEPRA has scheduled a hearing on a motion filed by the Ministry of Energy (power Division) to apply quarterly adjustments (QTA) of PKR 0.4689 per unit and PKR 1.2489 per unit for 2nd and 3rd quarter of FY 22-23 respectively. The request has been filed by the Energy Ministry to maintain uniform tariff across the country, and these charges have already been determined for power distribution companies (DISCOs). It is relevant to note that the NEPRA will scrutinise this request and issue a final decision on the amount to be passed on to customers as per procedure. Power distribution companies across Pakistan operate in a regulated environment, and follow the directions issued by NEPRA and the Government regarding the costs of electricity to be applied to customers’ monthly bills. Hence, individual distribution companies cannot influence the process or make unilateral changes. K-Electric (KE) is a publicly listed company incorporated in Pakistan in 1913 as KESC. Privatised in 2005, KE is the only vertically integrated utility in Pakistan supplying electricity within a 6500 square kilometres territory including Karachi and its adjoining areas. The majority shares (66.4%) of the company are listed in the PSX owned by KES Power, a consortium of investors including Aljomaih Power Limited of Saudi Arabia, National Industries Group (Holding), Kuwait, and the Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund (IGCF). The Government of Pakistan is also a minority shareholder (24.36%) in the company.
Fitch maintains Pakistan’s ‘CCC’ rating, cautions high external funding risks, political volatility
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AGENCY FORECASTS CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT OF $2 BILLION IN FY24 PROFIT
NEWS DESK
Fitch Ratings, a US-based credit rating agency, has affirmed Pakistan’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘CCC’. Given the country’s substantial medium-term financing requirements, the ‘CCC’ rating reflects concerns about high external funding risks. Despite some stabilization and Pakistan’s performance on its current Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF),
Fitch highlights the challenges. “We expect elections to take place as scheduled in February and a follow-up IMF program to be negotiated quickly after the SBA finishes in March 2024, but there is still the risk of delays and uncertainty around Pakistan’s ability to do this,” stated Fitch in a statement released on Wednesday. The credit rating agency emphasized that elections could jeopardize recent reforms, posing risks of renewed political volatility. Regarding the ongoing IMF program, Fitch anticipates unproblematic board approval for the recent staff-level agree-
ment (SLA). Fitch acknowledges the risks related to policy implementation, citing a history of political parties in Pakistan failing to implement or reverse reforms agreed with the IMF. The agency sees a risk that the current consensus on necessary measures could dissipate quickly once economic and external conditions improve. Fitch suggests that any follow-up IMF program would likely require Pakistan to undertake significant structural reforms, potentially facing resistance from vested interests. On the political front, the agency
expects general elections to occur as scheduled in February, foreseeing a coalition government along the lines of Shahbaz Sharif’s government. The credit rating agency notes ambitious funding targets, with the government aiming for a total gross new external financing of $18 billion in FY24, which includes $1.5 billion in Eurobond/sukuk issuance and $4.5 billion in commercial bank borrowing. Fitch forecasts a current account deficit (CAD) of about $2 billion in FY24, in line with FY23, driven by contractionary fiscal policies, lower commodity prices, and lim-
ited foreign exchange (FX) availability. While Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have recovered on inflows of new funding and limited CADs, Fitch points out that the fiscal deficits remain wide. The consolidated general government (GG) fiscal deficit is expected to narrow to 6.8 percent of GDP in FY24, from an estimated 7.8 percent in FY23. Despite stable debt dynamics owing to high nominal growth, Fitch highlights concerning metrics such as debt/revenue (over 650pc) and interest/revenue (about 60pc), primarily due to very low revenue/GDP.
02 NEWS
GILGIT BALTISTAN COUNCIL TAKES INITIATIVE FOR EQUITABLE UTILIZATION OF USF FUNDS
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Thursday, 14 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
NEW ENTITY ESTABLISHED TO SECURE A SHARE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TELECOM SERVICES IN REGION ISLAMABAD
Ghulam aBBas
N a move to address the absence of contributions from the Universal Service Fund (USF), Gilgit Baltistan (GB) has established its own entity, Gigit Baltistan Council USF (GBCUSF), aimed at securing a share for the development of telecommunication services in the mountainous region. According to documents available with this scribe, despite contributing over Rs 500 million to the USF, GB has faced challenges in receiving its due share, attributed to constitutional and legal considerations. The USF, designed to extend telecommunication services to underserved areas, has become a
SCCI urges govt to take steps for promotion of furniture industry
focal point for the GB government. The Gilgit Baltistan Council (GBC), based in Islamabad, has taken a proactive step by establishing GBCUSF, focusing on delineating a new framework for the region’s participation in the USF funds. Meetings involving key stakeholders, such as PTA, Survey of Pakistan, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, GB Government, and telecom companies, have been conducted to reassess the existing 77% and 23% distribution between Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and GB. Parameters considered for reassessment include the current population, tourism, revenues, unconnected roads, and telecom priorities. The proposed revised sharing formula will be presented for deliberation
and approval to the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan and AJ&K Council. Statistics related to population, tourism, revenues, and telecom coverage have been compiled to inform discussions. The focus also extends to the framework for USF fund utilization. GBCUSF, once equipped with its technical team, plans to draft a comprehensive framework, subject to the approval of the USF Co. Board of Directors. Engagement with relevant departments and organizations, including PTA, Survey of Pakistan, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, and telecom companies, will aid in identifying and prioritizing underserved areas and necessary services. Efforts to secure support from the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication and USF Pakistan are ongoing. While awaiting responses, emphasis has been placed on the need for research and development (R&D) projects in the region. Suggestions include merging R&D funds
Bilawal takes exception to SC judge questioning maintainability of ZAB reference
PESHAWAR
aziz BuNeri
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Fuad Ishaq urged the government to take pragmatic steps for promotion of furniture industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and resolve issues being faced by people attached with this sector. Fuad Ishaq said that the furniture industry has played a pivotal role in economic development and enhancement of the country's export, which should be lifted up at an optimal level. He was speaking as chief guest at 83rd Edition of Pakistan Lifestyle and Furniture Expo in Peshawar, said in a press release here on Wednesday. Various Pakistani and international furniture stalls set up in the expo. The event was attended by the chamber’s senior vice president Sanaullah Khan, Pakistan Lifestyle Group Chief Executive Mohsin Faisal, Director Zahra Faisal, Secretary General of the chamber Sajjad Aziz, Saddar Gul, Faiz Rasool, Fazal e Wahid, organisers and people attached with furniture industry. While praising the organisers for holding international furniture exhibition in Peshawar, Fuad Ishaq said such initiative is vital to boost investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially revive the country’s ailing economy The SCCI president said huge potential exists to make investment in the furniture sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He asked to create maximum opportunities for promotion of the furniture industry and investment in the sector. Fuad Ishaq said the business community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced various difficulties due to current economic turmoil and other issues. Therefore, he urged the government to take serious steps for resolution of businessperson issues attached with the furniture industry. Like other sectors, he said the furniture industry was not only contributing to economic development but had an important role in improving the country’s exports. He emphasized the furniture industry should be incentivized to boost up investment in the sector. Faud Ishaq said the business community has always supported the national economy in difficult circumstances. So, he stressed that traders' issues should be resolved on priority grounds. Later, the SCCI president Fuad Ishaq and senior vice president Sanaullah Khan visited various stalls set up in the furniture exhibition and praised the various arts/designs and high quality of furniture. On the occasion, Lifestyle Chief Executive Mohsin Faisal presented shields to president of the chamber Fuad Ishaq, senior vice president Sanaullah Khan and Secretary General Sajjad Aziz while the SCCI chief distributed certification among organisers and participants of the furniture exhibition.
SC to hear pleas against eviction of illegal Afghans after winter vacations
into the USF fund, with ongoing amendments in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996. As claimed by the officials, the estab-
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari Wednesday “called into question” after a judge of the Supreme Court questioned the maintainability of 12-year-old Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference. On Tuesday, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah observed that the matter pertaining to the trial of the PPP founder had attained finality as a review petition had been dismissed earlier, so how can the apex court re-open the case that has already been concluded. A nine-member bench of the apex
court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa heard the presidential reference seeking to revisit the ZAB murder case. The apex court heard the attorney general and PPP counsel Farooq H Naek, and adjourned the hearing till the second week of January 2024. The PPP chairman, while addressing lawyers at Peshawar High Court Bar Association today, said: “I want to ask you a few questions of law as I was asked that you are pleading this [ZA Bhutto] reference but what’s your question of law." “My question of law is that can judiciary commit a murder or become co-accused in committing a mur-
der,” the PPP chief said. Bilawal questioned the “statute of limitation” in hearing ZA Bhutto reference that was filed by then president Asif Ali Zardari in 2011, asking the top court to review the verdict that sentenced PPP founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to death in 1978. “Seeking justice for murder is a legal right of everyone,” he said, opposing the limitation to hearing the cases that are time-barred. “Murder is murder no matter how many years have passed,” he added. Taking a jibe at former chief justices, Bilawal without naming anyone, asked what's the question of law in launching a dam fund campaign — a reference to former top judge Saqib Nisar's campaign initiated during the Imran Khan government. He also asked if any chief justice has the right to take steps to restore a city to its original plan by demolishing the houses of the poor. Bilawal was referring to the ex-chief justice Gulzar Ahmed who ordered the demolition of buildings and slum areas built illegally in Karachi. “We will speak about the question of law but along with that we hope that […] as per law and Constitution, the Supreme Court will set a legacy in its order to give a roadmap for the progress and prosperity of the country and youth,” he added.
Provincial development expenditure surges by 38% in Q1FY23 PROFIT
News Desk
Provincial development spending reached Rs245.5 billion in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023 (JulySeptember), marking a substantial 38 percent rise compared to Rs152 billion during the same period the previous year. Notably, Punjab led with the highest spending, totaling Rs112 billion. Official data on fiscal operations for the first quarter, when compared to the corresponding period of the preceding year, indicates a noteworthy surge in total development expenditure under the Public Sector Development Pro-
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PUNJAB LEADS WITH HIGHEST SPENDING, RISING FROM RS72.298 BILLION TO RS112 BILLION
gramme (PSDP). The expenditure for Q1FY23 reached Rs245.5 billion, contrasting with Rs152.233 billion reported for July-September 2022. Punjab witnessed a significant increase in development spending, rising from Rs72.298 billion in Q1FY22 to Rs112 billion in Q1FY23. Similarly, Sindh reported an increase in development spending from Rs28.27 billion to Rs84.5 billion during the same period. Balochistan’s develop-
ment spending escalated from Rs7.738 billion to Rs19.6 billion year-on-year. In a surprising contrast, KhyberPakhtunkhwa (KP) observed a decrease in development spending, dropping from Rs43.9 billion in Q1FY22 to Rs29.7 billion in Q1FY23. The data reflects varied fiscal strategies among provinces, with Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan increasing their development expenditure while KP witnessed a reduction during the first quarter of the current fiscal year.
ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday forwarded pleas against the deportation of illegal Afghans from Pakistan, to a committee, for the formation of the larger bench. The apex committee of the National Action Plan (NAP) in a meeting on October 3, chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar gave a deadline to all foreign nationals living illegally in the country until October 31 to leave voluntarily or face deportation. Since the expiry of the deadline, over 400,000 illegal Afghans have returned to their homeland via the Torkham and Chaman borders. A threemember bench headed by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood took up the pleas. SC observed that the powers of the caretaker government under Article 224 of the Constitution of Pakistan have been challenged. As per the Practice and Procedure Act, the matters related to the interpretation of the constitution should be heard by a larger bench, the SC said. The apex court ruled that further hearings on the matter would be held after the winter vacation. On the last hearing of the matter, the Supreme Court (SC) issued notices to the federation, apex committee, and foreign ministry.
lishment of GBCUSF marks a significant milestone, paving the way for equitable distribution and utilization of USF funds in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Oil prices hold near six-month lows PROFIT
reuters
Oil prices stabilised on Wednesday, but remained near six-month lows after a more than 3% drop in the previous session, with investors concerned about oversupply and waning demand. Brent crude futures for February were up 15 cents, or 0.2%, at $73.39 a barrel at 1437 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures for January gained 18 cents, or 0.26%, to $68.79 a barrel. Brent futures closed at their lowest since late June on Tuesday at $73.24 a barrel, incurring a $2.79 a barrel day-on-day loss. At their intra-day low on Wednesday, Brent futures touched a fresh six-month low of $72.29 a barrel. “Concerns around the global economy next year, a weak commitment to output cuts from OPEC+ and higher output elsewhere, including record levels in the United States, is weighing heavily on prices into year-end,” said OANDA analyst Craig Erlam. In its latest monthly oil market report, OPEC blamed the latest crude price slide on “exaggerated concerns” about oil demand growth. The group of oil producing nations kept its forecast for world oil demand growth unchanged for 2024 at 2.25 million barrels per day (bpd). Investors will be looking ahead to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy decision later on Wednesday, where interest rates are largely expected to be left unchanged for a third time in a row. Markets have priced in “aggressive rate cuts” for 2024, said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG. “Any disappointment on that front could strengthen the U.S. dollar and weigh on the risk environment,” pushing down oil prices, Yeap said. Elsewhere on Wednesday, nearly 200 nations reached an historic deal at the COP28 conference to begin reducing the global consumption of fossil fuels, meant to send a signal to investors in oil and other fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia’s energy minister said he was in agreement with the COP28 presidency on the final deal, adding that it would not affect the Kingdom’s hydrocarbon exports. Israel said it will continue its war in Gaza whether or not it has international backing, after the United Nations passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire and U.S. President Joe Biden warned that Israel was starting to lose support because of civilian deaths.
