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GOVT TO LOOK INTO COMPLAINTS ABOUT ‘HURDLES’ IN ELECTORAL PROCESS: PM KAKAR
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Sunday, 24 December, 2023 I 10 Jamada Al-Sani, 1445
PEOPLE FREE TO VOTE FOR CANDIDATES OF THEIR CHOICE. NO POLICY TO OUST ANYONE FROM POLITICAL PROCESS: PM
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ISLAMABAD
SAYS ELECTION COMMISSION TO DECIDE ON QUALIFICATION, DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES
STAFF REPORT
ARETAKER Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Saturday assured that the government would investigate the complaints about hurdles to stop some people from taking part in the electoral process. In an interview with a private television, he said, “People are free to vote for the candidates of their choice. There is no policy to oust anyone from the political process.” He said in his opinion those who showed disruptive behaviour and were involved in the incidents of May 9 should not be allowed to hold public office. “However, the Election Commission will decide about qualification and disqualification of candidates.” He agreed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as a whole should not be related to the May 9 incidents and people should have a choice to vote for it in the election. But those who were involved in the May 9 incident should face law of the land, he asserted adding police were acting against only those who were directly and indirectly involved in the incidents of May 9. He said in 2013 and 2018 he voted for PTI as he wanted a better structure of governance and better facilities of health
and education for people. “State is a guarantor of the social order and when anyone challenges this order he is an anarchist,” he said while discussing the incidents of May 9. He said Imran Khan was arrested due to an allegation and he could have received relief from the court but his party resorted to violence which led to the present circumstances. Social unrest and chaos on May 9 endangered the security of Pakistan and could have severe implications for the state of Pakistan, he said adding maintenance of public order was a lawful tool
Key witnesses including Azam Khan record statements in cypher case RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
The prosecution’s key witnesses, including ex-premier Imran Khan’s principal secretary Azam Khan and then ambassador to US Asad Majeed Khan recorded their statement on Saturday in the cypher case. Besides the two, former executive magistrate Ubaid Arshad, assistant cypher operation Nauman and the secretary of Ministry of Interior Aftab Ahmed Khan recorded their statements before special court Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, who presided over the opentrial hearing at Rawalpindi Central Jail. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief’s wife, his sisters, along with former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s family were present in the courtroom. Before the hearing, the prosecution brought forth 22 prosecution witnesses. These include Azam Khan, Sohail Mehmood, Asad Majeed, Hidayatullah, Muhammad Ashfaq, Hidayatullah Batini, Haseeb Gohar, Nadir Khan, Shamoon Abbas, Farrukh Abbas, Ayoub Chaudhry, Aftab Akbar Durrani, Adnan Arshad, Shujaat, Afzal, Jawaid, Abdul Jabbar, Ubaid Arshad Bhatti, Faisal Niaz, Nauman Ullah, Sajid Mehmood and Muhammad Nauman, arrived at Adiala jail on Saturday. Earlier, in October this year, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had submitted a list of 28 witnesses in the cypher case against Imran and Qureshi, according to a copy of the indictment. A day earlier, the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) granted both PTI leaders bail in the cypher case as there was no sufficient incriminating material to show that Imran had revealed the informer in the diplomatic document to the general public. However, their immediate release from Adiala jail is hindered by their involvement in other ongoing cases. The case originated from Imran’s public display of a paper during a rally in Islamabad on March 27, 2022, claiming it as evidence of an “international conspiracy” before a vote of no-confidence led to his government’s ouster. The FIA initiated its probe into the so-called “cypher-gate” on July 19, 2023, after the previous coalition government announced an official inquiry against the former prime minister and his close associates for violating the OSA.
Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 175 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
and the administration was using it for decades to confine the movement of people as a preemptive measure. Talking about the protesters from Balochistan who came to Islamabad, he said everyone had the right to protest with lawful behaviour. However, if a situation of law and order would be created then law enforcement agencies would come into action, he clarified. The provincial government of Balochistan and a cabinet committee was formed to look into the issues raised by the protesters, he told. He said Balochistan was plagued
with terrorism for the last two decades, and particularly in the last two months, terrorism had risen in the country. “Our society and state is faced with the issue of terrorism.” In some recent incidents, 15 people were burnt at the coastal highway in Balochistan, labourers were martyred at a police station in Turbat while the Hazara community was targetted in the past, he narrated, adding however not much voice was raised by the civil society about these incidents. He expressed concern over the lack of support from political and civil organizations for the martyrs of law enforcement agencies. He said religious and ethnic-inspired violence could not be given acceptability, adding only the state had the right to use force to protect unarmed civilians. “If we demoralize our security forces how we can fight the war against terrorism,” he asked. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said there was no doubt that Israel was an illegal entity and there was no suggestion under consideration to recognize Israel. Netanyahu was a war criminal and war crimes of Israel should be investigated as 7000 children were martyred, he said adding Pakistan wanted to send relief to Palestinians and raise voice at the international forums including Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the rights of Palestinians.
Imran moves SC against conviction in Toshakhana case ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan moved the Supreme Court on Saturday regarding the suspension of his conviction in the Toshakhana case until the final judgement on his appeal pending in the federal capital’s high court. Represented by Advocate Latif Khosa, Imran appealed against the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision, emphasising that challenging this ruling is his prerogative and argued that being declared ineligible before the elections infringes upon his fundamental rights. The PTI founder raised concerns about the election commission’s swift decision which he contended displayed bias. Imran requested the apex court to nullify the IHC decision and suspend the sentencing in the Toshakhana case. Expressing the urgency of the matter, the PTI founder urged the apex court to expedite proceedings, emphasising on the upcoming general elections. He stressed that the leader of the country’s “largest political party” should not be excluded from participating in the electoral process and requested the suspension of the decision in the Toshakhana case to enable his participation. The capital’s high court on Tuesday dismissed Imran’s application seeking suspension of his conviction in the gift repository case. This order has effectively eliminated the possibility of the PTI founder contesting the upcom-
Court grants bail to 162 arrested Baloch protestors ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The court of a judicial magistrate in the federal capital on Saturday approved bail of 162 arrested Baloch protestors – marching for the release of Baloch ‘missing persons’ in the federal capital. According to details, Judicial Magistrate Murid Abbas approved the bail of 162 arrested Baloch protestors and directed them to submit a surety bond of Rs5,000 against their bail. The Apex Law Associates had filed bail applications for them, according to Islamabad police. At least 50 Baloch women protesters have been released, following the orders of Islamabad High Court on Friday, BBC Urdu reported earlier in the day. The Islamabad police had subsequently used brutal force to disperse and detain Baloch demonstrators with over 200 protesters taken into custody from different areas of the federal capital. The demonstrators were also met with tear gas, water cannons and police batons. The events were strongly condemned by human rights organisations, politicians and analysts. On Thursday evening, the government said 90 percent of the Baloch men and women taken into custody were released, except for the men who “could not be identified” by police. The police actions were censured by Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, President Dr Arif Alvi and caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar as well. Yesterday, President Dr Arif Alvi and Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaarul Haq Kakar held a telephonic conversation wherein they expressed concern over the inappropriate police treatment of the Baloch protestors. Discussing the situation, the president and prime minister viewed that the police should not have dealt with the protestors strictly, a President House press release said. Meanwhile, PM Kakar told President Alvi that the detained protestors were being released on personal bonds. Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar also called on President Alvi and discussed the overall situation in Balochistan province as well as police maltreatment against the Baloch protestors. The governor viewed that the police should show restraint towards the protestors. Yesterday, the Islamabad Police had informed the Islamabad High Court that there was no woman in their custody and everyone was released. Islamabad Inspector General of Police Akbar Nisar had also informed the IHC chief justice on Friday that “no women were in their custody.” Attaullah Kundi, the lawyer from the arrested protesters of the Baloch Yakjheti March, had informed the IHC that police forced all the women to board the buses. He quoted the SSP as saying that they have orders from the caretaker prime minister to send protesters back to Balochistan.
Fawad, Solangi, Governor Wali hold talks with BYC protesters ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
ing general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024. A division bench of the IHC presided over by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and comprising Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri unveiled its order on the former PM’s application requesting the IHC to modify its August 28 decision. A trial court on August 5 convicted the PTI founder in a case related to misuse of the state’s gift repository — Toshkhana — and sentenced him to three years in prison. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on August 8 disqualified Imran as a lawmaker given his conviction. The former premier approached the IHC against the trial court’s order and an IHC division comprising Justice Farooq and Justice Jahangiri on August 28 suspended his sentence. The crux of the accusations re-
volves around Imran and Bushra allegedly retaining gifts received during their official visits to foreign countries while Imran served as the prime minister. Instead of following the prescribed official protocol by depositing these gifts in the Toshakhana, the couple purportedly kept them and contributed an amount less than the stipulated value into the national treasury. Bushra, in particular, is accused of holding on to various jewellery items received as gifts during official visits. The list of allegedly retained gifts includes a locket, two rings, two ear tops, and two bracelets received on June 26, 2019. In 2020, she reportedly acquired a diamond-studded gold necklace, ring, bracelet, and ear tops. The list expanded in 2021 with the addition of a necklace, earrings, ring, and bracelet.
Caretaker Minister for Privatization Fawad Hasan Fawad, caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi and members of the cabinet committee established by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar along with Balochistan Governor Malik Wali Kakar on Saturday held talks with the protesters of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) who had come from Balochistan. Discussions were held in a very good atmosphere from both sides and both sides agreed to continue negotiations, said a press release issued here. Both sides expressed willingness to resume talks tomorrow (Sunday). The Baloch protesters demanding an end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in their province issued a three-day ultimatum to the state on Saturday, calling for the immediate release of all demonstrators detained so far and the quashing of charges against them, failing which the demonstrators would be “compelled to take harsh steps and the state and its administration shall be responsible for this”. The demands were issued by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) as they claimed in a statement to the press that over 100 previously detained members were not presented in courts and thus “missing” while they continued their rally outside Islamabad’s National Press Club (NPC) amid the presence of the police.
PTI to move SC to regain ‘bat’ as electoral symbol RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) now-former chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan Saturday announced that the party would approach the Peshawar High Court (PHC) or the Supreme Court against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision stripping of the former ruling party’s iconic election symbol — ‘bat’. The PTI will likely be playing its election innings without the symbol as the ECP had a day earlier termed its intra-party polls “unconstitutional” and revoked its claim on the electoral symbol. Talking to journalists outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Barrister Gohar said that PTI’s petition for regaining the ‘bat’ electoral symbol would be filed on Tuesday morning, adding that consultation in this regard had almost been completed. Without naming the ECP, the PTI leader said that all of their efforts were aimed at depriving his party of the 227 reserved seats. The PTI leader saw a conspiracy behind the ECP’s recent order.
A day earlier, he had said: “Currently, there are 70 reserved seats in the National Assembly. The total number of reserved seats in Pakistan is 227. The seats are divided among those parties who have election symbols [as par their parties’ strength in the assemblies].” The lawmakers elected on reserved seats play a crucial role during the elections for the slots of president, prime minister, chief minister, and Senate chairman. Responding to a question today, Gohar: “ECP’s order is not sustainable. It is contradictory.” He was confident that PTI would get relief when they challenged the order in the court. “[PTI’s] electoral symbol will be restored,” hoped Gohar, who is also a lawyer by profession. The PTI leader said that his party was waiting for the certified copy of the ECP. To another query, the lawyer said that the PTI could challenge the ECP’s order in the apex court under Article 184 of the Constitution. “Imran Khan was, is and will be the chairman of the PTI,” the barrister said, adding that he was fulfilling the responsibilities assigned by Khan. Gohar further said that he would continue to deliver the respon-
sibilities until Khan comes out of jail. Talking about the level playing field, he said that PTI candidates were not being allowed to submit their nomination papers for the upcoming general elections in the country, slated to be held on February 8. To a question about Khan’s jail trial, the lawyer termed the process “illegal and in violation of the IHC’s order”. In November, the IHC nullified the notification for conducting former prime minister’s jail trial on charges of leaking state secrets — issued on August 29. However, the special court established under Official Secrets Act had resumed the cipher trial afresh last week at the Adiala jail after Khan was indicted for a second time in the case on December 13. “All this is being done to keep PTI out of politics,” Unfair election would lead to chaos and anarchy in the country, warned the PTI leader. On her part, Aleema Khan — Khan’s sister — said they were all set to file cases in the US and UK tomorrow against the PTI founder’s detention.
