SC GRANTS IMRAN, QURESHI BAIL IN CYPHER CASE In partnership with
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Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 174 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
ORDER, AUTHORED BY JUSTICE SHAH, g BENCH TAKES STRONG EXCEPTION TO SAYS THERE IS NO SUFFICIENT PROSECUTION’S HANDLING OF CASE, GRANTS INCRIMINATING MATERIAL AVAILABLE BAIL AGAINST SURETY BONDS OF RS1M Situation vindicates PTI’s allegations about level-playing field: Justice Minallah
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ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
HE Supreme Court (SC) granted bail to former prime minister Imran Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday in the cypher case. A three-judges SC bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, granted the bails against a
surety bond of Rs1,000,000 each. Imran Khan, the PTI’s founder, had approached the apex court for a bail relief in the case after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) rejected his post arrest bail application on October 27. It is pertinent to note that the bail in cypher case will not result in the former premier being released from jail. Imran is currently under judicial remand in the £190 million case, and also under arrest in the Toshakhana case. The cypher case is related to a piece of paper that Imran had waved at a public
Imran submits nomination papers to contest polls from Mianwali ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
In a major development on Friday, Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former prime minister, had his nomination papers submitted for the National Assembly constituency NA-89 in Mianwali, as reported by Express News. The development comes a day after Islamabad High Court (IHC) dismissed the former premier’s application seeking suspension of his conviction in the gift repository case. The order was believed to have effectively eliminated the possibility of the PTI founder contesting the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024. However, on Friday, Imran Khan submitted the nomination papers from his home constituency, Mianwali. The Returning Officer, in the presence of Imran Khan’s representative, collected the documents. Earlier in the day, in a significant legal victory for the deposed prime minister, the Supreme Court (SC) granted bail to Imran and PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cypher case. The bails were granted against a surety bond of Rs100,000. Imran Khan had approached the apex court for bail relief in the case after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) rejected his post-arrest bail application on October 27. It is pertinent to note that the bail in cypher case will not result in the former premier being released from jail. Imran is currently under judicial remand in the £190 million case, and also under arrest in the Toshakhana case. The 71-year-old former cricket star has been embroiled in a tangle of political and legal battles since he was ousted as prime minister in April 2022. He has not been seen in public since he was jailed for three years in August for unlawfully selling state gifts while in office from 2018 to 2022. Even if he were unable to contest the election, any release on bail would be a major shot in the arm for his party as it would enable him to lead its campaign in the lead-up to the polls. Khan is widely believed to be the country’s most popular leader and won the last general elections in 2018. On Wednesday, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan had said that Imran Khan will contest elections from three National Assembly constituencies including Lahore, Mianwali and Islamabad.
ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court Justice Athar Minallah on Friday observed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) allegations of denial of the level-playing field ahead of the upcoming general elections are “prima facie correct” which stood vindicated by whatever happened at politician Usman Dar’s house. He made these observations while hearing the PTI’s petition seeking a level-playing field in the general elections. A three-member bench comprising acting chief justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Minallah and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah heard the petition. The director general law of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was also present in the court. The top court directed the ECP representative to meet the PTI counsels at 3:00pm today to address the party’s concerns regarding level-playing field. The SC also ordered attorney gen-
rally last year ahead of a vote of confidence that he lost. The former premier, later naming the US, had claimed that the
eral to assist the ECP in meeting with the PTI lawyers. PTI founder Imran Khan’s lawyer, Shoaib Shaheen said Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) orders were still being issued against their leaders despite the issuance of the election schedule. Neither the PTI candidates were being provided with the nomination papers, nor they were allowed to submit them, he said. Acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood inquired why the ECP was not taking any steps to stop the issuance of the MPO orders. Justice Masood said an order would be issued to the electoral authority to redress all the complaints after reviewing them. Lawyer Shoaib Shaheen said they should be allowed to submit the papers to the Election Commission if the returning officers did not accept them
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cypher was ‘evidence’ of an ‘international conspiracy’ to topple his government.
ECP strips PTI of ‘bat symbol’ as intra-party polls nullified ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday stripped of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of ‘bat’ symbol as well as chairman by declaring intra-party elections “unlawful and against the party’s constitution.” A five-member ECP bench — headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja — announced the verdict reserved a couple days ago upon completion of the hearing, nullifying the PTI’s intra-party elections. The ECP declared the 11-page order on 13 identical petitions including of Akbar S Babar, a former PTI member, who claimed that the PTI did not stage the elections in line with the rules. The verdict comes as another blow to the party already battling a multitude of odds in the run-up to the scheduled February 8 elections with its founder — PTI’s voter driving force — already behind bars for months — and his release does not seem soon. “PTI has not complied with our directions […] and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019, and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017,” the order read. With the elections declared as unlawful, Barrister Gohar Khan, who replaced Khan as the party’s chairman, is no longer the party’s head. The party also seems to be running out of time as the extended deadline for filing nomination papers expires on Sunday and the party only has one day (Saturday) to move courts against the ECP’s decision.
The decision also came hours after PTI representatives held a meeting with the ECP officials following a Supreme Court order to remove the party’s reservations regarding the lack of a level playing field. “So keeping in view, the clear mandate of Elections Act, 2017 read with PTI constitution 2019, it is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intraparty election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017,” the ECP’s written order read. “Therefore, the certificate dated 4th December, 2023 and Form-65 filed by the alleged Chairman, is hereby regretted and rejected accordingly. The provisions of Section 215 of the Election Act, 2017 are hereby invoked and PTI is hereby declared ineligible to obtain, the Election Symbol, for which they have applied for.” The development comes a day after the Peshawar High Court ordered the ECP to settle the issues of the PTI’s intra-party polls and its electoral symbol by Friday (today). The PTI had also asked the PHC to direct the ECP to publish the results of its internal elections on the commission’s website – a step required by the party to contest the next general polls. The PTI has been complaining repeatedly that it is being targeted and not being given a level playing field, and just hours before the order, the ECP had assured the party it would be provided equal opportunities. Political analyst Mazhar Abbas told Geo.tv that the election com-
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mission has “never” declared any political party’s internal polls unlawful, noting that it seems like the PTI is “under attack”. “This has never happened. Symbols have been taken back [..] but this is the first time that the ECP has given an order on a party’s intra-party polls,” Abbas said, adding that parties have opted for alternate methods, as it happened in 1985’s polls, so the PTI would also have to come up with a strategy. He noted that with the power of social media, if PTI’s candidates run as independents, the party could disseminate information about their symbols and the names of the people. “But one thing is for sure: This election is getting harder and harder for PTI,” he added. In response, PTI has announced knocking on the door of the courts to seek relief — and the decision will have to be on Saturday as if the deadline expires, there’s nothing that they can do to get the bat symbol. Terming it a “conspiracy” against the ex-ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nowformer chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Friday announced that they would approach a high court against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision stripping the party of its iconic election symbol — ‘bat’. “We will not boycott the elections […] we have a plan B,” Barrister Gohar told the media, without elaborating what the strategy was, as his party remains under immense pressure after back-to-back challenges.
IHC questions why Baloch protesters being forcefully sent back ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday inquired why Baloch protesters in the federal capital, who were subjected to brutal police torture a day earlier, were being “forcibly” sent back to their province. “They can stay in Islamabad, protest or go back home. The choice is theirs,” remarked IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on a petition filed by Baloch protesters against unlawful detention. On Wednesday night, the Islamabad police used brutal force to disperse and detain Baloch demonstrators who had converged on the capital to protest against enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings in their province. More than 200 protesters were taken into custody from different areas of Islamabad. The demonstrators were also met with tear gas, water canons and police batons. The events were strongly condemned by human rights organisations, politicians and analysts. Later on Thursday evening, the government said 90 per cent of the Baloch men and women taken into custody had been released, except for the men who “could not be identified” by police. During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel Attaullah Kundi and Imaan Mazari appeared before the court. At the outset, Kundi contended that the police had told the counsels that a bus was waiting outside the police station which would take the protesters back home. “We had a conversation over this with the police for three hours,” he said. The lawyer further stated that the SP had told them that orders were issued by the prime minister for the repatriation of the protesters. “Baloch women were forcefully filled into buses,” he revealed, adding that some Baloch students studying in Islamabad were also forced into the buses. However, later these students were released, Kundi said. “Seeing all this, the drivers of the buses refused to move. During all this, the Islamabad police chief reached the police station and said these people should be sent back anyhow,” he told the court, adding that the gates of the police station were later closed. At 5am, the police issued a statement that protesters had been safely sent back home, the lawyer pointed out. At that, the court inquired who had appeared in court to represent the police to which a police officer came forth. However, Justice Farooq expressed displeasure and summoned IG Akbar Nasir in half an hour. At that, the court inquired who had appeared in court to represent the police to which a police officer came forth. However, Justice Farooq expressed displeasure and summoned IG Akbar Nasir in half an hour. Appearing before the court, the police chief said he had arranged for the transport of the protesters. “Wait a moment … where did you take them? Why did you send them? They could have stayed in Islamabad wherever they wanted to,” the judge stressed. “Whether they stay in Islamabad, protest or go home. It is their choice,” he remarked. Justice Farooq further inquired where the detained protesters were staying, to which the IG replied the arrested women were staying at a hostel in I-10 sector. “Tell the counsels where they are,” the court instructed the police chief. Here, Kundi pointed out that the IG had miscommunicated in court yesterday that there were no women in police custody and demanded that contempt proceedings be initiated against him. For his part, the police chief claimed the detained women protesters were provided with transport facilities to go wherever they wanted to. When asked how many protesters were in police custody, the IG replied that 216 Baloch men and women were at the Kohsar police station of which some had been sent on judicial remand. Out of these, 19 women were released, he added. Protesters at the Tarnol police station were released by the local magistrate while 162 detainees were sent on judicial remand, said IG Nasir. The court also asked about the number of women who were sent home, those released and the ones staying at the hostel. It also directed the police chief to arrange a meeting of the women with their counsels. “You have to convince them that not one person is missing,” Justice Farooq emphasised. At one point during the hearing, journalist Hamid Mir appeared in court. He said that during a press conference yesterday, a trio of caretaker ministers — Fawad Hassan Fawad, Murtaza Solangi, and Jamal Nasir — had said all the protesters were released. “But we found out that none of them were released. I went to the police station to check myself,” he said. “Women and children were being forcefully dragged and pushed into buses outside the Women Police Station.” Mir said he had also reached out to Fawad over the matter. “A little girl came to me and kept saying she didn’t want to go back,” he recalled. “But when I reached out to the police, they cursed at me and snatched my mobile phone,” the journalist said. Meanwhile, Ahmed Butt of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said the women were being filled into buses “like sheep” and highlighted that protests were a constitutional right of every person in a democracy.
UN Security Council acts to boost aid to Gaza after US abstains UNITED NATIONS REUTERS
The United Nations Security Council on Friday approved a toned-down bid to boost humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and called for urgent steps “to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities” after a week of vote delays and intense negotiations to avoid a veto by the United States. Amid global outrage over a rising Gaza death toll in 11 weeks of war between Israel and Hamas and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, the US abstained to allow the 15-member council to adopt a resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates. The remaining council members voted for the resolution except for Russia which also abstained.
Following high-level negotiations to win over Washington, the resolution no longer dilutes Israel’s control over all aid deliveries to 2.3 million people in Gaza. Israel monitors the limited aid deliveries to Gaza via the Rafah crossing from Egypt and the Israelicontrolled Kerem Shalom crossing. But a weakening of language on a cessation of hostilities frustrated several council members – including veto power Russia – and Arab and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation states, some of which, diplomats said, view it as approval for Israel to further act against Hamas for a deadly Oct. 7 attack. The adopted resolution “calls for urgent steps to immediately allow safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access and to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.” The initial draft had
called for “an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities” to allow aid access. “By signing off on this, the council would essentially be giving the Israeli armed forces complete freedom of movement for further clearing of the Gaza Strip,” Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council before the vote. Russia proposed the draft be amended to revert to the initial text calling for “an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities.” The amendment was vetoed by the United States. It received 10 votes in favour, while four members abstained. Earlier this month the 193-member UN General Assembly demanded a humanitarian ceasefire, with 153 states voting in favour of the move that had been vetoed by the United States in the Security Council days earlier. The US and Israel oppose a ceasefire,
believing it would only benefit Hamas. Washington instead supports pauses in fighting to protect civilians and free hostages taken by Hamas. AID MONITORING: Last month the United States abstained to allow the Security Council to call for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in fighting for a “sufficient number of days” to allow aid access. The move came after four unsuccessful attempts to take action. Washington traditionally shields its ally Israel from UN action and has already twice vetoed Security Council action since an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed and 240 people taken hostage. Israel has retaliated against Hamas by bombarding Gaza from the air, imposing a siege and launching a ground offensive. Some
20,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health officials in Hamas-ruled Gaza. Most people in Gaza have been driven from their homes and UN officials have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe. The World Food Programme says half of Gaza’s population is starving and only 10% of the food required has entered Gaza since Oct. 7. A key sticking point during negotiations on the resolution adopted on Friday had been an initial proposal for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to establish a mechanism in Gaza to monitor aid from countries not party to the war. A toned-down compromise was reached to instead ask Guterres to appoint a senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator to establish a UN mechanism for accelerating aid to Gaza through states that are not party to the conflict.
