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AS SCRUTINY CONCLUDES, PTI FACES ‘UNPRECEDENTED WAVE’ OF REJECTIONS OF NOMINATION PAPERS Sunday, 31 December, 2023 I 17 Jamada Al-Sani, 1445

Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 182 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition

g MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR PAPERS OF PTI FOUNDER, VICE CHAIRMAN, g PTI DEMANDS SC TAKE NOTICE OF ASAD QAISER, SWATI, SHEHRYAR AFRIDI WORST INTERFERENCE IN ELECTORAL EXPRESSES SURPRISE, SAYING ‘THIS IS AND OTHERS REJECTED PROCESS BY ‘STATE MACHINERY’ NOT AN ELECTION BUT A SELECTION’

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Profit

Govt has nothing to do with rejection or acceptance of nominations: Solangi

LAHORE

SALEEM JADOON

S scrutiny of nominations concludes on Saturday, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) top tier leadership was affected by a “massive, unprecedented wave of rejections of nomination papers,” including that of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan which the party described as worst interference in the electoral process by “state machinery as an open state terrorism.”

PTI Central Information Secretary strongly criticized the politically-motivated rejection of the nomination papers of PTI candidates on flimsy grounds, demanding the Supreme Court (SC) to take notice of the situation to frustrate the nefarious plan of the state apparatus to manipulate the elections.

ECP Punjab officials confirmed that nomination papers of PTI’s founder were rejected for a National Assembly constituency from the provincial capital and his hometown Mianwali.

The former prime minister had filed his nomination papers from Lahore’s NA-122

and Mianwali’s NA-89 constituencies ahead of the upcoming polls slated for February 8, 2024, while PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s papers have been accepted for NA130 in Lahore.

The development is being seen as a major blow to the party, whose leadership is already struggling to stand ground for the scheduled general and facing a plethora of cases, especially pertaining to the May 9 riots — with senior leaders, including Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and others, behind the bars.

“The PTI founder has been convicted,” the returning officer (RO) assigned to scrutinize the nomination papers for NA-122 constituency said, explaining the basis of the decision, dealing a blow to the PTI ahead of the polls.

The objections, raised by PML-N’s Mian Naseer, had referred to Khan’s five-year disqualification in the Toshakhana case wherein the electoral body had found him guilty of corrupt practices under Section 167 of the Elections Act, 2017. “PTI founder’s proposer and seconder do not belong to NA-

122,” the objection added.

From Toshakhana’s disqualification to having an illegitimate daughter and defaulting on Rs3.6 million social security funds, multiple objections were raised on Khan’s nomination papers filed from his NA-89 Mi-

Harassment, assault on proposers, seconders deplorable: PTI chief ISLAMABAD

Shehbaz vows to work ‘day and night’ for Pakistan’s prosperity SHEIKHUPURA

STAFF REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Saturday categorically rejected the notion that the caretaker government had any involvement in either acceptance or rejection of the nomination papers of the aspiring candidates for the general election.

The caretaker government had nothing to do with the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers which was part of the constitutional process, the minister said while speaking in a Television (TV) talk show of the private media.

“Only the Election Commission has

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that if the people elected Nawaz Sharif as prime minister for the fourth time, his party would work day and night under his brother’s leadership for Pakistan’s prosperity.

Addressing a rally in Sheikhupura, he emphasised that the upcoming elections on February 8 are not ordinary and called on the people to cast their votes with enthusiasm. He urged voters to consider the leader’s past when making their choice.

“This election is no ordinary election. You must come to vote with passion. When you cast your vote, you must see what the leader has done in the past,” the former prime minister remarked.

Highlighting Nawaz Sharif’s achievements, Shehbaz stated that his brother ended power outages, curtailed terrorism, and tackled unemployment during his tenure.

He reminisced about the electricity load-shedding of 2013, stating that the situation had drastically improved.

“After I became prime minister, inflation did rise, but it was due to Imran Khan’s flawed policies. We, by the grace of Allah, saved Pakistan from bankruptcy without caring for politics,” he asserted.