Govt to block CNICs of PTI absconders involved in May 9 riots LAHORE
staff report
The Punjab police has urged the federal government to block CNICs of PTI leaders who were declared absconders in May 9 vandalism cases. In a letter written to NADRA, the police have requested to block the CNICs of 18 PTI leaders. The absconded leaders include Murad Saeed, Imtiaz Sheikh, Farhat Abbas, Wasif Qayyum, Hamid Raza, Farrukh Habib, Aslam Iqbal, Azam Swati, Musarat Jamshed Cheema, Ahmed Niazi, Zubair Niazi, Saeed Ahmed Sindhu and Hammad Azhar. Earlier, the Lahore police department prepared a new list of 850 suspects in cases related to the May 9 riots and arrested 54 accused who were allegedly involved in arson. Several Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf leaders are facing probe after the May 9 incidents that were triggered across Pakistan after the arrest of the PTI chairman in the AlQadir Trust case. It should be mentioned here that violent clashes broke out across Pakistan after the former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested on May 9 this year.
APHC-AJK draws UN attention towards India’s onslaught on Kashmiris' identity ISLAMABAD
staff report
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter has drawn the attention of the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and permanent member states towards the Indian Supreme Court’s verdict that validated the Indian government’s 5th August 2019 move to repeal the special status of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The APHC-AJK Convener, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, in a letter addressed to the UN chief and permanent members wrote
that the court ruling is just another attempt to undermine the Kashmiris’ legitimate political aspirations and provide a legal cover for the Modi government's move to change the status of the UN recognised disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The letter says the court ruling violates the sanctity of the UN Security Council resolutions, which not only call for holding a plebiscite in the region but also recognize the Kashmiris’ inalienable right to self-determination. “Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally-recognised dispute which remains pending on the agenda of the United Na-
tions Security Council for over seven decades. The UN resolutions clearly state that the final disposition of Jammu and Kashmir is to be made in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. As per the resolutions, the Indian government has no right, whatsoever, to take unilateral decisions on the status of this disputed territory against the will of the Kashmiri people,” it adds. The letter points out that successive Indian governments have miserably failed to uphold international obligations. India's illegal actions of August 5, 2019, and now the judicial endorsement of the
move show its utter disregard to international law, it says. The letter says that the judgment is an attempt to deflect the international community’s attention away from the real issue that is all about the right to self-determination of millions of Kashmiris. The APHC through the letter has urged the UN chief and permanent members to take cognizance of the matter and use their good offices to influence the government of India to stop its ongoing onslaught against the Kashmiris' identity and desire to change the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.
NEWS 03
FERTILIZER COMPANIES FAILED TO CUT UREA SHORTAGE DESPITE GETTING SUBSIDIZED GAS: SENATOR ABDUL QADIR
Thursday, 14 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
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ISLAMABAD
aHMaD aHMaDaNI
HAIRMAN Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir while criticizing fertilizer companies over failure to control urea shortfall despite getting gas at subsidized rates, has directed petroleum division to provide details of fertilizer produced by these companies against the subsidized gas. A Meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum was held at Parliament House on Wednesday with Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir in the chair. The Senate Committee deliberated on the Urea shortfall in the country. Abdul Rasheed Jokhio, DG Gas, stated that Pakistan's daily consumption stands at 4000 mmcfd (Million Cubic Feet per Day) against the production of 3000 mmcfd. However, local consumers consumed 950 mmcfd, and almost 750 mmcfd has been utilized by Fertilizer companies, namely FFC and Engro, with a cutoff of 350 mmcfd and 250 mmcfd. Moreover, approximately 85 percent of gas utilized by fertilizer companies has been provided by Marri Petroleum, and 15pc has been provided by other companies. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir was of the view that fertilizer companies have failed to cut the shortfall of urea despite getting gas at subsidized rates. He said that there is a crisis of fertilizer in the country as fertilizer is being sold to farmers at double rate in the country. He said a committee has been constituted regarding fertilizer price with cheap
IHC reserves verdict on lea against delimitation of Ch Nisar Ali’s constituencies
for consumers in cold areas during the winter season to allow them to use gas for their basic necessities. Furthermore, the Senate body highlighted the news of a recent increase in gas tariffs for local consumers. DG Gas stated that gas tariffs have not been increased for local consumers falling in the protected category, and almost 57% of total consumers fall in this category. The Committee was briefed about plans for the settlement of circulated debt of PSO, SSGG, SNGPL, and OGDCL. DG Gas informed that the circular debt of the oil and gas sector currently stands at Rs2,800 Billion, with Rs2,080 Billion as the principal amount. He added that the recent increase in gas tariffs will help maintain the circular debt at the current level, however, it will not result in any reduction in circular debt. Additionally, the committee took up the matter of the price of indigenous gas for various sectors in the country. Senator Mohsin Aziz remarked that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are among the largest producers of gas in the country, but unfortunately, a major portion of this gas is being utilized in Punjab. Moreover, the Government has increased the per BTU price from Rs1,100 to 2,600 for KPK industrial sectors and reduced the per BTU price from Rs3,600 to 2,700 for industrial sectors in Punjab. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir stated that the Government should formalize a policy for the import of LNG and allow private parties to import LNG to fulfill local demands. He also directed the ministry to submit details of the
gas and directed Special Secretary Petroleum look at the issue of how cheap fertilizers are given by fertilizer factories with cheap gas. He directed the ministry to provide details of fertilizer produced by these companies against the gas. It should be seen if the fertilizer is directly imported for the farmers instead of supplying gas to the fertilizer factories, said Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum. Senator Sadia Abbasi while raising questions regarding lack of consistency in policies in the country asked why local gas-fired fertilizer plants haven't shifted to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). She said yesterday the interior minister said that strict action will be taken on the recovery of excessive price of fertilizer. The price of fertilizer will not go down with such news and this all is because of the policy failure, remarked Senator Saadia Abbasi. Senator Abdul Qadir Qadir maintained that the energy crisis is one of the biggest crises facing the country, resulting in a $32 billion import bill. He recommended that the ministry should initiate work on newly discovered sites to minimize this crisis. Moreover, the committee discussed the issue of levying flat rates for gas consumers in Balochistan. DG Gas informed that the same tariff rates have been charged to all consumers across the country. However, consumers located in cold regions witnessed an increase in gas charges compared to consumers in hot regions due to a substantial increase in gas usage in winter. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir recommended that gas rates should be relaxed
recent increase in the next meeting. While discussing the current implementation status of Committee recommendations, officials apprised that committee recommendations have been adopted, and a detailed report will be submitted upon its completion. The Senate Committee also took up the matter of gas load shedding in Abdullah Gabol Goth during peak hours. Officials informed that Abdullah Gabol Goth, located at the tail end of the SSGC network, faces lowpressure issues due to system constraints. However, a 754-meter pipeline, along with separate pressure regulation, has been approved for the area with a cost of Rs16.4 million, and low-pressure issues will be re-
Former PM Abbasi not to contest general elections KARACHI
ISLAMABAD The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday reserved its verdict on the petition filed against the delimitations of veteran politician Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s National Assembly (NA) and Punjab Assembly constituencies NA-53 and PP-10. IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Aamer Farooq reserved the verdict after hearing the arguments from lawyers representing the petitioner and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Giving his arguments in the case, Petitioner Sheikh Sajidur Rehman’s counsel Kashif Malik Advocate said that under section 10, no changes could be made to an administrative unit. He prayed to the court to order the ECP to again include Sagri area in NA-53, which had earlier been excluded from the constituency and made part of Gujjer Khan. Disagreeing with the petitioner, the ECP’s lawyer said delimitations of these constituencies had been done in the light of the Supreme Court (SC) verdict, and no changes could be made to them now. The court, however, reserved the verdict after hearing the arguments. A day earlier, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved its verdict on the petition filed against the delimitations of veteran politician Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s National Assembly (NA) and Punjab Assembly constituencies NA-53 and PP-10. IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Aamer Farooq reserved the verdict after hearing the arguments from lawyers representing the petitioner and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Giving his arguments in the case, Petitioner Sheikh Sajidur Rehman’s counsel Kashif Malik Advocate said that under section 10, no changes could be made to an administrative unit. He prayed to the court to order the ECP to again include Sagri area in NA-53, which had earlier been excluded from the constituency and made part of Gujjer Khan.
Pakistan Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, speaking outside the NAB court in Karachi on Wednesday, announced his decision not to participate in the upcoming general elections. He expressed frustration with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and called for a justice system based on fairness and transparency. Abbasi questioned the motives behind his five-year legal case, which culminated in his acquittal by the High Court earlier today. He demanded accountability for former NAB Chairman Javed Iqbal, who he accused of fabricating charges against him and other political figures. "The country cannot function with a justice system built on injustice," Abbasi asserted. "We must choose: either the country will be governed by the rule of law, or by NAB." He cited the example of other developing nations, emphasizing that progress and stability are contingent upon a just and impartial
legal system. Abbasi further expressed his concern regarding the current political climate and suggested the possibility of postponing the elections to ensure a more fair and transparent process. However, he stressed the importance of holding elections eventually, emphasizing that power should not be pursued for
personal gain. The former Prime Minister's remarks come amidst growing criticism of NAB's tactics and its alleged involvement in political witch hunts. His decision not to participate in the elections is likely to further complicate the political landscape and raise questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming polls.
In deleted X post, Achakzai suggests offering ‘drone bases’ to US QUETTA
staff report
Balochistan caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai on Wednesday deleted a post on X (formerly Twitter) in which he had proposed a set of counterterrorism measures, including offering the United States “drone bases to target militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan”. The minister’s suggestion had come a day after at least 23 Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred and more than 30 troops wounded after militants belonging to the Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan (TJP) stormed a compound used by the military in Dera Ismail Khan’s Daraban area. Six militants who stormed the building were killed. The TJP claimed responsibility for the attack and also released a twominute video, purporting to show militants targeting security personnel with
thermal scopes. Security officials, however, claimed the video was not authentic. Later, Pakistan demanded immediate and verifiable actions from the Afghan government against militant outfits fomenting terror in Pakistan, as it issued a demarche to Afghan Charge d’Affaires Sardar Ahmad Shakib. Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi, who summoned Shakib, stressed the urgency and gravity of the situation, calling for a comprehensive investigation and decisive action against the perpetrators of the recent attack. Pakistan demanded action against all terrorist groups, including their leadership and sanctuaries. The foreign secretary insisted on the apprehension and extradition of the perpetrators as well as the leaders of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from Afghanistan. In the now deleted post, Achakzai had shared a series of counterterrorism
measures. He had noted that issuing a demarche to the Afghan government was insufficient and stressed the need for more stringent measures. Achakzai had said the DI Khan attack had crossed “all national security red lines of Pakistan”. “We must consider reprisal attacks in Afghanistan,” he had declared, as part of the seven measures he proposed. He had said “special targeted operations, air strikes, border closure with Afghanistan, return of Afghan refugees, anti-TTA political opposition gathering in Islamabad” must be considered. The minister had added: “Last, offer US drone bases to target AlQ [Al Qaeda] and other militants sanctuaries in Afghanistan.” He had also stressed the need to convey a message to the Afghan Taliban, stating, “We will not tolerate this double game. Enough is enough.”