02 NEWS
Saturday, 23 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
GOVT DECLINES PROPOSAL OF BANKS’ CONSORTIUM FOR RS15B LOAN TO FINANCIALLY STRUGGLING PIA
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HE federal government has declined the stringent terms proposed by a consortium of six commercial banks for a new loan of Rs15 billion to the financially struggling Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). A joint committee, formed to find a viable solution for the airline’s financial woes until privatization, has also failed to reach an agreement. According to government sources, the consortium of banks sought sovereign guarantees, a letter of comfort, two aircraft as collateral, and a waiver from the State Bank of
SBP pumps Rs2.72tr into market through OMOs
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Pakistan (SBP) for the Rs15 billion loan. The Ministry of Finance rejected these terms, citing concerns that they favored the banks more than protecting the government’s interests. Habib Bank Limited, National Bank of Pakistan, and Meezan Bank Limited collectively offered Rs9 billion, with Faysal Bank Limited, Bank of Punjab, and Askari Bank Limited contributing the remaining Rs6 billion. The loan was intended to secure two confiscated aircraft of PIA and address other financial needs, with a repayment period not
exceeding two years. Caretaker Minister for Privatisation Fawad Hasan Fawad, tasked with selling PIA, has faced obstacles in the form of challenging loan conditions. The proposed terms included sovereign guarantees for half of the loan amount, acceptable to the finance ministry, a letter of comfort, two aircraft as collateral, and protection under UAE and English laws for the remaining half. Despite offering the loan at Karachi Interbank Offered rates plus 1.5%, approxi-
AMONG MAJOR DEFAULTERS ARE POWER GENERATION COMPANIES, WITH TOTAL OUTSTANDING PAYMENTS OF RS150.8 BILLION PROFIT
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The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has provided a massive liquidity boost to the market by conducting two types of open market operations (OMOs) on Friday. According to a statement issued by the SBP, Rs2.66 trillion was injected through a reverse repo OMO, in which it purchased government securities from banks and financial institutions for a specified period of time. The reverse repo OMO was conducted for a tenor of seven days at a rate of 21.75%, the statement said. In addition, the SBP also injected Rs68 billion through a Shariahcompliant Modarabah-based OMO, which is a new facility introduced by the SBP in December 2021 to cater to the liquidity needs of the Islamic banking sector. The Modarabah-based OMO was conducted for a tenor of three days at a profit rate of 22.11%, the statement added. The OMOs are part of the SBP’s monetary policy tools to manage market liquidity and interest rates. The SBP conducts OMOs on a regular basis to ensure smooth functioning of the financial system and to support economic activity.
Fawad Chaudhry’s brother held while submitting his nomination papers JEHLUM
Staff RepoRt
Faraz Chaudhry, brother of Fawad Chaudhry was arrested by police in Jhelum on Friday on the occasion of submitting of nomination papers of Fawad for general elections. The detained brother of former federal minister was wanted in various cases, police officials claimed. Faraz Chaudhry was arrested from NA-60 where he arrived to submit the nomination papers of his brother Fawad Chaudhry. Last week, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat has been arrested from outside the Lahore High Court (LHC). Marwat, who is senior vice president of the party, was leaving the high court premises after attending a lawyers’ convention when a heavy contingent of police arrested him. According to police, the PTI leader was arrested under 3MPO and shifted to Mazang police station. A week later, the senior vice president of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who was arrested from outside LHC, challenged his detention under 3MPO and was released on the order of the Lahore High Court.
Former PTI MNA Tashfeen Safdar quits party
GUJRAT
Staff RepoRt
Former Member National Assembly from Gujrat belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PT) Tashfeen Safdar has announced to quit the party. In the same breath, Tashfeen Safdar also announced joining Pakistan Muslim LeagueQuaid (PML-Q). Three leaders of PTI from Gujrat had already parted ways with the party in recent days. Former MNA Syed Faiz Ul Hasan Shah had recently also announced parting ways with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. He was elected from NA-74 on the ticket of PTI in the 2018 polls. In a press conference held in Gujrat on Tuesday last, Shah along with the former member of provincial assembly Chaudhry Arshad denounced the events of May 9 and announced to quit PTI.
mately 24% interest, the Ministry of Finance deemed the borrowing rates slightly higher. The banks also requested a waiver from SBP’s prudential regulations, which the finance ministry declined, expressing concerns about setting a precedent for other struggling enterprises. The banks further demanded exclusive rights to PIA revenues from flights on UAE routes, seeking guarantees for regular flight operations and uninterrupted fuel supplies. Revenues from these flights would be di-
PSO grapples with escalating receivables, crossing Rs800b mark g
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rected to a dedicated account for principal and interest payments. The Rs15 billion loan cannot be restructured and must be repaid on time, as per the banks’ conditions. The joint technical committee, responsible for arranging the loan and restructuring PIA’s old debt of Rs260 billion, failed to meet its deadline, resulting in its natural conclusion. The committee, chaired by Usman Bajwa, Secretary Privatization Commission, could not submit recommendations by the December 15th deadline. Efforts to resolve the financial challenges faced by PIA and advance its privatization agenda remain in limbo as negotiations between the government and commercial banks continue.
LOAN IS INTENDED TO SECURE TWO CONFISCATED AIRCRAFT OF PIA AND ADDRESS OTHER FINANCIAL NEEDS, WITH A REPAYMENT PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING TWO YEARS
Pakistan State Oil (PSO) faces an ongoing challenge as its receivables surpass the unprecedented Rs800 billion mark, attributed to delayed payments from clients. The company’s debt has escalated notably since its foray into the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. The surge in receivables began with PSO’s involvement in the LNG market, particularly with a public gas utility, which owes Rs519 billion for imported LNG supplies. Despite a recent significant increase of up to 139% in gas prices by the caretaker government, aimed at addressing circular debt, the debt continues to rise, especially due to heightened demand for LNG during the winter season. Under a government-to-govern-
ment (G2G) arrangement with Qatar Petroleum, PSO entered into an agreement for LNG imports, adding to the financial burden. Currently, PSO is grappling with the task of recovering Rs802 billion from its clients, a substantial increase from Rs362 billion in August 2021. Among the major defaulters are power generation companies, with total outstanding payments of Rs150.8 billion. Hubco owes Rs29.5 billion, while Kapco has liabilities amounting to Rs5 billion. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is another significant defaulter, accumulating Rs27.9 billion in unpaid dues for jet fuel supplied by PSO. In addition to outstanding client payments, PSO is awaiting the recovery of Rs8.9 billion from the government, attributed to price differential claims. The accumulating receivables are now
impacting the company’s ability to settle its dues with oil refineries, resulting in payables rising to alarming levels. PSO’s outstanding payments to refineries include Rs26.6 billion to PakArab Refinery Company (Parco), Rs8.4 billion to Pakistan Refinery Limited, Rs4.1 billion to National Refinery Limited, Rs6.9 billion to Attock Refinery Limited, Rs1.7 million to Byco, and Rs1 billion to Enar. As the country’s largest oil importer, PSO holds agreements with Kuwait Petroleum, with an outstanding payment of Rs104 billion for Letters of Credit opened for oil and LNG imports. Despite these financial challenges, PSO’s financial results demonstrate resilience and strength across its diverse portfolio amid a challenging economic environment and ongoing pandemic impacts.
Gilani, Dehr, Dogar submit nomination papers MULTAN
Staff RepoRt
Former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and former MNAs Abdul Ghaffar Dogar and Ali Musa Gilani submitted nomination papers on Friday. The former PM and MNA Ahmad Hussain Dehar submitted papers for NA-148 from PPP and PML-N respectively, whereas Abdul Ghaffar Dogar and Ali Musa Gilani filed their nominees for NA-151 from PML-N and PPP respectively. Meanwhile, former PTI’s leader Akhtar Malik, Iqbal Siraj, Syed Babar Shah, Iqbal Siraj, Arshad Ran and Malik Anwar also submitted their papers for different constituencies of Punjab Assembly, added the source. It’s important to note that Election Commission had extended the date for submitting the papers for two days.
Chinese govt scholarship deadline expires on Dec 28 ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan’s exports up by 7.7%, imports down by 12% in November PROFIT
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Pakistan’s trade balance improved in November 2023, as the country’s exports grew faster than its imports, compared to the same month last year. According to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan exported goods worth $2,573 million (PKR 734,541 million) and imported goods worth $4,539 million (PKR 1,295,968) in November 2023, showing an increase of 7.7% and a decrease of 12% in US dollar terms, respectively. The increase in exports was mainly driven by the high demand for rice, cotton yarn, mobile phones, and oil seeds, nuts and kernels, which recorded double-digit or triple-digit growth rates in November, 2023. Rice exports, in particular, surged by 186.08% in rupee terms and 100% in dollar terms, reaching $116.67 million in November, 2023. However, exports declined by 4.35% in dollar terms on a month-onmonth basis, as some of the major export items such as knitwear, bed wear, towels, and petroleum products witnessed a decrease in their value in November, 2023, compared to October, 2023. On the other hand, imports also de-
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TRADE DEFICIT WIDENS BY 11.93% YEAR-ON-YEAR, NARROWS BY 6.68% MONTH-ON-MONTH
creased by 12% in dollar terms in November, 2023, compared to the same month last year, reaching $4,539 million. The main commodities of imports were petroleum crude, petroleum products, natural gas, palm oil, iron and steel, and electrical machinery and apparatus. Imports also declined by 6.68% in dollar terms on a month-on-month basis, as some of the major import items such as petroleum products, plastic materials, and mobile phones witnessed a decrease in their value in November, 2023, compared to October, 2023. As a result, the trade deficit widened by 11.93% in dollar terms in
November, 2023, compared to the same month last year, reaching $1.96 billion. The trade deficit also narrowed by 6.68% in dollar terms on a month-onmonth basis, as the decrease in imports was higher than the decrease in exports. The cumulative trade deficit for the first five months of the fiscal year 202324 (July-November) stood at $9.45 billion, showing a decrease of 17.01% in dollar terms compared to the same period last year. The cumulative exports for the same period totaled $12.17 billion, showing an increase of 1.93%, while the cumulative imports totaled $21.6 billion, showing a decrease of 17.01%.
If you wish to study abroad and that too on a foreign government scholarship, now is your chance to make your dreams come true by applying for the China Scholarship Council (CSC) before the application deadline expires on December 28. The scholarship — announced last month — provides an opportunity for Pakistani researchers and students to undertake studies and research in Chinese universities and aims to strengthen ties between the two countries’ educational systems. Furthermore, the Chinese government has designated the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for these scholarships for the academic year 2024–2025 on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. Applications for the concerned programme can be submitted to the related HEC portal or the CSC’s portal by December 28. The move is aimed at promoting educational opportunities for foreign students and researchers pursuing bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degrees. According to the official HEC website, the CSC — entrusted by China’s Ministry of Education — is responsible for the enrollment and the administration of Chinese Government Scholarship Program. Furthermore, only those applicants are considered under the Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2024-25 who have already a valid Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) or Higher Education Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) score (obtained after January 01, 2022). The designated Chinese universities offer a wide variety of academic programs in Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Economics, Legal Studies, Management, Education, History, Literature, Philosophy and Fine Arts and more for scholarship recipients at all levels.
Energy imports decline by 13pc in Nov, reaching $1.42b PROFIT
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Pakistan witnessed a 13% reduction in overall energy imports, reaching $1.42 billion in November 2023, reflecting subdued demand for petroleum, oil, and gas products. Economic activities remained sluggish due to slow growth, and increased product prices affected purchasing power across various sectors. The diminishing demand for products, especially furnace oil used in power production, led refineries to explore export opportunities. Exporting furnace oil allowed refineries to import larger quantities of crude oil, enabling the production of premium products such as petrol and diesel. According to the latest data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), refined product imports dropped by 29% to $499 million in November compared to $708 million the previous year. Meanwhile, crude oil imports increased by 4% to $566 million from $546 million in the same month last year. The import of Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) decreased by 9%, amounting to $290 million. This decline was largely attributed to elevated international prices and the country’s dwindling foreign exchange reserves, impacting its ability to finance such imports. Industries, including major players
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REFINED PRODUCT IMPORTS DROPPED BY 29% TO $499 MILLION IN NOVEMBER COMPARED TO $708 MILLION PREVIOUS YEAR
like the textile sector, showed reluctance in purchasing expensive imported gas due to rising costs, making it economically unviable for sustaining factory operations and overall economic activities. The lackluster performance in largescale manufacturing (LSM) industries, coupled with a 33-month low in electricity production in November, highlights the continued sluggishness in economic activities. Despite achieving a GDP growth of 2.1% in the first quarter (Jul-Sep) of FY24, analysts caution that this growth is influenced by specific factors such as improved agricultural output, particularly in cotton and rice. The low-base effect and the contraction of the economy by 1% in the same quarter of the previous year further contribute to the perceived turnaround. Experts predict that energy imports and demand for related products are likely to remain subdued throughout the current fiscal year. The caretaker government’s focus on implementing stringent International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions, including tight monetary and fiscal policies, does not align with pro-growth strategies in the short term. Anticipating more growth-friendly policies following the February 2024 elec-
tions, analysts believe that the next elected government may spearhead initiatives to boost economic growth and subsequently increase demand for energy products by late FY24 or early FY25. In the first five months (Jul-Nov) of the current fiscal year 2023-24, cumulative energy imports witnessed a 16% decline, amounting to $6.45 billion compared to $7.70 billion in the same period the previous year. According to PBS data, Pakistan’s petroleum product exports surged to $44 million in November, marking a 512% increase from a mere $7 million in the cor-
responding month last year. Recent developments reveal that petroleum refineries primarily exported furnace oil after domestic demand dropped to a mere 10% of the daily output, ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes. This decline followed the government’s decision to curtail power production from oil-run plants, opting for more cost-effective alternatives like hydel and nuclear power. Leading refineries such as Pak-Arab Refinery (PARCO) and Pakistan Refinery (PRL) played a significant role in exporting furnace oil among the five refineries currently operational in the country.