Shehbaz assured that if the people elected Nawaz Sharif for the fourth time, they would work day and night under his brother’s leadership, and Pakistan would flourish.

“My leader, Nawaz Sharif, provided laptops to the youth, arranged free treatment for the poor, and built modern hospitals. In Lahore, he established the Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute,” Shehbaz said, emphasising Nawaz’s dedication to the welfare of the people.

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan strongly deplored the unabated and rising incidents of openly harassing and attacking the PTI candidates’ proposers and seconders, which, he said, was the worst kind of misuse of authority and abuse of process.

PTI Chairman said: “Today, the first step towards General Elections (scrutiny of nomination forms for general seats) is coming to an end. But up and down the country, state machinery is in full swing against PTI’s candidates whose proposers and seconders or they themselves are being openly harassed, assaulted and pushed back from ROs’ offices.

Barrister Gohar pointed out that this was the worst kind of

misuse of authority and abuse of process, as it was flagrant failure of ECP in performance of its constitutional duties.

“We strongly condemn and deplore this. But Tigers to stay steadfast till February 08 and thereafter,” he added.

‘Reign of terror continues unabated’ Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan vehemently denounced the politically motivated rejection of nomination papers of PTI leadership and the ongoing spree of abduction and unlawful detention of PTI leaders and supporters, adding that the forces of status quo did not have the courage to face PTI in a free and fair election; hence they were resorting to these shameful tactics.

PTI Secretary General warned

that if this pre-poll rigging continued unabated, the transparency of election process is and will be called into question, which would not only further grow the political instability in the country but it would also further erode the national cohesion.

Reacting to the rejecting of nomination papers of PTI’s candidates, Omar Ayub strongly condemned the politically motivated rejection of nomination papers of Murad Saeed, Sahibzada Sighbatullah, Dr Amjad Khan, Fazal Hakim Khan, Mian Sharafat and Salimur Rahman along others.

“Had already predicted that ROs will reject PTI candidates’ nomination papers on flimsy grounds. More rejections of PTI candidates’ nomination papers by under pressure ROs are expected today.

that its verdict was “against the law as well as against the dictum laid down by the Supreme Court.

“The constitution unambiguously vests the powers and jurisdiction in the commission to make factual determinations in regard to subject matters of writ petition,” the petition reads.

The ECP, in its petition, stated that the high court’s powers were limited to its territorial jurisdiction whereas the PTI’s election symbol was to be allocated across the country.

On the basis of that argument, the ECP claimed, the PHC’s order was “beyond [its] territorial juris-

diction”.

The commission urged the high court to constitute a special bench to hear its review petition at its earliest as the “matter pertains to the national interest”.

The ECP in its petition requested the court to review the PTI’s intra-party elections and its decision related to the electoral symbol.

On December 2, the ECP had nullified Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf’s intra-party elections, for the third time since last year, declaring the PTI ineligible for obtaining its traditional electoral symbol of ‘bat’.

ECP moves PHC seeking review of verdict on PTI’s electoral symbol PESHAWAR

STAFF REPORT

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday moved the Peshawar High Court (PHC), seeking review of its decision on suspension of the commission’s decision to not let the PTI retain “bat” as its electoral symbol for the February 8 general election.

On December 26, the PHC announced the verdict on PTI’s petition challenging the ECP’s verdict, which had stripped PTI of its iconic electoral symbol ‘bat.’

The ECP filed the review petition in the high court, arguing

authority to decide on election-related matters,” the minister stressed. He said the caretaker government was committed to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in providing financial and administrative support to the electoral watchdog for the elections.

Solangi said an amount of Rs17.4 billion had been released to the Election Commission of Pakistan in addition to Rs10 billion which was released earlier for holding elections.

To a question, he said the constitutional bodies had been working within their limits. STAFF REPORT

anwali stronghold — a constituency which he has won previous elections from.

Concurring with the objections, the returning officer rejected the former prime minister’s nomination papers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

Usman Dar’s brother ‘abducted’ from Lahore, claims PTI LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday claimed that Umar Dar, the brother of former party leader Usman Dar, was allegedly abducted in Lahore, accusing PML-N’s Khawaja Asif of “engineering” the incident to weaken the Dar family’s position in the upcoming elections.