‘Bureaucrats deployment as ROs’: Justice Najafi suggests larger bench to hear PTI’s plea LAHORE
staff report
The Lahore High Court on Wednesday recommended the LHC Chief Justice (CJ) to form a larger bench on a petition by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) against appointment of bureaucrats to act as returning officers (ROs) for the upcoming general elections. A single-judge LHC bench, comprising Ali Baqar Najafi, while announcing the reserved verdict, issued notices to the respondents – caretaker federal and Punjab governments and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). In the written verdict, the LHC judge said important points were raised in the petition filed by the PTI. “This election commission’s decision will have implications on national level,” he noted. Pointing out the expenditure of general
elections, Justice Najafi said that if country’s major political parties do not accept the results, all will go in vain. “The electoral watchdog has to give equal opportunity to the candidates for free and transparent elections,” the verdict stated, adding that voters should be free to cast their votes without any fear. Citing the current circumstances, LHC judge said the forthcoming elections may not give the ‘desired results that are thought for democracy’. He urged the LHC Chief Justice (CJ) to form a larger bench on this ‘important issue’, while forwarding the case file to the latter. It is pertinent to mention here that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had moved the Lahore High Court, challenging the appointment of bureaucrats by the caretaker provincial government in Punjab, to act as returning officers (ROs) for the upcoming general elections.
LHC nullifies sentence of three accused in Kasur video scandal LAHORE
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solved upon the completion of this pipeline. Discussing the issue of the regularization of employees working on a contingent basis in the SUR Range Project of Pakistan Minerals Development Corporation, officials apprised that the matter is sub judice and pending before NIRC. However, the employees are still working in the corporation and drawing their salaries on time. In attendance were Senator Saadia Abbasi, Senator Fida Muhammad, Senator Mohsin Aziz, Special Secretary for Petroleum Division Bushra Aman, Chairman OGRA Masroor Khan, DG Gas Abdul Rasheed Jokhio and other senior officials of relevant departments were also in attendance.
Petitioner barrister Umair Khan Niazi, additional secretary general of the PTI, claimed that general elections could not be conducted transparently, fairly and freely in the presence of these officers from the branch of State. The court was requested that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) be directed to initiate a consultation process with LHC’s chief justice for the appointment of judicial officers as DROs and ROs under Sections 50 and 51 of the Elections Act 2017 for the polls in 2024. ECP APPOINTMENTS: Earlier on Dec 11, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had approved the appointment of Returning Officers (ROs) and District Returning Officers (DROs) for the forthcoming general elections. The ECP approved the appointment of 859 ROs and 142 DROs for the general elections 2024. The provincial election commissioners will administer oath to the
DROs, said sources, adding that DROs will administer oath to the ROs in the respective districts. It was learnt that deputy commissioners (DCs) of all districts were being appointed as the DROs and ADCs will be appointed as the ROs for the National Assembly (NA) seats. The assistant deputy commissioners will be appointed as the returning officers (ROs) for the provincial assembly (PA) seats. GENERAL ELECTIONS: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had notified general elections on February 8, 2024. According to details, the Election Commission issued a notification of the date of the general election under Section 57 of the Election Act۔ The notification said that in light of the Supreme Court’s order, the general elections will take place on February 8, 2024.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday nullified life imprisonment awarded to three accused in Kasur child pornography scandal. As per details, accused Aleem, Waseem and Haseem were awarded life imprisonment in Kasur child pornography scandal that unfolded in 2015. The appeal of the accused against their sentence was accepted by a two-member bench of the Lahore High Court. The sentence has been nullified by the high court. It is to be noted that the accused were booked at Ganda Singhwala police station in 2015. The Kasur child sexual abuse scandal is a series of child sexual abuses that occurred in Hussain Khanwala village in Kasur District, Punjab, Pakistan from 2006 to 2014, culminating in a major scandal in 2015. After the discovery of hundreds of child pornography video clips, it was estimated that 280 to 300 children, most of them male, were victims of sexual abuse. The scandal involved an organized crime ring that sold child pornography to porn sites, and blackmailed and extorted relatives of the victims. The scandal caused nationwide outrage, among allegations that the Punjab police and Malik Ahmad Saeed Khan, Kasur’s then Member of the Provincial Assembly from Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), were involved in an attempted cover-up of the abuse.
Libya shipwreck: FIA arrests another key facilitator FAISALABAD
staff report
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Wednesday arrested another key facilitator in the Libya migrant boat wreck incident. The FIA spokesperson stated that an operation was conducted over the suspicious transaction from the bank account of the other key facilitator – currently in custody – Adil Mumtaz. The accused received Rs 1 million to send a citizen to Italy via his human trafficking network, additionally, the citizen who gave the money went into hiding after reaching Libya. Earlier this month, the FIA spokesperson confirmed that a key facilitator Adil in the Libya migrant boat wreck tragedy was arrested. The FIA investigators collected all relevant details including bank accounts and mobile phone records from the accused, said the agency’s spokesperson, adding that Adil was tasked to collect and transfer money from the citizens for the global human trafficking network. Additionally, Adil was also facing an inquiry of the FIA’s anti-money laundering circle.
Five dead, 10 injured in Bahawalpur accident BAHAWALPUR staff report
Five persons dead and 10 other sustained multiple injuries when a Karachi-bound passenger, coming from Lodhran, collided with an oncoming cotton bales-laden truck on National Highway here on Wednesday night, according to rescue officials. Rescue 1122 District Emergency Officer Baqir Hussain informed the media that the accident took place near Karachi Mor on the National Highway. Another truck laden with machinery was also involved in the accident as it subsequently crashed into the bus and the trawler, he said. According to a preliminary report, five people died at the spot while ten injured were moved to Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital (BVH) by Rescue 1122, Hussain said.
04 COMMENT
Don’t let AI get your job
Military courts
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Can military courts give justice when civilian courts so operate as to keep targeted persons behind bars?
Empathy is one human quality that AI cannot replace
HE arrest of designer Khadijah Shah by the Quetta police in a murder case may have shown that someone, somewhere, is bent on making sure she stays behind bars. She is accused of being involved in the May 9 attack on Jinnah House in Lahore, along with a whole slew of other women supporters of the PTI. Not only is she a well-known fashion designer, but she is the daughter of former caretaker minister Dr Salman Shah and the maternal granddaughter of former COAS Gen Asif Nawaz. Her arrest then convulsed Lahore’s elite. However, as she had obtained bail in her cases from the civilian Anti-Terrorist Court, all that was left holding her was a detention order under Section 3 MPO. That was withdrawn once a Quetta police team appeared in Lahore and arrested her. The ATC in Quetta had also given a transit bail so that she could be brought to Quetta. The Lahourt refused to overturn that order or warrant. The situation only made sense if it was assumed that the subordinate judiciary was part of an effort to keep her behind bars. Another prospect of relief for her, the ban on the trials of civilians was lifted by the Supreme Court, in an intra-court appeal against the October 23 order imposing it. That means she is once again liable to a military court trial. The decision seems to be an expression of lack of confidence in the civilian courts to render justice. The 21st Amendment, which provided for trials by military courts of civilians, was for a limited period. The understanding was that this period would be used to rectify the problems in the civilian courts which did not allow them to conduct the trials of the militants. Those problems, it appears, persist. The direction which seems to be unrolling is of the military retaliating for the events of May 9. It appears that the civilian courts are not to be trusted to give a fair trial. Without giving any excuse for the events of May 9, it is essential that those accused of perpetrating them should be given due process of law. That might be abused, but it is up to the prosecution to ensure that is not allowed to happen. Unfortunately, a lot of abuse becomes possible because of the incompetence and lack of professionalism of the investigators. Unfortunately, that seems to have occurred in the May 9 cases.
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MuhaMMad Junaid
AST night, I was discussing possible career choices with my school-going niece. I was astonished to see how children are apprehensive of advancements made by Artificial Intelligence. Despite being good in accounting, she outrightly rejected the idea of becoming an accountant as AI will cater to all future bookkeeping. For her, computer programmers, artists, and analysts will share the same star-crossed fate. Well, her doubts are not unreasonable at all. Job uncertainty has been the hottest talk in the town since Artificial Intelligence came up. Every day more and more jobs are coming at the crosshairs of AI. Students and mid-career professionals are on the fence about what to choose, continue, or switch amid confusion created by AI hustle-bustle. Goldman Sachs, the second largest investment bank by revenue, has already predicted that Artificial Intelligence would gobble up one-fifth of the global employment pie. Careers commonly considered as automation-proof, such as administrative and legal professionals, are also at risk. The Writers Guild of America (WGA), representing Hollywood screen-
writers, ended a 148-day strike after some reassurances to be saved against generative AI. But we all know the respite is temporary. The win of humans against AI is just ephemeral. At this juncture, the existential question Artificial Intelligence poses before us is; whether AI will eventually turn homo sapiens unsuitable to perform the existing jobs or it will just displace the job pie from one skillset to another. Well, a pragmatic proposition is a bit too affirmative for the former. Yes! Artificial Intelligence is very likely to take over wide-ranging jobs from accounting to driving cars or customer care to scriptwriting. The transformation is not like what previously happened with the spinning jennies or ATMs which only disturbed, but did not destroy, the job pool. Additionally, the interventions of yore injected efficiency in processes, leading to the formation of more job avenues. For example, the establishment of ATMs might have slashed some teller positions. But, on the other hand, it boosted the efficiency of the banking system. Banks got clientele, leading to the opening up of more branches and new job openings along with the recognition of banking as a credible institution. This time, the transformation pushed by Artificial Intelligence is exterminating the jobs sans leaving residual openings. Ventures are going for less staff, and thus more dividends for shareholders. Jobs requiring higher-order thinking will also budge up as updated AI models are finer than their previous versions. This progression will ultimately lead to conquering the intellectual fort of humanity. So, what will we mortals do? Will we only be left to pursue eschatological pursuits when all the jobs will be performed by all-power Artificial Intelligence? Here is a caveat; all those jobs will be saved that embody empathy at their core. So, what’s special about empathy and why does only this human trait, among a plethora of others, take centrestage when the buck stops at the crucial question of being employed or unemployed? Empathy is the first human instinct. It starts right at birth as the baby cries. The cry in distress triggers an empathetic response by the caregiver thanks to mirror neurons. The enigmatic mirror neurons come into play when we either act or observe the same action per-
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi
Indian Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370 and ongoing struggle in Kashmir
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formed by any other. The empathetic vibes are infused and learned by the child as the core human instinct. This coveted instinct is then carried forward on the wheels of folklore. Our folklore is rich in fables, characters, and scenarios, marking empathy as a desired human trait. As we grow older, we learn other skills, traits, and vibes. We teach these vibes to other fellows of the species. This is how knowledge transfers and saves in a collective pool. Of late, our apex wisdom pool is Artificial Intelligence. Coming back to the empathy question; considerably, empathy-induced jobs are saved from the incursion of AI thanks to the following two strong reasons; Firstly, empathy drives us to wade through complex situations emphasizing more on Emotional Intelligence rather than commonly trumped IQ. Workplaces have their very own complex ecosystem. Services are meant to serve someone. The end-user is always a sentient being filled with emotions. Empathy is considered a sentient-exclusive vibe. The ethical and moral social questions can only be answered by ethical choices and value-based judgments, pretty hard for AI to crack and emulate. Secondly, trust is a deciding and guiding force for us. We hand over our hard-earned savings to a bank manager; join a pilot to take us to thousands of metres of heights upwards; allow a surgeon to tear apart our chest to perform cardiac surgery; and donate to charity in return for favours from the heavens, all because of trust on the promises made in return. It is pretty hard for humans to put the same faith in machines and algorithms. Prima facie, empathy-induced careers are mostly concentrated in healthcare, therapy, hospitality, or elderly care. In essence, this is not the case. Empathy is a part and parcel of almost every action we do, and every job we perform. This is another thing that we have forlorn empathy in our dealings. Nonetheless, its principal position cannot be contested at all. We can save our jobs just by putting in a mix of empathy to the way we are performing them right now. The job will stand unique per se, never to be replaced by Artificial Intelligence. Adopt empathy as after all, we love our jobs!
The writer can junaidawan64@gmail.com
be
reached
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We can save our jobs just by putting in a mix of empathy to the way we are performing them right now. The job will stand unique per se, never to be replaced by Artificial Intelligence. Adopt empathy as after all, we love our jobs!