IHC CLEARS NISAR AFZAL IN £60M UK CASE CONDEMNING NAB’S ‘FAKE CASE’
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Saturday, 23 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
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ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
HE Islamabad High Court has set-aside freezing orders on several properties of British Pakistani businessman Nisar Ahmed Afzal while observing that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had demonstrated high-handedness in its dealing in several ways – in a case that started on request of the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) related to £60M alleged Birmingham Mortgage fraud case. The IHC’s Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan noted that several properties of Nisar Afzal and family members were frozen in Islamabad by the NAB in November 2021 for the purpose of recovery – on behalf of the UK authorities – but the agency failed to file a reference and failed to furnish any evidence of criminality against the British Pakistani family. Interestingly, the NAB seized Afzal’s properties after UK’s Serious Fraud Office
(SFO) announced in November 2021 it has dropped the investigation into Nisar Afzal bringing the matter to a close as there was no realistic prospect of a successful conviction, primarily due to lack of evidence. However, NAB authorities in Pakistan froze Afzal’s assets on a request by the UK govt which was sent originally in 2017 and the NAB accepted it in November 2021 when the original case was already over. The NAB froze around eight properties of Afzal which included those properties in
Situation vindicates PTI’s allegations about level-playing field: Justice Minallah CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The apex court directed the ECP to address all their complaints. To which, the ECP and attorney general assured the court of cooperation. Justice Shah also inquired the attorney general what the solution was to all that matter. The attorney general said the ECP should seek reports from all the inspector generals and ensure that no candidate faced an issue. Justice Masood directed all the IGs not to harass PTI candidates. The PTI’s counsel said even lawyers were being arrested from the ROs’ offices. Justice Masood said many PTI leaders were wanted in different cases. The wanted leaders were appearing in the respective courts, replied lawyer Shoaib Shaheen. “They are also taking protective bails from the relevant high court, yet they are being arrested,” said the lawyer. After hearing the arguments, SC disposed of the PTI petition pertaining to the level-playing field in the upcoming general elections. The case was fixed for hearing earlier today (Friday) during the hearing of the cipher case against former prime minister Imran Khan’s PTI lawyer raised the issue before a three-judge bench headed by interim Chief Justice Masood. Lawyer Niazullah Niazi informed the court that PTI candidates were not allowed to file nomination papers. To which, Justice Masood said the Registrar Office would fix the case for hearing today. “If your candidate is an absconder then how can he file the nomination paper,” he asked the PTI counsel. At this Niazi shared that “Umair Niazi’s, who is present in the court, father’s nomination papers were torn apart. The election commission has also not announced the verdict regarding the election symbol.” PTI PETITION: In its petition, the PTI alleged that the district authorities and provincial and federal governments were not treating it on par with the other political parties. Barrister Gohar Ali filed the petition in the apex court under Article 184(3) of the Constitution making the federation of Pakistan through its secretary, Ministry of Interior, ECP and chief secretaries of Punjab, KhyberPakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh and Balochistan respondents. He prayed to the apex court to direct the respondents to provide a levelplaying field to the PTI for the purpose of free and fair elections, in the interest of justice. He also prayed that respondents should be restrained from harassing the party workers and leaders and they should be allowed to participate in the election process without any discrimination. The PTI chairman questioned as to whether the ECP was not under a constitutional duty to conduct free and fair elections and facilitate the largest and most popular political party in the country by providing a level-playing field for the purpose of free and fair elections. Whether arresting, harassing and snatching of nomination forms, obtained from different returning officers, from workers and leaders of PTI was not illegal, unlawful and against the fundamental rights, guaranteed under the Constitution, the PTI chairman asked. He also questioned as to whether the returning officers and the ECP were not under a legal obligation to give a free and fair environment and treat PTI on a par with other political parties. He asked whether not providing a level-playing field to the PTI, and harassing, threatening and abducting party members and snatching nomination forms from them was not a serious threat to democracy.
Islamabad as well which were purchased long before the alleged offence in the UK. On 7 August 2017, the NCA through British High Commission Islamabad had lodged a complaint with Chairman NAB, alleging that two real brothers namely Nisar Ahmaed Afzal and Saghir Ahmed Afzal and others were involved in a £60 million Mortgage Fraud in UK in the year 2004-2006 and that Nisar Ahmad Afzal however fled away from UK to Pakistan alongwith part proceeds of £26 million which were received in Pakistan bank accounts of Afzal’s family members and subsequently routed/layered and brought in their personal utilization to acquire properties. However, the IHC heard that the NAB did nothing from 2017 onwards and moved to freeze properties in September 2021 and since then didn’t transmit the cases to Court of Session or any other court under the law nor concluded the investigation report. The judges said: “Even we have confronted the respondent NAB as to whether the matter was concluded to be settled by
any court of law but nothing concrete has been demonstrated.” The judges noted that the freezing orders cannot be continued when the principal offences in terms of the National Accountability Ordinance 1999 stand repealed and “this is not the mandate of law to put any person under caution or his properties be freezed forever, even when no complaint has been filed in court of law nor any prosecution has been initiated from last more than seven years, such aspect clearly demonstrate the highhandedness on part of respondent authorities, who though conceded that the EBM in their meeting held on 14.11.2023 recommended that investigation be closed at NAB’s end and be referred to the FIA”. The judges criticised the NAB for its conduct and culture of unfairly victimising people. They noted: “Such aspect left nothing in favour of NAB authorities who cannot hide behind their previous authority to proceed against the Petitioner (Nisar Afzal) when the entire issue has been closed at their end.
India making IIOJK as its Hindutva military colony: Report ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
India is treating its illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir as its colony right from 27 October 1947 when it forcibly landed its troops in Srinagar and occupied the territory against the will of the Kashmiri people. A report released by Kashmir Media Service on Friday said that colonization of IIOJK by military policies has been a long-pending dream of Hindutva Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The report pointed out that redrawing of electoral boundaries, the BJP government is using to advance Hindutva’s dangerous game plan in IIOJK after abrogation of articles 370 and 35A. The report said the BJP regime is creating colonial settlements in occupied Jammu and Kashmir on the pattern of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and it removed the barrier to colonize Kashmir by revoking Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to occupied Kashmir. The report maintained that India illegally changed laws and gave state subjects, lands and settlement entry, to
Last week, on December 13, a special court established under the Official Secrets Act once again indicted former premier Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cypher case – dealing a fresh blow to exPTI chairman’s chances of contesting Pakistan’s general election in February. Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain read out the two-page charge-sheet under the Official Secrets Act, outlining three distinct charges against the defendants. The court ruled that both Imran, in his capacity as prime minister, and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, as foreign minister, breached the Official Secrets Act. The charge-sheet stated that both accused publicly flaunted a classified document during a rally on March 27, 2022, exploiting it for personal gain in a deliberate manner, highlighting that the unlawful actions harmed the nation’s reputation, security, and diplomatic affairs The former premier and Qureshi were first indicted in the case on October 23, where both the PTI leaders had pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, on November 21, the IHC declared the trial “illegal” on grounds that the governemnt’s notification regarding holding the trial in-camera was without lawful authority. Four witnesses had recorded their statements in the case when the IHC scrapped the entire proceedings of the case, ordering the special court to start the trial afresh. The written order: In its written order, the top court, while granting bail to Khan and Qureshi, said that there is no sufficient incriminating material available, at this stage, which could show that Imran Khan communi-
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
A high level delegation of Jamiat Ulema-eIslam Pakistan (JUI-P) held a meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and discussed the prevailing political situation, the continued state coercive measures against PTI and a strategy to foil the ongoing attempts to rig the long-awaited general elections threadbare. The JUI-P delegation was led by Maulana Shujaa-ul-Mulk and PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan was also present in the meeting. During the meeting, they called the efforts to rob elections and the right of the people to vote through state coercive and brutal measures as a criminal act against democracy and a despicable attempt to push the country into the quagmire of anxiety and chaos. They also held detailed discussion on important issues such as the prevailing political situation in the country, the unabated and continued worst state oppression and suppression against PTI and the strategy to foil the most heinous plan to rig the upcoming elections scheduled for February 8, 2024. Moreover, during the meeting, they shed light on various aspects of political and electoral cooperation between the two political parties. On the occasion, the JUI-P chief Maulana Khan Muhammad Khan Sherani special message was delivered, demanding immediate cessation of the ongoing extra-constitutional and legal tactics against PTI and Founding Chairman Imran Khan, who had been imprisoned in Adiala Jail.
PTI demands immediate release of founding chairman, vice chairman ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
non-Kashmiri people, which damaged the demography of IIOJK in violation of the United Nations resolutions. India is freely violating the international law in Jammu and Kashmir, which is a disputed territory recognized by the United Nations Security Council and the world community, it deplored. It said India, by using its more than one million military and paramilitary troops, has converted the disputed territory into a colony of the stone-age when the people used to be treated as slaves without having the fundamental rights. Earlier, the dirty draft plan of delimitation was part of India’s systematic settler colonialism campaign to subjugate Muslim majority, minimize its role
and provide political mileage to the BJP to enable it to form government in the territory so that it could legalize and legitimize the 5th August 2019 controversial decision and the subsequent actions it had taken so far on Kashmir. The Modi-led Indian regime in its colonial cunningness is hell bent to rob the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their well-bonded brotherhood and create an atmosphere of hatred and animosity between them to further the communal Hindutva agenda of RSS. The Indian occupation authorities in IIOJK are sealing properties owned by Kashmiris, including those dedicated to educational institutions offering free education to the disadvantaged people.
SC grants Imran, Qureshi bail in cypher case CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Maulana Shujaa-ul-Mulk led JUI-P delegation meets PTI Chairman
cated the information contained in the cypher received from Washington to the public at large with the intention or calculation, directly or indirectly, in the interest or for the benefit of a foreign power nor the disclosed information relates to any of the defence installations or affairs, nor did he disclose any secret official code to the public at large. “We, therefore, are of the tentative opinion that there are not reasonable grounds for believing, at this stage, that the petitioners have committed the offence punishable under clause (b) of Section 5(3) of the Act but rather that there are sufficient grounds for further inquiry into their guilt of the said offence, which is to be finally decided by the learned trial court after recording of the evidence of the parties. The discretion exercised by the High Court in declining bail to the petitioners is found to have been exercised perversely, that is, against the weight of the material available on record of the case, which warrants interference by this Court”, said the judgement, authored by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah. “The offences of wrongful communication of the official confidential information, etc., as defined in defined in clause (a) to (d) of Section 5(1) of the Official Secrets Act 1923 (“Act”) are generally punishable, under clause (b) of Section 5(3), with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both, and are bailable under clause (b) of Section 12(1) of the Act. It is only when an offence is committed in contravention of clause (a) of Section 5(1) and is intended or calculated to be, directly or indirectly, in the interest or for the benefit of a foreign power, or is in relation to any of the defense instal-
lations or affairs, or in relation to any secret official code, that it is punishable under clause (b) of Section 5(3) of the Act, with death or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years. Such an offence is non-bailable and also falls within the prohibitory clause of Section 497(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 (CRPC). In respect of such offences, other than the provisos to Section 497(1), bail is granted under Section 497 (2), CrPC, if it appears to Court at any stage of the investigation, inquiry or trial, as the case may be, that there are not reasonable grounds for believing that the accused has committed such an offence but rather that there are sufficient grounds for further inquiry into his guilt.” The order said that the only question, therefore, before the court in the case is that whether there are not reasonable grounds for believing, at this stage, that the petitioners have committed the offence punishable under clause (b) of Section 5(3) of the Act but rather that there are sufficient grounds for further inquiry into their guilt of the said offence. “In this regard, we are cognizant of the one of the elementary principles of the law of bail that to answer the said question, the Court cannot indulge in the exercise of a deeper appraisal of the material available on record of the case but is to determine it only tentatively by looking at such material,” the judgement said. The order said that these petitions are converted into appeals and the same are allowed. “The bail applications of the petitioners are accepted subject to their furnishing of bail bonds in the sum of one million with two sureties each in the like amount to the satisfaction of the learned trial court,” it added.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson lauded the Supreme Court three-member bench verdict approving the bails of PTI Founding Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the Cipher case, saying the judgement exposed the reality of the cipher before the nation and hence there was no justification to keep them in prison anymore. Reacting to the top court’s decision, PTI spokesperson expressed gratitude and satisfaction on behalf of PTI and added that with the approval of the bails of Khan and Qureshi in the false, fabricated and bogus politically motivated case like cipher based on malice, hatred and antagonism met to its tragic death. PTI spokesperson contended that the state did not have any constitutional or legal justification to keep Imran Khan or Qureshi in prison any longer. He pointed out that the Cipher case and the actions taken based on the bogus and frivolous case spoke volume about the sick and corrupt structure of justice system. PTI Spokesperson stated that the sole purpose of this fabricated and baseless case was to force the PTI Founding Chairman to compromise on the principles and withdraw from the just movement for the supremacy of constitution and upholding rule of law in the country. He went on to say that in reality no ambiguity was left in the mind of the nation pertaining to the contents of the cipher and its role in the country's politics. PTI spokesperson emphasised that the ongoing illegal crackdown on PTI candidates across the country when the polls scheduled was announced was shameful and despicable attempts to oust PTI from the elections through state coercion, which was clearly validating and putting a stamp on the position of PTI Founding chairman on Cipher.
PTI vehemently rejects biased, faulty ECP decision, vows to challenge it in SC ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly rejected the illegal, biased and faulty decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) pertaining to the party intra-party elections, which was a serious attack on the transparency of elections, vowing that the flawed decision would be challenged in the apex court. PTI spokesperson, in his strongly-worded reaction, said that the attempts to oust of the most popular political parities of electoral battle through use of force and conspiracy would not succeed no matter what. He made it clear that the decision of the electoral body was flawed, illegal, biased and a serious attack on the transparency of the elections. PTI spokesperson noted that the ECP was hell-bent on destroying the constitution, democracy and transparency of elections in the country through its prejudiced and unfair decision.