In a video shared by the PTI on X (formerly Twitter), Umar’s mother said that she had just discovered her son’s abduction from Lahore. She appealed to the chief justice of Pakistan to intervene and take notice of the situation. “I am a mother and a widow. I am deeply distressed by the current situation. I appeal to the CJP to ensure the appearance of my son in court,” she said in the video.

She added: “I am facing all these challenges solely to prevent me from participating in elections. I have been denied the opportunity to submit my papers, and there are police personnel stationed outside my residence. I assert the truth that these actions are aimed at hindering my candidacy in the polls.”

In its post on Instagram, the PTI said the “abduction of Umar Dar during scrutiny phase in the election is another episode of the mockery of law going on in Pakistan.” Backing the PTI claims, another party leader Omar Ayub Khan also condemned the abduction, saying “Umar — the son of Rehana Dar, who submitted her nomination papers from Sialkot to contest against Asif — has been abducted by unknown people from Lahore”.

“The reign of terror against PTI continues unabated,” Ayub said in a post on X. He said everyone should realise that “Imran Khan and PTI will win because we are on the right path.”

Political uncertainty impacted GDP contraction and inflation challenges in FY23, says SBP Governor

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REITERATES STATE BANK’S COMMITMENT TO PREVENTING HIGH INFLATION FROM BECOMING ENTRENCHED AND ANCHORING INFLATION EXPECTATIONS PROFIT

NEWS DESK

In the Governor’s Annual Report for 202223, released belatedly as the first half of the current fiscal year concludes, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed acknowledged that political uncertainty significantly impacted business and consumer sentiments, leading to a 0.2% contraction in real GDP in FY23.

The report revealed that the government’s fiscal and primary balance targets were substantially missed due to lower-thanplanned tax revenues and a reduction in subsidies that fell below the budgeted figures.

Despite implementing fiscal policy

measures in the latter half of FY23, the SBP governor noted the challenges faced.

Addressing these challenges, the SBP adopted a contractionary policy stance by raising the policy rate by a cumulative 825 basis points during FY23, in addition to the 675bps increase in FY22, according to the report.

The central bank implemented measures to contain domestic demand and imports amid pressures on the rupee and rising general prices.

While some of these measures had short-term economic implications, they were deemed necessary to meet external debt obligations and mitigate risks to macroeconomic stability over the medium term, stated the central bank chief.

The report highlighted that the average headline national Consumer Price Index inflation reached 29.2% in FY23, aligning with the upper bound of the SBP’s revised inflation projection range of 27–29% for the fiscal year. The SBP governor attributed this to elevated global commodity prices, pressure on the external account, exchange rate depreciation, costlier fuel and food prices, increases in energy prices and indirect taxes, high inflationary expectations, and growth in wages.

Mr. Jameel emphasized the SBP’s commitment to preventing high inflation from becoming entrenched and anchoring inflation expectations. The central bank aims to achieve a medium-term inflation target of

5-7% by the end of FY25, with FY24 inflation expected to moderate to 20-22%.

This moderation is anticipated due to contractionary monetary policy, improvements in domestic supplies, softer non-energy global commodity prices, and the high base effect.

While acknowledging the central bank’s responsibility for price stability, the report underscored the importance of fiscal policy and effective administration in achieving and maintaining financial stability.

The outlook, however, is contingent on the absence of adverse shocks from geopolitical tensions, unforeseen climate events, and unfavorable movements in global commodity prices.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

02

JAVED LATIF ADVISES AGAINST ‘RUNNING ELECTION CAMPAIGN’ FOR PTI

P

news

LAHORE

staff RepoRt

ML-N stalwart Javed Latif on Saturday “advised against running election campaign” for PTI, saying verdicts were issued against his party leadership in the past to please someone. Javed Latif’s comment comes in the aftermath of the recent orders and comments passed by courts, which he described as ‘favouritism.’

Talking to reporters here, Latif said the PTI wanted to make the elections controversial and was aiming at getting a judgment which could achieve the aim.