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Joint Editor
Thursday, 14 December 2023
Executive Editor
The Indian Supreme Court is supporting the illegal occupation asad ali
HE Indian Supreme Court’s recent validation of the abrogation of Article 370 has reignited debates surrounding the long-standing Kashmir conflict. In August 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government’s decision to strip the region of its limited autonomy sparked controversy and drew international attention. The court’s recent ruling, asserting that Article 370 was merely an “interim arrangement,” has raised concerns about the implications for the people of held Kashmir. It is worth exploring the aftermath of the court’s decision, its impact on the region’s demographics, and the broader context of the Kashmir conflict. The Indian Supreme Court’s characterization of Article 370 as an “interim arrangement” sets a precedent that may shape the future of Kashmir. Critics argue that this decision essentially validates the abrogation and disregards the historical context that led to the provision’s inclusion in the Indian constitution. Article 370 granted Jammu and Kashmir a special autonomous status, acknowledging the region’s unique circumstances. The court’s rationale that the abrogation was the “culmination of the process of integration” raises questions about the legitimacy of the move. The term “integration” suggests a unification process, but the global community recognizes Kashmir as a disputed territory, making this interpretation contentious. The impact of this decision extends beyond legal nuances, delving into the sociopolitical landscape of Kashmir. One of the major consequences of Article 370’s abrogation is the potential for demographic changes in held Kashmir. Critics argue that the move allows India to alter the region’s demographics and turn Kashmiris into a minority in their ancestral land. This demographic shift has far-reaching implications, as it may affect political representation, cultural identity, and the overall socio-economic fabric of the region. Furthermore, the suggestion by one of the justices for the establishment of a ‘truth and reconciliation commission’ to investigate rights violations is met with skepticism. Given the history of alleged human rights abuses in the region and the militarized presence, doubts persist regarding the effectiveness and impartiality of such a commission. Kashmiris’ concerns about justice and accountability remain unaddressed, raising questions about the sincerity of the Indian government’s commitment to resolving the conflict. The court’s decision is expected to bolster the BJP’s Hindutva agenda, providing political leverage in the upcoming elections. Critics argue that the verdict not only consolidates the party’s position but also contributes to the broader narrative of rewriting history. The BJP’s ideological stance, rooted in Hindu nationalism,
is reflected in the revisionist narrative that seeks to justify the abrogation of Article 370 as a corrective measure for historical “blunders.” Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s reference to “Nehruvian blunders” and the assertion that without these mistakes, Azad Kashmir would be part of India highlights the revisionist and revanchist thought within the government. Such statements contribute to a narrative that seeks to redefine the historical context of the Kashmir conflict, potentially influencing public opinion and shaping the national discourse. While Pakistan has rejected the Indian court’s decision, concerns persist about the adequacy of diplomatic efforts to address the Kashmir issue on the global stage. Successive administrations in Pakistan have been advocating for Kashmir cause to raise the voices against the barbarities which Indian forces are committing against Kashmiri people. Pakistan’s firm stance on the Kashmir issue has been accepted worldwide. The global response to the Kashmir conflict raises broader questions about the international community’s selective attention to different occupations. The parallels drawn between Kashmir and Palestine underscore the inconsistency in addressing occupation issues, where geopolitical considerations often outweigh moral and humanitarian concerns. The international community’s response to the occupation of Kashmir contrasts starkly with its approach to conflicts such as Ukraine, revealing a troubling double standard. In conclusion, the Indian Supreme Court’s validation of the abrogation of Article 370 adds a new layer of complexity to the Kashmir conflict. The implications of this decision extend beyond legal interpretations, influencing the demographics of the region, exacerbating human rights concerns, and contributing to a revisionist historical narrative. The political ramifications are significant, with the BJP’s Hindutva agenda
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
Despite the legal and political manoeuvres, the enduring desire for freedom and dignity among the Kashmiri people remains unquenchable. No amount of legal justifications or exertion of brute force can suppress the aspirations of a population that has long sought the right to self-determination. gaining momentum and the broader international response highlighting the inconsistency in addressing occupation issues. Despite the legal and political manoeuvres, the enduring desire for freedom and dignity among the Kashmiri people remains unquenchable. No amount of legal justifications or exertion of brute force can suppress the aspirations of a population that has long sought the right to self-determination. The international community must grapple with the moral imperative to address the Kashmir conflict impartially, acknowledging the rights and aspirations of the people caught in the crossfire of geopolitical interests. The writer is Islamabad based expert of Indian political affairs
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Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively
Impact of power crisis on business sector
THE soaring power crisis in the country in this extreme weather and suffocating conditions is making it difficult for the people to manage their everyday living. Loadshedding in the locality where I live is done every other hour, and it is all but impossible to plan anything. I have an ailing mother at home whose oxygen supply must be ensured continuously. However, owing to the crippling power crisis, I have to keep the generator running as a backup round-the-clock which is adding to the expenses. As for the income, it has gone down by more than 30 per cent. I run a small business of atta chakki. With loadshedding of 12 hours every day, operational hours have been reduced, meaning my income has reduced. Besides, employees in my shop cannot be asked to work 24 hours, and for the eight hours that they spend at work, we do not have power for half that time, which means productivity has gone down drastically. Adding to my misery is the ever-increasing power tariff, which is further topped up with fuel price adjustments on a monthly basis. Since I am the lone breadwinner of the family, things are fast moving where they would soon be beyond my control; or anybody’s control, for that matter. NUMRA HASSAN ANSARI LAHORE
Power discrimination
STUDENTS of the University of Balochistan (UoB) in Quetta face a plethora of issues, amongst which loadshedding tops the list. Prolonged power outages disturb the study routine of the students who are compelled to attend classes in darkness and sweltering heat, and to have the same fate while studying at homes or hostels. It is worth mentioning that the university has its own power generator to maintain electricity supply during loadshedding, but it is only used for the vice-chancellor office, and not for the students and faculty members. During the lectures, the power goes out for hours, but the administration does not facilitate the students with alternative power supply. While the classrooms and library plunge into darkness, and the internet stops working for students, everything, including the internet, works smoothly at the offices of the vicechancellor and his entire staff. The authorities concerned turn a deaf ear to students’ grievances and do not even let them enter their air-conditioned offices. How can these officials understand the suffering of students when they do not experience it themselves sitting in their comfortable offices? The discriminatory attitude of the management is making students and faculty members both desperate and hopeless. It is really getting depressing. ABDUL BASIT MUHAMMAD HASNI QUETTA
Life beyond Karachi
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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9
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Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
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I hail from Hyderabad, which is about 150km from Karachi. The residents of the city face loadshedding for up to 12 hours every day, but the mainstream media seems to focus solely on Karachi and its problems as if the rest of the Sindh does not exist. My family and friends living in Larkana, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur and other cities are all suffering from frequent power outages, but none of the so-called popular television channels or newspapers raises the issue. This feels like discrimination, especially because we live in a respectable residential area that is at a stone’s throw from the three main universities of the city. Regional channels are doing a great job in this regard, but their factual reports are drowned in the noise generated by the big cities. This needs to be rectified. The print and electronic media should provide equal coverage to the rest of the province so that the government may be forced to find solution to address the issues being faced by people across the province. WAQAS ALI HYDERABAD
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COMMENT 05
The impact of Israel’s Gaza offensive on the global stage Thursday, 14 December 2023
The conflict distracts those also playing in other conflicts
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abdul rahman malik
HE Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has not only inflicted devastating consequences on the region but is also reverberating around the world, with implications for the Middle East, Europe, China, and the USA. As the conflict continues to escalate, it becomes evident that the impact of this crisis extends far beyond the immediate battleground. We must analyze the geopolitical dimensions of the Israel-Hamas war, exploring the shattered illusions, potential consequences, the failure of the UN to contain Israel and the urgent need for solutions such as a ceasefire that will pave the way for dialogue and food supply and rehabilitation . For years, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu operated under the illusion that Israel could normalize ties with the Arab world without addressing the Palestinian question. However, the ongoing conflict has shattered this expectation, forcing Israel to confront the reality that the Palestinian issue cannot be ignored. The consequences of Israel’s genocide of Palestinian people at the cost of Hamas has exposed the world powers to stop this long war with innocent and unarmed Palestinians, especially children, as literally there is no comparison of a tech-powered occupation force like Israel supported by a superpower like the USA with those unarmed Palestinian people retaliating with pelted stones against tanks and missiles, except some damage caused by Hamas missile attack. Historically, Israel is an occupation force and a twostate solution is not viable as the land belongs to Palestine. Only a Palestinian state is possible and Israel can be just part of it. Israel has been able to garner support from the USA while it is condemned by all the nations of the world, specially the OIC, and the Arab League, Even China has played a greater role for ceasefire. Israel will undoubtedly undergo a period of soulsearching and may need to reevaluate its strategy towards the Middle East peace process as a whole. Saudi Arabia, which had been on the verge of normalizing relations with Israel, is likely to demand concessions for
the Palestinians before moving forward. The situation has been alarming to the extent that the hospitals have stopped working and food supply has been halted as Israeli forces have destroyed hospitals, infrastructure and roads that will take years to rebuild. Saudi Arabia’s potential demand for concessions highlights the broader implications of the IsraelHamas war in the Middle East. The conflict puts the region at a dangerous crossroads, where escalation could further destabilize an already volatile situation. With the Gulf States wavering in their support, Netanyahu may be inclined to encourage a regional confrontation that aligns Israel and the Sunni Arab states against Iran’s “axis of resistance.” This scenario reduces the Palestinian question to a mere sideshow in a broader confrontation, potentially leading to dire consequences for regional stability. While the conflict in Gaza dominates headlines, Ukraine finds itself grappling with the implications of being overshadowed. The suffering endured by the Ukrainian people no longer appears as exceptional when compared to the heart-wrenching images emanating from Gaza. This shift in attention poses significant challenges for Ukraine, as its survival depends on sustained international support. Any distraction from its struggle is detrimental to its cause, hampering the international community’s ability to focus on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The crisis in Gaza also exposes deep fault lines within the European Union. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, in particular, face internal divisions. France has witnessed a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, while other EU member states find themselves fragmented in their response to the Israel-Hamas war. Unlike the unified front displayed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, EU leaders now face multiple priorities, including Gaza, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine. The lack of a cohesive EU response places strain on the union’s ability to effectively address the complex challenges presented by these conflicts. China’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas war highlights its strategic interests and its broader outreach to the Global South. In stark contrast to its neutrality during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China has swiftly expressed support for the Palestinians on humanitarian grounds as people will die of hunger even if they escaped from the Israeli offensive. A broader regional confrontation resulting from the Israel-Hamas war could disrupt China’s delicate efforts to maintain peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia. China’s diplomatic stance may be welcome for the Palestinians as the world, including the toothless UN, has failed to prevent the Gaza war as over 18,000 people have been killed, including women and children . Everyone is wondering when the conscience of world powers will be aroused, as Israel’s intentions are crystal clear that they want to grab Palestinian territory sans Palestinians. The Gaza war is both suppression and oppression of innocent Palestinians by the USA-supported Israel to firm up the Zionist state, by extermina-
tion of Palestinians through bloodbath, massacre and genocide as the USA’s earlier plans failed miserably. The USA’s recent vetoing of a UN resolution shows that the Gaza war has become a US war and Israel merely acts as a proxy to the USA to conceive and implement the deadly and bloody plan of the Zionist State of Israel. President Joe Biden’s administration has further isolated the USA from the rest of world as nobody considers the oppressors and occupiers great. The US military and governance support confirms that it is the US plan to destroy Gaza and the West Bank settlements of the Palestinians and acquire Palestinian territory on the pretext of Hamas, as they had done in Afghanistan for killing a single person Osama bin Laden. The US focus on the Israel-Hamas war represents a potential distraction from its primary foreign policy priority: the strategic competition with China. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East diverts resources and attention away from the efforts to pivot towards Asia. This shift threatens to undermine the Biden Administration’s commitment to rebalance US foreign policy and address the long-term challenges posed by China. The USA must carefully navigate its involvement in the Middle East to ensure that its strategic competition with China remains a top priority. Amidst the complex geopolitical dynamics, it is crucial for relevant actors to recognize their shared interests and work towards resolving the conflict rather than prolonging it for their own interest leaving innocent people getting killed for the Hamas Attacks on Israel. It is beyond understanding why all Palestinian people are attacked and killed for the acts of Hamas. The Muslim countries under the banner of OIC and Arab League demand immediate ceasefire and initiating of dialogue to find a peaceful solution to the issue rather than persecution of poor Palestinians. How long the world will witness the heartbreaking scenes of innocent children being killed by missile attacks? It must halt, else it will give opportunity for faithbased wars, creating an alarming situation .The imme-
Is Bangladesh heading toward another ‘one-sided’ election?