PTI legal team in Peshawar to move PHC against withdrawal of bat symbol
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Saturday decided to knock the door of Peshawar High Court against ‘depriving’ the party of electoral symbol bat by Election Commission of Pakistan. After announcement of verdict by the ECP on Friday, the PTI legal team members reached Peshawar High Court on Saturday to file a case. Sources said the PTI had not received verified written order by the ECP so far. The party said it will challenge the ECP decision as it receives verified decision of the commission. The party further said if it does not receive the verified copy, even then it will move the court against the decision. However, the court can object to non-submission of verified copy of the ECP decision with the appeal. Earlier on Friday, the electoral watchdog ruled that the party did not hold the elections in line with its constitution, the Election Act,
2017, and the Election Rules, 2017, and was thus ineligible to obtain the election symbol of ‘bat’. A five-member bench, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, gave the decision on the petitions challenging PTI’s intra-party elections. Other members of the bench included ECP members Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi, Babar Hassan Bharwana and Justice (r) Ikramullah Khan. The reserved verdict was announced a day after the Peshawar High Court directed the ECP to decide the petitions filed against PTI’s intraparty elections in accordance with the law. In its decision, the ECP observed that “the PTI did not comply with the Commission’s directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017. STAFF REPORT
02 NEWS
GB PROVINCIAL GOVT INCREASES SUBSIDISED WHEAT’S PRICE TO RS 36/KG
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Sunday, 24 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
FINANCE DIVISION BLAMES PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT’S NEGLIGENCE FOR WHEAT SCARCITY ISLAMABAD
Ghulam abbas
ESPITE a proposed hike to Rs 52/kg, the government of GilgitBaltistan (GB) has opted to fix the price of subsidised wheat at Rs 36 per kilogram. Despite this, the opposition parties, the Awami Action Committee, and the public in GB adamantly advocate maintaining the previous subsidized rates for this essential household staple. Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan announced the revised price on Saturday, underscoring the objective to stabilize wheat prices and ensure fair returns for local farmers. As per the minister, the decision aligns with the growing demands from various quarters for equitable pricing and accessibility to essential commodities across the region. Previously, the price for subsidised wheat was increased from Rs 20 to Rs 32 per kg in November. The specified rate of Rs 36/kg translates to a standard price of 3600 rupees per bag of wheat, with an allocated quota of 7 kilograms per individual. This strategic move by the GB government aims to address concerns related to wheat pricing and distribution, ensuring availability for the local
Killing of labourers in South Waziristan sparks widespread protests
populace during the winters. This policy shift underscores the government’s dedication to promoting agricultural sustainability and fair pricing mechanisms. The announcement is expected to benefit both farmers and consumers, providing stability to the wheat market in Gilgit-Baltistan. Simultaneously, responding to protests and the shortage of wheat subsidies, the federal government has initiated discussions on the matter. A crucial meeting at the Ministry of Finance highlighted alleged negligence by the GB provincial government, raising concerns about wheat scarcity in the region. Reports indicate that the decision to hike wheat prices in GB was unilateral, lacking consultation with federal authorities or relevant committees. This unilateral move triggered discussions within federal departments to find a viable solution, considering widespread discontent over the alteration of wheat subsidies in Gilgit-Baltistan. The proposed solution emphasizes exclusive local wheat supply to GB to stabilize the subsidy from Rs 146 to Rs 125 per kilogram. However, despite potential incremental revenues, a shortfall of over 5.6 billion rupees remains, necessitating 9.5 billion rupees from federal subsidies and 5.7 billion rupees from wheat sales.
The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs has committed to covering the additional cost of over 5 billion rupees until the fiscal year-end to ensure uninterrupted wheat supply. The provincial government’s decision to increase prices will be withheld until a practical mechanism is developed to guarantee stable wheat prices while addressing subsidy concerns. This development signifies ongoing efforts to strike a balance between economic sustainability and public welfare in Gilgit-Baltistan.
WHY SUBSIDIZED WHEAT IN GB? The strategically located mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has long relied on subsidized wheat from the central government due to limited cultivable land. Initiated in the 1970s by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s government to aid the impoverished locals, the subsidy, now exceeding Rs 10 billion, faces challenges in meeting the region’s increasing wheat demand. A significant protest in 2017 highlighted tensions when the federal government sought to cut the subsidy, prompting the GB government to raise prices. The center later reversed the decision, absorbing additional costs in the budget. Presently, the center urges the regional government to raise prices by 70%, aligning with the increased wheat quota allocated in the subsidy. While the subsidized wheat addresses GB’s food security needs, it has adversely affected local farming systems. The incentive to produce local cereal crops diminishes
Citizens of all faiths enjoying equal rights in Pakistan: PM Kakar ISLAMABAD
staff RepoRt
WANA
staff RepoRt
The coldblooded murder of five labourers, belonging to tehsil Shakai, in the Daza Ghundai area of district South Waziristan in an attack by unidentified assailants on an under-construction police station triggered massive protests in tehsil Shakai, Wana and Dera Ismail Khan. They protestors strongly denounced the gruesome act of terrorism and demanded through investigation into the tragic incident to bring the culprits to book within a week. The tragic incident triggered a shocking wave in the region, as protest demonstrations were held in Wana and Dera Ismail Khan, while shutter down strike was observed in tehsil Shakai on Saturday. People from various walks of life participated in huge number in the protest rallies, wherein they called upon the government and state institutions to apprehend the killers immediately and give them exemplary punishment. The irate protestors were carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans “We Want Justice for slain Labourers”, “Shuhada Package for martyred labourers” and “We Want Peace”. The participants of the protest demanded the DPO, IGFC and other institutions to give speedy immediate justice to these poor workers. They urged that these poor laborers should be recognized as martyrs at the government level and their families should be given financial support through martyrs’ package. The participants insisted that the government should arrest the killers within a week or else they would decide about their next course of action if the government failed to take any action in this regard. The protest demonstrations were addressed by Taj Muhammad, an independent candidate for PK-10, several leaders of JUI-F and tribal elders. They expressed their disappointment over the government’s failure to ensure peace in South Waziristan. It is pertinent to mention here that a total of five laborers – constructing a police post in district South Waziristan– were sleeping at their camp when some unidentified individuals opened fire on them on Thursday’s night and killed them on the spot.
as subsidized wheat becomes a cheaper alternative. Cultivable lands are now diverted to other crops, impacting wheat production. GB faces an annual cereal deficit of 150,000 tons, mostly supplied through subsidized wheat imports. Past stability in wheat flour prices at PKR 50 per kg has surged to PKR 150 per kg, posing challenges for the GB government’s budget allocation of PKR 7 to 8 billion. To maintain the subsidy, the GB government would need an annual budget exceeding PKR 20 billion, an improbable scenario given fiscal constraints. The impact of subsidized wheat on GB’s economy and agriculture necessitates a targeted subsidy approach, excluding the top socio-economic stratum from subsidies. Previously, the assembly announced that government servants above grade 17 and people earning more than Rs 40,000 per
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ulHaq Kakar on Saturday reiterated that citizens of all faiths including Hindus, Sikhs and Christians were enjoying equal rights in Pakistan with dignity and the government would ensure protection of their places of worship. Speaking at an event organized to celebrate Christmas here, he felicitated the Christian community on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan. He said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) signed the treaty of Najran that assured protection to the places of worship of Christians. In view of that treaty, it was obligatory for the Muslims for all times to come to protect the religious places of Christians, he said adding, “We need to promote harmony, peace and love.” He recounted that a Christian King was the first one to lend support to the Muslims in their early days. He said it was obligatory for Muslims to have faith in all prophets from Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). All Prophets were a guiding light for humanity, he said adding spirituality was a cure for the ills of humanity despite all the technological progress that humans had made. He recalled the first speech of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the constituent assembly in which he
outlined the basic principles of the state of Pakistan. He quoted the Quaid as saying that “in course of time Hindus would cease to be Hindus and Muslims would cease to be Muslims, not in the religious sense because that is the personal faith of each individual, but in the political sense as citizens of the State.” In this way, Quaid-e-Azam made it clear that all Pakistani citizens had the same political rights, he stressed. The prime minister said Quaid-eAzam foresaw that Muslims, Christians and other communities would be denied their religious freedoms in India as Hindutva was raising its head at that time. “We will resist all kinds of fascism. Pakistan is the flag carrier of inclusiveness and harmony.” “We are free to choose our faith. God, Prophets and their companions did not force anybody to choose their faith. The free will is awarded by the divine. God respects my dignity then how can it be flouted by any government or ideology,” he continued. He said Pakistan had its challenges and it was a victim of terrorism and thousands of its martyrs performed their national duty and defended every inch of the territory of the great nation of Pakistan. “Our valiant armed forces which included members of all religious communities were defending and protecting our shores, land, sea, and air and we take great pride in their valour,” he added. He lauded the role of minorities es-
pecially the Christian community in the progress of Pakistan in the fields of business, education and health. Christian teachers and missionary schools contributed immensely in shaping societies in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, he noted. PM Kakar said when blasphemy was committed in the West against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) it was painful for Muslims. Blasphemy should not be allowed in the name of freedom of expression, he added. Talking about the plight of Palestinians, he called for immediate peace in Palestine and the opening of a humanitarian corridor so that vital relief could reach the oppressed Palestinians. “Everyone deserved peace and Pakistan wanted peace for everyone in the land of prophets.” Minister for Human Rights Khalil George appreciated the prime minister for taking significant steps for the betterment of Pakistan. He said people of different faiths were living in the country in harmony, adding the Christian community was very patriotic and contributed to the peace and prosperity of Pakistan. Special Representative to Prime Minister for Inter-Religious Harmony Maulana Tahir Ashrafi and leaders from different faiths were present at the event. The prime minister along with the guests cut a cake to celebrate the occasion of Christmas.
month will be exempt from this subsidy.
OPPOSITION’S TAKE In justifying their demand for maintaining the subsidy, opposition parties and civil society in GB argue that the subsidy provided to the people of GB, when compared with subsidies granted to individuals in other parts of the country, is merely the tip of the iceberg. They contend that, given its constitutional dispute status, the region has been deprived of its constitutional and basic rights for over 75 years. Additionally, they assert that the region lacks compensation for water supply and a fair share in the income generated by the tourism sector. In a statement, the opposition parties, along with those united under the umbrella of the Awami Action Committee, have announced plans to launch protests across GB if the decision to increase prices is not reversed.
China identifies second set of projects in $140b spending plan PROFIT
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China’s top planning body said on Saturday it had identified a second batch of public investment projects, including flood control and disaster relief programmes, under a bond issuance and investment plan announced in October to boost the economy. With the latest tranche, China has now earmarked more than 800 billion yuan of its 1 trillion yuan ($140 billion) in additional government bond issuance in the fourth quarter, as it focuses on fiscal steps to shore up the flagging economy. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in a statement on Saturday it had identified 9,600 projects with planned investment of more than 560 billion yuan. China’s economy, the world’s second largest, is struggling to regain its footing postCOVID-19 as policymakers grapple with tepid consumer demand, weak exports, falling foreign investment and a deepening real estate crisis. The 1 trillion yuan in additional bond issuance will widen China’s 2023 budget deficit ratio to around 3.8 percent from 3 percent, the state-run Xinhua news agency has said. “Construction of the projects will improve China’s flood control system, emergency response mechanism and disaster relief capabilities, and better protect people’s lives and property, so it is very significant,” the NDRC said. The agency said it will coordinate with other government bodies to make sure that funds are allocated speedily for investment and that high standards of quality are maintained in project construction.
OGRA increases RLNG prices by 10% g
SNGPL CUSTOMERS WILL PAY $13.68 PER MMBTU FOR TRANSMISSION AND $14.81 FOR DISTRIBUTION, WHILE SSGC CONSUMERS WILL FACE A TRANSMISSION RATE OF $13.26 AND A DISTRIBUTION RATE OF $15.45. PROFIT
News Desk
The average sale price of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) has increased by up to 10 percent for December 2023, according to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). The regulator announced the revised prices on Friday, citing a significant rise in international Brent prices as the main reason. The new prices apply to both Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd. (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Co. Ltd. (SSGC), the statement said. SNGPL customers will pay $13.68 per million British thermal units (mmbtu) for transmission and $14.81 for distribution during December, while SSGC consumers will face a transmission rate of $13.26 and a distribution rate of $15.45. The December hike in RLNG prices
will have a major impact on consumers, especially industries and households that depend on natural gas in the harsh winter. The higher prices may lead to increased production costs for businesses and affect
the monthly budgets of households, raising concerns and debates within the energy sector. The RLNG prices have fluctuated throughout the year, with seven cuts and
five increases since January. The price started falling in January, with a reduction of up to 2.2 percent, and reached the lowest level in August, with a drop of 1.3 percent. This was followed by a further decline of 4.3 percent in February, 3.16 percent in March, and 0.47 percent in April. It rose by 1.3 percent in May but then fell again in June (2.55 percent), July (1.5 percent), and August (1.3 percent). In September, there was an increase of 3.08 percent, in October 3.8 percent and in November 1.2 percent. The revised prices for RLNG include various elements, such as charges for LNG terminals, transmission losses, port charges, and margins for state-owned importers, namely Pakistan State Oil Co. and Pakistan LNG Ltd. They were based on the import of seven cargoes by PSO and one cargo by PLL.
SBP introduces new exchange rate mechanism for open market transparency PROFIT
News Desk
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has unveiled a new mechanism to enhance transparency and credibility in the compilation of open market exchange rates. The initiative aims to streamline the process of issuing and publishing end-of-day open market exchange rates for selected foreign currencies. The Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) will now publish daily end-of-day open market exchange rates for six major currencies, including the USD dollar, euro, pound sterling, Japanese yen, UAE dirham, and Saudi riyal. To ensure transparency, the SBP has outlined a mechanism for compiling open market exchange rates. The ECAP has been instructed to implement this mechanism,
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UNDER NEW SYSTEM, EXCHANGE COMPANIES HOLDING AT LEAST 75 PERCENT MARKET SHARE WILL PROVIDE DAILY EXCHANGE RATES FOR SIX MAJOR CURRENCIES TO ECAP
with the deadline set for December 26, 2023. Under the new system, Exchange Companies (ECs) holding at least 75 percent market share will provide daily exchange rates for the six major currencies to ECAP. A minimum of eight ECs must contribute to establish a representative end-of-day rate. The SBP will select contributing ECs based on their business volumes, and the list for the next calendar year has already been issued. Contributing ECs will submit buying and selling rates for the six major currencies prevailing in the market to ECAP’s dedicated email. The submission time is
set from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm. ECs must quote closing levels, not averages or stale rates, designating a focal person for rate submission. Any EC failing to submit rates for five business days in a calendar month must provide justification to the SBP via ECAP. In the event of the suspension or cancellation of a contributing EC’s license, the SBP may nominate a replacement based on market share. ECAP will calculate the simple average buying and selling rates for each currency and disseminate the data to stakeholders by 5:00 pm. ECs will use the mid-rate of the ECAP-published end-of-day rates for book reval-
uation, including regulatory exposure calculations. The ECAP is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the published data.