Chinese intercropping tech tailored for Pakistan to reduce soybean imports ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
“Rather than creating new/dedicated cultivation window for soybean production, the existing area under cultivation of sugarcane and maize bears the potential to produce up to 2.7 million tons of soybean with the same land, water and fertilizer resources that are being supplied to these major crops.” This was stated by Dr. Sajad Hussain from the National Research Center of Intercropping (NRCI) at the just-concluded National Workshop on Soybean Production in Pakistan organized by FAO to make possible solutions for reducing soybean’s import bill of $1 billion by domestically producing 2-
2.5 million tons of soybeans. In the technical session, representatives of different institutes shared their research, current challenges and status of soybean cultivation in Pakistan. Dr. Sajad presented the practical and possible solution of soybean cultivation with intercropping technology in Pakistan. He emphasized that designating new area for soybean as well as convincing the farmers for large scale mono-cropping of soybean at the expense of compromising cultivation area of major crops would be extremely difficult. “4 major crops i.e. wheat (9 million ha), maize (1.6 million ha), sugarcane (1.26 million ha) and cotton (1.9 million ha) are being cultivated extensively. To produce soybean of the target, we will need
to cultivate soybean on at least 2 million ha by replacing any other major crop,” he said. According to Dr. Sajad, under the present challenging scenario of soybean demand in Pakistan, the strip intercropping of soybean with other major crops would the best possible solution. Since 2018, Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza, a post-doc who graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University (SAU), China, and now acts as the Director of NRCI, has started to promote China’s maize-soybean strip intercropping technology in Pakistan with his professor Yang Wenyu’s support and guidance, which has received good response in recent years. “Up till now, over 2,000 farmers have successfully practiced intercropping in Pak-
istan,” Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza revealed. Currently, NRCI is working on the different cereal-legume intercropping systems including wheat-based and sugarcane-based intercropping system. Moreover, local scientists at the institute has already developed and optimized the maize-soybean and sugarcanesoybean intercropping systems as a possible solution to beat the rising import bill of soybean in Pakistan. “Through these optimized intercropping systems, we can harvest an additional 1 ton of soybeans at least, along with 72 tons of sugarcane or 7.5 tons of maize per hectare,” Dr. Sajad concluded. The session chair of Formulation of National Plan for Soybean Production, Vice Chancellor, University Agriculture Faisal-
abad, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad endorsed the potential of intercropping systems especially the sugarcane-soybean intercropping to address the soybean production problems in Pakistan. He stressed to include the soybean-based intercropping systems of NRCI as a potential solution to meet the targets in 5 years’ production plan of soybean. Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, Caretaker Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R), Captain (Retd) Muhammad Mahmood, Federal Secretary MNSF&R, Ms. Florence Rolle, Country Representative FAO in Pakistan, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali Chairman PARC, Dr. Muhammad Arshad, Director, Crop Sciences Institute, NARC, etc. attended the workshop.
04 COMMENT
Isolated
Baloch protest break-up
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Failure to address ‘missing persons behind Long March
HE Islamabad Police acted with sufficient brutality in breaking up the Long March from Balochistan, which collected support along the way, as its participants tried to reach their final destination, outside the Lahore Press Club, on Wednesday. Three caretaker ministers announced on Thursday that all women and children were being released, as well as all the men had been identified. The ministers claimed that the crowd was made to clash with the police by certain miscreants who were following their own agenda. However, looking past the ministerial magnanimity of the releases, the problems have not been solved that motivated the marchers— missing persons, extrajudicial custodial killings and undue interference in the province. The missing persons issue has been a running sore on the body politic. It focused on Balochistan, where it became a bigger issue than in the rest of the country, because this tool of the War on Terror was applied also to Baloch nationalists and other so-called enemies of the state.’ There was greater impunity in the province, where there was both a sectarian militant presence in Pashtun areas as well as a nationalist insurgency. To this explosive mix was added the interest in the province shown by China because of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as well as that shown in it by those powers trying to sabotage CPEC. A section of Baloch opinion resents CPEC because it does not provide the province jobs or development. It is no coincidence that opposition to CPEC is centred in the same place as the March on Islamabad started: Turbat, on the Makran Coast. Enforced disappearances predate the USA’s War on Terror, going back to the 1970s, when it was a Latin American phenomenon, used in Argentina’s Dirty War by the Videla regime against its opponents, under the cover of anti-communism. However, there were no enforced disappearances during the Zia era, though the regime fought the USA’s war in Afghanistan. They only began in Pakistan after Musharraf joined the War on Terror, and now are used not just against militants, but Baloch nationalists. Enforced disappearances have been challenged by the families of the disappeared from the beginning, but they are unacceptable in a society that claims it is subject to the rule of law. It is wrong that those disappearing are not recovered solely to spare the blushes of powerful individuals. It is also unacceptable that the country’s future is put at stake by those individuals.
Saturday, 23 December, 2023
The USA’s support for Israel is damaging it
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Washington Watch Dr. James J. Zogby
VENTS of the past week have highlighted how the USA’s feckless indulgent behaviour toward policies pursued by Israel have damaged its standing in the world. Two United Nations votes calling for a ceasefire in Gaza showed the USA has been abandoned by most of our closest allies, many of whom are increasingly questioning our global leadership. After more than two months, Israel’s relentless pummeling of Palestinians in Gaza has continued. By now the death toll has reached nearly 20,000, mostly civilians. Israel’s bombing in the north of Gaza reduced more than one-half of it to rubble, while forcing almost 2 million Palestinians to flee their homes. After the short humanitarian pause that allowed an exchange of hostages and captives, Israel shifted its bombing campaign to the south where they daily issue orders for Palestinians to move from one area to another, only to bomb the areas to which they’ve ordered relocation. In the make-shift camps that have sprung up in the south, hunger is rampant, as is disease. It is a humanitarian disaster being compounded by Israel’s behaviour that can only be described as
genocidal. In the face of the enormity of this crisis, last week the UAE Mission to the UN introduced a resolution in the Security Council calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. The resolution was endorsed by 103 other countries— a record total of co-sponsors. It was deeply disturbing that the USA used the time leading up to the vote expending considerable political capital to get others to join them in voting “no.” They failed, and the final vote reflected the extent of US isolation— 13 for the ceasefire, the USA against, and the United Kingdom abstaining. Further evidence of the USA’s isolation came a day later when a non-binding ceasefire resolution introduced in the General Assembly received 153 votes, with the USA and an embarrassing collection of nine other countries voting against it. The US explanation for its veto and “no” vote was that the resolution was rushed through without enough time for consultation. This was patently and embarrassingly false as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been two months in the making and the UAE resolution had been circulating for days, allowing ample time for discussion. Instead of negotiating, the US focused on arm-twisting to get other countries to join them in opposition. What has become clear to the world is that the Biden Administration is unwilling to call for a ceasefire. Two other factors amplify this conclusion. One day after the UN votes, which the USA complained it didn’t have enough time to adequately consider, the Biden White House announced that it had made a unilateral decision to ship 14,000 artillery shells to Israel without first notifying Congress. In other words, they didn’t have enough time to consider a ceasefire, but needed no time at all to send more deadly weapons to Israel in violation of the rules requiring congressional oversight established by the Arms Export Control Act.
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi
Public Finance management paradigm Joint Editor
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Kamran mushtaq
UBLIC Finance is a vast field whereby the flow of resources is managed and monitored in a public paradigm. The word “Public” here connotes the utilization of collective wisdom in financial management. Say if an individual wants Rs. 100, he or she will try to arrange or earn that Rs 100 first and then spend it accordingly. Here the stakeholder is only one individual, or in certain cases a closed family or group. However, in public finance mode, the stakeholders are large in number and the beneficiaries are also proportionate. The responsibility of the management of these funds is thus of utmost fiduciary nature. That requires delicate and effective handling as well as reporting of the public finance. Public finance has another unique feature. While individuals first earn and then spend within the limits of that earning, the State (generally) determines the spending first and then raises the finances commensurate with the expenditure required. This therefore requires a different form of financial management than the orthodox financing methodologies. However, Public Finance Management (PFM) has remained devoid of a detailed and robust regulatory mechanism for reporting purposes in Pakistan. In the last decade, our country has focused more on this aspect and devised some regulatory instruments along with institutions for transparent Public Finance Management. It is heartening to see that after the promulgation of the 18th Amendment, every province has promulgated provincial PFM acts and the Federal Government has also enacted the Public Finance Management Act 2019. Sindh was the first province to devise the Sindh Financial Management and Accountability Act, 2011. However, it was quite brief and did not delineate the detailed aspects of provincial finances and fiscal transfers. Accordingly, the Sindh Assembly repealed that law and enacted another law, namely the Sindh Public Finance Administration Act, 2020, which is much more detailed and comprehensive. Public Finance Management doesn’t only require an accounting and reporting methodology but legal backing on a parallel footing also. For example, if a government wants to book an expense in its accounts, it not only has to book an expense entry but more importantly it has to see under which law/rule/policy and so on, is the government or the competent government officer authorized to sanction that expenditure. Therefore, the prevalent conventional accounting and reporting methodologies do not apply strict sensu to public finances. As a result, there existed a greater vacuum in the regulatory arena of public financial management in Pakistan which, in the last decade, has been bridged to an extent by enactment of PFM laws. The federal PFM Act, 2019 deals with the
financial management of the Federal Government; overseeing the inflows and outflows of the federal consolidated fund and public account. Similarly, the Provincial Acts oversee the flows in/out of the provincial consolidated fund and public account. Despite the above-noted achievements on the academic and legal side, a great deal needs to be done on ground in order to realize the lofty goals of value for money public financial management. Some gaps in theory and practice are stated in the following. The Provincial PFM Acts require the provincial governments to announce the PFC award on a periodic basis and transfer the funds to the tier of local governments in compliance with Article 140A of the Constitution which requires devolution of financial authority by Provincial governments to Local governments. However, the financial empowerment of Local Governments is only a matter inscribed on paper and with no substantive tangible existence. Moreover, the PFM Laws as a matter of compulsion require every administrative division (in the Federal Government) and every department (in the Provincial Government) to establish Internal Audit Units in order to ensure an environment of transparency and internal control in the concerned division/ department. However, this requirement of the law is not being implemented in letter and spirit at federal or provincial level.
On the same lines, there is another act which was promulgated first in 2005 and is amended from time to time, namely the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act, 2005”. Certain sections of FRDLA overlap with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, 2019. However, the pivotal matter addressed therein is the restriction on debt generation. The Federal Government is obligated under section 3 of the FRDLA to limit the federal fiscal deficit to 3.5 percent of GDP, and the total public debt to 50 percent of GDP. But these targets are made defunct by virtue of section 4 of FRDLA wherein the Federal Government is allowed to depart from the aforementioned thresholds in special circumstances after recording the reasons. Irrespective of section 4 of FRDLA, the outer limits on public debt and fiscal deficit are no doubt prudently prescribed but unfortunately no policy prescription adheres to this legislative command of debt limitation. The examples quoted above are just the tip of the iceberg. It is therefore of immense importance to realize the significance of Public Finance reporting, decision making and administration. The importance of legislative instruments is given; however much more needs to be done to implement the commands of law and for ensuring public fiscal propriety.
The writer is a civil servant and qualified as a chartered accountant
One week ago, at a White House Hanukkah gathering, President Biden spoke glowingly about his love for Israel, its right to defend itself, and pledging that the USA would always stand with Israel. He then pivoted to make what appeared to be a criticism of Israel’s conduct of the war, charging that Israel with “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza. Before anyone was able to imagine that this represented a turning point, the next day one administration spokesperson “played down” the president’s remarks, while another suggested that Israel was in fact being more careful and targeted in its renewed bombing campaign in the south. Instead of addressing with any seriousness the massive loss of Palestinian life and the desperate conditions under which the survivors have been forced to live, the USA continues to prioritize Israel’s fantasy military objective of “eliminating Hamas.” As a result, US policymakers deem calls for a ceasefire as disruptive. I am reminded of a conversation I had with a top Biden Administration official, a few weeks into this war. At one point he remarked, echoing Israel’s lines, that a “ceasefire would be intolerable since it would only give Hamas time to rearm.” Later when I recounted the deaths and devastation of Gaza, he said “that too is intolerable.” I replied, “So there are two ‘intolerables’ and you’ve picked the one that continues to cost more Palestinian lives.” That exchange occurred when the death toll in Gaza was 3,000. Now it’s nearing 20,000, and the world and a significant portion of US opinion are wearying not only of Israel’s war but of the USA’s support for it. The administration is doing damage to US standing and credibility and to our self-proclaimed values and principles. The bottom line is that while US and worldwide public opinion of Israeli behaviour is shifting, US policy is stuck and increasingly isolated.