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DW
arafatul islam
ANGLADESH’S ruling Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are set to hold onto power for a fourth consecutive term after the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said it would boycott the polls on January 7, along with several other parties. The center-right BNP was the only party that could have offered a realistic challenge to Hasina’s fourth consecutive term in power. The party says its entire leadership, along with thousands of activists, have been arrested over the past five weeks in “an unprecedented crackdown,” following a massive BNP rally in the capital, Dhaka, on October 28. Police say six people, including one police officer, have been killed in violence since the rally. However, the BNP and other opposition parties have said some 20 activists have been killed. BNP legal chief Kayser Kamal said that five people have died in police custody after being arrested in a nationwide crackdown, AFP news agency reported, adding that prison officials said the detainees “died of natural causes” and denied BNP claims that detainees were tortured. OPPOSITION CLAIMS FOUL PLAY: Many of the opposition activists have been arrested on charges of arson attacks and vandalism. However, the BNP claims the charges were politically motivated. Apart from the arrests, at least nine party members have been sentenced to death, and 925 leaders and activists have been sentenced to various prison sentences in recent weeks on previous charges, the party said. “These cases are basically trumped up for political purposes. The partisan police registered fictitious cases, citing incidents that never occurred, even against those who have already died or suffered enforced disappearance,” AKM Wahiduzzaman, a BNP spokesperson, told DW. He alleged that fictitious police testimony was submitted as sole evidence without any neutral witnesses. “These premeditated judgments underscore erosion of the principles of justice, fairness, and the
rule of law,” he added. The Awami government has rejected allegations of a crackdown on the opposition parties. “Our stand is very clear. Those who are involved in acts of sabotage or arson attacks, those who attacked police and killed them, are being dealt with on specific charges. We clearly reject the claim that there has been any crackdown against the opposition party,” Mohammad A. Arafat, a ruling Awami League party lawmaker, told The Associated Press.
CONCERN OVER EROSION OF DEMOCRACY IN BANGLADESH: Since becoming Prime Minister in 2009, Sheikh Hasina has overseen massive economic growth, but there has been international alarm over democratic backsliding and thousands of extrajudicial killings of opposition activists. The past two controversial elections marred by allegations of massive vote rigging. The CIVICUS Monitor, a Johannesburgbased “global civil society alliance,” downgraded Bangladesh’s “civil space” to “closed,” its worst rating, in a report released last week. “The downgrade is the result of a massive government crackdown on opposition politicians and independent critics in the run-up to national elections next month,” the watchdog said in its latest report on civic space conditions in 198 countries and territories. Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at Washington-based Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, said it is clear that the BNP decided to boycott the election in part because of a repressive environment that has made it difficult to mount a strong election campaign. “In the BNP’s view, that repressive electoral environment won’t go away unless a caretaker government is brought on to oversee the elections. And the party is right on that front,” he told DW. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen the government exploit many legal tools at its disposal — arrests, convictions, the use of digital security laws, recourse to counterterrorism pretexts — to curb dissent,” Kugelman said. “This has sharpened polarization, infuriated the opposition, and rendered nearly impossible the conditions needed for the multi-party dialogue needed to address a longstanding political crisis — and a crisis that could worsen, not ease, after the election,” he added. Bangladesh had a “caretaker” system in
place prior to 2011, and it was intended to prevent ruling parties from electoral manipulation and misconduct. Under that system, when an elected government finished its five-year mandate, a caretaker administration — consisting of civil society representatives — would take control of state institutions for three months and hold elections. Non-partisan interim administrations conducted general elections in 1996, 2001, and 2008, and the polls were considered free, fair, and inclusive by domestic and international observers. However, the ruling Awami League scrapped the system in 2011 following a Supreme Court ruling that the provision was unconstitutional for violating principles of representative democracy. BNP spokesman AKM Wahiduzzaman said that his BNP party would only participate in the January national election under a non-partisan neutral government. But the Hasina government has rejected that demand.
OBSERVERS EXPECT ONE-SIDED ELECTION: Jasmin Lorch, a senior researcher at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), said that none of the parties participating in the January election can truly be considered an opposition party. “They are either aligned with the Awami League party or present themselves as opposition parties but are, in fact, close to the [Awami] party,” she told DW. “There is a relatively big consensus in the US and Europe already now that the elections are unlikely to be free and fair,” she added. Lorch said the European Union decided after an exploratory mission to Bangladesh that it would not field an election observation mission in January because the “conditions for a free and fair election did not seem to be in place.” South Asia expert Kugelman said it is “hard to imagine any outcome other than a one-sided affair.” “Unless the BNP reverses its boycott, the Awami League gives way to a caretaker, or some other non-BNP electoral alliance emerges to successfully take on the Awami League — and let’s be clear that those are all next-to-impossible scenarios — the Awami League appears headed to a lopsided victory without meaningful opposition,” he said.
The wanton destruction of mosques and churches
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ELECTRONIC INTIFADA Eman alhaj ali
INCE 7 October, Israel has attacked a series of historical and cultural marvels in the besieged Gaza Strop. The targeting of our heritage indicates that Israel is intent on erasing it. This week, the Great Mosque in Gaza City was subjected to an Israeli airstrike. Also known as the al-Omari mosque, it is 1,400 years old. It was a place of serenity. Now a large part of it is destroyed. Once a hub for prayers and enlightenment, its grandeur was woven into the fabric of our region. One of the largest mosques in Palestine, it housed a library of documents
and rare books within its walls. It was a vital repository of knowledge. If you listen carefully outside it, you could hear tales of ancient wisdom being whispered on the breeze. Nestled in the Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City, the mosque shared an embrace with the historic Souq al-Qaysariyya, Arabic for “Caesar’s market.” One day earlier, Israel attacked the Othman Bin Qashqar mosque in the al-Zaytoun area of Gaza City, claiming lives and wreaking havoc on nearby homes. Dating back to the thirteenth century, the Othman Bin Qashqar mosque was not merely a place of worship. It was a testament to Gaza’s rich history. This horrific war has also seen the Sayid al-Hashim mosque damaged by Israel. It is believed to hold the tomb of Hashim bin
Abd Manaf, the Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) great-grandfather. Christian places of worship have not been spared, either. The Church of Saint Porphyrius dates back to 425 and was later renovated in 1856. It, too, has been attacked by Israel over the past two months. Numerous museums and cultural centers have been bombed in various parts of Gaza. When these structures are damaged or destroyed, so is a piece of human history. The cultural vandalism witnessed in Gaza underscores the urgency of safeguarding heritage. When will the world’s powerful governments and institutions stand against the obliteration of irreplaceable treasures? Eman Alhaj Ali is a journalist and translator based in Gaza.
diate priority must be to end the violence and avoid further escalation. Both Israel and Hamas must seek a sustainable ceasefire, allowing for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the rebuilding of shattered lives. International diplomatic efforts, including the involvement of the United Nations, are vital in facilitating negotiations and de-escalation. Beyond the immediate cessation of hostilities, a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential to guarantee long-term security for all involved. Political negotiations must address the underlying grievances and aspirations of both parties, aiming for a comprehensive and just resolution. The international community, including the USA, Europe, and regional powers, must play an active role in supporting and facilitating these negotiations. Only through a political solution can a sustainable peace be achieved, ensuring the well-being and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. As the Israel-Hamas war unfolds in Gaza, its impact on the global stage becomes increasingly evident. From shattered illusions in the Middle East to potential consequences for Ukraine, Europe, China, and the USA, the crisis demands urgent attention and concerted efforts to seek diplomatic solutions. The complexities of this conflict require a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate and long-term challenges. By prioritizing dialogue, de-escalation, and political negotiations, the international community can contribute to a more peaceful and secure future for all those affected by the Israel-Hamas war. Wars always bring misery and destruction whereas only meaningful dialogue is the best solution to settle the issue in the Middle East. The USS must withdraw support from Israel and facilitate the process of ceasefire with help of the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia .Supporting Israel’s alleged Massacre of Palestinians will further Isolate USA in the world . It is high time for China to come forward and de-escalate the situation.
Israel has just begun flooding Gaza tunnels – what it means
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The writer is a freelance columnist
The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel has begun the process of flooding the tunnels of Gaza. But will it work? PALESTINE CHRONICLE Editors
BOUT ten years ago, the Egyptian military, at the behest of Washington and Tel Aviv, began flooding tunnels connecting the Gaza Strip to Egypt. Back then, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi had just overthrown Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. He needed much political capital to remain in power and to stave off any potential US criticism, however superficial, for his overthrow of a democratically-elected president. To do so, Sisi needed to present himself to Washington as a reliable ally – and the best way of doing so was to crack down on Palestinians, and their Resistance. Quickly, the US jumped onto the opportunity of supporting any Israeli efforts aimed at further tightening the Israeli siege on Gaza. In no time, Egypt began flooding the tunnels with sewage water. Aside from the environmental disaster sewage water has caused, this also led to the death of many Palestinians, including people trying to escape the siege, along with some of those involved in the thriving tunnel business.
SIEGE AND TUNNELS: Since 2007, Gaza has been under a hermetic Israeli siege. Egypt participated in the siege by preventing Palestinians from using the Rafah Crossing as an alternative route for commercial goods – food, fuel, construction material, etc. Also, Egypt has repeatedly shut down the Rafah Crossing, leaving thousands of Palestinians stranded on both sides of the border. With the destruction of the tunnels, one of the very few lifelines remaining in the hands of the Palestinians in Gaza was severed. Their besiegement of Palestinians was now complete. But, judging from the events of October 7, and the strong Palestinian Resistance in the Strip since then, it does not seem that the Resistance itself was greatly affected by Egypt’s USbacked strategy of destroying the Gaza tunnels using various strategies. Under the title “Floods and Bombs: This is How Egypt Handled Hamas’ Smuggling Tunnels”, the Israeli newspaper Yisrael Hayom was one of the many Israeli media that made the link between the Egyptian strategy and what they believe Israel should be doing in Gaza at the moment. On Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Israeli army has in fact begun utilizing the Egyptian strategy, namely pumping seawater into the Resistance tunnels. Satellite images analyzed by various
media organizations, including NBC News, have shown massive water pipes starting at the Mediterranean Sea and ending in various parts of the coast of the Gaza Strip.
WAR CRIME: While the Americans are, expectedly, enthusiastic about the idea of flooding the Gaza tunnels as a last resort of defeating the Resistance, others have warned against such a step. Dmitry Polianskiy, the First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, for example, has warned that flooding the underground of Gaza with seawater is a war crime. War crime because it would pollute an already highly salinized underground water in Gaza, as well as irreversibly damage the environment. Additionally, according to Polianskiy, many Palestinian civilians are most likely hiding underground to escape the horrors of the Israeli war, which has, so far, killed over 18,000 people.
DESPERATE MEASURES: Palestinian writer and analyst Ramzy Baroud said that “flooding some of the tunnels is in itself, as cruel as it is, an act of desperation, simply because it is based on the erroneous understanding that the tunnel networks are connected in such a way that flooding one tunnel in Beit Layha, in the north, would somehow flood another in Rafah, in the south.” “Due to the horrific tunnel-flooding experience by Egypt, and the anticipation that Israel would certainly resort to such an option, the Resistance tunnels are made in such a way that it would allow them to accommodate even such desperate and cruel tactics,” Baroud added. Indeed, while all sides of the Gaza tunnels are made of fortified concrete, the ground is always left in its original material, basically compact sand and dirt. According to experts, the construction of the tunnel is made to accommodate the possibility of intentional or natural flooding, which happens quite often each winter in Gaza. Moreover, the fact that Israelis, US and their Western allies have been peddling the idea of flooding the tunnels as one of the main strategies in defeating the Resistance, has given Palestinians enough time to prepare for such eventuality. “For Israel to succeed in flooding the tunnels, they would have to establish full control over Gaza first, identify the location of all tunnels, and start the process of slowly pumping seawater, which would take months,” Baroud said, “a time that Israel does not have considering its heavy losses due to the stiff Resistance in Gaza.”