Sunday, 24 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION GROUP INCREASED MANIFOLD IN AGE OF NARRATIVES: SOLANGI
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ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
INISTER for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi has said that in the age of propaganda, narratives and counter narratives, the importance of the job of the officers of Information group had increased manifold. Delivering his keynote address at Graduation Ceremony of Training Programmes Domain Specific 38th MCMC and 40th Specialised Training Programme here the other day, he said the responsibility of officers of this group was countering propaganda of inimical forces and promote and project Pakistan’s soft and positive image. He said unlike many other groups of civil service, the information group officers had to work hard to improve their skills by
Short-term inflation reaches 42.6%: PBS
continuous study. “You have to love your job to improve your knowledge. You have to learn not only about media, media laws but politics, history, geography, art, culture, music and languages of the country,” he said and added that the focus of the officers of the
PROFIT
NewS DeSk
In the week ending December 21, the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) reported a yearon-year increase of 42.6%, marking the sixth consecutive week with inflation above 41%, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The rise in short-term inflation is attributed to an unprecedented 1,109% increase in gas rates and increased prices of essential kitchen items, including wheat, rice, chillies, tomatoes, and sugar. During the week ending December 21, the prices of cigarettes surged by 93.22%, while chilli powder became 82% more expensive compared to the previous year. Wheat flour prices increased by 78.8%, followed by garlic (72.5%), broken rice basmati (62.5%), and rice IRRI-6 and 9 (59.45%). Other notable increases include gents sponge chappal (58.05%), tomatoes (56.89%), gents sandal (53.37%), sugar (50.33%), and gur (49.86%). Conversely, some items experienced a decrease in prices on an annualized basis, including onions (23.92%), mustard oil (4.24%), and various quantities of vegetable ghee. The SPI for the week ending December 21 saw a 0.51% decrease compared to the previous week, with reductions in the prices of potatoes, petrol super, diesel, tomatoes, sugar, wheat flour bag, chicken, rice Basmati broken, and cooking oil 5-litre. The PBS reported that out of 51 items, prices of 18 items (35.29%) increased, nine items (17.65%) decreased, and 24 items (47.06%) remained stable during the week under review.
ECP decision to take back electoral symbol from PTI justified: PML-N LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Malik Ahmed Khan on Saturday said that the Election Commission of Pakistan is justified in refusing the election symbol to the Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf after the intra-party elections of the PTI were declared null and void. Addressing the media here on Saturday, PML-N leader Malik Ahmad Khan said that on Friday the ECP declared the intra-party elections of the PTI null and void. He wondered if a party’s internal elections were declared invalid, how could the Election Commission allot an election symbol to it? He regretted that the ECP just voided the PTI intra-party election but did not ban the party so far. He also criticized the Supreme Court decision in the cipher case yesterday. He said the previous government did politics based on the cipher. He said Qasim Suri sat on the deputy speaker’s chair, waved a sealed envelope, and said that he was going to send this letter to the chief justice. The PML-N leader said that the President, too, dissolved the National Assembly immediately. Malik Ahmad Khan said that Tehreek-e-Insaf has a great fascination with sealed envelopes. He said former PM principal Azam Khan is facing a case of audio leaks. The PML-N leader accused PTI founder Imran Khan of planning the May 9 riots. The vandals who took part in the May 9 violence were not political workers, they were trained goons, he added.
information group should be to adopt to rapidly changing media landscape. The minister said that when internet and social media were introduced, it was thought that new window of knowledge had been opened and the dependency of mainstream media would end. But unfortunately, now a new "political economy" has been invented at the social media and affluent persons could hire services of a few dozen people to spread fake news and create bogus trends. He urged the officers to learn languages of Pakistan which had diverse culture as conveying a message to someone in his own language was always easy. He said that in this age of advanced technology, there was no scope of laxity as any delay in dissementing truth would give others to fill the vacuum with fake news and propaganda. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Information and Broadcasting Shahera
Shahid said that efforts were afoot for restructuring of the information group as per requirements of the modern times. She opined that restructuring of the information group was imperative to meet the challenges of modern times. Shahera Shahid urged the officers and probationers of the group to work hard to improve the standing of their group. Executive Director General of Information Service Academy Dr Tariq Mehmood in his welcome address, threw the light on the aims and objectives of the two courses. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi distributed the certificates among the participants of the two courses. Senior officers from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting including Additional Secretary Information and Broadcasting Syed Mubashar Tauqir Shah and MD Associated Press of Pakistan were also present on the occasion.
Deadline for nominations filing for national, provincial assemblies expires today ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Deadline to submit nomination papers for contesting the upcoming general elections for the National and Provincial Assembly will expire on Sunday (today). Earlier, December 22, was set deadline for submission of nomination papers but the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) acceded to the appeals of various political parties extended it by two days. According to updated schedule of the Commission, scrutiny of the nomination papers is slated to occur from Monday through the 30th of this month. Appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be submitted until the 3rd of January, with decisions expected by the 10th of January. The Election Commission is set to release the updated list of candidates on the 11th of January, and candidates have until the 12th of January to withdraw their papers. The allocation of electoral symbols will take place on the 13th of
January, and the general elections are scheduled for the 8th of February. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has given more time to foreign observers who want to monitor the general elections. Now, they can submit their applications from December 31 to January 20. An official
from the ECP informed APP that, up to this point, they have received responses from 103 representatives of foreign media living in Pakistan. The ECP has printed over 200,000 accreditation cards and appointed District Monitoring Officers and teams to oversee compliance with the code of conduct.
SHC nominates six judges for elections appellate tribunals KARACHI
Staff RepoRt
The Sindh High Court has constituted tribunals to hear appeals of election candidates against returning officers decisions on Saturday. The high court has nominated six judges for appellate tribunals. The court announced that Justice Arshad Hussain, Justice Khadim Hussain Tunio and Justice Adnan Karim will hear appeals in Karachi and Hyderabad. Justice Irshad Ali and Justice Zulfiqar Sanghi will hear appeals in
Sukkur, while Justice Saleem Jessar will preside over the tribunal in Larkana to hear appeals about the ROs decisions on nomination papers of election candidates. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday revised the nomination papers schedule for the general elections to be held on February 08, 2024. The election body extended the date of submission of nomination papers by two days and announced that the nomination papers can be submitted upto December 24. Following the nomination paper
Four dead in dumper-Suzuki van collision in Badin BADIN
Staff RepoRt
Four persons lost their lives after being crushed by a speeding dumper truck here near ‘Scape Mori’ on Khoski Road at Nindo city. According to rescue and police sources, the accident took place at Muradani Stop near Nindo City where a dumper truck collided with Suzuki pick-up van head-on, leaving four persons on board the Suzuki dead. Three others also sustained injuries and one of them has been referred to Hyderabad due to his precarious condition. The police said the victims were identified as: 38year-old Aijaz, son of Haji Khaskheli; 20-year-old Sufiyan, son of Muhammad Sharif; 34-year-old Noman, Muhammad Hassan and 27-year-old Rab Nawaz, son of Ghulam Rasul
Khaskheli while Mohsan and Abid Ali and others injured in the incident hailing of village Torpi Khaskheli and Mir Khan Khaskheli, Jhudo. The Badin Police have also initiated a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic incident. The police stated that the unfortunate incident occurred as the Suzuki was travelling from Badin to Nindo City. They said that the primary reason for the accident seemed the negligence of the dumper driver. The bodies were earlier transferred to Dr Sikander Ali Mandhro DHQ Hospital Badin for post-mortem amd medico-legal formalities. The devastating accident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety and highlights the need for strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
submission, the preliminary list of the candidates will be published on December 24. The returning officers will scrutinize the candidates’ nomination papers from December 25 till December 30. The polling will be held on February 08, 2024. It is pertinent to mention here that the Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) wrote a letter to the ECP requesting to extend the date of submitting nomination papers by two days. Earlier, MQM Pakistan and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam had also pleaded to the election commission to extend the date for submission of nomination papers.
ISLAMABAD
A new business model, ‘Silk Road e-commerce action plan was launched to benefit Pakistan and other BRI countries. It will provide global consumers with a wealth of goods and services with its convenient, efficient and low-cost features, and we would like to ride the wave of it to boost bilateral trade,” according to Aqeel Ahmed Chaudhry, director of the Pakistani national pavilion located in the Silk Road e-commerce cooperation pilot zone center, Pudong, Shanghai. In a move to promote the Silk Road e-commerce as a novel business model, the government of Pudong, Shanghai, officially released the “Action Plan for Advancing the Construction of the Silk Road E-commerce Cooperation Pilot Zone in Pudong New Area”. This initiative aims to leverage the convenience, ef-
ficiency, and cost-effectiveness of Silk Road e-commerce to offer a diverse range of products and services to consumers all around the world. It is worth mentioning that the State Council has designated Shanghai as the pilot zone for Silk Road e-commerce cooperation on October 17, aiming at improving digital economic cooperation among countries along Belt and Road Initiative,
Siraj hails Tehran’s support for Palestinian Muslims ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Sirajul Haq has appreciated Tehran’s support for Palestinian Muslims, hoping leaders in the Muslim world would adopt a similar strong stance in solidarity with the people of Gaza, who are resisting the atrocities of Israeli forces. He was talking to Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam who called on him on Saturday and discussed Pak-Iran relations, regional situation and matters of mutual interests. JI Foreign Affairs Director Asif Luqman Qazi was also present in the meeting. Sirajul Haq emphasized that the positive relations between Pakistan and Iran bring benefits to both nations, stressing the need for the two Muslim neighbors to enhance economic ties for regional prosperity and development. He identified the presence of US forces in different regions as a primary cause of instability and security deterioration. He criticized Washington’s unethical and illegal support for Israel, attributing it to the killing and genocide carried out by Tel Aviv forces in Gaza. Despite global demonstrations and calls for a ceasefire by the UN, Israeli forces continued their violent actions in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of thousands, including children and women. He lamented the world’s inability to stop these atrocities. Connecting the US forces’ occupation to instability in Afghanistan and the broader region, the JI chief asserted that the US did not seek positive relations among Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. He called for the three countries to come together and collaborate for the welfare of their people. He highlighted JI’s consistent efforts towards harmony and unity within the Muslim Ummah. Mr. Moghaddam expressed that PakIran relations are based on mutual respect and Muslim brotherhood. He commended JI’s role in supporting Palestinians, viewing the party’s efforts positively. He also appreciated Haq’s role in promoting sectarian harmony.
China Southern Airlines resumes Lahore, Guangzhou flight ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
China Southern Airlines, one of Asia’s largest carriers, has resumed its Lahore-Guangzhou flights on after a suspension from February 27, 2019. Aircraft Boeing flight No CZ6037 flew from Guangzhou and landed at Lahore Airport and Aeroplane flight No CZ 6038 took off from Lahore and reached Guangzhou on December 20. The fully loaded flights signified passengers’ soaring interest, a China Southern Airlines official told Gwadar Pro. She said that flight operations will continue for three days a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Earlier, China Southern Airlines resumed air routes from Lahore to Urumqi, with the first direct flight took off from Allama Iqbal International Airport on June 13. The Urumqi-Lahore route was suspended on January 24, 2020, due to Covid-19 curbs on the aviation sector. The activity marked a defining moment for the resumption of flights after more than 3 years. The flights are scheduled on a weekly basis, specifically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The inception of the Air Silk Road has set in motion deep and synergic aviation integration between Pakistan and China.
IHC declares Nov 2022 MDCAT results valid for two years ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The Islamabad High Court on Saturday declared the Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) result of November 2022 as valid for two years. IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Saturday released the decision on a petition regarding the results of the medical entrance test, in which it has been said that the MDCAT of November 2022 would be valid till November 2024. The court said in the judgment that the petitioner Laiba Rauf passed the MDCAT in November 2022. When the MDCAT was passed by the petitioner, at that time the result was valid for 2 years as per the law. The petitioner challenged the PMDC’s public notice dated 14 July 2023. In its notice, the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) had said that those students who passed the MDCAT in 2022 would not get admission in 2023 based on those results.
Pakistan to benefit from e-commerce action plan launched Staff RepoRt
NEWS 03
deepening mechanism innovation, and strengthening international cooperation. According to the plan released last week, a comprehensive Silk Road e-commerce service system will be established by 2025, according to Gwadar Pro. The focus will be on creating a high-quality Silk Road e-commerce cooperation pilot zone center, facilitating further trade cooperation among BRI countries through e-commerce. Additionally, more Silk Road e-commerce national pavilions will be unveiled, with over 20 national pavilions and commodity centers expected to be established by 2025. Living in China for more than a decade, Aqeel Ahmed Chaudhry expressed optimism about the opportunities this initiative will bring to Pakistani businesses and traders. He emphasized that the advantages of Silk Road ecommerce would be fully utilized to provide more development opportunities.