The writer is President of the Arab American Institute
Executive Editor
Laws are not being obeyed
The world and a significant portion of US opinion are wearying not only of IsraelÊs war but of the USAÊs support for it. The administration is doing damage to US standing and credibility and to our self-proclaimed values and principles. The bottom line is that while US and worldwide public opinion of Israeli behaviour is shifting, US policy is stuck and increasingly isolated
Editor’s mail
Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively
Lurking danger
THE blue light emitted by cellphones and tablets is extremely dangerous to the eyes. It may lead to transient smartphone blindness (TSB), but many users do not even know of the risk. Using the screen continuously in the dark may lead to a severe attack of TSB. Users need to consider the risk factor and adjust their lifestyles accordingly. TAHIRA WASHDIL TURBAT
Rented houses
THE Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) should register all rented houses in the country for income tax collection. The landlords should be paying the tax, while those paying the rent must be earning at least 2-3 times as much every month. With a bit of diligence, the FBR will surely be able to collect a lot more revenue in taxes than is the case currently. MOBIN NIAZI KARACHI
Link roads
BHARA KAHO has always been a neglected area. The last government had ordered the construction of a four-kilometre bridge to ease traffic issues in the area, but the local residents were deprived of any link road to use this bridge. The government should complete the project as soon as possible and provide link roads at appropriate points so that the local people may be able to use the bridge once it is ready. SYED MUZAMMIL HUSSAIN ISLAMABAD
Gas charges
THE gas supply to our vicinity has been disconnected for the last many months, but the gas charges are being imposed regularly by the SSGC. The irony is that the residents are being charged additional amounts as the SSGC has labelled the meters ‘faulty’ for showing low gas consumption readings. ZAFAR IQBAL KARACHI
Power of sports
It is therefore of immense importance to realize the significance of Public Finance reporting, decision making and administration. The importance of legislative instruments is given; however much more needs to be done to implement the commands of law and for ensuring public fiscal propriety
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9
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Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
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SPORTS is a powerful tool that brings people together irrespective of their geographical, cultural and political differences. It plays a crucial role in decreasing tensions and building relationships between countries. The power of sports in promoting unity and peace should not be underestimated. We should continue to celebrate and cherish the power of sports. MAHNOOR SHAH SUKKUR
Lyari’s plight
LYARI needs immediate development work as roads in the area are in a pathetic state for a long time. The whole area is dotted with puddles of stagnant water that are breeding grounds for vector-borne diseases. The areas around Gabol Park particularly wear a haunted look. Even with general elections approaching, nobody seems to be interested in taking up the matter. SAAD AHMAD KARACHI
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COMMENT 05
Biblical Egypt’s climate actions in today’s emergency Saturday, 23 December, 2023
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YoSSef Ben-meir
HERE is an interesting consistency among Biblical Egypt’s actions (described in the Midrash) to avoid climate disaster, Islamic principles of social justice, and viable approaches societies should take today to avert our own environmental crisis. The actions Egypt took in its survival to avoid an apocalyptic famine as described in the Bible have applicable relevance to help us avoid climate catastrophe in our time. Let’s first remind ourselves of the backdrop of the ancient story. The King of Egypt dreamt— at that cogent and powerful moment just before waking— that seven robust cows emerged from the river where he stood by the banks. The hearty animals came onto the ground and were followed by seven emaciated cows, who then devoured the seven wholesome ones. After swallowing them, they appeared to have not eaten, without any sign of being nourished. The King awoke with worry, only to fall back to sleep. Dreaming again standing by the river banks, he saw seven stalks of wheat—tall and flourishing—had come from a single stalk of beautiful quality. Behind them came seven burnt and stunted stalks that consumed the seven thriving ones. They, too, were without improved health. The King awoke distressed. He dreamed the dreams’ interpretation but forgot. According to the Midrash, their meaning is based on the connotations we give to them. When his advisers provided answers, Pharaoh knew they were incorrect. Following his cupbearer’s advice, the King summoned enslaved Joseph. His explanation foresaw abundance followed by famine. Furthermore, he saw the need for essential preparatory actions in support of Egypt’s survival. Pharaoh appointed Joseph to be viceroy in implementing what he had prescribed. What did Joseph and the people of Egypt do to save themselves from total climate disaster that can inform the actions societies should do now in preventing our environmental destruction? Joseph first traveled the entire land of Egypt, from community to community, to
catalyze their mobilization in saving the nation. In the process, the silos of stored grains were localized; members of communities managed the conservation of harvests during the seven years of abundance. The effect of people seeing their stored grain during the time of famine was that there was no public panic. Here we also see that it is most effective to store and preserve grain as close as possible to where it was grown. Local people’s participation and even control over climate-saving actions is vital for building resilience to withstand the severe stresses. Joseph used his awesome position of national leadership to instill this local quality. One cannot help but wonder how often national leaders today travel to the people where they are, in all reaches of their lands, to inspire community movements for sustainable local development. Merely by their showing up, people assemble, plan, organize around initiatives, plant, and advance on opportunities specific to each location. The local presence of leaders of all varieties, ministers, ambassadors, heads of state, and representatives to all kinds of bodies, animate growth. Tragically, such leaders who emulate prophet Joseph’s example in this regard are exceedingly rare, and the cost of their dereliction is countless (King Mohammed VI of Morocco is a wonderful exception, as was the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman). With travel over time comes an everlasting bond with people. Hearing their anguish and hopes is reason enough to go to where they are. And one never quite knows the complete purpose of journeying to any one place, until
after one has already gone. This quality of leadership resulting in inclusive governance resonates with the Islamic concept of Shura, where people express and collaborate on the change they seek in their lives. Decentralized administrations form at sub-national levels in conjunction with the need to manage local silos and affairs. This manner of system is referenced in the Midrash which, too, is similar to the Islamic notion of the Ummah. Such societies champion the diversity that exists across their locations, and at the same time the unity of purpose shared by the whole– the integration of both being needed to confront climate crises. Later, when the seven years of famine and drought came and scorched the land, all the food and seed that was preserved during
In 2022, of the 500 largest companies in the USA, 26 do not pay federal taxes. The total amount of corporate taxes in the United States is $370 billion dollars, and $180 billion potential in tax revenue is foregone to companies that do not pay federal taxes at all. Coincidentally, in the USA, there is a recently proposed Billionaire Minimum Tax, requiring a minimum tax of 20 percent on the top 0.01 percent earners.
the seven years of abundance did not seem enough. Desperation came upon the people to sow and harvest again. In that pivotal moment when the people would have agreed to any terms to receive seeds and remain alive, Joseph enabled 80 percent of the yield to be kept by the people, and 20 percent for taxes. A flat tax of 20 percent was established to manage through the crisis. In 2022, of the 500 largest companies in the USA, 26 do not pay federal taxes. The total amount of corporate taxes in the United States is $370 billion dollars, and $180 billion potential in tax revenue is foregone to companies that do not pay federal taxes at all. Coincidentally, in the USA, there is a recently proposed Billionaire Minimum Tax, requiring a minimum tax of 20 percent on the top 0.01 percent earners. A comparative analysis of the cost of climate action and poverty alleviation in Morocco illuminates the enormity of value handed to the wealthy by subsidizing their taxes. Of the Kingdom’s 1,538 municipalities, 1,282 are classified as rural. The $2 million cost to implement a full preparation for climate disaster in one rural municipality in Morocco of 15,000-20,000 people involves building tree and herb nurseries, infrastructure for water (drinking and irrigation), schools, women’s and youth cooperatives for production and sustainability, terraces for cultivation and erosion control, along with skills and empowerment training. Thus, participatory (shura) and decentralizing (ummah) approaches, exemplified in Joseph’s strategy in Egypt described in the
Midrash, carried out through all rural municipalities in Morocco, would cost $2.5 billion. In this manner, the lives of many hundreds of millions of people in developing nations would be transformed with $180 billion— the equivalent of one year’s uncollected public revenue from US corporations. We cannot properly address our climate crisis intertwined with global poverty with this kind of lost opportunity— a likely verdict drawn from the immemorial tale of Joseph’s navigating civilization to survival. Joseph was held accountable as Pharoah’s viceroy. We must do the same with our leaders in our time (similar to Islam’s baya concept of holding leaders to certain standards). This, too, is an essential part in avoiding global disasters. A Midrashic lesson from Joseph’s story is that we are obligated to try and fulfill our dreams. It can be so hard, since we may not know what to seek, and if we do our confidence may be low and the alienation we experience for attempting may be high. The pursuit of dreams takes sacrifice beyond what we thought we had to give, and our dreams are specific to each of us. So, as we awaken from them, let’s give them our best energy. We only have every day to take whatever step forward to see their fulfillment so that we can save our world. Dr Yossef Ben-Meir is an American sociologist with a particular interest in the MENA region. He lives and works in Marrakesh, Morocco. Email: yossef@highatlasfoundation.org
Facebook approved an Israeli ad calling Unanswered questions: for assassination of pro-Palestine activist The mystery behind missing After the ad was discovered, digital rights advocates ran an experiment testing the limits of Facebook’s machine-learning moderation
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INTERCEPT
Sam Biddle
series of advertisements dehumanizing and calling for violence against Palestinians, intended to test Facebook’s content moderation standards, were all approved by the social network, according to materials shared with The Intercept. The submitted ads, in both Hebrew and Arabic, included flagrant violations of policies for Facebook and its parent company Meta. Some contained violent content directly calling for the murder of Palestinian civilians, like ads demanding a “holocaust for the Palestinians” and to wipe out “Gazan women and children and the elderly.” Other posts, like those describing kids from Gaza as “future terrorists” and a reference to “Arab pigs,” contained dehumanizing language. “The approval of these ads is just the latest in a series of Meta’s failures towards the Palestinian people,” Nadim Nashif, founder of the Palestinian social media research and advocacy group 7amleh, which submitted the test ads, told The Intercept. “Throughout this crisis, we have seen a continued pattern of Meta’s clear bias and discrimination against Palestinians.” 7amleh’s idea to test Facebook’s machine-learning censorship apparatus arose last month, when Nashif discovered an ad on his Facebook feed explicitly calling for the assassination of American activist Paul Larudee, a co-founder of the Free Gaza Movement. Facebook’s automatic translation of the text ad read: “It’s time to assassinate Paul Larudi [sic], the anti-Semitic and ‘human rights’ terrorist from the United States.” Nashif reported the ad to Facebook, and it was taken down. The ad had been placed by Ad Kan, a right-wing Israeli group founded by former Israel Defense Force and intelligence officers to combat “anti-Israeli organizations” whose funding comes from purportedly antisemitic sources, according to its website. (Neither Larudee nor Ad Kan immediately responded to requests for comment.) Calling for the assassination of a political activist is a violation of Facebook’s advertising rules. That the post sponsored by Ad Kan appeared on the platform indicates Facebook approved it despite those rules. The ad likely passed through filtering by Facebook’s automated process, based on machine-learning, that allows its global advertising business to operate at a rapid clip. “Our ad review system is designed to review all ads before they go live,” according to a Facebook ad policy overview. As Meta’s human-based moderation, which historically relied almost entirely on out-
sourced contractor labor, has drawn greater scrutiny and criticism, the company has come to lean more heavily on automated text-scanning software to enforce its speech rules and censorship policies. While these technologies allow the company to skirt the labor issues associated with human moderators, they also obscure how moderation decisions are made behind secret algorithms. Last year, an external audit commissioned by Meta found that while the company was routinely using algorithmic censorship to delete Arabic posts, the company had no equivalent algorithm in place to detect “Hebrew hostile speech” like racist rhetoric and violent incitement. Following the audit, Meta claimed it had “launched a Hebrew ‘hostile speech’ classifier to help us proactively detect more violating Hebrew content.” Content, that is, like an ad espousing murder.
INCITEMENT TO VIOLENCE ON FACEBOOK: Amid the Israeli war on Palestinians in Gaza, Nashif was troubled enough by the explicit call in the ad to murder Larudee that he worried similar paid posts might contribute to violence against Palestinians. Large-scale incitement to violence jumping from social media into the real world is not a mere hypothetical: In 2018, United Nations investigators found violently inflammatory Facebook posts played a “determining role” in Myanmar’s Rohingya genocide. (Last year, another group ran test ads inciting against Rohingya, a project along the same lines as 7amleh’s experiment; in that case, all the ads were also approved.) The quick removal of the Larudee post didn’t explain how the ad was approved in the first place. In light of assurances from Facebook that safeguards were in place, Nashif and 7amleh, which formally partners with Meta on censorship and free expression issues, were puzzled. Curious if the approval was a fluke, 7amleh created and submitted 19 ads, in both Hebrew and Arabic, with text deliberately, flagrantly violating company rules — a test for Meta and Facebook. 7amleh’s ads were designed to test the approval process and see whether Meta’s ability to automatically screen violent and racist incitement had gotten better, even with unambiguous examples of violent incitement. “We knew from the example of what happened to the Rohingya in Myanmar that Meta has a track record of not doing enough to protect marginalized communities,” Nashif said, “and that their ads manager system was particularly vulnerable.” The company’s Community Standards rulebook — which ads are supposed to comply with to be approved — prohibit not just text advocating for violence, but also any dehumanizing statements against people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality. Despite this, confirmation emails shared with The Intercept show Facebook approved every single ad. Though 7amleh told The Intercept the
organization had no intention to actually run these ads and was going to pull them before they were scheduled to appear, it believes their approval demonstrates the social platform remains fundamentally myopic around non-English speech — languages used by a great majority of its over 4 billion users. (Meta retroactively rejected 7amleh’s Hebrew ads after The Intercept brought them to the company’s attention, but the Arabic versions remain approved within Facebook’s ad system.) Facebook spokesperson Erin McPike confirmed the ads had been approved accidentally. “Despite our ongoing investments, we know that there will be examples of things we miss or we take down in error, as both machines and people make mistakes,” she said. “That’s why ads can be reviewed multiple times, including once they go live.” Just days after its own experimental ads were approved, 7amleh discovered an Arabic ad run by a group calling itself “Migrate Now” calling on “Arabs in Judea and Sumaria” — the name Israelis, particularly settlers, use to refer to the occupied Palestinian West Bank — to relocate to Jordan. According to Facebook documentation, automated, software-based screening is the “primary method” used to approve or deny ads. But it’s unclear if the “hostile speech” algorithms used to detect violent or racist posts are also used in the ad approval process. In its official response to last year’s audit, Facebook said its new Hebrew-language classifier would “significantly improve” its ability to handle “major spikes in violating content,” such as around flare-ups of conflict between Israel and Palestine. Based on 7amleh’s experiment, however, this classifier either doesn’t work very well or is for some reason not being used to screen advertisements. (McPike did not answer when asked if the approval of 7amleh’s ads reflected an underlying issue with the hostile speech classifier.) Either way, according to Nashif, the fact that these ads were approved points to an overall problem: Meta claims it can effectively use machine learning to deter explicit incitement to violence, while it clearly cannot. “We know that Meta’s Hebrew classifiers are not operating effectively, and we have not seen the company respond to almost any of our concerns,” Nashif said in his statement. “Due to this lack of action, we feel that Meta may hold at least partial responsibility for some of the harm and violence Palestinians are suffering on the ground.” The approval of the Arabic versions of the ads come as a particular surprise following a recent report by the Wall Street Journal that Meta had lowered the level of certainty its algorithmic censorship system needed to remove Arabic posts — from 80 percent confidence that the post broke the rules, to just 25 percent. In other words, Meta was less sure that the Arabic posts it was suppressing or deleting actually contained policy violations. Nashif said, “There have been sustained actions resulting in the silencing of Palestinian voices.”