He stressed that the polls scheduled for February 8 were vital to ensure economic stability, warning that any failure to carry out the basic democratic exercise on the given date would only add to the uncertainty and economic meltdown in the country.

Latif reminded the people that the PML-N didn’t enjoy a level-playing field in 2018 and no one had raised the issue back then.

“Change the Constitution, if someone says May 9 [violence] isn’t a crime,” he remarked.

He recalled that the PML-N had contested the Senate polls without party symbol – a development after the Supreme Court stripped the party candidates of their right. “Someone is

being declared innocent nowadays,” Latif remarked in a ‘veiled reference to Justice Athar Minallah’s comment during a hearing’.

The PML-N leader questioned why the events related to the May 9 violence were being swept under the carpet, saying the nation must be informed about the

“origin of facilitators.”

On Thursday, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif had said balance was being tilted towards the ‘blue-eyed’ while referring to the PTI founding chairman – and described the Peshawar High Court (PHC) ruling on the PTI symbol “bat” as an attack on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Similarly, PML-N Senior VicePresident Maryam Nawaz blasted the PHC orders passed by a singlemember bench. “Fake and fraudulent intra-party elections [of PTI] have been declared ‘halal’. The ruling is the victory of the selection, but not the election.”

“Those who seek a level-playing field are not ready to give the same to anybody within their party,” she remarked and added that the jailed PTI founder had stolen the mandate of his own party.

On the other hand, JUI-F emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman pointed to the attempts to create an atmosphere of “judicial martial law” in the country and mentioned that the PHC judge was a close relative of a PTI candidate.

Business confidence rises 42% as expectations for future improve: Gallup survey g

Despite positive trends, overall confidence of business community remains low due to persistent economic crises in 2022 PROFIT

News Desk

A recent survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan indicates a 42% increase in business owners’ confidence regarding prospects, compared to the preceding quarter.

The Gallup Business Confidence Index report for the third quarter of 2023 reveals that fewer business owners hold pessimistic views about future conditions and the country’s direction compared to the second quarter.

While a sense of business insecurity persists due to ongoing economic and political crises, the survey notes a more positive outlook among businesses regarding their future.

Concerns such as inflation, utility bills, and political instability continue to contribute to business uncertainty, although fewer businesses express hopelessness than in the previous quarter.

Surprisingly, businesses demonstrate optimism in their expectations for future conditions, with 61% expressing positive outlooks and 38% anticipating a worsening situation. The net future business confidence score has improved by 42% since the spring, reaching 22%.

Perceptions about the country’s direction have also shown improvement over the last two quarters, with 26% of respondents expressing the belief that Pakistan is heading in the right direction.

Despite these positive trends, the overall confidence

Questions raised at appointment process of DG PSQCA ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

Concerns have arisen regarding the Ministry of Science and Technology’s selection process for the Director General position at the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). In a written complaint, Dr. Shahzad Afzal, an acclaimed expert in standardization, has raised significant concerns about alleged “irregularities and deviations” from established policies in the appointment procedure. Dr. Afzal’s complaint, dated December 28, 2022, and addressed to the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, highlights the Ministry’s failure to address logical discrepancies in the DG PSQCA position’s advertisement. This led to the selection of candidates with questionable qualifications and experience. He also emphasized the violation of the Management Position Scales Policy 2020 during the selection board interviews, chaired by the Federal Secretary, raising concerns about nepotism and misuse of power. The list of interviewed candidates further reveals a disregard for merit, as some lacked essential experience in standardization. Despite Dr. Afzal’s 28 years of experience and accolades in the field, candidates with inferior qualifications seemed favored.

Moreover, the advertisement’s failure to align with the Minimum Pay Scale Policy 2020 raises questions about the Ministry’s commitment to transparency. Dr. Afzal demands justice, including the cancellation of the ongoing interview process, an independent inquiry against the Federal Secretary’s conduct, and a fair selection procedure adhering to established policies. This exposé illuminates systemic flaws in the Ministry’s recruitment process, emphasizing the necessity for accountability and adherence to policies in such critical appointments.