The court verdict said that according to the 2021 regulations, the November 2022 MDCAT results were valid for 2 years. This right could not be withdrawn from the petitioner by a subsequent administrative decision. The court declared that the petitioner’s MDCAT result would be valid from November 2022 to November 2024. The court ordered that the expenses incurred by the petitioner in the case would also be paid by the PMDC.
04 COMMENT
The adoption of Artificial Intelligence in different domains
Sunday, 24 December, 2023
PTI’ symbol cancelled
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The loss of the ‘bat’ symbol a heavy blow, but not the end of the PTI
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ITH the loss of the ability to award the ‘bat’ symbol to electoral candidates, the PTI loses the ability to contest the February 8 elections as a party. The PTI plans to appeal this decision, but unless it gets relief, it will end up going into the election with its candidates having to contest as independents. One disadvantage of them contesting as independents is that they do not have access to the reserved seats for women or minorities. Another is that they cannot be unseated by their parity heads for violations of party discipline. However, during the election itself, candidates will have to expend effort convincing voters that they are indeed PTI candidates, and there is a chance of two or more candidates claiming to be the ‘PTI candidate’ while an independent. If the ‘bat’ symbol becomes available to candidates requesting it, the situation could get murkier. It remains open to the PTI to choose another symbol, and have all its candidates opt for it. When the MQM failed to get registered in 1988, all its nominees contested as independents, but under the common ‘kite’ symbol as ‘Haq Parqasts’, which was the name of the parliamentary groups they formed. It should not escape notice that this is the first time a party’s elections have received such scrutiny that even after being held, an appeal against them has been accepted. Perhaps the PTI itself cannot escape without blame, for it had delayed the election for some time, only holding the poll on the threat of losing its symbol. Certainly, the PML(N) and the PPP have not had their internal elections undergo such scrutiny. The same old faces are re-elected unopposed without much fanfare. It is perhaps only in the fairness of things that the PTI is allowed to hold party elections. If it alone is to be subject to scrutiny, then the directions of the Supreme Court, on a petition of PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, about to lose office as PTI Chairman, that the PTI be provided a level playing field, may be vitiated. It cannot be without significance that the ECP made its decision on the same day the Supreme Court granted Imran Khan bail in the cipher case, though he remained arrested, and thus not able to hit the campaign trail, where he is such a big asset to his party.
sardar NoumaN
RTIFICIAL intelligence is not the next big thing; it is now the big thing. It has revolutionized the world and has become one of the most emerging fields in the recent scenario. The promotion and adoption of artificial intelligence in the education, health, and business sectors has been increasing day by day. Artificial intelligence is like a double-edged sword. On one side, it has been assisting human nature in their daily work and has been reducing human error. Moreover, it proves to be the greatest blessing for the students. On the other side, it has posed some challenges to the world. With the increasing use of artificial intelligence, people have lost their jobs, and robots are substituting humans in various fields. Moreover, it has increased the risk of Cyber attacks. In the case of Pakistan, artificial intelligence has also been blessed as a blessing to the students, and the teachers are using artificial intelligence to perform their assignments and different tasks. In essence, artificial intelligence is a potent tool for the world. Before embarking on highlighting the prospects and challenges of artificial intelligence, it is important to shed some light on the emergence of artificial intelligence. AI came in front of the world in 1956 at the Dartmouth conference organized by John McCarthy. Nevertheless, it has gained popularity in the 21st century where everyone is taking advantage of it, either directly or indirectly. The world’s leading companies like Microsoft, Google, or iPhone are developing some of the states of the art like open AI or dopamine. These tools are helping human beings in their daily life. Thus, the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence has made it a more important tool
for easing human nature. The promotion and adoption of artificial intelligence in the field of banking and finance is of immense importance. This domain in the industry can be considered one of the early adaptors of artificial intelligence. The huge amount of data in the banking sector has been organized with the help of artificial intelligence. Similarly, a well-trained computer can help very much in avoiding fraud. The various banks are there who are providing facilities from chat boots to their customers. Robot advice, for example, is a positive step in this regard. It attempts to understand a customer’s financial health by analyzing their financial data. As a result, it will be able to give appropriate investment recommendations to the customers. Therefore banking sector is using artificial intelligence to assist their customers 24/7. Another domain of promotion and adoption of artificial intelligence is the health sector. Artificial intelligence is applied to every kind of procedure whether it is a daily or small healthcare procedure or it is a high-level healthcare procedure. The best gadget of artificial intelligence is the fit band or watches. It mainly works by applying sensors in the body and collecting data from it. It tells the daily report of the health rate pressure over the water level in our body. Coupled with this, AI is applied in the generation of medication for the COVID 19. Every pharmaceutical is applying artificial intelligence for the procedures like discovery and robotic surgery to cut it a shot, the use of artificial intelligence in the health sector is one of the biggest hallmarks of the world One of the other domains of adoption and promotion of artificial intelligence is the education sector. Not only the teachers but also the students have been taking advantage of it. The students are using artificial intelligence tools for making their assignments. Moreover, the biggest tool for the student is
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
Yousaf Nizami
Is education a crime for Baloch students? Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi Joint Editor
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Many organizations are made to assist the people of a state, but woefully in Balochistan, instead of assisting the people, they are practicing cruelty and brutality on innocent people through enforced disappearances and fake encounters. It is very disheartening that neither homes are safe, nor educational institutions, in Balochistan. If education is a violation in Balochistan, then what else remains for Baloch students? A question to the state
The Long March had a background
DUCATION is one of the basic rights of every human in the world and is considered a primary element for students. However, it is a distinct dream for Baloch students in Balochistan, where students are always the victims of enforced disappearance and fake encounters. Recently, four young Baloch students forcibly disappeared at Dera Gazi Khan University Punjab late at night at 2 am, were identified as Ameer Baloch, Salman Baloch, Sakim Baloch and Zubair Baloch. In truth, enforced disappearance is not a new episode in Balochistan, but it has been long destroying the Baloch youth and students. For so many years, Baloch students have been forcibly disappeared by cruel forces, thousands of people were killed or martyred and several others have disappeared. Besides, after the public, they initiated an attack on Baloch students in their educational institutions, even though many students were killed or forcibly disappeared, and many others were mentally and physically tortured. After the crackdowns beginning from 2009 in full pace, there was a slowdown after 2015, but this did not last for long. After 2017, the disappearances observed a flow in its fresher form which has covered mostly Baloch youth, including a large portion of students, and women alongside fake encounters and one-sided media trials during the pendency of the case. However, these students are the latest victim, but earlier some months, Fateh Baloch, who was a student and a part-time English teacher was forcibly abducted on 14 June 2022, and still, his family has been clueless about his whereabouts. Providing and getting education becomes a violation in Balochistan. More importantly, students in Balochistan have been prioritizing education, but unfortunately, enforced disappearance is breaking their dreams and physically torturing them away from education. Among the four recent abducted students, one is Ameer Hayat who hails from a remote area in Balochistan, Jamak, where just a single Middle school has been established; so for higher education, he took admission in Dera Ghazi Khan University in Punjab, but depressingly, as being a student and the sole son of his parent, was forcibly abducted along with four other classmates at Dera Ghazi Khan university. This demonstrates that getting higher education in Balochistan is extremely hard. This issue has not only caused immense pain and suffering to the families of the missing persons but has also had a significant impact on the academic performance of Baloch students. Moreover, the issue has also led to a significant
number of Baloch students dropping out of school or university. According to a report by the Baloch Human Rights Organisation (BHRO), between 2004 and 2019, over 1,500 Baloch students had to drop out of school or university due to the fear of enforced disappearance (BHRO, 2019). Certainly, owing to these brutalities, many parents in Balochistan lost their trust in admitting their children to higher educational institutions in Pakistan, and several others have a terrifying fear for their loved ones in Balochistan’s educational institutions. As the father of a missing student says, “I was the unluckiest person to admit my son in Balochistan’s educational institutions”. He also said that if once they released his son, he would never allow him to attend Balochistan’s educational institutions. Besides, Saki Sawad, a Baloch teacher and writer also faced forced detention from the same city at Turbat earlier. He used to teach Balochi writing as well as used to write Balochi in social media, which helped many students understand Balochi. His abduction raised many concerns for his family. Is teaching Balochi and writing on social media a crime for Baloch students and teachers? Moreover, it is concerning that one is released after an abduction but five more are being abducted with no end in sight for heinous practice. Feroz Baloch is also one such student who was forcibly disappeared on 11 May 2022, while on his way to the library at Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, and is still disappeared without any information of his whereabouts. But apart from the delaying tactics, the Disappeared Persons Commission is doing nothing to get the Baloch students released. Other than passing remarks on enforced disappearances, whether in courts, parliament, or assemblies, nothing productive has ever been done practically to resolve the issue of enforced disappearances of the Baloch. Apart from students, Master Yousaf, an SST
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
the self-evaluation tool in the form of chat GPT, Quill Bot, or Grammarly. These tools help the students to get their work checked on their own. Followed by other tools like Dream Box, which offers math lessons that dynamically adjust difficulty levels based on the students learning. There are thousands of other tools for students to get an education at their doorstep. Hands the use of artificial intelligence at the educational level helps both the students and the teachers more effectively In a nutshell, it is no no-brainer that AI is an extremely powerful tool for almost every domain. Whether it is business or the health sector, AI has revolutionized the world. Unlike humans, it does not get tired and can work without any pause. As every beautiful flower has __ with it, AI comes up with some demerits, it has created a huge pool of unemployment and has increased the menance of cyber attacks. In the testing times of political turmoil, economic slum, and rising terrorism, it is imperative to substitute all these systems with artificial intelligence. It will bring much-needed relief to the grief chicken people of the world in general and the people of Pakistan in particular. The world has a lot of intellectual thinkers and excellent educational experts. It is unthinkable that they cannot sit down and jot down a viable educational policy to promote online learning by drawing from the above-noted suggestions. As Darwin stated, “The world will not be inherited by those most powerful, but by those who are mostable to change and adapt” In essence, AI is the biggest tool in the field of governance, science, technology, and business. The writer is a freelance columnist
Executive Editor
Tabish Feroz
Another domain of promotion and adoption of artificial intelligence is the health sector. Artificial intelligence is applied to every kind of procedure whether it is a daily or small healthcare procedure or it is a high-level healthcare procedure. The best gadget of artificial intelligence is the fit band or watches. It mainly works by applying sensors in the body and collecting data from it.
(secondary school teacher) was forcibly abducted in the same city of Turbat on 8 October 2014, and still, his sons are hopeless and helpless to find their father after struggling constantly for the last nine years. They say that they don’t know yet whether they are orphans or not. Not only Yousaf, hundreds of teachers have disappeared for a long time, and their women are baffled, whether they are widows or not. Many organizations are made to assist the people of a state, but woefully in Balochistan, instead of assisting the people, they are practicing cruelty and brutality on innocent people through enforced disappearances and fake encounters. It is very disheartening that neither homes are safe, nor educational institutions, in Balochistan. If education is a violation in Balochistan, then what else remains for Baloch students? A question to the state. The writer is a freelance columnist
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
Beautiful capital
PEOPLE in Islamabad are often seen claiming that the city is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. There is no doubt that Islamabad has scenic views. However, every day one can see dumpers carrying waste moving towards Rawat using the Islamabad Expressway. These overloaded dumpers, oblivious to the serene environment of the city, spill the waste all over the road, leaving a sharply pungent smell all across the route. If we really believe in keeping Islamabad clean and green, there must be some checks and balances to stop these dumpers from spreading pollution. SUBHAN KHAN ISLAMABAD
Beggars in Quetta
THE number of beggars in Quetta has increased significantly. They can be seen everywhere across the city; in markets and parks, outside restaurants and in the streets, occupying any place they find relevant. Most of them have made begging their profession despite being physically fit. Some beggars are involved in serious offences, while some suffer from highly infectious and contagious diseases, such as leprosy, tuberculosis, risking lives of others. It is necessary to ensure that such cases are taken care of, and treated in state-run hospitals, while other professional beggars should be taken to task. HONAR YAR QUETTA
More red buses
THE People’s Bus Service (PBS) is a ground-breaking initiative. However, the insufficient number of buses is spoiling the fun as there are not enough buses to cater to the ever-increasing population of Karachi. During peak hours, and sometimes even during off-peak hours, the buses are crammed with passengers, making comfortable travel impossible. The government should increase the number of buses to meet the growing demand of the population. MUHAMMAD AZEEM KARACHI
Medicine price hike
THE prices of medicines are going up rapidly, but the government seems to be least interested in doing something about it. In most government hospitals, medicines, even the life-saving ones, are not available, and the patients are forced to buy every- thing from the open market. The government should immediately intervene to bring the soaring prices of medicines down within the reach of the people. KHAWAJA TAJAMMUL HUSSAIN KARACHI
Critical talks
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THE global oil supply has been seriously affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. Iran has vast oil reserves, which can be seen as a potential source to bridge the widening demand-supply gap. However, for that to happen, sanctions imposed on the country need to be lifted. Negotiations to revive the nuclear deal the United States had withdrawn in 2018 are underway, and it is hoped that the outcome will be positive. Besides, the Middle East will stand further destabilised if the ongoing talks break down. ASAD AZIZ KHUSHAB
Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
Eco-friendly strategies to combat climate change are urgent Sunday, 24 December, 2023
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COMMENT 05
and retain solar heat, causing temperaTime is running out for humanity ket tures to rise.