persons in Pakistan
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aBdul HaSeeB
HE enigma surrounding ‘missing persons’ and ‘enforced disappearances’ is a subject that has elicited a diverse spectrum of opinions and viewpoints, sometimes from informed persons, majority of the times from dilettantes. Amidst the pandemonium of narratives and the fog created intentionally around the issue of missing persons, half-truths and fallacies loom, overshadowing what little is available in the discourse to explore. The contentious nature of the issue of ‘missing persons’ has long been used by adversarial actors, including Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of India and Baloch separatists to exploit the passionate responses of local populace, pitting the masses against state, especially targeting the security forces. The latter have been a major target of adversarial narratives to sow discord amongst the populace and the forces, and subsequently leverage it as a wedge to destabilize the state and foster turmoil within its borders. While the volume of attention and the excessive racket surrounding missing persons in Pakistan may suggest a major societal crisis, the actual figures do not corroborate such a dire portrayal, rendering the whole narrative as an excessive amplification of the actual magnitude. The state has recorded 9133 disappearance cases in 11 years (75.8% of which have been resolved), with the current count of missing persons amounting to 2207 individuals- a number that dwarfs in comparison even to world’s leading liberal democracies. According to the US National Missing and Unidentified Persons Report, US currently accounts for the highest number of missing persons’ cases, where more than 600000 individuals go missing annually, with 4400 recoveries of unidentified dead bodies. During 2022 alone, 546,568 missing person records were entered into US National Crime and Investigation Centre. Similarly, UK records 180000 missing persons every year, with one individual reported missing every 90 seconds. Pakistan’s eastern neighbor, India records 88 individuals going missing every hour, 2130 individuals every day, and 64851 individuals every month. It is pertinent to mention that the relatively lower count of missing persons’ cases in Pakistan does not absolve the state from its responsibility to address these disappearances. In response to this obligation, Pakistan had instituted a Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances in the year 2011. The commission has received 8463 complaints for cases of missing persons since its inception and has resolved 77% of the cases registered with it. It is important to recognize that missing person’s cases are diverse in nature and can have various causes (including personal reasons and criminal activities amongst others) which may not necessarily fall in the jurisdiction of Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, but have been registered with the commission. The Commission defines Enforced Disap-
pearance/Missing Person as a person who has been picked up/taken into custody by any Law Enforcing/Intelligence Agency, working under the civilian or military control, in a manner which is contrary to the provisions of the law. The persons, who have gone missing in cases of kidnapping for ransom, personal enmity or on their own, do not fall within the ambit of the Enforced Disappearances (ED). Over the years, the Commission found many of the individuals reported in the missing persons’ list including: Terrorists belonging to Pakistan, who attack Pakistani posts along PakistanAfghanistan border and are often killed and buried on Afghan side of the border. Madrassah students, who fled to Afghanistan, Syria, or Iraq to fight without knowledge of their parents. Displaced people from North and South Waziristan Districts who are still living in various refugee camps e.g Gulano Camp in Afghanistan. Individuals who lost lives during voluntary migrations and their whereabouts are not known by their families. Individuals who went to Afghanistan, were captured by Afghan Security Forces and were kept in the jails. (Missing Persons Commission resolved a number of such cases upon the release of individuals from Afghan Jails, who established contacts with their families) Moreover, during investigations at Missing Persons Commission, many cases emerged, where individuals willingly disappeared to avoid arrest by Law Enforcement Agencies. In a significant number of cases, individuals who had been reported as missing, were found to have been abducted or assassinated due to personal enmities, with their fate becoming known only after the apprehension of those responsible. Another major issue in identification of missing persons involves the case of the abandoned dead bodies. The burial of unclaimed bodies by NGOs raise a concerning possibility of the missing persons being interred amongst others. According the estimates, since 2005 over 35,000 unclaimed bodies have been buried by Edhi and Chippa alone across the country, complicating the traceability factor in missing persons’ cases. The complexity surrounding the cases of missing persons or enforced disappearances needs a multi-pronged strategy encompassing not only the state mechanisms, but also the civil society, international bodies and the affected families. The issue, undoubtedly contentious, demands a comprehensive and inclusive approach- the one that transcends the noise and confronts the intricate realities instead of blind reliance on manipulative adversarial sources that neither solve the problem, nor feel the pain of those being exploited for their agendas. It is, therefore, of critical importance that the populace concerned exercise due vigilance in their judgments and resist the alluring of such agendas. The writer is an independent researcher and a freelance columnist. He can be reached at abdul.haseeb@gmail.com
06 NEWS
390 MORE PALESTINIANS KILLED, 734 INJURED IN PAST TWO DAYS
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GAZA
AGENCIES
HE Ministry of Health in Gaza has said 390 Palestinians have been killed and 734 injured in the past two days while communications were suspended The UN Security Council again delays a vote on a draft resolution urging scaled-up humanitarian aid access to Gaza after another day of intense negotiations. Noureddine Miladi, a Qatar University professor, says there is some communication between the different Palestinian factions, but it is “not necessarily” between Hamas and Fatah. “I think the aftermath of the war will definitely, in my opinion, unite Palestinian people more and more. Unfortunately, Fatah, for the moment or the Palestinian Authority, has been so absent from the Palestinian scene, it’s only what is called the resistance movements like Hamas, [Palestinian] Jihad and others present,” Miladi told Al Jazeera. “I wouldn’t expect a lot going on now but would expect a lot to happen after this war between the two factions,” he added. Miladi explained that support for Hamas is becoming more visible within the Palestinian territories. “Statistics, whether from the Israeli
government or from Palestinians themselves or from other observers [find] that support is becoming more and more active and obvious. We haven’t seen, for example, from amongst all the Palestinians who have been suffering in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Jerusalem criticising Hamas or criticising jihad,” he said. Click here to share on social media Israeli military releases video of drone shot down over Lebanese waters The video shows the unmanned aerial vehicle being tracked by an Israeli fighter jet, according to the military. The vehicle exploded into several
Chinese, US senior military officials discuss South China Sea issue BEIJING
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
A senior Chinese military official has stressed China’s stance on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue in a virtual meeting with a US’ senior military official, as the two militaries started to resume talks following the recent meeting between the two countries’ top leaders. Top-level communication is conducive to easing tensions and avoiding accidents, but the US must change its hostile stance against China in order to substantially improve the bilateral ties, experts said on Friday. Liu Zhenli, a Central Military Commission (CMC) member and the chief of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department, on Thursday held a video teleconference with CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US, at the latter’s request, China’s Ministry of National Defense said in a press release on the day. The meeting between the two heads of state of China and the US in San Francisco has reached important consensus on the resumption of the exchanges and communication between the two countries’ militaries, and the two militaries should carry out communication and cooperation based on equality and respect, so as to jointly promote the bilateral ties to stabilize and get better, said Liu.
pieces as it was hit. The military said it did not cross into Israeli territory, though Israeli warplanes routinely violate Lebanese airspace. The military did not say who had launched the drone. Cross-border fighting between Israel and groups in southern Lebanon, predominantly Hezbollah, has continued since October 8, with both sides exchanging rocket and artillery fire as well as launching drones. CLICK HERE TO SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Some key changes to Security Council resolution on Gaza as vote nears
Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo says that it appears the long-awaited UN vote will finally happen about an hour from now, at 16:30 GMT. However, the wording of the resolution before the council has seen some watering down from the original version introduced on Monday. The word choice in this resolution is critical, he said, “because it is legally binding by international law” if passed. There have been two major changes: “The original draft that came out on Monday called for a ‘cessation of hostilities’, the US did not want that, so it was scaled back to a ‘suspension of hostilities’, and now in the latest version they will be voting on, that has been removed as well, and it now just calls for simply ‘the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities,’” said Elizondo. Russia, diplomatic sources told Al Jazeera, is particularly unhappy with this change. “Another big change in here,” Elizondo continued, “is that the previous draft called for a robust UN monitoring mechanism to oversee aid going into Gaza and its distribution … That has been scaled back too. Now it’s calling for the secretary-general to appoint a senior humanitarian coordinator to oversee aid going into Gaza.”
China to curb gaming spend; Tencent, NetEase plunge PROFIT
REUTERS
Chinese regulators announced on Friday a wide range of rules aimed at curbing spending and rewards that encourage video games, dealing a blow to the world’s biggest games market, which returned to growth this year. The new rules, which will effectively set spending limits for online games, sparked panic among investors, wiping off nearly $80 billion in market value from China’s two biggest gaming companies, as investors sought to gauge the potential impact on earnings and more restrictions in the offing. Online games will now be banned from giving players rewards if they log in every day, if they spend on the game for the first time or if they spend several times on the game consecutively. All are common incentive mechanisms in online games. Shares in Tencent Holdings (0700.HK), the world’s biggest gaming company, tumbled as
much as 16% at one point, while those of its closest rival, NetEase (9999.HK), plunged as much as 25% after the National Press and Publication Administrations published the new draft rules. Shares of tech investor Prosus (PRX.AS) followed Tencent lower, losing 14.2% in early trade on Friday and were among the biggest fallers on the pan-European stock index (.STOXX). Prosus owns a 26% stake in Tencent. “It’s not necessarily the regulation itself – it’s the policy risk that’s too high,” said Steven Leung, executive director of institutional sales at broker UOB Kay Hian in Hong Kong. “People had thought this kind of risk should have been over and had started to look at fundamentals again. It hurts confidence a lot.” When asked about the draft rules’ impact, Tencent Games’ vice president Vigo Zhang said Tencent has been strictly implementing regulation requirements. The new draft rules have not veered from regulators’ ongoing
focus on ensuring companies have “reasonable business models and operating cadence”, he said. Zhang added that minors had been spending a historically low level of money and time on Tencent’s games since 2021 when minor protection became a focus for Beijing. NetEase declined to comment. Beijing has become increasingly tough on video games over the years. In 2021, China set strict playtime limits for under 18s and suspended approvals of new video games for about eight months, citing gaming addiction concerns. Although the crackdown formally ended last year with the resumption of new game approvals, regulators have continued to impose restrictions to curb “ingame” spending. The new rules revealed on Friday are the most explicit yet aimed at curbing in-game spending. Besides banning reward features, games are also required to set limits on how much players can top up their digital.
Driving Change: How SAP helps transforming into a sustainable business ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
"Pakistan can achieve higher GDP growth and improve economic indicators, by adopting technology at government and private level,” this was stated by Saquib Ahmad, Managing Director of SAP Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan, while talking to media representatives at SAP’s Islamabad Office. He emphasized the significance of embracing innovative technological solutions to drive sustainability both locally and on a global scale. Through partnerships and initiatives, SAP supports a network that drives sustainable practices across industries. Saquib said, “At SAP we do not set sales targets anymore, rather we work towards goals that are defined around sustainability. The business objective of SAP is to bring the carbon footprint to Zero. The solutions by SAP are being used by 62% of the countries for budget making, procurement, and
taxation at the government level, and even at resident level in the form of billing, purchasing products, receiving pensions, etc.” Reiterating the need to set a precedent, Saquib stated, “Our mission is clear, to innovate, adapt, and lead by example. SAP firmly believes that sustainability is not just an option but a fundamental responsibility. In line with this ethos, we have embarked on a transformative path towards sustainability, driven by innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies.
Saturday, 23 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
Pakistan faces $1.5m monthly loss in meat exports to UAE due to unacknowledged freight charges
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DESPITE SPIKE IN AIR FREIGHT COSTS, CERTAIN EXPORTERS CONTINUED TO EXPORT MEAT AT PREVIOUSLY FIXED RATE OF $3.9/KG IN MARCH 2023, WHEN FREIGHT WAS EVEN LOWER AT $713/TON PROFIT
NEWS DESK
Pakistan is reportedly incurring a monthly loss of $1.5 million in meat exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the non-inclusion of actual freight charges. The Customs Intelligence, Karachi, has brought this issue to the attention of relevant customs authorities. Sources reveal that the Customs Intelligence agency has communicated the matter through a letter to the Collectors of Customs at Jinnah International Airport, Allama Iqbal International Airport, and Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad. The concern revolves around the absence of actual freight charges in the export of meat to the UAE. Details indicate that the Minimum Export Price, established by the All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association, incorporates the value of meat along with height charges. Remittances against meat exports are currently received in the country based on the C&F value. The situation escalated after the Dubai government imposed a ban on the sea export of meat from Pakistan, effective from October 10, 2023. With increased demand for transporting meat from Pakistan to Dubai, air freight costs rose significantly. The air freight, which was $766/ton in October 2023 for Emirates, the major carrier of meat from Karachi to Dubai, surged to $1187/ton in December 2023, marking a 55% increase. Despite the spike in air freight costs, certain exporters continued to export meat at the previously fixed rate of $3.9/kg in March 2023, when freight was even lower at $713/ton. The unaccounted 55% increase in freight costs is resulting in a monthly loss of $1.5 million in foreign exchange for the country. Approximately 3,575 tons of meat are exported monthly from Pakistan to Dubai. To address this issue, the Customs Intelligence Directorate suggests developing a mechanism to ensure that the actual freight paid by exporters is included when declaring the C&F value of exported meat.
UNSC Gaza vote delayed again, US signals backing NEW YORK
AGENCIES
The UN Security Council once again pushed back a vote for a much-delayed resolution on the war between Hamas and Israel. The postponement to Friday came even as the United States, which has opposed a number of proposals during the resolution’s drafting, said it was ready to support it in its current form. The war in Gaza has killed more than 20,000 Palestinians, health officials in the Hamas-run territory have said, a new reflection of the staggering cost of Israel’s military offensive as pressure grows to scale it back. The figure amounts to nearly 1% of the territory’s population before the start of the war, which has displaced nearly 85% of Gaza’s people and levelled wide swaths of the tiny coastal enclave. Gaza’s Health Ministry said it has documented 20,057 deaths in the fighting. It does not differentiate between combatant and civilian deaths. It previously said that roughly two-thirds of the dead were women or minors. It said 53,320 Palestinians have been wounded. The United Nations Security Council was poised on Friday to vote on a much-delayed resolution concerning the Israel-Hamas war after Washington signalled support following resistance to earlier draft proposals. After days of delays, the latest draft version seen calls for “urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.” It does not call for an immediate end to fighting. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters Thursday evening that “if the resolution is put forward as is, then we can support it.” She denied that the draft resolution had been watered down, saying it was “very strong” and “fully supported by the Arab group.”