06 NEWS
CORNER ISRAEL NEEDS NEW GOVT, BIDEN TELLS CORPORATE OGRA holds public hearing NETANYAHU IN RARE, HARSH REBUKE in Karachi on SSGC
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WASHINGTON AGENCIES
N a rare rebuke of Israel, US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needed to change his hardline government and, in an attempt to exert pressure on Tel Aviv, said it cannot say no to a Palestinian state in the future. Biden’s stinging remarks at a fundraising event for his re-election campaign were a further sign of growing US concern at Israel’s relentless campaign against Gaza, in which over 18,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed so far. “They’re starting to lose that support,” the president said, referring to the international community’s alarm at the
Thursday, 14 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
bloodshed in Gaza and the West Bank. The stunning censure came as Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, prepares to travel to the Jewish state for talks with the Israeli cabinet. Netanyahu had said last week that Israel enjoys US support for its goal of destroying Hamas and recovering prisoners, but the allies differ about what might follow the Gaza fighting. Biden specifically mentioned Israel’s far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is national security minister, and said “this is the most conservative government in Israel’s history”. “He (Netanyahu) has to change this government. This government in Israel is making it very difficult,” Joe Biden said. He also said that, ultimately, Israel “can’t say no” to a Palestinian state,
which many Israeli hardliners oppose. Biden said “we have an opportunity to begin to unite the region … and they still want to do it. But we have to make sure that Bibi (Netanyahu) understands that he’s got to make some moves to strengthen… You cannot say no Palestinian state… That’s going to be the hard part”. Sullivan said on Tuesday that during his visit to Israel he will discuss with Israeli officials their timetable for an end to the Gaza operation “The subject of how they are seeing the timetable of this war will certainly be on the agenda for my meetings,” said Sullivan, who is expected to travel later this week. The US president has expressed strong support for Israel’s military operation against Hamas, but he and his team
have expressed growing concern about the death of Palestinian civilians. Biden plans to meet family members of Americans taken prisoner by Hamas at the White House on Wednesday (today). Sullivan blamed Hamas for the breakdown of a truce from Nov 24 to Dec 1 because they “refused to release” more prisoners. “Hamas to this day continues to hold women, elderly people, civilians in significant numbers. And yet still, it’s saying: `Hey, how about everybody just stops.’ So we believe that Israel has the right to defend itself,” he said. The ‘day after’ Middle East leaders attending an annual gathering in Qatar sought ideas for what happens after the fighting ends in Gaza, but remained firmly.
Pakistan's call to action against illegal Afghan presence YASTASHEER ABBAS
In recent times, the Pakistani government has undertaken a commendable decision to repatriate illegal Afghan refugees, aligning with the nation's commitment to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and the wellbeing of its citizens. In this context, it is crucial to recognize the efforts made by the government to repatriate illegal Afghan migrants in a well-coordinated and humane manner. The measured movement, involving the voluntary return of more than 2,50,000 individuals over two months, signifies a systematic approach rather than chaotic expulsion. The government's intention is not expulsion but a dignified and honorable repatriation that ensures the safety and well-being of those returning to Afghanistan. While this move has been welcomed by every faction of Pakistani society, it has generated a crucial discussion on the responsibilities of every Pakistani citizen in ensuring the success of this repatriation process. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, considering the long-standing presence of these illegal Afghans in various sectors of Pakistani society. The phenomenon of illegal Afghan migrants has permeated various sectors of Pakistani society, posing both security and economic challenges. Innumerable businesses, including
construction, mining industries, as well as tenancy agreements and the labor force have found themselves strangled in the monopoly of these illegal refugees. It is incumbent on every Pakistani to declare their presence in any of the businesses or jobs, otherwise Government is bound to take strict legal action against them. One cannot underscore enough the gravity of employing or providing shelter to illegal Afghan nationals. It goes beyond a mere violation of the law; it is a threat to the very fabric of national security. The collaboration between Pakistani employers and illegal Afghan refugees not only undermines the rule of law but also jeopardizes the security and stability of the nation. It is a symbiotic relationship that fosters an environment conducive to illicit activities, including potential involvement in terrorist endeavors. These Afghans are involved in every illicit activity such as drug- trafficking, smuggling, kidnappings, target killings and terrorism. The state must enforce strict legal action against businessmen, landlords, and individuals as well who continue to harbor illegal Afghan refugees. Furthermore, the connection between certain Afghan individuals and their financial support for specific political parties/ leaders/ organisations raises alarming concerns. This money is taken as a kickback to justify the stay of these illegal Afghan citizens and in turn used to further their own political agendas. It is pertinent to em-
phasize that accepting funding from illegal refugees in exchange for political influence is not only illegal but also unacceptable. Any political leader, political party or syndicate involved in such transactions will have to face strict legal repercussions. The use of black money obtained through narcosmuggling and illegal sales of Afghan transit trade items to support anti-state agendas of some political parties/ leaders/ syndicate is a trend that has gained prominence, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The funding received from illegal refugees not only undermines the rule of law but also compromises the nation's security and economic stability. It is need of the time that those political parties, leaders and syndicate must present complete money trail of funding recieved. If they fail to provide requisite information, it is silent connivance of their crime and demands stern action from authorities. Government has every right to take legal action against individuals and parties working against the state's interest. Upholding national integrity, ensuring security, and fostering economic progress demand collective responsibility, and any hindrance to these efforts must be addressed with the full force of the law. The columnist is a freelance writer and a poet, presently pursuing his PhD and can be contacted on pakistanfirst4747@gmail.com
Closing ceremony for two day 20th international conference ‘FIT-2023’ held COMSATS University
Crucial decisions made at China's annual central economic work conference CHINA
AGENCIES
ISLAMABAD: Preceding the closing ceremony, an engaging and insightful panel discussion took place on thetopic "The current impediments and the government initiatives to enhance the IT sector ofPakistan." The session featured a distinguished panel, including Dr. Zia ul Qayyum, ExecutiveDirector, HEC, Dr. Shoaib Ahmed Khan, Chancellor, CASE, Dr. Sajjad A. Madni, Registrar,CUI, Mr. Khurram Rahat, Senior Country Director, Unifonic and Vice Chairman, PASHA, alongwith Mr. Asfand Yar Khan, Director General of IT, Ministry of IT & Telecom. This diverse panelbrought a wealth of expertise and perspectives to the discussion, making it an interactive andnoteworthy session. PR
Combat Commander Turkish Air Force visits Air Headquarters
General Ìsmail Güneykaya, Combat Commander Turkish Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office today. The meeting underscored several key areas of mutual interest with a special focus on bilateral training, progress of current joint ventures and exploration of further avenues of collaboration in the aviation industry. During the meeting Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, shared the framework of PAF's comprehensive modernization strategy involving integration of emerging technologies, bolstering critical infrastructure. PR
The annual Central Economic Work Conference in which China decided the priorities for economic work in 2024 was held in Beijing on Monday and Tuesday. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the conference. It was noted at the meeting that China's economy has achieved a recovery, with solid progress made in high-quality development in 2023, but there are still some difficulties and challenges that need to be overcome to further revive the economy. Here are some of the key takeaways from the meeting. TREND OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY, LONG-TERM POSITIVE OUTLOOK NOT CHANGED: Important progress has been made in the construction of a modern industrial system, and new breakthroughs have been achieved in scientific and technological.
PID (I) 3605/23
ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) holds public hearing at PC hotel in Provincial Capital of Sindh, Karachi on December 18, 2023 on the petition filed by Sui Southern Gas Company Limited for Review of its Estimated Revenue Requirements / Prescribed Prices for F.Y.2023-24. The petitioner has projected a shortfall in revenue requirement for FY 2023-24 at Rs. 47,773 million, including Rs. 2,842 million on account of LPG Air-mix project for FY 2023-24. SSGC has also included UFG disallowance pertaining to Balochistan region in the revenue shortfall as part of revenue requirement. The petitioner has accordingly sought an increase in its average prescribed price by Rs. 226.18 per MMBTU effective 1st July, 2023. Besides above, the petitioner has estimated RLNG cost of service at Rs. 48.80/mmbtu for FY 2023-24.OGRA invites participation of stakeholders to attend the scheduled hearing or submit their comments, suggestions, and intervention requests in writing to Senior Registrar, OGRA (registrar@ogra.org.pk) with ensuring their participation in the hearing in person or virtually through zoom application. PR
Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami appointed as Vice Chief of Naval staff
ISLAMABAD: Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed has been appointed Vice Chief of the Naval Staff with immediate effect. Ministry of Defence has appointed Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. The admiral was commissioned in Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1989. He carried out his initial training from Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth (UK) and won the coveted Sword of Honour. The Admiral distinguished service career includes wide range of Command and Staff appointments. His major Command appointments were Commanding Officer of a Type-21 destroyer PNS KHAIBAR, Commander Karachi and Commander Pakistan Fleet. His Staff appointments include Fleet Operations Officer & Chief Staff Officer to Commander Pakistan Fleet, Staff Officer Operations at HQ NAVCENT Bahrain, Director Naval Developmental Plans, Director Naval Operations, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operational Plans) and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) at Naval Headquarter. PR
FBR chief addresses passing out ceremony of Assistant Collectors of 50th STP
KARACHI: The final passing out ceremony of Assistant Collectors of Customs from 50th Specialized Training Program (STP) was held at Customs Academy of Pakistan (CAP) today in Karachi.Mr. Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Ms. Zeba Hai Azhar, Member Customs FBR along-with Director General Customs Academy of Pakistan Ms. Saima Shahzad and Director Customs Academy Ms. Nawabzadi Aliya Khanji also attended the ceremony. PR
We need to promote Arabic literature in Pakistan, Madad Ali Sindhi
ISLAMABAD: Learning Arabic is considered essential for every Muslim. In Pakistan, there is a need to promote Arabic literature. This conference is on a unique and most important topic, I congratulate vice chancellor and the entire team, and I am grateful for the invitation to participate in this conference”, said Madad Ali Sindhi, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, while addressing the opening session of two day international conference on "Modern Trends of the Arabic Novel in the Second Half of the Twentieth Century" at Allama Iqbal Open University.The Department of Arabic at AIOU is organizing a conference, with the participation of 13 scholars from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Thailand, Malaysia, Oman, Algeria, Nigeria and Syria in person, and 15 international scholars joining the conference online. PR
Thursday, 14 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
CORPORATE CORNER
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‘Final Year Design Project Financing 2023-24’ 2nd phase ceremony held on 13th Dec 2023 Wednesday, at Iqbal Auditorium, University of Agriculture (UOA) Faisalabad, Pakistan by PEC Pakistan Development Committee (PPDC). Honorable Engr. Muhammad Najeeb Haroon (Chairman PEC) was the chief guest of the ceremony. PR
UBL wins PSX’s ‘Top Companies of Year’ Award
United Bank Limited (UBL) was presented with the Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) ‘Top Companies of the Year’ Award for 2022 in Karachi recently. On receiving the award Mr. Muhammad Jawaid Iqbal, President & CEO UBL, said, "UBL is honoured to be recognized as one of Pakistan's top companies for 2022. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering support of our customers and the dedicated efforts of our employees.” PR
Karandaaz, Bank Alfalah join hands to scale up female agent network and enhance financial inclusion
KARACHI: Bank Alfalah, one of the largest commercial banks in Pakistan signed an agreement with Karandaaz to expand the female agent network in Pakistan. This partnership was signed in the presence of Karandaaz Chairperson Salim Raza, Bank Alfalah President and CEO Atif Bajwa, Karandaaz CEO Waqas ul Hasan, Group Head Digital Banking Group Muhammad Yahya Khan and other senior members of Bank Alfalah and Karandaaz. The partnership aims to promote women's financial inclusion in Pakistan and is aligned with the objectives of Karandaaz’s Women's Financial Inclusion (WFI) programme. This collaboration is a significant step towards fostering economic empowerment and accessibility in the financial sector. PR
Year in Search 2023: Google announces top trending searches in Pakistan
KARACHI: It's time to look back on the most interesting and memorable moments from Google's Year in Search of 2023 as the new year approaches. The top trending searches in 2023 demonstrated the varied interests and evolving tastes of the Pakistani audience, ranging from a passion for entertainment and cricket to newsworthy stories and happenings. This year’s top trending searches offer an enthralling glimpse into the distinct trends that captivated Pakistanis in 2023. Let us dive in and take a look at the searches that made it into the lists, this year. Who are they searching for? As a reflection of the public's varied interests, the top 10 trending searches for "people" in Pakistan for 2023 showcase a diverse range of personalities. Hareem Shah and Aliza Sehar were among the top names people searched for this year. Third place went to Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff, who was extensively searched this year amidst rumors about his wellbeing PR
Nestlé powers PKR 2b renewable energy investment in Pakistan
LAHORE: Nestlé reaffirms its commitment to Pakistan’s vision for renewable energy with investment of PKR 2 billion in renewable power and sustainability initiatives. In a first, Nestlé Pakistan inaugurated a 2.5 megawatt solar power plant completed with an investment of PKR 480 million at its Kabirwala Factory that aims to reduce 1,800 tCO2e of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Nestlé Pakistan’s PKR 2 billion investments include two biomass boilers and additional solar power plants at its other manufacturing sites in Pakistan. It is part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a special focus on renewable energy in line with its 2050 Net Zero commitments, as well as Pakistan government’s UN climate change pledge. PR
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Govt Grants exemption to fertilizer plants from winter Gas load-sheddinG NEWS
PM KAKAR DIRECTS TO PREPARE, SUBMIT ACTION PLAN FOR UNINTERRUPTED SUPPLY OF UREA FERTILIZER ON A PRIORITY BASIS
HE interim government has decided to exclude all fertilizer plants from winter gas loadshedding and import an additional 220 KMT urea to ensure a consistent and affordable supply for growers, announced caretaker Minister for Energy Muhammad Ali on Tuesday. Addressing a news conference alongside caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and Asad Rehman Gilani, Additional Secretary (Incharge) of the Ministry of Industries and Production, the Minister of Energy stated that to maintain local urea production without disruption, all fertilizer plants, including those operated by Fatima and Engro, would be exempted from four months of winter gas load-shedding (December-March 2024) and run at full capacity. Asad Rehman Gilani mentioned that the interim government plans to import additional urea in December-January. He asserted that Punjab and Sindh re-
ceived surplus urea in November, while KhyberPakhtunkhwa and Balochistan faced shortfalls due to transportation challenges. Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that decisive actions
would be taken against those involved in hoarding fertilizer and creating an artificial shortage. He noted that a network of manufacturers, dealers, agents, and shopkeepers played a role in creating this shortage, with manufacturers granting dealerships in regions with low urea demand. On Monday, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar directed relevant departments to prepare and submit an action plan for an uninterrupted supply of urea fertilizer on a priority basis. Responding to inquiries, the energy minister mentioned that to address gas shortfalls, the Petroleum Division would present a plan to reinforce LPG infrastructure. Additionally, a meeting is scheduled in the running month with foreign and local oil and gas exploration and production companies to address production issues. He added that 100 to 150 mmcfd of gas would be added to the system in winter, and efforts would be made to bring back foreign oil and exploration companies that ceased operations due to non-payment of dues.