LaLa Mia
VEn if it seems like the annual COP is taking a long time to deliver results, it is still the most important event when officials from 197 nations get together to try to reach a consensus on meaningful climate action. Delegates from organisations fighting climate change, including the Alliance of Small Island States, may speak with the biggest polluters in the world directly at this conference. Their suggestions were crucial in creating a loss and damage fund for nations that are susceptible to climate change and in obtaining money for climate adaptation. COP 28 offers a chance to find worldwide solutions to keep the increase in global temperature to 1.5c, to help nations get ready to submit updated and more ambitious nationally Determined Contributions (nDCs) by 2025, to speed up the green transition that is already under way, and to ultimately meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. COP 28 is all about putting the Paris Climate Change Agreement into practice and stepping up ambition and action after years of deliberation and consensus on its most important elements. The newest data from the Un’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that, in comparison to 2019 levels, greenhouse gas emissions must be lowered by 43 percent by 2030. This is crucial if we want to prevent the worst consequences of climate change, such as more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, and rains, and limit global warming to 1.5℃ by the end of the century. Climate change is the phrase used to describe long-term variations in temperature and weather patterns. Large-scale volcanic eruptions or shifts in the sun’s activity may naturally cause such changes. But since the 1800s, human activity— primarily the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas— has been the main driver of climate change. Fossil fuel burning results in greenhouse gas emissions, which cover the Earth like a blan-
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MIDDLE EAST MONITOR Yvonne RidLeY
Hy?” is one of the most loaded and powerful questions in anyone’s language, and it is the first that springs to mind when journalists face breaking news stories. Unbelievably few asked the question following the events of 7 October in Israel. It was America and 9/11 all over again. If you want to get to the bottom of an issue, and you want to discover the real story, you must ask “why?” I wonder why no one appeared to be that curious in the aftermath of 7 October. Could it be that the Israeli government decided that there was no need to ask “why” because if someone did, then their citizens might discover the real reason such a living nightmare was visited upon their loved ones at the Supernova music festival and kibbutzim bordering the Gaza Strip? More than 260 bodies were reportedly recovered from the festival site, according to rescue agency Zaka, but subsequent reporting by Al Jazeera revealed a different story. It transpired that the muchvaunted — but now forever tarnished — Israel “Defence” Forces fired on festival-goers from helicopter gunships. Perhaps in error; perhaps not. new information surfaced weeks after the “Hamas killed them all” narrative pushed by the lying IDF spin doctors. The charred corpses shown to the gullible Western media were caused, it seems, by socalled friendly fire when the Israeli military responded belatedly to the surprise Hamas attack. By the time that the media caught up with the true narrative, they still failed to ask the question why: why did it happen? And what made Hamas launch such an attack? How could nobody, apart from a few seasoned Middle East journalists such as the BBC’s Jeremy Bowen, fail to see why 7 October happened and why, especially after Israel’s genocidal response, it will almost certainly happen again? The undeniable truth is that the Palestinians have been living their lives in pressure cooker conditions for 75 years since the ethnic cleansing of the nakba. They finally erupted when Hamas fighters broke out of the Gaza concentration camp and attacked Israeli army barracks and settlements. It didn’t take much to put two and two together and realise that this was the legitimate resistance response to decades of cruelty and oppression under Israel’s brutal military occupation. Every single day for the past 20 years, I have received evidence of this in my inbox, including videos exposing the violence meted out by the Israel Occupation Forces on innocent Palestinians. I’ve watched heavily armed and protected Israeli soldiers stand over injured Palestinians and kill them in cold blood. I’ve watched footage of the killings of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and other professional journalists going about
The two main greenhouse gases that cause climate change are carbon dioxide and methane. These result, for example, from burning coal to heat a house or petrol to power an automobile. When trees are destroyed and land is cleared, carbon dioxide may be emitted. Oil and gas companies, as well as agriculture, are significant methane emitters. Land use, buildings, industry, transportation, energy, and agriculture are some of the main causes of greenhouse gas emissions. With July, August, September, and October all smashing monthly records by notable percentages, 2023 is predicted to be the hottest year on record. Extreme weather has resulted in wildfires that have destroyed parts of Canada, Hawaii, and Greece, among other locations. Torrential downpours have caused flash floods across China, the Philippines, and the African Great Lakes. The planet saw its hottest average temperature ever, sending a message to the rest of the world that we are not acting quickly enough to address the climate crisis. Even if it seems like COP is taking a long time to deliver results, it is still the most important event when officials from 197 nations get together to try to reach a consensus on meaningful climate action. Delegates from organisations fighting climate change, including the Alliance of Small Island States, may speak with the biggest polluters in the
world directly at this conference. Their suggestions were crucial in creating a loss and damage fund for nations that are susceptible to climate change and in obtaining money for climate adaptation. Large-scale demonstrations, like the International Day of Climate Action, which takes place in the midst of the conference, also find a home during COP. Millions of protestors assemble in various locations throughout the globe in response to this, calling for swift action. Scientists studying climate change have shown that, for the last 200 years, almost all
of the global warming has been caused by human activity. The globe is warming more quickly than it has in the previous 2,000 years as a result of greenhouse gas emissions from human activity like the ones mentioned above. The Earth’s surface temperature is now, on average, 1.1°C higher than it was during the pre-industrial revolution in the late 1800s and higher than it has ever been in the previous 100,000 years. The past four decades have been warmer than any other decade since 1850, with the most recent decade
All things considered; we must be conscious of the necessity to safeguard the environment lest we be unable to defend ourselves against dangerous disasters. Therefore, we need to understand what the word „environment‰ means. The environment is not something that can be carelessly ignored since all living things flourish in their own favourable environmental zones. Protect the environment not only for living things but also for plants and trees, which help us directly by supplying the oxygen we breathe.
Einstein was a genius; 75 years ago, he predicted Israel’s fall Britain basically delivered Palestine to the Zionists on a plate
their legitimate work. I’ve watched videos of anonymous Palestinian women having their hijabs ripped off their heads. I have also watched in terror and revulsion as Israeli soldiers stormed into Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem firing tear gas and pistol-whipping worshippers as they knelt in prayer. The examples of such cowardice, cruelty and pornographic violence visited upon innocent Palestinians are seemingly endless. And to this we must add the latest horrors of the genocide in the Gaza Strip. When more than 20,000 civilians have been killed by one of the world’s best equipped armed forces, and more than half of those killed are children and women, then we all know that something, somewhere, is very seriously wrong. Palestinian children are constantly exposed to Israeli violence, and have been for decades. Brutal arrests, beatings and field executions; we’ve seen too many killed in this way by occupation soldiers. Those who survive witness scenes that nobody should ever have to see, let alone children. That’s why if ordinary Israelis, politicians and journalists had taken the time to look at the same sort of images that I have seen as a journalist of many years standing, they would have known “why” 7 October happened almost immediately. To me and others like me fed on a daily diet of the evidence of atrocities, the “why” was blindingly obvious and certainly not unexpected. It was only a matter of time. For most Israelis, though, the occupation is something that happens to other people “over there, in the territories”; it is pushed to the back of their minds; out of sight, out of mind. This is the shame of it all, because the images that I have seen which are too difficult to watch are images of the victims of the armed forces acting in the name of all Israelis, whether they like it or not. It’s the Israel Defence Forces, remember? And they defend all Israelis, don’t they? The subjects of those awful images, though, cannot just switch off and pretend it is happening to someone else, in someone else’s name. They’re certainly never allowed to forget the Israeli occupation of their land, try as they might. The IDF makes sure of that. The Israeli authorities seized and controlled the 7 October narrative before citizens and journalists could ask the awkward questions. It is a fact that anyone daring to ask such questions about what happened on that day is made to feel like a traitor; nonIsraelis face being labelled anti-Semites for daring to suggest that all is not as Israel and its sycophantic allies claim it to be. As with 9/11, few people have bothered to take a step back and seek answers. What happened in America in 2001, and on 7 October in Israel were both regarded as the beginning of something. In reality, though both were the predictable responses to years of state violence, terror, oppression and persecution. The familiar warning not to poke a bear with a stick because it will inevitably turn on you hasn’t been heeded. Israel has
spent a lifetime — literally — humiliating, oppressing and abusing Palestinians, and an undeniable and entirely understandable resentment has grown over the decades. Concessions have been made by the people of occupied Palestine, who have been given nothing in return. Commitments to agreements and timelines in a bogus “peace process” have been reneged upon by the occupation state. Promises by treacherous Zionist supporters in Washington, London, Paris and Berlin have raised false hopes — does anyone really think, in hindsight, that the Oslo Accords were meant to bring peace? — only for them to be cruelly dashed. And the Palestinians were just supposed to play along with the humanitarian paradigm and see their right to self-determination disappear over the horizon, never to return. Just like the Palestinian refugees and their legitimate right to return to their land. It will never happen as long as Zionism dominates in Israel. Why, then, was anyone really surprised at what happened on 7 October? Israel has spent seven decades and more sewing poisonous seeds of discontent; it has always known that one day it would have to reap the bitter harvest. Just as America must have suspected that a 9/11 catastrophe would happen sooner or later. US presidents are promoted as the leaders of a peace-loving nation, the leaders of the “free world”, yet most occupants of the White House have initiated and launched wars, and invaded and bombed more than 200 places since World War II. They have meddled in countless elections in foreign lands and installed despots heading tyrannical regimes from East to West and north to South. President George W Bush’s so-called “War on Terror” saw the Geneva Conventions trashed, human rights ignored and international laws violated with impunity. America and its people are still damaged psychologically as a result of 9/11. nothing else explains Guantanamo Bay, which is still in operation. US imperialism filled Vietnam, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan with hundreds of thousands of corpses. Then 9/11 happened. you reap what you sow. Until Al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden declared war on America, US citizens had little or no interest in what was being done in their name overseas. As they reeled in shock over 9/11 it would take some years before the truth finally dawned on them why their beloved Stars and Stripes flag was being burned regularly in streets across the Global South. Many Americans began to lose their appetite for military adventures overseas, just as they did during the Vietnam War. It seems that Israelis have yet to come to terms with 7 October, although angry family members of the hostages taken on that day realise that they’ve got more chance of seeing their loved ones returned alive through negotiations rather than netanyahu’s saturation bombing. Maybe the people will wake up one day and ask themselves why their flag is also being trashed around the world.
Back in June 2021 I wrote about the great Albert Einstein. I believe that if he was alive today, he would not be at all shocked by events unfolding in occupied Palestine. The genius predicted the demise of Israel when he was asked to fundraise for its terrorist cells. Ten years before the Zionist State declared its “independence” in 1948 on land stolen from Palestine, Einstein described the proposed creation of the state as something that conflicted with the “essential nature of Judaism.” As a Jew himself he fled Hitler’s Germany, and needed no lessons in what fascism looked like. Supported by other high-profile Jewish academics, Einstein spotted the flaws and fault lines in 1946 at the Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry on the Palestinian issue. He couldn’t understand why Israel was needed. “I believe it is bad,” he told the committee. Two years later, he and several Jewish colleagues sent a letter to the new york Times in which they denounced Menachem Begin’s Herut (Freedom) Party, “a political party closely akin in its organisation, methods, political philosophy, and social appeal to the nazi and Fascist parties.” While investigating Einstein’s views, I discovered a brief letter from him — no more than 50 words — which foretold the “final catastrophe” facing Palestine at the hands of Zionist terror groups. It was addressed to Shepard Rifkin, the Executive Director of American Friends of the Fighters for the Freedom of Israel, based in new york. They promoted the anti-British ideas of the terrorist Stern Gang, and raised money in America to buy weapons to drive the British out of Palestine. Rifkin was urged to court Einstein for funding, but in the wake of the Deir yassin massacre, the world-renowned physicist crafted the following letter to him: Dear Sir, When a real and final catastrophe should befall us in Palestine the first responsible for it would be the British and the second responsible for it the Terrorist organizations build [sic] up from our own ranks. I am not willing to see anybody associated with those misled and criminal people. Sincerely yours, Albert Einstein. Such a conclusion was not rocket science and it shouldn’t have taken a genius to explain the blindingly obvious. Albert Einstein knew the “why” 75 years before the events of 7 October. The “final catastrophe” he predicted is the demise of the rogue state born out of violence and terrorism. So, despite much hysteria invoked over “from the river to the sea” meaning “kill all of the Jews” — it doesn’t; it means “Palestine will be free” of Zionism, the pernicious ideology underpinning the state of Israel — it is entirely feasible that the state is in terminal decline by its own hand. It is interesting to note, though, that Einstein said that those “first responsible” for the “final catastrophe” will be “the British.” Britain basically delivered Palestine to the Zionists on a plate, so maybe ministers in London will finally develop a conscience and seek to right the terrible wrong that their predecessors inflicted upon the people of Palestine with the creation of the apartheid state of Israel.