China ‘fertile ground’ for development of digital economy: report BEIJING
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
There has been steady progress in Asia’s digital economy despite economic headwinds, and China remains a fast-growing market. The country is calling for joint efforts by Asian countries to share the dividends of the digital economy’s development, the Asia Digital Economy Report released on Thursday showed. China is one of the countries in the world with the friendliest environment, strongest momentum and most extensive application for the development of the digital economy, Li Baodong, secretary-general of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), said at a press conference for the release of the report. According to the report, which was jointly released by the BFA and China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, China’s toplevel strategic planning system for the digital economy is becoming increasingly robust, with official documents
such as the release of Comprehensive Plan for Building a Digital China providing further clarity for the healthy growth of the digital economy. “Asian countries should work together to share the dividends of the digital economy. It is necessary to strengthen network building and research cooperation and promote the interconnection of information infrastructures,” said Li. Analysts said that Asia is poised to continue leading digital innovation. Asian countries with more developed digital economies, such as China, Singapore and Japan, can and should help the rest of Asia upgrade its industrial digitalization and develop its digital industries by sharing their experience, technology and capital. They stressed that the digital economy is leading the new direction of global economic development, becoming a key force in reorganizing global resources, reshaping the global economic structure and changing global competition patterns.
Saturday, 23 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
CORPORATE CORNER Eighteen announces groundbreaking agreement with ECHO for state-of-art petrol station
ISLAMABAD: Eighteen is thrilled to announce a significant development within its community—the establishment of a new fuel station site. This housing society has signed an agreement with ECHO, an initiative by Mehar Oil and Gas Private Limited, to bring a modern and convenient fueling station to the area. This new agreement aligns with Eighteen's commitment to enhancing the convenience and accessibility of essential services for its residents and the surrounding community. The agreement was signed by Tarek Hamdy, CEO EIGHTEEN, and Mehar Muhammad Asif, Chairman Echo Oil Private Limited a project of Mehar Group. The addition of this petrol station reflects Eighteen’s dedication to providing essential services that improve the overall living experience of its residents.Positioned strategically within the Eighteen vicinity, it aims to provide unparalleled accessibility without compromising on environmental considerations, ensuring safety, efficiency and a seamless experience for all patrons. PR
inDrive celebrates ‘Champions of Karachi’ event: Empowering drivers and embracing sustainability
KARACHI: inDrive, the leading ride-hailing platform known for its unique rider-driven pricing model, hosted its first-ever "Champions of Karachi" event today, celebrating and rewarding the city's top drivers for their dedication and excellence. The event, was attended by 104 deserving driverse who were recognized for their contributions to inDrive's success in Karachi.The highlight of the event was the awarding of four brand-new electric bikes to the winners of the top prize. This historic move not only recognizes exceptional performance but also aligns with inDrive's commitment to promoting sustainability and eco-friendly transportation in Pakistan. PR
SI Global Solutions receives global recognition
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APTMA URGES GOVT TO REDUCE POWER TARIFFS TO 9-10 CENTS/KWH TO MAKE PAKISTAN’S EXPORTS COMPETITIVE IN GLOBAL MARKETS PROFIT
NEWS DESK
AKISTAN’s textile exports, a major source of foreign exchange earnings, fell by 8% month-on-month and 7% yearon-year to $1.3 billion in November 2023, according to a report by Topline Pakistan Research. The decline is mainly attributed to the recent surge in gas prices, which increased the cost of production and reduced the competitiveness of Pakistani textile products in the international markets, the research firm said. The textile sector is divided into two segments: basic textiles and value-added textiles. Basic textiles include raw cotton, cotton yarn, cotton cloth, and other fabrics, while value-added textiles include towels, knitwear, bedwear, ready-
made garments, and other products. Basic textile exports witnessed a mixed performance in November 2023, with a 14% month-on-month fall but a 20% year-on-year rise to $243 million. The year-on-year increase was mainly driven by a 12-fold surge in raw cotton exports, which reached $58 million in November 2023, compared to $5 million in November 2022. This reflects the significant improvement in the cotton crop this year, which was severely affected by floods last year. Value-added textile exports, on the other hand, registered a decline in both month-on-month and year-on-year terms, reaching $920 million in November 2023, down by 6% and 12%, respectively. Towels were the worst-hit segment, with a 21% month-on-month and a 20% year-on-year fall in exports, followed by knitwear, bedwear, and
readymade garments. The only exception was art silk and synthetic textiles, which saw a 9% month-on-month and a 10% year-on-year increase in exports. Exports declined 6% in 5MFY24 In the first five months of the fiscal year 2023-24 (July-November), textile exports amounted to $6.9 billion, down by 6% year-on-year, as compared to $7.4 billion in the same period last year. This was mainly due to the global economic slowdown and the reduced demand for textile products. The depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, however, boosted the value of textile exports in local currency terms, which rose by 19% year-on-year to Rs 376 billion in November 2023. The rupee has lost more than 10% of its value against the dollar since the start of the fiscal year in July 2023, due to the widen-
ISLAMABAD PR
Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, has emphasized that true global peace can be achieved through the unity of people from diverse faiths. Speaking at a Christmas cake-cutting ceremony arranged by the Nazriya Pakistan Council, she underscored the importance of fostering harmony and understanding among individuals of different religious backgrounds. Ms. Sabien Hussein Mullick (Focal Person to SAPM), Mian Javed (Chairman Nazriya Pakistan Council), Manzoor Maseh (Executive Member Nazriya Pakistan Council), Faisal Zahid Malik, Salahuddin (Former High Commissioner of Pakistan to United Kingdom), Ms. Nargis and Mr. Khalid Suleri were among the attendees.
Mushaal highlighted the universal values of love, sacrifice and peace embedded in every religion. She said that during her meeting with Vatican pope she had emphasized fostering Multi-Faith Harmony as a key driver for enduring global peace. Mushaal asserted that the resolution of global conflicts, including those in Kashmir and Palestine, lies in the propagation of the messages of love, peace, and harmony embedded in all religions. She stressed the need to stand in solidarity with people who were oppressed. Mushaal underscored the unanimous condemnation from all segments of Pakistani society regarding the Jaranwala incident. She commended the measures taken by the Government in response to the situation. She also praised the peace rallies organized by civil society, noting the substantial participation of ordinary citizens in these gatherings.
Mushaal voiced deep concern over the persecution of minorities in India carried out on daily basis. She attributed it to the influence of Hindutva-inspired policies within the Indian government. She also brought attention to the atrocities and human rights violations perpetrated by India in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Mushaal recognized the invaluable sacrifices made by the Christian community in the struggle for the creation of Pakistan. She also highlighted their dedication to supporting the Kashmir cause. Emphasizing the significance of December 25th, she noted that it marks a double celebration for Pakistan, the birthday of the nation's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the joyous festivities of Christmas. Mushaal took part in the Christmas festivities by cutting the ceremonial cake and extended Christmas wishes to everyone.
BOP conducts first transaction under EXIM Bank’s Export Finance Facility PR
Pakistan's Dairy Industry pioneers sustainability with ‘Whey2Value’ project
LAHORE: The stocktaking event, "Greening and Scaling Sustainable Solutions in Pakistan's Dairy Sector," hosted at Palace Hall, PC Hotel, Lahore, marked a pivotal juncture for Pakistan's dairy industry.The event, convened by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) in consultation with SUN Movement Pakistan supported and key partners, celebrated significant strides in sustainable dairy initiative.The "Whey2Value" project, facilitated by GAIN in collaboration with the SUN Business Network (SBN) and the SUN Movement (MoPDSI) Pakistan, aims to convert whey water into a sustainable food product, addressing environmental concerns (by reducing waste) and generating economic and social benefits. The project has formed a consortium of partners, leveraging the "SHARP" Model to collaboratively develop sustainable whey-based dairy products.The event commenced with remarks of the representative of the Ministry. PR
ing current account deficit and the rising inflation. The government has set an ambitious textile export target of $25 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24, as part of its efforts to boost export-led growth and reduce the trade deficit. However, the research firm predicted that textile exports are likely to reach $17 billion by the end of the fiscal year, up by 3% year-on-year, but far short of the target due to higher energy prices and pressure on local currency. Gas tariff hike put on hold Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has put on hold a notification from the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) that announced a rise in gas tariffs last month and sent notices to the federal government and other relevant parties on a plea against the higher gas price for the textile sector.
Global peace can be rekindled by uniting people across all faiths: Mushaal
ISLAMABAD
KARACHI: SI Global Solutions, a leading system integration and IT company in Pakistan, has received a prestigious performance award at Lenovo's UK Summit held in London recently.SI Global Solutions has been selected among over 20 countries in the region, making it the only company representing Pakistan. SI Global Solutions is the distribution partner of Lenovo products in Pakistan, with global operations expanding to various countries, including the USA, UK, UAE, Canada, and other foreign countries.Noman A. Said, the CEO of SI Global Solutions, shared his thoughts on the occasion, emphasizing the crucial role of technology in shaping Pakistan's IT landscape. He stated, "Pakistan's IT infrastructure needs to be developed with the latest technologies. We are committed to bringing cutting-edge solutions, advanced devices, and fostering the professional development of individuals to Pakistan. PR
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HIGHER GAS PRICES PUSH TEXTILE EXPORTS 7% DOWN IN NOVEMBER, REPORT NEWS
The Bank of Punjab (BOP) becomes the first bank to execute a transaction for Export Import Bank of Pakistan (EXIM Bank) under its newly launched Export Finance Scheme (EFS) Facility. Under the facility, EXIM Bank will channel the GOP interest rate subsidy to banks to offer low-cost financing to exporters. The facility will eventually replace the existing Export Finance Facilities offered by State Bank of Pakistan. The Bank of Punjab, being true to its values of being at the fore front of offering innovative and market leading products to its clients, has become the first bank to offer low cost export financing to its clients using the facility. The ceremony took place in Islamabad and was attended by the caretaker Finance Minister, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, and the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Jameel Ahmed. Senior representatives from
the Government of Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan, and leading export houses of Pakistan were also present. Mr. Syed Irfan Bukhari, President EXIM Bank signed the agreement whereas BOP was represented by Mr. Asim Jahangir Seth, Head Corporate Banking & Mr. Muhammad Saqib Sajjad, Head FIs & Correspondent Banking. BOP also signed the first Master Insurance Policy of the EXIM Bank for the promotion of exports in the
Karachiites donate generously for Pakistan’s third Shaukat Khanum Hospital
KARACHI: At a fundraising event organised in DHA City Karachi, a large number of supporters donated generously for Pakistan’s third and largest Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre being built in Karachi. The CEO of the hospital Dr Faisal Sultan and CMO Dr Aasim Yusuf gave a site tour to the attendees. Brigadier (Retired) Mehmood Ali Babri, Secretary DHA City Karachi, addressed the audience and assured possible support for the cause in the future as well. On this occasion, Dr Faisal Sultan gave an update about the project and said that after completion of the grey structure, finishing work is ongoing and it is our collective responsibility to help complete the project. He said that the economic challenges and inflation has affected the project, taking the total project cost to around Rs 30 billion; however, despite these issues, his team is determined to open the hospital within the next two years and bring this state-of-the-art. PR
country. After regulatory approvals, the facility could be used as a collateral to offer financing to eligible exporters. This will open Pakistan banks to accepting globally accepted insurance policies as collateral. Recognizing the BOP support to EXIM, Mr. Syed Ifran Bukhari expressed, "The BOP team, under the leadership of Zafar sahib, has proven to be a steadfast and supportive ally to our bank. Today marks a significant milestone.
OGDCL to construct 84 climate resilient houses in Jhal Magsi District of Balochistan
ISLAMABAD: In continuation of its strategic collaboration for uplifting the local community, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has partnered with the Health and Nutrition Development Society (HANDS) for the construction of 84 climate-resilient houses at Umaid Ali Rawtani village of Jhal Magsi district of Balochistan province.The transformative initiative aimed to uplift the community of Jhal Magsi in Balochistan. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of climate-resilient houses took place at Umaid Ali Rawtani village, marking a significant milestone in this collaborative endeavor. OGDCL and HANDS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Model Village at Umaid Ali Rawtani village in Jhal Magsi district, with a total cost of Rs. 84.929 million. PR
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) organized Grand Finale of annual finance competition “National Finance Olympiad 2023”. Winning team of finale, HUBCO was presented with trophy by ICAP President Ali Latif. PR
JS Investments Ltd launches JS fixed-term Munafa Fund
JS Investments Limited, the first private sector asset management company of Pakistan, announces the launch of its latest offering – the JS Fixed Term Munafa Fund. Designed to meet the diverse needs of investors, the fund boasts two distinct plans offering attractive fixed returns, providing an avenue for wealth creation with a moderate risk profile:The first plan presents investors with an enticing 17.50%* Per Annum Fixed Return at Maturity over 3 Years*, benchmarked against the 3year PKRV Rates at the time of Plan Launch. Meanwhile, the second plan offers 21 % Per Annum Fixed Return at Maturity of 1 Year**, benchmarked against the 1-year PKRV Rates at the time of Plan Launch.JS Fixed Term Munafa Fund Plans have been meticulously crafted to allow investors to secure a predetermined fixed rate of return upon maturity. It strategically allocates funds to government securities, cash in bank accounts, money market placements, and TDRs, ensuring a well-rounded and secure financial portfolio. The scheme is structured to safeguard the initial investment amount at maturity while aiming to generate a fixed rate of return. PR
Stay connected this Christmas with Zong 4G's premium data roaming bundles for UK!