Short-term inflation surges to 43.25% with notable increase in gas rates g

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reports seventh consecutive week of inflation above 41%, highlighting significant impact on essential commodities PROFIT

News Desk

Official data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reveals that short-term inflation for the week ending on December 28 has increased to 43.25%, primarily influenced by a significant rise in gas rates. This marks the seventh consecutive week with weekly inflation above 41%.

On an annual basis, notable increases were observed in the prices of gas (110.9%), cigarettes (93%), chilli powder (81.7%), wheat flour (73.8%), garlic (70.7%), tomatoes (65.3%), IRRI-6/9 and broken basmati rice (58.5%), gents sponge chappal (58%), and sugar (54.3%). In contrast, the prices of onions decreased by 12.6% year-on-year, followed by mustard oil (-5.2%), vegetable ghee (1.14%), and bananas (0.20%).

The short-term inflation is measured using the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) basket,

China 2024 – The Road Ahead g

Promises, Challenges, and Global Influence SYED ALI NAWAZ GILANI

China’s future in 2024 appears to be encouraging in numerous aspects. With its robust economy and continuous technological advancements, China is positioned to uphold its status as a global economic powerhouse. The country’s stress on innovation and research and growth has led to advances in various fields, such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology.

In terms of infrastructure development, China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues to expand, connecting countries and fostering economic cooperation. This initiative has the potential to enhance trade and strengthen diplomatic ties between China and its partner nations.

China is facing challenges with strength.

Looking back at China’s eventful year in 2023, it’s important to recognize the country’s ability to overcome difficulties.

While headlines may focus on tough times, a closer look reveals a story of China adapting, staying determined, and using smart leadership to set the stage for a strong future.

of the business community remains low due to persistent economic crises in 2022.

Economic insecurity in the country has worsened since the beginning of the year, but the business situation score has improved by 25 percentage points, according to the survey.

China had a tough time dealing with a significant wave of COVID-19 at the start of the year. President Xi Jinping said they beat the virus in February, but concerns linger about the official number of people who died. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand the tremendous efforts made to control the virus and keep people safe.

Like the rest of the world, China felt the economic impact of COVID-19. The problems exposed deeper issues in the country’s economy. While economic data might seem worrying, it’s important to highlight how China adjusted to these challenges. The government worked hard to fix economic problems and help the country recover. The number of young people without jobs became a significant worry. But we should view this issue in the bigger picture of how the world’s economy is changing. China took steps to help young people find work, even if the official numbers might not show it all.

People often say China isn’t spending enough on its people during economic problems. However, it’s crucial to understand that the government made

standing at 311.14 compared to 310 in the previous week and 217.20 a year ago. Comprising 51 items collected from 50 markets in 17 cities, the SPI is computed weekly to assess the prices of essential commodities and services at shorter intervals.

On a weekly basis, the SPI inflation recorded a 0.37% increase, with data indicating price increases for 15 items, decreases for nine items, and stability for 27 items compared to the previous week. Items with the highest week-on-week price increase include onions (15.2%), chicken (4.8%), moong pulse (2.9%), gram pulse (2.9%),

careful decisions about spending money wisely during the tough times of the pandemic. This helped keep the country’s economy stable.

The property market had some serious issues, but the government took steps to prevent home prices from falling too much.

Understanding the complexities of this problem and the delicate balance needed for a healthy property market is essential.

President Xi Jinping is focused on keeping the country safe, especially with global changes happening. Some political actions, like removing certain officials, show how serious China is about staying stable even when facing challenges. It’s important to see these decisions in a careful and detailed way. The relationship between the United States and China had some tense moments. However, a successful meeting between President Xi and President Biden in November suggests a willingness to find common ground. China’s way of dealing with other countries shows a commitment to positive engagement. China’s journey in 2023 is a story of strength, adaptability, and facing challenges head-on. As China deals with a fast-changing world, recognizing its strengths and efforts is key to understanding where it’s headed. The challenges aren’t

sugar (1.35%), bananas (1.05%), masoor pulse (0.78%), and maash pulse (0.54%).