(2011–2020) being the hottest on record. Many people think that rising temperatures are the main effect of climate change. But that’s just where the story starts— the temperature is rising. Changes in one area may affect all others since the Earth is a system in which everything is interrelated. Severe droughts, water shortages, wildfires, rising sea levels, floods, polar ice melting, catastrophic storms, and a decline in biodiversity are all being brought on by climate change. numerous strategies to combat climate change have the potential to improve lives, protect the environment, and provide economic gains. To guide development, international frameworks and accords like the Paris Agreement, the Un Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Sustainable Development Goals are in place. Three main categories of action exist: cutting emissions, adjusting to the effects of climate change, and funding required modifications. Deploying renewable energy sources like wind and solar power in place of fossil fuels would reduce the emissions responsible for climate change. But we have to move fast. Even if more nations are promising to attain net zero emissions by 2050, emissions must be halved by 2030 to keep global warming below 1.5°C. Massive cuts in the use of coal, oil, and gas are needed to do this because, in order to prevent catastrophic levels of climate change, more than two-thirds of the world’s confirmed fossil fuel reserves must remain in the ground by 2050. Governments and businesses must spend a significant amount of money on climate action. But ignoring climate change comes at a considerably higher cost. A vital first step would be for wealthier nations to honour their promise to provide poor nations with $100 billion a year so they may adjust and move towards greener economies. All things considered; we must be conscious of the necessity to safeguard the environment lest we be unable to defend ourselves against dangerous disasters. Therefore, we need to understand what the word “environment” means. The environment is not something that can be carelessly ignored since all living things flourish in their own favourable environmental zones. protect the environment not only for living things but also for plants and trees, which help us directly by supplying the oxygen we breathe. Pollution and the detrimental effects of human activity on the environment also pose a danger to industrialized and developed nations. The writer is a freelance columnist
Modern-day book burning – Ilan Pappé speaks out against French censorship of his work ‘In the past, people burned books in Europe they did not want people to read – in the 21st century they just have to stop printing them’
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PaLestine ChRoniCLe staff
n a controversial move, French publisher Fayard has decided to stop the publication of the translated edition of a book by renowned Israeli historian Ilan Pappé, French news website Actualitté reported. The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine, originally published in English by OneWorld Publications, documents the deliberate and systematic ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian population during the creation of Israel atop the ruins of historic Palestine in 1948. Fayard’s communication director told Actualitté that the contract for the title “has expired since February 27, 2022” and that it had not been printing the title since november 3.
‘ZIONIST PRESSURE’ However, many believe that the decision by the French publisher is one of many similar acts of censorship of Palestine-related content, especially since Pappé’s book is still a popular volume in France. “I was highly disappointed to know that one of the first actions of the new owner of Fayard was to cancel the publication and distribution of the Ethnic Cleansing in French,” Pappé told The Palestine Chronicle. “Even before this move, they seemed to regret their initial enthusiasm, probably because of Zionist pressure. But now, they bluntly tried to impact the freedom of speech and knowledge, probably under the orders of the new owners,” Pappé continued. Pappé is a professor at the University of Exeter. He is one of the world’s most respected historians on Palestine. Pappé’s books include ‘The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine’, ‘The Modern Middle East’, ‘A History of Modern Palestine: One Land, Two Peoples’, and ‘Ten Myths about Israel’. He is the coeditor, with Ramzy Baroud of ‘Our Vision for Liberation.’ MODERN-DAY BOOK BURNING “Today it is about Palestine, tomorrow it will be about the French crimes in Algeria, and later about the racism in modern-day France,” Pappé told the Palestine Chronicle. Pappé also hopes that the outcry against the decision by Fayard “will not only come from those who care about Palestine, but from every person with a modicum of decency in them, and who care about that freedom France so proudly parades.” “In the past, people burned books in Europe they did not want people to read – in the 21st century they just have to stop printing them,” Pappé said. “The method is different, the outcome is the same.”
06 news
CHINA VOWS UNREMITTING EFFORTS FOR CEASEFIRE IN GAZA
C
NEW YORK
AGENCIES
HINA is willing to work with other members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council to continue to make unremitting efforts for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at an early date, a Chinese envoy said on Friday. “China will continue to work tirelessly to effectively implement the twostate solution to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East,” Dai Bing, charge d’affaires of China’s permanent mission to the UN, said in his explanatory speech after the Security Council passed a resolution emphasizing the need for an immediate acceleration of aid deliveries to distressed civilians in Gaza. Given the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the resolution offers “at least a glimmer of hope” for more and faster delivery of aid to Gaza, Dai said, adding that “whether this glimmer of hope can be truly felt by the people of Gaza in the midst of this disaster also depends on whether the resolution can be effectively implemented.” “We expect action to expand humanitarian assistance in Gaza, including by the full use of Karem Shalom and the opening of other crossing points,” Dai said, while urging Israel to stop its “collective punishment” of the population of
Gaza and insisting that realization of a ceasefire remains the overriding goal. He said only a ceasefire can prevent more casualties among civilians, including detained persons, and prevent regional conflicts from getting out of control. UNSC PASSES RESOLUTION TO BOOST HUMANITARIAN AID ACCESS TO GAZA: 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 15member 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 Israeli-controlled 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.
Ukraine claims to down three Russian fighter-bomber jets Iran threatens Mediterranean closure over Gaza messacre TEHRAN
AGENCIES
An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander said the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the United States and its allies continued to commit “crimes” in Gaza, Iranian media reported on Saturday, without explaining how that would happen. Iran backs Hamas against Israel and it accuses the United States of backing what it calls Israeli crimes in Gaza, where weeks of bombardment have killed thousands of people and driven most of the population from their homes. “They shall soon await the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, (the Strait of) Gibraltar and other waterways,” Tasnim quoted Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, coordinating commander of the Guards, as saying. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group has over the past month attacked merchant vessels sailing through the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel’s assault on Gaza, leading some shipping companies to switch routes. The White House on Friday said Iran was “deeply involved” in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Iran has no direct access to the Mediterranean itself and it was not clear how the Guards could attempt to close it off, although Naqdi talked of “the birth of new powers of resistance and the closure of other waterways”. “Yesterday, the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz became a nightmare for them, and today they are trapped … in the Red Sea,” Naqdi was quoted as saying. The only groups backed by Iran on the Mediterranean are Lebanon’s Hezbollah and allied militia in Syria, at the far end of the sea from Gibraltar.
KYIV
REUTERS
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and military officials said the country’s forces shot down three Russian Su-34 fighterbomber aircraft on Friday on the southern front, hailing it as a success in the 22-month-old war. The Russian military made no mention of the incident. But Russian bloggers acknowledged the loss, and analysts suggested USsupplied Patriot missiles had probably been used. Reuters could not independently confirm the reports. “Today at noon in the southern sector — minus three Russian Su34 fighter-bombers!” Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Air Force spokesperson Yuri Ihnat described it on national television as a “brilliantly planned operation.” “There haven’t been Su-34s for some time in our positive statistics,” he said, citing the model as one of Russia’s most modern aircraft for bombing and other assaults. Zelenskiy in his nightly video address praised the Odesa region anti-aircraft unit for downing the planes in Kherson region. The region was occupied in the first days of Moscow’s February 2022 invasion. Ukrainian forces have sought to regain territory and in November established positions
on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson. Eurasia Daily, a Russia-based journal, said the Ukrainian account was plausible. Kyiv could have launched Patriot missiles, which have a range of up to 160 km (100 miles) against high-altitude targets, from the western side of the Dnipro River, it said. Ukrainian aviation expert Valeriy Romanenko told Ukrainian NV Radio he believed Patriot missiles most likely downed the Russian jets. “This was a situation there the Russians were…dropping up to 100 bombs in the south. Three were flying together and got
caught. They didn’t quite take into account that the Patriot has a range of 160 km for aerodynamic targets,” Romanenko said. Ukrainian successes have become less frequent since its forces made lightning gains a year ago in retaking Russian-held territory in the northeast and in the south. A counteroffensive launched in the east and south in June has had limited progress. Zelenskiy acknowledges that gains have been slower than hoped but has dismissed assertions by the military commander in chief, General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, that the war has entered a phase of “attrition” requiring a change in tactics.
sunday, 24 December, 2023 | islamabaD
US Supreme Court declines to fast-track Trump ‘absolute immunity’ case WASHINGTON AGENCIES
The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Friday to immediately hear former President Donald Trump’s claim that he is immune from prosecution, potentially delaying his 2020 election interference trial. Special Counsel Jack Smith had asked the nation’s highest court to take up the immunity case on an expedited basis, bypassing the federal court of appeals. The Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, including three justices nominated by Trump, denied the request in a one-line order that did not provide any reason for the decision. The 77-year-old Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is currently scheduled to go on trial on March 4, 2024 on charges of conspiring to overturn the November 2020 election won by Democrat Joe Biden. Trump’s lawyers have repeatedly sought to delay the trial until after next year’s election, including with the claim that a former president enjoys “absolute immunity” and cannot be prosecuted for actions he took while in the White House. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is to preside over Trump’s March trial, rejected the immunity claim on December 1, saying a former president does not have a “lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.” “Defendant’s four-year service as Commander in Chief did not bestow on him the divine right of kings to evade the criminal accountability that governs his fellow citizens,” she added. Trump’s lawyers appealed Chutkan’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit and Smith, the special counsel, asked the Supreme Court to step in and hear the case itself. “This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office,” Smith said in a filing to the Supreme Court. With the Supreme Court’s rejection of Smith’s request, the appeals court will now first hear the immunity case. Trump welcomed the Supreme Court’s move and said he was looking forward to presenting his arguments before the appeals court. “Of course I am entitled to Presidential Immunity,” he said in a post on his Truth Social platform. The DC appeals court has scheduled arguments for January 9 and its ruling is expected to eventually reach the Supreme Court, whose current session ends in June. The U.S. Supreme Court has already agreed to hear a challenge to the use of a law behind one of the charges lodged against Trump and hundreds of his supporters who took part in the attack on the Capitol. Trump was indicted in Washington in August for conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction for his efforts to upend the results of the 2020 election. He faces similar election-related charges in Georgia and has been indicted in Florida for alleged mishandling of top secret documents after leaving the White House. Trump was impeached by the Democratic-majority House of Representatives following the attack on the Capitol for “incitement of insurrection” but was acquitted by the Senate.
Police arrest 19 in crackdowns on drug suppliers, illegal arms RAWALPINDI INP
The police arrested 19 outlaws in during crackdown against drug suppliers and illegal weapons besides recovering narcotics and illegal arms along with ammunition. According to details, Taxila police during separate actions arrested Imran and Wajiul Hassan with 3.4 kilogram hashish.
Saddar Wah police arrested Adeel with 1.155 kg hashish, New Town police arrested Shawal, Imran and Asish with 1.925 kg hashish, Bani police arrested Abdullah with 560 gram hashish, Saddar Baironi police arrested Majid with 520 hashish, Race Course police arrested Jawad with 15 litres liquor, Rawat police arrested Naqeeb and Hidayatullah with 20 litres liquor, Gujjar Khan police arrested Faisal with 10 litres liquor, Bani police
arrested Majeed and Awais with 13 litres liquor, Saddar Wah police arrested Arsalan and Sher Zaman with two 30 bore pistols, New Town police arrest Waheed with a 30 bore pistol, Morgah police recovered 30 bore pistol from Ashir and Rawat police arrested Imran with a 30 bore pistol. Police confiscated the recovered narcotics, weapons and after registering separate cases against detainees at respective police stations started investigations.
CPC top leadership for rallying powerful force to advance national rejuvenation BEIJING
MIAN ABRAR
A meeting of the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership has stressed building on the gains in the Party’s theoretical study program to rally a powerful force for building a strong nation and advancing national rejuvenation. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered an important speech as he chaired the criticism and selfcriticism meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held from Thursday to Friday. Members of the Political Bureau took turns to speak at the meeting. They were open and frank in examining their conduct in accordance with the regulations of the Political Bureau on upholding and strengthening the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee and on enforcing the CPC Central Committee’s eight-point decision on conduct. The meeting noted that the year of 2023 is not only the first year for implementing the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress but also witnesses economic recovery after three years of COVID-19 epidemic response. The CPC Central Committee has led the
whole Party and people of all ethnic groups in pushing forward economic recovery and growth, fulfilling the major goals of economic and social development, and achieving hard-earned and remarkable progress in other fields such as grain output, sci-tech innovation, institutional reform, opening up, diplomacy and anti-corruption campaigns, the meeting stressed. Members of the Political Bureau unanimously acknowledged that establishing Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era are of decisive significance to addressing various risks and challenges and advancing Chinese modernization. The members also urged efforts to deepen reform and opening up across the board, elevate social expectations and consolidate the momentum of economic recovery and growth. Speaking at the meeting, Xi stressed that democratic centralism is the fundamental organizational principle and leadership system of the CPC. He said it is necessary to adhere to scientific decision-making, to give full play to intra-party democracy and to concentrate the wisdom of the whole party.
Xi stressed that leading cadres should establish a firm outlook on political achievements that benefit the people. He reiterated that high-quality development is the primary task of Chinese modernization, and leading cadres should make it an important part in their outlook on political performance. Xi urged the members to adhere to the right political direction and fulfill due political requirements in the process of planning major strategies, policies and tasks. Efforts should be made to defuse potential political dangers in a timely manner, and prevent non-political risks from turning into political risks, Xi said. On the new journey, it is necessary to rely on Chinese modernization to unite people, he said, adding that Chinese modernization is a great cause that calls for common commitments and strenuous efforts from all. He called on members of the Political Bureau to mobilize all positive factors that can be mobilized and unite all the forces that can be united to push the Party members, cadres and masses to focus their ingenuity and energy on the same goal and come together as a mighty force for the construction of Chinese modernization.