ISLAMABAD: Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading telecom operator, is pleased to offer a special data roaming bundle for the United Kingdom to ensure seamless and uninterrupted connectivity at affordable rates this Christmas. As an organization that believes in inclusivity, this bundle has been tailor-made for those celebrating the festivities of the occasion. This customized bundle is designed to ensure that you get access to the best data roaming services at affordable prices. Zong 4G aims to create ease of access for its users and is evolving every day to cater to the needs of modern travelers. Recognizing the considerable challenge associated with switching networks for every international trip, Zong 4G has curated bundles designed to cater to the connectivity needs of travelers in over 150 countries worldwide. PR
PM&DC Clarification
Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) Islamabad has taken notice of the news floating in the media creating confusion amongst the public regarding FIA investigation into the PM&DC affairs. It is clarified for all concerned that FIA has started an investigation into corruption charges against some of the Officers / Officials of the PM&DC. Director General FIA has ordered the enquiry on the complaint of Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination. Enquiry has been started to investigate alleged extortion of over 60 million rupees by some PM&DC officers against outstanding payment of arrears of a federal allowance to the council employees, alleged irregularities in recognition of some medical / dental colleges and alleged illegal registration of some unrecognized qualifications, etc. FIA has recorded 10 statements of the employees and has registered a criminal case against Deputy Director Legal, Verification Officer and others regarding corruption charges. FIA has also summoned records from the PM&DC regarding payment of federal allowance arrears to the employees, details of recognition of some medical colleges since 2020, inquiry reports against Officers and list of doctors under disciplinary proceedings whose licenses were previously suspended and then restored since 2021. PR
Saturday, 23 December, 2023
‘FortiFying telecom Sector’: PtA unveilS cyber Security StrAtegy 2023-2028
PRAYER TIMINGS
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ISLAMABAD
AHMAD AHMADANI
N a monumental stride towards ensuring the security and resilience of Pakistan’s rapidly evolving telecom sector, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially launched its Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2028. Aligned with the National Cyber Security Policy – 2021, this ambitious five-year plan is designed to fortify digital security in the country’s telecom landscape. The National Telecom Cyber Security Strategy is an initiative to ensure the security and resilience of the telecom sector. It addresses the challenges posed by the increasing interconnectivity of telecom networks, the cyber threats they face, and the need to protect their data and customer information. The strategy focuses on areas, such as risk management and governance; cyber defense and incident response; research and development; and public-private partnerships. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to cyber security across the telecom sector and lays out a framework for collaborative efforts to protect critical telecom infrastructure and services. The strategy also identifies key challenges and opportunities for the sector and provides a roadmap for action to ensure the security of the telecom sector.
The strategy also outlines several initiatives and activities that will be undertaken to help protect the national critical infrastructure. These include enhancing public-private partnerships, investing in research and development, and developing a unified national framework for cyber security. The strategy also calls for increased public awareness and education to help people recognize, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. The strategy is built on six foundational pillars, each targeting a specific aspect of cyber security, such as legal framework, cyber resilience, proactive monitoring and incident response, capacity building, cooperation and collaboration, and public awareness. Collectively, these pillars represent a holistic ap-
Jailed Pti leader Aliya Hamza to contest polls LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Former MNA of Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf (PTI) Aliya Hamza who has been arrested in a May 9 riots case has decided to run in the forthcoming election. The husband of the PTI leader, Hamza Jameel Malik, filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking permission to submit nomination papers of his wife to the Election Commission of Pakistan. Aliya wants to submit nomination papers for NA 118. LHC Justice Ali Baqir Najafi heard the case and ordered the superintendent of Central Jail Lahore to get Aliya’s nomination papers signed by her in the prison. Additional Advocate General Ghulam Sarwar Nahang appeared in the court on behalf of the Punjab government. The petition made the Election Commission of Pakistan, the district returning officer, and superintendent of Central Jail Lahore respondents in the case. It bears mentioning that today (Dec 22) is the last day for submission of nomination papers. Malik Muhammad Ashraf Khokhar is a senior court reporter with City News Network. He has been associated with the group since 2011 and primarily covers news related to the Supreme Court, and the judicial and administrative affairs of the Lahore High Court.
ecP asks mPs, mPAs to submit assets’ details by Dec 31st ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan has drawn the attention of the members of the parliament and Sindh and Balochistan provincial assemblies to submit assets details by December 31st. The Commission in reminder issued here on Friday asked the parliamentarians to submit the required statements of assets and liabilities including their spouse and dependent children as on the preceding 30th day of June on Form-B for the financial years 2022-2023. Submission of the assets details was a mandatory requirement under Section 137 of the Elections Act, 2017. The prescribed Form-B along with instructions / guidelines prepared in this regard can be obtained free of cost from the Election Commission Secretariat, Islamabad, offices of Provincial Election Commissioners of respective Province, Senate Secretariat, National Assembly Secretariat and Secretariats of concerned Provincial Assemblies. Moreover, Form-B can also be downloaded from the ECP’s Website i.e. www.ecp.gov.pk.
proach, ensuring a resilient and secure digital infrastructure across Pakistan’s telecom sector. At its core, the strategy emphasizes a multi-stakeholder approach, fostering active collaboration between public and private sectors, regulatory bodies, telecom operators, private security firms, academia, and civil society. This inclusive strategy aims to create a united and comprehensive front against cyber threats. According to PTA, following are the expectations from telecom companies to achieve the objectives of this strategy: Telecom companies should ensure that all personnel are trained and educated on cyber security practices and procedures, especially on employees’ responsibilities to ward off insider threats.
Telecom companies should ensure that their networks and systems are compliant with PTA’s regulations, directives, and Cyber Security Framework. Telecom companies are obligated to ensure consistent monitoring and timely updates of their networks and systems to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks. Telecom companies must implement robust measures to protect customer data from unauthorized access. Prioritizing data privacy is essential to maintain trust among users. Telecom companies should ensure that their systems are designed to detect and respond to cyber security incidents promptly. Telecom companies should frequently assess their systems and networks to ensure that security flaws are identified and addressed. In this regard, they need to devise and practice a welldefined three tier audit process, culminating in validation by the PTA cyber security team. The operators should approach this effort positively, cooperating with external teams to improve their security posture. Telecom companies should collaborate with other organizations within the industry and PTA in sharing relevant information about cyber security threats and incidents. Instead of hiding cyber incidences, we should be working on a mutual-trust model to fight this menace jointly.
‘Not to impact polls date’: ECP extends deadline for filing nominations by two days ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday extended the deadline for filing nomination papers for the scheduled February 8 elections by two days and issued a fresh schedule, clarifying that the extension would not affect the poll date. In a press release issued here on Friday, the electoral watchdog said the decision was taken in response to requests from political parties including the JUI, the PMLN, the BAP and MQM-P to facilitate the candidacy process. The ECP also announced that nomination papers can now be filed till Dec 24 (Sunday). “Political parties must submit priority lists for specific seats to returning officers within the stipulated time,” it highlighted. Returning officers will examine the nomination papers from Dec 25 to Dec 30, as specified in the schedule. The statement underscored that “all activities as listed in the election schedule released on Dec 15 will be held as planned”. The electoral watchdog also confirmed that the amended schedule was available on the ECP web-
site. The statement further emphasized that the changes did not affect the poll date and that elections would be held on Feb 8. The development comes a day after PML-N leader Ishaq Dar wrote a letter to the ECP seeking a two-day extension in the deadline to submit nomination papers. In a letter posted on X (formerly Twitter), Dar — who is the chairman of the party’s election cell — had noted that according to the schedule issued by the ECP, candidates were required to file nomination papers from Dec 20 to Dec 22 while dates for scrutiny were fixed from Dec 24 to Dec 30. “The commission enjoys the power to make necessary amendments in the [election] schedule without affecting/changing the polling date,” he had said. The PML-N senator further highlighted that only three days had been allocated for the filing of nomination papers while seven days had been given for the scrutiny of the same. PPP WRITES TO ECP: Separately, Senator Taj Haider, the incharge of the PPP’s central election cell, wrote a letter Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander
Sultan Raja. In the letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, Haider said that under the aforementioned section, mayor/chairman/nazim had been restricted from participating in election campaigns. “There is no law which prohibits a mayor/chairman/nazim of local governments from contesting elections on a general seat for provincial and national assemblies and presently there are many cases in which those elected in the local government elections are filing nomination papers for contesting on PA and NA seats in the forthcoming general elections. These candidates, naturally have to run and lead their election campaigns,” he said. He also pointed out that appointed village councils had been replaced with constitutionally mandated local governments in Punjab, adding that “these appointed persons are fully participating in the election campaign of a certain political party”. “As a matter of fact there are widespread reports that the village councils are providing jobs and contracts to the loyalists of that particular political party,” he said.
Five labourers working on police station gunned down in South Waziristan SOUTH WAZIRISTAN STAFF REPORT
At least five labourers were killed after unidentified assailants attacked an under-construction police station in a remote area of South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack occurred in the Daza Ghundai area of South Waziristan district, around seven kilometres west of district headquarters Wana. According to police, the firing took place late Thursday night at the police station which also injured one of the labourers working at the station. The bodies and the wounded worker have been moved to the district hospital Wana, the
police added. Meanwhile, District Police Officer (DPO) Farmanullah said that complete details will be provided after investigating the incident. He added that no details can be shared at the initial level about the firing incident. On October 31, four labourers and a cop in an attack on a police station in the Nasirabad area of Balochistan’s Turbat by unidentified assailants which was labelled as a terror incident by the authorities. The labourers, according to an official, hailed from Punjab and were identified as Mohammad Uzair, Baqar Ali, Shehbaz Ahmed and Shehzad Ahmed. In the same month, at least 6 labourers were killed in their sleep
and two were wounded after gunmen targeted them in an overnight attack in Turbat city. According to the police, unidentified gunmen attacked the labourers who were sleeping in an under-construction house The outgoing year witnessed an alarming rise in terror-related incidents in the country in general and in KP in particular as at least 470 security personnel and civilians were killed in the province, so for. Although no group has accepted responsibility for the attack which took place on Thursday night, the country has seen a sharp spike in such incidents in recent months, including one in which 23 soldiers were killed in an assault on a military base last week.
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govt to ensure free, fair, transparent general elections: Solangi ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi has said that the interim government will spare no efforts to ensure holding of free, fair and transparent general elections on February 8, 2024. Talking to media persons on Friday, he ruled out any possibility of delay in general elections and reiterated that polls would be held as per schedule already announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Murtaza Solangi said that Chief Election Commissioner Raja Sultan did enjoy the conference of majority people and there was no question of his resignation. Could not comment internal issues of political parties as the caretaker government wanted to maintain cordial relations with all political forces, he said while responding to a question. To a query about termination of service of some employees, he said that media channels initially gave feasibility reports to PEMRA which was also required at the time of issuance of licence. He said that under PEMRA Amendment Act 2023, the journalists’ jobs were protected. Murtaza Solangi assured that the government would take legal measures to protect the employment of journalists. The minister said an unpleasant and unwarranted situation had arisen regarding the protesters from Balochistan and added their demands were long-standing. He said all women and children had been released besides most of the men, adding their protection was being fully ensured. He said that the committee, constituted by the Prime Minister, was doing its work. Currently the Governor Balochistan was in Islamabad and consultations with him were underway, he added. Moreover, today a meeting of this committee with the Prime Minister was also scheduled, he said.
magnitude 4.4 earthquake hits islamabad, rawalpindi
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
An earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale jolted Islamabad, Rawalpindi and its adjoining areas early Friday morning. According to the seismological center, the earthquake hit parts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir around 5:30 in the morning. The depth of the earthquake was 16 kilometers, while the epicenter was in the South-West of Kashmir. People came out of their houses in fear by reciting Kalma-e-Tayyaba. However, no loss of life or damage to property was reported from any part of Islamabad, Rawalpindi so far. Last month, an earthquake of 3.3 magnitude on the Richter scale jolted Gilgit and its adjoining areas. The National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) confirmed that tremors were felt in Gilgit and the adjoining areas. However, no loss of life or damage to property was reported from anywhere so far. According to NSMC Islamabad, the depth of the quake was recorded at 45 kilometers and the epicenter was 84 kilometers in the North West. In October, a mild earthquake of 3.1 magnitude on the Richter Scale jolted different areas of Karachi – the capital of Sindh province. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre Islamabad, the depth of the quake was recorded at 15 kilometers and the epicenter was near the Quaidabad area of Karachi.
Rampant thefts hamper Pakistan Steel Mills operations g
FINANCIAL LOSS OF RS18 MILLION INCURRED DUE TO THEFT OF MACHINERY AND ASSETS PROFIT
GHULAM ABBAS
The Senate Standing Committee on Industry and Production was apprised on Friday that persistent thefts have significantly hampered the operational capabilities of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), exacerbating its financial challenges. During the committee session addressing the issues confronting PSM, Arif Shaikh, the acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of PSM, acknowledged a distressing surge in theft incidents within the Steel Mill, resulting in substantial financial losses to the state-owned entity. Officials revealed that since 2021, thefts have escalated, causing a loss of approxi-
mately Rs18 million, with recoveries amounting to Rs4.9 million. Mr. Shaikh emphasized that the theft of machinery and assets has considerably impacted both the operational capabilities and financial stability of PSM. Concurrently, he also announced a 25 % increase in the temporary relief allowance for existing PSM employees, effective from September 2023. Committee Chairperson Senator Khalida Ateeb inquired about the correlation between decreased workforce and the rise in theft incidents. The acting CFO attributed the increase in thefts to the reduced workforce, highlighting that the drastic reduction in employees, from over 9,000 to 3,000, has created a deserted environment in PSM, escalating security vulnerabilities.
Expressing dismay, Senator Khalida Ateeb criticized the Ministry of Industries and Production for not filling the CEO vacancy at PSM for the past four months. The committee decided to hold a separate meeting with the caretaker Minister for Industry and Production and the Secretary Industries on this matter. The committee adjourned Pakistan Steel Mill-related matters for two weeks due to the absence of the minister and the secretary from the meeting. Additionally, the committee decided that the next meeting over PSM will encompass a comprehensive briefing on theft prevention strategies, the future outlook for the mill, safeguarding employee welfare, protecting assets, and immediate plans for the revival of production.
The PSM was shut down in 2015 under the PML-N led government due to rising financial burdens and substantial outstanding dues to the power sector. In January 2020, the PTI led government decided to place PSM under the privatization commission, aiming to divest it from state ownership. However, in October of the same year, the federal cabinet removed the steel mills from the government’s privatization list after failing to attract any buyers. Out of the current 26 entities offered for privatization, only three, including the Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC), Sindh Engineering Limited (SEL), and Pakistan Engineering Company (PECO), belong to the industrial sector. The meeting also addressed crucial finan-
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
cial matters, discussing outstanding and overdue payments to be made by the National Fertilizers Marketing Limited and Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan to the Trading Corporation of Pakistan. The committee recommended relieving excess employees to alleviate the burden on institutions, aligning with operational requirements. In line with the committee’s deliberations, proactive measures are being considered to ensure timely payments and prudent human resource management within these key institutions, focusing on their sustained growth and stability. The committee was attended by Senator Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Senator Ata ur Rehman, Senator Fida Muhammad, and Senator Abdul Qadir.