Conversely, items experiencing the most significant price drop over the previous week include potatoes (8.6%), tomatoes (1.01%), vegetable ghee (0.6%), cooking oil (0.44%), eggs (0.4%), mustard oil (0.24%), gur (0.19%), and garlic (0.15%).

The annual SPI inflation, which reached a record 48.35% in early May, decelerated to as low as 24.4% in late August before surging past 40% during the week ending on November 16.

sunday, 31 December, 2023 | KARACHI

SBP launches ‘Sunwai’ portal for customer complaints against banks g

Portal/app is accessible through web browsers and mobile applications, available on both Android and iOS platforms PROFIT

News Desk

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) introduced ‘Sunwai,’ a dedicated customer complaint service portal and app. The service aims to streamline the complaints process for banking customers against Banks, Microfinance Banks (MFBs), and Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) operating in Pakistan. ‘Sunwai’ serves as a onewindow operation, providing banking customers with a platform to register complaints related to any banking product or service, including Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA). The portal is accessible through web browsers and mobile applications, available on both Android and iOS platforms.

According to an SBP spokesperson, registered users can conveniently lodge complaints in either English or Urdu languages. Each complaint will be assigned a unique tracking number, communicated to users through SMS and email for tracking purposes. Banks have been instructed to ensure the prompt and fair resolution of complaints, adhering to the turnaround times (TATs) prescribed by SBP. The central bank expresses optimism that the introduction of the customer complaint service portal and app will significantly contribute to strengthening consumer trust in the banking industry.

Fawad Chaudhry handed over to NAB on six-day physical remand

ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

An accountability court in Islamabad on Saturday handed over former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on six-day physical remand in connection with a corruption case. The court ordered the NAB officials to again produce Fawad Chaudhry in court on January 5, 2024. Earlier in the day, the court reserved its ruling on NAB’s plea for extension in the physical remand. The NAB sought another 10day physical remand from the court in case pertaining to misappropriation in land procurement for Pind Dadan Khan Jhelum Road construction.

The NAB investigation officer told the court that in 10 days’ physical remand relevant record and statements were verified. “Bank records have been summoned in which some transactions have been suspicious and required further investigation with Fawad Chaudhry,” IO said. Seeking further physical remand, he said with this remand inquiry will be completed. “Contractor and XEN have been summoned in NAB on January 02,” he said, adding “Eight of 16-kanal land procured has been transferred in the name of Fawad Chaudhry.” The Judge questioned Fawad Chaudhry about NAB’s behaviour. After experiencing various institutions in a year, the former minister said, the NAB’s behaviour was okay. He said that the road project was approved by provincial and federal governments, NAB could not open inquiry against government. “The ECNEC had passed the road project, the NAB is not authorized to open feasibility of an approved project,” Fawad Chaudhry said and added “It was a project of FWO, and no tenders were issued for the road project.” “NAB claim that five million were distributed in my family, which is false. I request the court to discharge me from this case,” he prayed to the judge. “Five million rupees were received from the contractor as federal minister with the promise of awarding contract to him,” investigation officer said. Defence lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said that the contractor has been summoned on Jan 02 while the court has been requested for 10-day remand which is totally unnecessary. Fawad Chaudhry has been arrested on the inquiry stage, it is a bid to keep him out of elections, Faisal Chaudhry further said.

roadblocks but chances for China to grow, evolve, and build a better future.

In the grand theater of global economics, the spotlight has undeniably shifted towards the East, with China emerging as a key player in shaping the future world order. The recent trajectory of economic growth, coupled with strategic policy initiatives, positions China as a force to be reckoned with. As we navigate the evolving dynamics of the global economy, it is crucial to recognize the positive implications of China’s rise.

The economic journey of China over the past few decades has been nothing short of remarkable. Goldman Sachs’ projections for a further shift in global GDP towards Asia by 2050 underline the sustained momentum of the region. It’s not just about outperformance; it’s about rewriting the narrative of economic prowess.

As we project further into 2075, a new world order emerges. China stands shoulder to shoulder with similar GDPs, suggesting a balance of economic power. This parity opens doors for collaborative engagements that could redefine global cooperation.