NEWS
CORPORATE CORNER
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, delivering a keynote speech at the launch of "100-day plan, execution and achievements of caretaker government" in Lahore. PR
Process of vehicles’ physical verification formally launched at SCCI PESHAWAR
AZIZ BUNERI
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Excise and Taxation Office Islamabad successfully launched vehicles’ physical verification process here at chamber house on Saturday. Today, a large number of members of the business community and citizens got their vehicles physically verified. According to the details, the Excise and Taxation Office Islamabad formally initiated the process of vehicles’ verification, said in a press release issued here on Saturday. People thronged to the chamber house for physical verification of their vehicles and took benefit from the facility extended by SCCI for business community and people while they also highly appreciated this step of the chamber. ETO Islamabad Inspectors Mian Naseer, Asif Jehangir and Imran Kahut carried out physical verification of over 250 vehicles throughout the day. The business community and people praised the initiative of the chamber, stating that SCCI is fulfilling its responsibilities as a real institute of the business community. After the initiative, now the business community and people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will not go to Islamabad for vehicles’ physical verification. Members of the business community and citizens said the desk would ease their difficulties which they had faced during vehicles' physical verification, which they highly commended.
Awareness session on intellectual property rights organized PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
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CHAUDHRY NISAR AIMS AT WINNING ELECTIONS ON ‘HIS OWN’
Sunday, 24 December, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
An awareness session on the theme: ‘Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights jointly organized by Industrialists Association Peshawar and Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan at IAP office. The session was chaired by the IAP president Ayub Zakori while chairperson of Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan Furrukh Amil participated as chief guest on the occasion, said in a press release here on Saturday. A huge number of industrial owners from among small and large industries including their team attended the session along with concerned staff officers from FIA, KPEZDMC and IPO. Chairperson IPO Furrukh Amil informed participants about main objectives of the organisation and highlighted the importance of the awareness session. In his open remarks, IAP president Ayub Zakori said the session would enable participants to get aware about intellectual property; Trademark Registry; Copyrights protection; Efficient and Integrated management of intellectual property; Enforcement of intellectual property rights; Patent and design registration. Ayub Zakori hailed active participants of members of the business community in the session. He also praised the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan for organising such an important session. He concluded the session with a message of having complete knowledge of IP law; utilizing representative offices; highlighting issues and participating in healthy discussion; showing unity and strength of representative forums.
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Nisar had hinted at returning to politics after breaking the four-year silence. He said that he has been offered major positions but he kept restricted himself from coming into power for the last four years. Nisar said that he observed fasting from the power for four years. “The people of my constituency will never face embarrassment for demanding votes for me. I had never sold my conscience nor anybody could call me corrupt.” Chaudhry Nisar, after being elected as an MPA from a Rawalpindi constituency in 2018, took an oath as the provincial lawmaker in May 2021. The former federal minister had been elected from the Punjab Assembly constituency PP-10 in the 2018 general elections as an independent candidate. He didn’t take the oath in protest against alleged rigging which he claimed led to his defeat in the National Assembly’s constituency NA-59, Rawalpindi-III. He had decided to take the oath after nearly three years to prevent his disqualification.
RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
ORMER interior minister Chaudhry Nisar claimed Saturday that he does not want to win elections on behalf of any political party. While addressing an election rally, Chaudhry Nisar said that he wants to win elections solely on behalf of the people of the Sawan. He said that he had successfully served the people of the constituency after grabbing victory in the elections for the first time in 1985. “In this scenario, Pakistan can only be saved through a miracle. I want to assure you to play a role for a miracle after reaching the assembly.’ “I believe in character but not vote. Everyone knows my services and my symbols can be seen everywhere in the area.” “My opponents had only constructed one road but in my tenure, several devel-
opment projects were completed in this constituency.” Nisar hoped for his ‘historical victory’ in the February 8, 2024, general elections. He added that he has never disappointed his voters nor involved in any sort of corruption. The former interior minister said that he is contesting the general elections on two National Assembly (NA) and one
Provincial Assembly (PA) seats [as an independent candidate]. He announced to closely monitor the election results and asked his supporters to stay vigilant during the counting of votes and inform him after witnessing any kind of violation. In March last year, former interior minister and ex-central leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Chaudhry
Palestinian resistance delegation meets APHC-AJK leaders in Islamabad ISLAMABAD INP
A delegation of Palestinian Resistance Movement met APHC-AJK leaders in Islamabad on Saturday. The delegation met APHCAJK Convener Mahmood Ahmad Saghar, Ghulam Mohammad Safi, Mohammad Rafiq Dar, Sheikh Abdul Matin, Altaf Ahmad Butt and Imtiyaz Wani. The Palestinian delegation was
comprised of Dr Ashraf Awad, Nadel Saleh and Arif Ibad. Mahmood Ahmad Saghar on the occasion denounced India and Israel for subjecting the oppressed people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. The Hurriyat leaders exposed the evil nexus between India and Israel to crush the freedom movements in the two regions. The Palestinian delegation briefed the Hurriyat leaders about the background of the Palestinian
issue and the current situation in the wake of Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank. The delegation said a Palestinian state with alQuds al-Sharif as its capital is the aspiration of the Palestinian people. The head of the delegation invited the Hurriyat leaders to participate in its upcoming conference. Both sides urged the international community to play its role in stopping the atrocities on Palestinians and Kashmiris.
eShifa Home Health Services launches new medical center in Bahria Town ISLAMABAD PR
Bahria Town, Paradise Commercial, 23rd December 2023, eShifa Home Health Services proudly inaugurated its medical center in collaboration with Dewan Health Group. The grand opening event was attended by esteemed personalities, including leading doctors from Shifa International Hospitals, Islamabad & eShifa Home Health Services, a delegation of overseas Pakistanis, and esteemed members of the local community. Dr. Malik M. Adil, CEO of eShifa Home Health Services, highlighted the existing challenges faced by individuals & families in accessing quality healthcare services in the country. He emphasized the burdens of long-distance travel,
highlighting its impact on both patients and their families. With the launch of the health centers, eShifa aims to bridge this gap and make quality healthcare more accessible and convenient. Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad, CEO of Dewan Health Services, shared his views, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to catch up with neighboring countries in terms of development and elevating healthcare
standards. It is what motivated him to invest in Pakistan and partner with eShifa. He also thanked the delegation of overseas Pakistanis who attended the event. Dr. Zeeshan Bin Ishtiaque, CEO of Shifa International Hospitals Ltd., emphasized the collective responsibility shared by healthcare institutions, the business community, and community leaders in raising healthcare standards.
People-to-people contact vital to bring different people of world closer: Baligh LAHORE INP
Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rahman has said that people to people contact hold key importance in bringing different people of the world closer to each other. He was talking to a delegation of foreign Sikh community, led by writer, columnist and former Director General of Punjab Institute of Language and Culture (PILAC), Dr. Saghra Sadaf which called on him at Governor House Lahore on Saturday. Muhammad Balighur Rahman said that the wellbeing of humanity in the world is related to peace. He said that in today's materialistic era, there was a dire need to foster mutual tolerance, brotherhood, and love. We have to promote love and reduce hatred in society, he added. The Governor Punjab said that the freedom and peace with which the minorities were living in Pakistan was a bright example for the people living in this region. He said that atrocities on innocent citizens, especially women and children in Palestine, are very painful. He said that the whole world should raise voice to stop the ongoing atrocities in Palestine. On this occasion, Dr. Saghra Sadaf said that such visits help in improving the image of Pakistan at the international level. The delegation thanked Governor Punjab for inviting them to Governor House Lahore. The members of the delegation said that Pakistanis are hospitable and peace-loving. They said that they are taking back beautiful memories from here. They further stated that efforts should be made for the promotion of Punjabi language. Earlier, the Governor of Punjab welcomed the delegation to the Governor's House and informed them about the historical significance the Governor's House Lahore. The delegation comprised members of the Sikh community from America and Canada. Ashok Singh Bhaura, Dr. Gurpreet Dhuga, Jitendra Toor, Kulwant Kaur and Surinder Singh among others were present in the meeting.
Children express solidarity with Palestinian Children at PSI Annual Sports Day ISLAMABAD PR
The annual sports day meet at the Preparatory School Islamabad (PSI) transformed into a solidarity event with the Palestinians especially the children of Gaza. The students sang a song in solidarity with Palestine, wearing traditional Palestinian scarves around their necks. As a gesture to mourn innocent children killed in Israeli bombings in Gaza, the
children also had red marks on their hands. Palestinian and Pakistani flags waved in unity during the event. The at-
tendees applauded the children's sentiments with enthusiastic clapping. The event was formally kick started by lit-
ting the traditional torch. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem. Through various activities like yoga, running, karate, PT displays, music, and a firework display, the children showcased their talents. The school principal, Hadiya Ashraf, stated that such sports events are organized every year. She emphasized the significance of extracurricular activities alongside academics for the holistic development of students.
Success of China’s reforms, opening-up and way forward DR MEHMOOD UL HASSAN KHAN
December 18, 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of the beginning of China’s reform and opening-up. Historically, China was the first socialist country to embark on the path of numerous structural reforms and opening-up. It is good omen that China is still committed to reform and opening-up which would be good for the quick recovery of the world economy. The Chinese president Xi Jinping has already announced to start new economic path comprising of opening-up, modernization, digitalization and qualitative industrialization. Comparative study of the last 45 years reveals that during last 45 years China has achieved miraculous socio-economic development enabling it to reduce poverty and generate new jobs. More than 100 million impoverished rural residents have been rescued from the poverty. Evidently, during 45 years China has succeeded to build the biggest education system, social security system and health care system of the world. The basic insurance now covers 1.05 billion people basic medical insurance participation rate remained stable at 95 percent which vividly reflects immense socioeconomic transformation of the Chinese state, society and the system, immensely changing the lives of common people despite all odds and the western propaganda. Overall, over the last 10 years, China’s economy aggregate has increased from 12.3
percent to over 18 percent of the world economy and its average annual contribution to global economic growth has increased to 38 percent. For achieving the desired goals of economic diversification, over the past 10 years, China setup 22 pilot free trade zones. First half of 2023 these attracted 18.4 percent of China’s foreign direct investment and contributed 18.6 percent to country’s foreign trade. These have become hubs of FDIs, innovations, modernization, digitalization and of course trans-regional connectivity. Resultantly, its total economic volumes has increased from 54 trillion RMB (us$7.59 trillion) in 2012 to 121 trillion (US$17 trillion) in 2022. Moreover, it has successfully achieved its first centenary goal building a moderately prosperous society in all respects in 2021. During the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) third plenary session, the Party decisively ushered in a new period of reform, opening up, and socialist modernization which have become new paradigm shift in the new economic era of development. The successive leadership of China has successfully transformed the country from a poor, agrarian society to a modern global power and propelling the country from margins of the world to the center. In 1978, China’s GDP was $149.54 billion only about 1.75 percent of global GDP, but in 2022, China’s economy, at about $18 trillion, is the
world’s second-largest and accounts for about 18.6 percent of global GDP. Critical analysis establishes that reform and opening-up fits China’s national conditions and has achieved unparalleled dividends which is totally different to Western countries. China’s economic model success has become a role model for the developing countries to rely on their own resources and local realities than to replicate Western models. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, China has continued to deepen reform and expand opening-up, leading to rapid development in all respects. Since 2012, China remained the world’s secondlargest economy, the world’s top manufacturing power and top trader. China is now leading in many fields, including in the number of Fortune 500 companies, the number of 5G stations, the number of broadband users, and the length of high speed railways and highways. Between 2013 and 2021, China’s annual GDP growth rate averaged 6.6 percent, far higher than the global average of 2.6 percent. Its contribution to global growth averaged about 38.6 percent during that period, higher than the combined contribution of G7 countries. After the tremendous success of the past 45 years, it seems that China will continue to deepen reform and expand high-level opening-up going forward, creating greater opportunities for global businesses and new technologies, the digital economy, green de-
velopment will be the main engine of growth. The recently concluded Central Economic Work Conference has stressed that it is crucial to strengthen the driving force for development through reform and opening up, ensure the advancement of both profound reforms and high-level opening-up. Among specific measures, the meeting said that barriers shall be removed to make it easy for foreigners to do business, study and travel in China. The Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) kicked off in Beijing on December 18, 1978, marking the beginning of China’s journey of reform and opening-up. Over the past 45 years, China has undergone various stages of reform, from the initial reform of the economic system to the comprehensive deepening of reform. In summary, due to last 45 years reform and opening-up have achieved remarkable successes in the diverse sectors of economy, investment, manufacturing, infrastructure development, and trans-regional connectivity and resultantly China has now entered into new era of economic development comprising of modernization, qualitative industrialization, human capital, green transformation and greater trans-regional connectivity in shape of BRI and CPEC. It is suggested that the policy makers of China should emphasize on further institutional building and establish a more mature and solid system in all aspects. They should
transform the advantages of the system into the effectiveness of good governance. There should be more people, nature, and investment friendly policies in the days to come. The 18th CPC National Congress has already accelerated China’s modernization drive which is now creating numerous socioeconomic wonders in the country. Good governance, transparency, opening-up, economic socialism, protection of human values and befitting rural-urban integration should be the mantra. It predicts that four modernizations in four areas of development mainly, industry, agriculture, defense, and science and technology will play an important role in socialist modernization and modernizing China’s system and capacity for governance. Undoubtedly, the CPC plays a fundamental and leading role in achieving China’s socialist modernization. It is accomplished through the party’s strong leadership, guidance of advanced ideology, selection of the correct path, and effective governance of the country with institutional advantages. It has been dubbed as the largest whole process democratic system in the world which shows its effectiveness and participation in the socio-economic development of the country. Thus China, but also to revolution, innovation, rejuvenation, shared benefits and unrelenting hard work. The author is Executive Director of Center for South & International Studies (CSAIS) Islamabad.