NAVTTC, Daraz ink MoU to equip youth with e-commerce skills
Dr. Amjad Saqib's surprised visit to POS agent shop of partner bank in Rawalpindi
HABIBMETRO honoured at PSX Top 25 Companies Awards 2022
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NEWS DESK
KARACHI: The National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has formally entered a strategic partnership with Daraz through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on December 11 in Karachi. This educational alliance marks a significant step towards equipping Pakistani youth with E-Commerce skills. The MoU was signed by Mr. Hafeez Abbasi, Director General of SS&C, NAVTTC, and Mr. Ehsan Saya, Managing Director of Daraz. Mr. Aamir Jan, Executive Director NAVTTC, was also present remotely. The collaboration aims at empowering individuals by improving their skills commerce, thereby enabling them to become successful sellers on the Daraz platform and boost entrepreneurship in the country. This partnership implies NAVTTC's adoption of a special e-commerce curriculum crafted by Daraz. The curriculum is strategically designed to equip NAVTTC students with the necessary. PR
Zong 4G partners with SnappRetail to integrate mobile top-ups via easyload for prepaid recharge
ISLAMABAD: Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading telecommunication network, has partnered with SnappRetail Pakistan to introduce Zong’s Swiftload solutions for retail merchants. Merchants can recharge accounts themselves digitally through the use of SnappRetail’s E-POS (Electronic Point-ofSale) with the specially curated screen for recharge. Zong Business Solutions’ partnership with SnappRetail is an effort to contribute to the promotion of traditional trade in Pakistan. Zong 4G believes that this partnership will bring new horizons in the retail market by allowing retailers to explore multiple avenues with their devices through the availability of value-added services. Zong Business has made its mark in the telecommunication industry by providing top-notch data-related solutions to consumers. It further aims to enhance the digital ecosystem of Pakistan by constantly growing and empowering its domain throughout the country. “At Zong 4G, our core ambition is to provide ease of accessibility to our subscribers. Through strategic partnerships like the one with SnappRetail, we are creating new avenues for digital innovation,” stated the official spokesperson for Zong 4G, “Our collaboration aims to empower traditional retail merchants, ensuring thousands. PR
easypaisa partners with Unikrew and USAID to foster financial empowerment of women
ISLAMABAD: The Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) on Tuesday announced the revival of production at the Kunnar Pasakhi Deep (KPD) Field in a significant stride towards strengthening Pakistan's energy landscape. This achievement is a testament to OGDCL's commitment to addressing the decline in gas production and contributing to the nation's socioeconomic development. As part of its production optimization drive, OGDCL has implemented operational modifications and in-house compression arrangements, leading to the successful re-injection of gas from six lowpressure wells at the KPD Field. PR
RAWALPINDI: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, made a surprise visit to an authorized Point of Sale (POS) Agent Shop of BISP Partner Bank at Pirwadhai area in Rawalpindi. The visit aimed to personally oversee the distribution of Kafaalat stipends to the deserving women under BISP and address any challenges faced in the process.Dr. Amjad Saqib visited the retailer shop, where needy women had gathered to collect their Kafaalat stipends. Dr. Amjad Saqib took a hands-on approach, reviewing the method of fund distribution and interacting directly with the women.Recognizing the importance of understanding the ground realities, Dr. Amjad Saqib engaged in conversations with the needy women, who shared valuable insights into the challenges they face in receiving their funds. Demonstrating swift responsiveness, Dr. Amjad Saqib immediately directed concerned authorities to address and resolve the highlighted issues. PR
Muhammad Shabbir Clinches 13th CjCSC Open Golf Championship 2023
KARACHI: Muhammad Shabbir won the title of 13th CJCSC Open Golf Championship. The closing and prize distribution ceremony of Championship was held at Karachi Golf Club (KGC). Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the occasion as Chief Guest. While speaking at the ceremony, President Services Sports Control Board, Rear Admiral Abdul Basit commended untiring efforts of KGC staff and organizers for seamless conduct of championship and congratulated the winners for their remarkable success. He lauded the high standards of game that provided exciting and quality entertainment to the participants. Rear Admiral Abdul Basit also appreciated sponsors in supporting game of golf and conduct of the championship. PR
Puma Energy extends brand licences to Chishti Group
KARACHI: HABIBMETRO is honoured to have been recognised at the prestigious PSX Top 25 Companies Awards 2022. The award was received by Mr. Khurram Shahzad Khan, President & CEO of HABIBMETRO from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. The PSX Top 25 Companies Awards are presented to recognise the exceptional financial and managerial performance of selected companies operating in diverse sectors, and also acknowledge their operational efficiency, governance practices and commendable initiatives in sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) domains. This accolade is a testament to HABIBMETRO’s commitment to upholding exemplary standards in operations and prioritizing customers’ needs as the cornerstone of our business ethos. It solidifies our standing as a trusted financial partner. HABIBMETRO’s inclusion in this esteemed list reflects its unwavering commitment. PR
Mobilink Bank, Unikrew Solutions collaborate on USAID-funded initiative to drive women's financial inclusion
KARACHI: Pakistan's leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank, has joined forces with a prominent fintech player, Unikrew Solutions, to drive women's financial inclusion in the country through a project funded by USAID. Quratulain Chaudhary, Executive Manager Women Financial Services (WFS) Mobilink Bank, and Muhammad Naveed Sharif, Director Unikrew Solutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Islamabad, alongside Project Leads to set the collaboration in motion. Mobilink Bank is part of the VEON group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers in six dynamic markets that are home to 7% of the world's population.The project fully aligns with Mobilink Bank's long-term commitment to fostering women's financial inclusion to drive inclusive socioeconomic growth in the country. As an implementing partner, Mobilink Bank will facilitate account openings for 15,000 women nationwide and introduce special incentives to encourage their participation in the economic sphere. The project's beneficiaries will also have access to Mobilink Bank's comprehensive digital and financial products and services ecosystem. PR
Meezan Bank acts as joint financial advisor for historic Ijarah Sukuk issuance on behlaf of government
Puma Energy International and Chishti Group have signed an extended brand licence agreement authorizing the use of the Puma Energy brand and name in Pakistan. This brand license agreement reflects the growing strength of the Puma Energy International brand and its attractiveness as a fuel retail brand across high-potential growth markets. The agreement marks Puma Energy International’s optimism regarding Pakistan’s long-term economic outlook, as well as Puma Energy Pakistan’s capability to grow and capture greater market share through quality products and services. The Chishti Group, which operates a retail network under the Puma Energy Pakistan brand, has over 600 retail sites across the country that currently consists of over 50 Puma branded retail sites. The company plans to expand the network to include all the key retail sites as part of its growth plans. In addition, as part of its collaboration with Puma Energy International, the Chishti Group will explore powering Puma Energy-branded retail sites with solar energy. PR
KARACHI: Meezan Bank, a pioneer in Islamic banking, acted as lead Joint Financial Advisor in the groundbreaking listed Ijarah Sukuk Issuance for the Government of Pakistan (GoP). This is the first listed GoP Ijarah Sukuk issued through Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), allowing retail investors access to Shariah-compliant government securities in denomination of PKR 5000/-. Other Joint Financial Advisors included Dubai Islamic Bank (Pakistan) Limited, Bank Alfalah Limited and Bank Islami Pakistan Limited.This maiden auction, held on December 8, 2023, with settlement on December 11, 2023 at the PSX, aimed at raising PKR 30 billion, surpassed all expectations, and was oversubscribed by more than 13 times of the participated realized value. The cutoff yield was set at 19.5%. The tenor of the Sukuk is 364 days, providing investors with a short-term Shariahcompliant investment opportunity.This was the first issuance in the series of three auctions announced by the Ministry of Finance. The next two auctions are scheduled to be held in Jan and Feb 2024. PR
Thursday, 14 December, 2023
PAKISTAN FACES $6.8BN EXTERNAL DEBT REPAYMENT IN FY24, SBP GOVERNOR SAYS NEWS
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COUNTRY IS ON TRACK TO MEET NET DOMESTIC ASSETS AND NET FOREIGN ASSETS TARGETS FOR DECEMBER 2023; SAYS JAMEEL AHMED PROFIT
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HE State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor Jameel Ahmed said on Tuesday that Pakistan’s external debt obligations for the current fiscal year (FY24) amount to $24.6 billion, of which $5.4 billion have already been repaid. Speaking after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, Ahmed said that the remaining debt stands at $19.2 billion, out of which $12.4 billion are expected to be rolled over by the creditors, leaving a net repayment of
$6.8 billion for the rest of the fiscal year. He said that the $6.8 billion repayment includes $4.3 billion of principal and $2.5 billion of interest. He added that the existing foreign exchange reserves of the country are sufficient to meet the debt servicing obligations, as they stand at around $7 billion. Ahmed also said that the country is on track to meet the Net Domestic Assets (NDA) and Net Foreign Assets (NFA) targets for December 2023, as agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He said that the NFA of the SBP and the overall banking system have im-
Pakistan Single Window begins phased implementation of DRAP e-services
PROFIT GHULAM ABBAS
In a transformative move set to enhance transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business for pharmaceutical companies, commercial importers, healthcare institutions, and humanitarian organisations involved in imports of finished drugs, Pakistan Single Window (PSW), in collaboration with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has successfully integrated all existing entities, licences, and product registration of drugs with the PSW platform and has begun the gradual roll-out of various services. In the current phase, PSW is providing digital services. These services are related to the electronic submission and issuance of Drug Import Licences of all types. Additionally, PSW handles the release order for donated unregistered drugs that are imported by Hospitals, NGOs, and other organisations. The services shall be available on the PSW platform from the beginning of January 2024 and are envisaged to reduce the time and cost of pharmaceutical imports to ensure faster delivery to the sick and needy. In this regard, a webinar was organised by PSW for Drug Import License holders, Drug Manufacturing License holders, Custom Agents, and members of various trade and pharmaceutical associations and Chambers to give them a walkthrough of the new processes and facilitate a seamless transition to the digital environment. 130 participants attended the webinar. During the webinar, PSW officials demonstrated the filling of Drug Import License requests and issuance through the PSW portal and responded to various questions and suggestions from the stakeholders. Briefing the participants, Domain Officer Mr. Umair Mehmood stated, “Integrating drug import licences and release orders for donated unregistered drugs into the PSW system is a major milestone in DRAP’s ongoing efforts to modernise and streamline its trade processes. This initiative will benefit pharmaceutical companies and healthcare institutions and ensure timely access to essential medicines for patients across Pakistan. PSW is proud to be DRAP’s partner for this important initiative.” Today’s webinar proved immensely beneficial in addressing concerns and clarifying numerous aspects of the switchover, with a high level of engagement from participants. The integration of DRAP into the PSW platform signifies an important milestone in DRAP’s ongoing integration with the PSW platform. The collaboration between DRAP and PSW was formalised through an MoU signed on 11th November 2022 in Islamabad. The strategic partnership aims to integrate DRAP’s cross-border trade-related processes electronically with the PSW platform to provide all related services on a single digital platform and make the overall clearance process more efficient, transparent, and agile. ABOUT PAKISTAN SINGLE WINDOW (PSW): Pakistan Single Window is an initiative of the federal government of Pakistan. It automates and integrates cross-border trade-related procedures of Customs and other government agencies (OGAs) making trade faster, easier, and cheaper. It simplifies processes for businesses by centralising import and export document submissions online. PSW aims to boost efficiency, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency, facilitating smoother cross-border transactions for Pakistani enterprises in the global market.