Moreover, the inclusion of Nigeria, Pakistan, and Egypt in the top 10 economies underscores the significance of rapid population growth and the potential of a massive labor force.

The estimates also forecast a slip in rankings for European economies, with Germany, once a global economic

powerhouse, projected to be ninth behind Brazil. This realignment signals a necessary adaptation to the changing tides of the global economy, where traditional power centers make room for emerging forces.

Amidst this transformative landscape, China’s proactive steps in building a unified national market cannot be overlooked. The State Council’s policy measures, focus on fundamental system improvement, and reforms in fiscal policies showcase a commitment to fostering a dynamic and integrated economic landscape. Dismantling barriers and addressing issues such as market segmentation and local protectionism are vital steps towards creating a more open and accessible market, not just for domestic enterprises but also for foreign businesses.

As we witness the rise of China and the broader Asian region, it is essential to recognize the potential for positive global impact. A balanced economic power play, coupled with strategic policies, can pave the way for collaborative and mutually beneficial engagements. The choices made

by China in the coming years will undoubtedly shape the global landscape, and fostering an environment of cooperation and understanding should be at the forefront of these decisions.

The author serves as Secretary General of the Pakistan-China Friendship Association’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter

03

OVER 18,000 IBOS CONDUCTED ACROSS COUNTRY, 566 ELIMINATED & 5,161 TERRORISTS ARRESTED DURING 2023 Sunday, 31 December, 2023 | KARACHI

NEWS

A

ISLAMABAD

staff report

S many as 18,736 intelligencebased operations (IBOs) have been conducted by the security forces across the country in 2023 resulted in the elimination of 566 and the arrest of 5,161 terrorists during various actions taken to maintain peace and security in the country.

According to the data available from this news agency, effective security measures have been taken by the forces against terrorists in the year 2023.

In the year 2023, in view of the situation of unrest in the region, effective antiterrorism measures were taken for national defense and security.

The data indicated that the traces and

evidence of recent terrorist incidents in the country was linked to terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan.

In the year 2023, the security forces took timely action and exterminated many wanted terrorists. Due to the effective operations of intelligence agencies, Gulzar Imam Shambe and Sarfaraz Bengalzai, the most important commanders of the Baloch National Army left terrorism and rejoined the national mainstream.

However, 15,063 intelligence-based operations were conducted in Balochistan and 109 terrorists were sent to hell. Some 1,942 intelligence-based operations were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while 447 terrorists were sent to hell.

As many as 190 intelligence-based operations were conducted in Punjab, 14 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 1,987 in Sindh while 10

terrorists were sent to hell in h.

Pakistan Armed Forces, other law enforcement agencies and people have made selfless sacrifices in the war against terrorism. More than 1,000 people, including more than 260 officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country in the terrorist attacks.

Pakistan forces have taken numerous steps to make the country a cradle of peace, from which there is a bright hope that the coming time will be one of peace and stability. Pakistan forces will continue the war against terrorism with the full support of the people until the end of the last terrorist.

In the coming year, the security forces, together with the law enforcement agencies, will continue the war against terrorism with a new dimension and determination.

Pakistan and China explore joint film & TV productions ISLAMABAD

staff report

Chinese Film Makers, Caretaker Federal Minister for Culture and National Heritage, Jamal Shah, celebrated the success of the collaborative venture resulting in the groundbreaking film “Batie Girl,” a joint production of Pakistani and Chinese filmmakers.

The film released in Pakistan in 2023 stands as a significant achievement in cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Eight member Chinese delegation lead by Zhang Yang, chairman of Chang Jiang group is on the visit to Pakistan for

the joint production exploring opportunities with Pakistani and film industry During the productive discussions, Minister Jamal Shah underscored the enduring cultural ties between Pakistan and China, highlighting the pivotal role played by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in strengthening these connections. He reminisced about past successful collaborative efforts and cultural activities organized by both nations. Minister Jamal Shah emphasized Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage, boasting one of the largest Buddhist cultures and traditions that warmly welcome

international guests. Acknowledging Pakistan’s 157 cinema houses, he expressed the nation’s ambition to expand its cinema industry with the support of Chinese companies.