Author returns Sitara AUDIO LEAKS CASE: IHC SUMMONS e-Imtiaz in protest violence against FIA, IB’S DGS IN ‘PERSONAL CAPACITY’ over Baloch marchers
Sunday, 24 December, 2023
PRAYER TIMINGS
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
HE Islamabad High Court on Saturday in an order in audio leaks case summoned DGs of IB and the FIA in personal capacity on February 19. Justice Babar Sattar issued the order while hearing petitions filed Bushra Bibi and former CJP’s son Najamus Saqib about audio leaks. “How Bushra Bibi and Latif Khosa’s audio was recorded,” Justice Babar Sattar questioned during proceedings. “Who leaked the audio, who is the account holder,” the bench questioned. “The intelligence bureau (IB) should investigate and submit a detailed report,” Justice Babar Sattar said in written order. “A secret agency submitted its report on audio leaks via the Ministry of Defence,”
the court said. “The court was told that the secret agency not having capacity to determine the source that released the information on social media,” according to
CTD kills ‘terrorist’ involved in 50 murders, attack on ISI office LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday claimed to have killed a terrorist allegedly linked to over 50 murders and an attack on an intelligence agency office in Faisalabad. A spokesperson for the CTD, in a statement, said that the terrorist identified as Ghazanfar Nadeem was carrying Rs2.5 million as bounty on his head and had been hiding since 2011. According to a CTD statement, an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was carried out in Chiniot and during the CTD action, the alleged terrorist and his accomplice resisted, leading to an exchange of fire between CTD personnel and the “terrorists”. Both were killed in the exchange of fire. During the operation, law enforcement recovered modern weapons and explosives from the hideout where he was located. Police are trying to identify the other slain accomplice of the terrorist. The statement noted that the terrorist operated under various aliases within his network and had been responsible for the targeted killing of multiple people as well as attack on the office of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in Faisalabad. The spokesperson further said that Ghazanfar was the mastermind of the terrorism based on religious hatred. “Ghazanfar Nadeem alias Khalid Habib was known by various aliases. The terrorist was involved in 11 major terrorist attacks including an attack on a sensitive institution in Faisalabad. The terrorist also carried out a communal target killing including a suicide attack in Dera Ismail Khan”, he added. The CTD said that the elimination of the figure was expected to result in a noticeable decrease in terrorist activities. The CTD has been undertaking operations province-wide in response to terror threats, making arrests and neutralising criminal elements through IBOs in recent months. Earlier this month, the CTD had arrested nine suspects associated with defunct organisations during various intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the province. According to an official statement by the CTD, officials had conducted 70 IBOs in various parts of the province. During the operations, the CTD had interrogated 69 suspects, resulting in the arrest of nine. The statement had disclosed that two of the arrested suspects were associated with the banned Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan and were detained in Lahore.
PTI president shifted to hospital due to heart problem
the order. “The IB shall determine the social media accounts that illegally leaked the audio”. “IB should submit its report
within three weeks after inquiry. DG IB shall inform in next hearing, who could conduct surveillance of citizens and if the state of Pakistan has ability to stop illegal surveillance,” the judge asked. According to the order, the Attorney General told the court that the federal government didn’t allow any agency to record calls. He said that protection of privacy and rights of all citizens necessary. “The FIA sought time to submit its reply. It shall submit report with details of the accounts leaked audios on social media. Director General FIA should also appear in court and brief, how surveillance and recording can be conducted,” the bench said in its order. In an earlier hearing of the case, Justice Babar Sattar questioned “If the electronic surveillance is allowed? Who could do it,”. “PTA says it didn’t allow anyone,” the bench observed.
PML-N expresses reservations about SC ‘verdict, remarks’ in cypher case hearing LAHORE STAFF REPORT
The PML-N on Saturday expressed reservations over the Supreme Court verdict in the cypher case, saying the episode had been used for political purposes, including the unconstitutional dissolution of the National Assembly and speeches delivered at public gatherings. Malik Ahmad Khan – a senior PML-N leader who was accompanied by Azma Bokhari, party’s Punjab chapter spokesperson – said the remarks and observations given while granting bail to the PTI founding chairman and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the case – had raised some serious questions. While expressing their respect for the judiciary, he told a press conference held at the PML-N headquarters in Model Town that the Supreme Court had noted the Official Secrets Act didn’t apply to the matter, despite the fact that the PTI had used the cypher to damage Pakistan’s relations with the United States. Malik was referring to the allegation that the US was involved in “removing” the PTI government with the vote of no-confidence moved by the then opposition being part of that conspiracy. The accusation came as the PTI founding chairman became the first prime minister in Pakistan’s history to be moved through constitutional
means. In fact, the vote of no-confidence is the sole mechanism prescribed by the Constitution in very parliamentary democracy to change the government. PML-N warns against projecting the ‘favourite’ PTI ex-chairman as ‘innocent’ PML-N Spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb questioned the practice of presenting the PTI chairman as a “favourite” and “innocent” whenever liked, as she expressed her party’s reservations after the Supreme Court judges passed remarks while giving bail to him and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the cypher case a day earlier. She warned against issuing “innocence certificates” to one who had trampled the Constitution and said the people would decide about their future by exercising the right to vote in the upcoming general elections on February 8. The issuance of innocence certificates doesn’t change the facts, Marriyum said at a press conference and added that an unsuccess-
Judge writes to IHC for jail trial of Imran, Bushra Bibi
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Former Punjab chief minister and Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) leader Chaudhary Pervez Elahi was transferred to the hospital from Adiala Jail on Saturday due to heart issues. According to Adiala Jail officials, Elahi underwent an initial examination at the jail hospital, following which he was relocated to Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology due to heart troubles. Officials disclosed that Elahi had been experiencing heart pain since the previous night, coupled with a chest infection. In October, authorities at Adiala Jail had informed a special central court that Elahi was medically unfit to appear before it. The court was hearing a case against Elahi and others, involving various charges such as money laundering. The case questioned the flow of millions of rupees into the bank account of a low-wage employee of the Punjab Assembly, as well as inexplicable banking transactions. A prolonged legal battle unfolded between Elahi and government authorities. In September, Islamabad police rearrested the former Punjab chief minister under terrorism charges, shortly after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered his release.
ful attempt was being made to save and impose the PTI founding chairman yet again. The PTI founding chairman was imposed on the country and the people by projecting him as a “favourite” in 2018 and as an “innocent” in 2014, which won’t be allowed, the PML-N leader made it clear. Marriyum reminded the audience that the PTI former chairman was the one who had arrived at the Supreme Court in a Mercedes and was welcomed by the then chief justice with greetings like “good to see you”. The PML-N spokesperson wondered how the person involved in the cipher saga who had damaged Pakistan’s foreign relations and orchestrated the May 9 attacks on state institutions could be declared innocent. She remarked that they had every right to accept or reject the judgment and said they were not among greeted with “good to see you” at the country’s top court.
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah on Friday approved Bushra Bibi’s request for exemption from appearance in the wedding during Iddat period case against PTI founder Imran Khan and the former while writing a letter to the Islamabad High Court registrar for a jail trial. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer Rizwan Abbasi appeared before the court, reminding the judge that he had to write a let-
ter to the IHC for a jail trial. “The IHC registrar has to be informed, the accused have to be distributed copies of the challan, and the charge will be framed seven days after the distribution of the copies of the challan. To fulfil the legal requirements, you have to inform the Islamabad High Court.” The court then went into recess. As soon as the hearing started again, Bushra’s lawyer Usman Gul appeared in the court, saying that the court had ordered a jail trial. “We sent Bushra Bibi to jail and the
bail bonds have been prepared.” The court said that the accused should be called to the court. “When it is known that there is no trial in the jail, then she should come.” The lawyer said, “We have credible information that Bushra Bibi’s life will be in danger while coming to the court.” The judge said there was no rush, the court was also empty, and as the jail authorities were informed, why did they go there. The court ordered Bushra to appear in court in her personal capacity. The court again went into recess. Bushra did not appear in the court even after the hearing began. Advocate Gul, while filing an exemption from appearance application of Bushra, said that on the previous hearing, the court had ordered that there would be a jail trial. “Bushra Bibi reached the jail in the morning while the court had informed later.” Due to the jail jammers, the lawyer said, Bushra could not be contacted. The court accepted the request for exemption from appearance and postponed the hearing till Jan 2.
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Author and journalist Mohammed Hanif Saturday announced returning of Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the thirdhighest civilian award of Pakistan, back to the state in protest over the violence meted out to Baloch marchers. Reacting to a video of a Baloch girl pleading with the authorities for the “right to live”, Hanif lambasted the authorities for mistreatment of the Baloch protesters saying he was ashamed to witness a new generation being denied basic dignity. “In protest, returning my Sitara e Imtiaz, given to me by a state that continues to abduct and torture Baloch citizens. Journalists of my generation have seen @SammiBaluch and @MahrangBaloch_ grow up in protest camps. Ashamed to witness a new generation being denied basic dignity,” Hanif wrote on his X account. Hanif — a journalist, novelist, and playwright known for his famous work “A Case of Exploding Mangoes” — was honoured with the third-highest civilian award in Pakistan back in 2018. His remarks come after marchers — led by women — protesting against enforced disappearances of Baloch men, under the banner of Baloch Yakjehti Council (BYC), reached Islamabad on Wednesday, and were subsequently subjected to baton charges and mass arrests by the Islamabad Police. The crackdown triggered widespread condemnations from human rights bodies and political parties — notably the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamat-e-Islami (JI) — which was followed by the government’s clarification that the force was used to avoid a “catastrophe”.
PIA Umrah flight can’t take off despite 10 hours delay ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flight bound to take 400 Umrah passengers to Jeddah on Friday midnight is still grounded at Islamabad International Airport on Saturday. The departure of PIA flight 731 from Islamabad International Airport, initially scheduled for midnight on Friday, experienced a 10-hour delay, leaving all 400 passengers in anticipation of the flight’s departure. The passengers of flight 731 – Umrah pilgrims – at Islamabad airport claimed that PIA authorities are not giving any information regarding flight departure. Earlier this month, the privatization of PIA was challenged in the Sindh High Court (SHC) after which the court issued notices to the parties. Details reveal that the privatization of PIA has been contested in court, with the Ministry of Law, Aviation, Finance, and Executive Director Ernst Wing included as parties in the plea. In the plea, the complainant Sameera Mohammadi stated that the caretaker government does not have the authority to make ‘important decisions’ or start a new project but can supervise the ongoing projects started by the elected government. The applicant stated that the caretaker government has violated Article 18-C of the constitution by privatizing a public-private company as the interim government has no authority to make such decisions.
Pervaiz Elahi’s lawyer whisked away by ‘unidentified people’ LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi’s lawyer Amir Saeed Raan was taken into custody by unidentified people in Gujranwala. Amir Saeed Raan’s brother Adam Saeed claimed Raan had to file nomination papers of Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi for general elections 2024. He was taken into custody by unidentified people. Adam Saeed demanded of authorities for recovery of his brother as early as possible. It may be recalled that about 10 months ago, Raan was taken away by some people and later he was recovered from Islamabad by the Inspector General of Islamabad Police on orders of the court. Yesterday, former Federal Minister Fawad Ch’s brother Faraz Chaudhry was arrested in Jhelum. The arrest unfolded as Faraz attempted to submit nomination papers on behalf of Fawad Chaudhry for NA-60. The Jhelum police cited multiple pending cases against Faraz Chaudhry, the former general secretary of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the region. It’s noteworthy that Fawad Chaudhry, just two days ago, declared his intent to contest the election while detained. Seeking permission from a local court in Islamabad, he applied to manage nomination paperrelated matters from within the jail.
SHC restrains utility companies from providing services to unauthorized buildings KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has restrained utility companies from providing utility services connections to illegal and unauthorized buildings and constructions in the metropolis. The court said that gas, power and water connections should not be provided to any premises in the Karachi city unless the approved completion of the building plan was produced in original by the applicant. The SHC during a petition regarding utility connections to illegal constructions
lashed out that where were the CEOs of KElectric, Sui Gas and Water Corporation. The lawyer of K-Electric said that CEO Monas Alvi has left for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. He said that during temporary connection was provided to houses at time of connection which prevails for one year. The legal representative of the power company further stated that we the teams of K-Electric takes action but were attacked in areas like Lyari but services would not be provided to any building without approval of building plan. CEO Water Corporation, Salahuddin Ahmed beg pardon from SHC and said that
no connection of unauthorized building would be provided in future. Lawyer SBCA was of the view that case of collapsing of nine-storey building in Agra Taj Colony has been registering. Justice Nadeem Akhtar directing the CEOs of Sui Gas, Water Corporation to submitted writing statement said that building constructed without approved plan should not be provided services onwards. Giving six weeks respite to SBCA in Agra Taj Colony building collapse adjourned the hearing till first week of February besides directing complete implementation on court directives.
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