proved since June 2023, due to considerable foreign exchange inflows in July 2023 from various sources, such as remittances, exports, loans, and grants. He said that the improvement in NFA, along with the contraction in NDA, has resulted in a better compositional mix of broad money and reserve money, which are the main indicators of monetary expansion and inflation. He said that the broad money (M2) growth decelerated to 13.7% year-onyear (YoY) as of November 24, 2023, from 14.2% YoY as of end-June 2023. He attributed this to the net retirements in private sector credit and the more
than seasonal decline in commodity operations financing. He said that the SBP has kept the policy rate unchanged at 22% for the next two months, as it balances the need to support the economic recovery. He said that the SBP expects the IMF to release the next tranche of $700 million in January 2024, after the completion of the second review of the Standby Agreement (SBA). The SBP governor said that the IMF has projected Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves to reach $9 billion by June 2024, which would enhance the country’s external stability and confidence.
SC conditionally suspends its verdict on civilian trials in military courts ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Supreme Court on Wednesday conditionally suspended its earlier verdict that declared the trial of civilians in military courts as null and void. The court announced its decision with a 5-1 majority. Justice Musarrat Hilali opposed the majority decision. The SC ruled that the military courts will not pronounce final decisions on the trials underway. It allowed the military courts to proceed with the trials, but said their final decisions would be conditional to the Supreme Court verdict. A six-member larger bench, headed by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, heard the appeals. The bench also included Justice Aminuddin, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Irfan Saadat. The larger bench also issued notices to the parties in the intra-court appeals and adjourned the proceedings till the third week of January. As the court resumed hearing the intra-court appeals on its verdict against the trial of civilians in military courts, head of the bench, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, refused to step down from the bench over objections by one of the applicants. The intra-court appeals have been filed by the federal and provincial governments, as well as
the Defence Ministry. The federal government has also sought a stay on the court verdict as well as appealed for declaring the decision null and void. Former chief justice of Pakistan Jawad S Khawaja is also among the applicants and had objected to the inclusion of Justice Masood in the bench hearing the case. He filed a petition before the court, challenging Justice Masood’s participation. Khawaja expressed reservations over Justice Masood’s prior opinion on the applications related to military courts. He proposed the formation of a fresh bench by the judges’ committee. The petition outlined that both Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Masood had recused themselves from a ninemember bench hearing these cases. Justice Masood’s previous opinion, signed on June 26, deemed the petitions against military courts inadmissible. THE HEARING As the hearing commenced, Justice Masood refused to step down from the bench, citing the applicant’s own earlier decision that recusing from a bench was a judge’s prerogative. “Pardon me, but I do not step down from the bench,” Justice Masood insisted and rejected the former CJP’s objection. Defense Ministry’s lawyer Khawaja Haris started presenting
his arguments and read the court verdict. The entire section of a law has been declared invalid in two lines, Justice Masood remarked. The lawyer said these provisions were previously retained in the Supreme Court's decisions. An eight-member bench retained these provisions in the FB Ali case. In the latest decision, the provisions were declared null and void by the majority of 4-1, he further said, adding that these provisions were also maintained in the 21st Constitutional Amendment case. The court also stopped Aitzaz Ahsan, Salman Akram Raja and Latif Khosa from presenting arguments, saying they had not been issued notices yet. Salman Akram Raja said if that was the case then a stay order should not be issued. Sardar Latif Khosa also opposed the issuance of a stay order. The judges ruling on the military courts are also from this Supreme Court, he remarked, and asked how a trial can resume when a detailed decision on the annulment of the trial has not been issued yet. Justice Masood asked why this appellate court was formed then. The provisions related to civilians were revoked, which should not have been done. “Under what law should the trial of those who martyred your children be conducted?” Justice Masood asked.
Improving tax system holds key importance to boost economy: PM Kakar ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar on Wednesday said that improving the tax system of the country holds key importance for boosting the economy. While addressing the 12th National Balochistan Workshop, he categorically said that undocumented economy was diseasing our whole system and if we remained unable to improve our FBR then probably we would fail on many accounts. Premier Anwaarul Haq Kakar responding to queries relating Kashmir issue said this longstanding issue can only be resolved through the implementation of UN Resolutions and no court of any country can decide over it. He reiterated Pakistan's continuously resolve to support Kashmir's just right to self-determination. He said for this purpose we will continue our efforts to highlight the issue at all international fora. ‘Only plebiscite to decide future of Kashmiris’ PM Kakar said that as per the UN Security Council’s resolutions, the sole method to determine the
future of Kashmir and its people is through a plebiscite and no country’s High Court or Supreme Court possessed the authority to decide on the matter. He said he will attend the special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from where he will lead the movement against the Indian Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the revocation of Article 370. He said the laws could not help make colonies, though they could help establish occupation for a limited period. He reiterated that Pakistan
would continue extending moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris and would raise the issue at the European Union and other multilateral forums. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister in an interview with a private television channel on a question about the Indian Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the revocation of Article 370 said the verdict would be judged by history as freedom was not just the Kashmiris’ right but their ultimate destiny. He said Pakistan was committed to the Kashmir cause as the whole nation was unanimous on to support their Kashmiri brethren regardless of any political association. Regarding improvement in Agriculture sector, the Prime Minister said it is a devolved subject after 18th Amendment but still we have some ambitious plans under the SIFC forum for this purpose. He expressed hope that these plans would give positive impact in future. To a question regarding culture promotion, PM Kakar urged the private sector to invest in this area through joint ventures with neighboring countries including China, Iran and Central Asian States.
PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR SUNRISE
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PSX plunges over 1,146 points amid profit-taking g
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INVESTORS CASHED IN ON GAINS MADE BY BENCHMARK KSE-100 INDEX, WHICH REACHED AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF 67,093 POINTS EARLIER IN DAY PROFIT
NEWS DESK
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a sharp sell-off on Wednesday as investors cashed in on the gains made by the benchmark KSE-100 Index, which had reached an all-time high of 67,093 points earlier in the day. The index, however, could not sustain the momentum and fell to as low as 64,427.38 points, before closing at 65,280.16 points, down by 1146.62 points or 1.73%. The market was influenced by the expectations of a cut in the policy rate by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the signs of easing inflation in the near future, which boosted the demand for the index-heavy sectors such as cement, chemical, commercial banks, fertiliser, OMCs, power generation and distribution. These sectors were the main drivers of the historic rally of the index, which had become the fastest growing in South Asia in the last two months. However, some profit-taking and correction was inevitable after the rapid rise, as the market also faced some political uncertainty and external challenges. The market sentiment was bearish on Wednesday as most of the sectors traded in the negative territory, especially the heavyweights such as automobile assemblers, cement, chemical, commercial banks, and refinery. In past weeks, the investor confidence was boosted by the improvement in the country’s financial indicators, such as the expected loan tranche of $700 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in December, expected $2 billion inflow from the World Bank in FY24, the extension of a $3 billion deposit by Saudi Arabia, and the above-target tax collection by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The market experts believe that the interest rates have peaked and are likely to decline from 2024, which would attract more flows to the equity market. They also expect the corporate earnings to improve in the coming quarters, reflecting the economic recovery. The PSX had seen a phenomenal rise of nearly 17% and the highest foreign investment in six years of $34.5 million in November 2023, indicating the strong confidence of investors in the country’s economic revival. This was the second-highest monthly return in percentage terms in over a decade, only behind Covid’s abnormal return in April 2020. The surge in Pakistan’s stock market rally had been a pivotal factor in the 50% increase in the benchmark index since late June, making it the world’s secondbest performer during this period, following Argentina.
‘Significant Milestone’: Interim cabinet approves first-ever ‘National Space Policy’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The interim cabinet on Wednesday approved Pakistan’s first-ever “National Space Policy”, under which international companies will be allowed to provide communication and coordination services to consumers. Addressing a press conference following cabinet’s meeting, Minister of Information Technology Dr Umar Saif explained that the approved policy establishes the framework for utilizing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Communication Satellites. “The National Space Policy allows private companies to offer services to consumers in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space program”, Dr Umar Said added. The minister highlighted that this development signifies a crucial moment for Pakistan’s space program, as it enables enhanced communication capabilities through advanced satellite technology. The approval of the National Space Policy is expected to facilitate improved telecommunications services, fostering advancements in connectivity and information dissemination across the country. He mentioned that the policy had been prepared in consultation with all stakeholders over three months, ensuring a balanced approach to facilitate private companies. The Minister said the policy will also help establish Space Regulatory regime in Pakistan as per the international standards. He said funds have also been arranged for research and development in SUPARCO. The minister disclosed that the federal cabinet has also approved the establishment of the National Cybercrime Investigation Authority (NCIA). This agency is dedicated to investigating cybercrime, taking over the mandate that was previously with the FIA. The gradual transition of cybercrime investigation responsibilities from the FIA to the NCIA is planned.
NEPRA’s excessive billing report contains exaggerated and false statistics: Ministry of Power g
MINISTRY NOTES REPORT DOES NOT CONSIDER GROUND REALITIES, OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS OF DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS, SUCH AS WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS, AND FEEDER BIFURCATIONS PROFIT
NEWS DESK
The Ministry of Power expressed reservations regarding the precision of a recent report by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on inflated electricity bills issued to consumers nationwide, stating that it contains exaggerated and false statistics. On December 4, NEPRA released an inquiry report addressing concerns about excessive billing by power distribution
companies (DISCOs). In response, the Ministry of Energy implemented a two-pronged strategy. It directed DISCOs to assess and provide detailed analyses of the inquiry report’s assumptions, processes, and findings. Additionally, an independent committee was formed to review the basis, assumptions, methodology, and findings of the NEPRA report. After evaluating inputs from DISCOs and the committee, the Ministry of Power released a preliminary report on Tuesday, December 12.
According to the ministry’s findings, many data sets used by NEPRA’s professionals were inaccurate or invalid, leading to exaggerated and false statistics. The report points out issues of quality control, arithmetic errors, and data processing errors in NEPRA’s findings. The ministry criticised NEPRA for utilising an unrepresentative and biased random sampling approach, contrary to established practices. It noted that the report did not consider ground realities and operational constraints of the distribution busi-
ness, such as weekends, holidays, and feeder bifurcations. The lack of robust exploratory data analysis and a cross-validation mechanism in the NEPRA report is highlighted as misleading and contributing to sensationalism. NEPRA’s inquiry report initially highlighted consumer complaints about DISCOs charging excessive and incorrect bills during July and August 2023. However, the Ministry of Power challenged NEPRA’s statistics, asserting that the actual figures differ significantly. The min-
Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk
istry argued that approximately 86% of consumers were billed within the due date for July, compared to NEPRA’s quoted 76%. Furthermore, the ministry contested NEPRA’s claim that around 3.2 million consumers were affected in July, stating that the actual data indicates only about 0.8 million consumers were affected. The ministry’s critique suggests a discrepancy between NEPRA’s findings and the actual billing statistics, emphasizing the need for accurate and transparent reporting in the evaluation of electricity billing practices.