Minister Jamal Shah extended a warm invitation for Chinese companies to contribute to the growth of both countries’ film industries by establishing cinema houses in Pakistan.

“We are open to exchanging ideas, fostering creativity in cinema, and inviting collaboration. Learning from Chinese experiences in film making and co-production is of great interest to us, considering the substantial success of the Chinese cinema industry,” stated

Minister Jamal Shah. Zhang Yang, Chairman of Chang Jiang Group, shared insights on the vast collaboration opportunities between Pakistan and China in the entertainment industry.

He highlighted the significant global impact of China’s developed film and TV industry, with several dramas and films gaining popularity in Pakistan.

Yang expressed the importance of mutual cultural understanding through joint drama and production, stating, “Joint productions are crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures, facilitating better connections between people on both sides.”

Stc has achieved substantial progress in advancing toward next phase of 5G technology ISLAMABAD

staff report

Stc the leading Saudi Arabia digital services provider is making a substantial investment to propel its 5G capabilities into the next era of advancement.

According to a news release this strategic initiative is designed to solidify the company’s position as the leading regional 5G operator.

The investment is carefully directed towards expanding the 5G network, reinforcing the company’s leadership, and enhancing its standing in the competitive 5G market. The Stc has reconfirmed its commitment by

expanding its 5G network and advancing to the next phase of 5G technology. The company has successfully implemented and commercially introduced the latest 5G advanced solutions, covering 4 multiple layers of the NR (New Radio) network. This progress highlights stc’s significant efforts in constructing a robust infrastructure to support 5G services.

Through extensive deployment of 5G advanced network, stc empowers users to maximize the benefits of multi-band NR carrier aggregation (CA) technology within their 5G networks.

This forward-looking strategy facilitates the amalgamation of multiple frequency bands, including

new layers in the C band, as well as the mid and lowband spectrum. This advancement is poised to enhance network speed and responsiveness, resulting in improved overall network performance and consistent high-speed connectivity for users.

In tandem with its ongoing 5G deployment, stc is actively positioning itself as a trailblazer in the commercial utilization of 5.5G technology.

This forward-looking approach exemplifies the company’s preparedness to embrace forthcoming advancements beyond 5G, expected to deliver even greater enhancements in speed, capacity, and connectivity.

Pakistan should embrace AI as opportunity to advance IT exports, economy: Speakers ISLAMABAD

staff report

The Speakers at an international conference on artificial intelligence on Saturday said the country should embrace the revolution of artificial intelligence (AI) as an opportunity to advance its information technology (IT) exports and economy by exploring billions of dollars worth of global market.

The speakers hailing from diverse backgrounds were addressing the twoday 1st International Conference on Artificial Intelligence & Society (December 30th and 31st) commenced here at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) being organised by Global Center for Legal Thoughts (GCLT) in collaboration with Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, PAL, IQRA, SIP, Al-Karam International Institute, Bahria University, and National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).

The conference convened minds and

ideas, engaging into a multifaceted relationship between artificial intelligence and society. The moot served as a platform for in-depth discussions on cutting-edge advancements, ethical considerations, and the broader societal implications of AI. Former Deputy Attorney General of Pakistan, Justice Dr Syed Mohammad Anwar said the AI revolution had two sides of its rise as one was benign and the other hostile. Taking the second part first, he said, “Our ideologies are under the

onslaught of social engineering being carried out under the garb of AI-based social networking sites. Our thinking is being changed deliberately which is reflected in many decisions of the key public, private, social, and civil entities.”

He underlined that the AI was the technology of the real world and it was not a bad thing, adding collection of information was the primary aspect of artificial intelligence. However, there was an urgent need to place protection guards against social engineering as our

basic norms and ethics were being tainted through maligning and misleading content.

“The source of information needs to be verified while viewing AI-based content. Moreover, there is a need to develop a filter in mind to scrutinize every information.”

Religiously, he said the AI and IT had positive aspects as the books that were not available were now easily available on religion and many other aspects, adding, “It has developed a global jurisprudence among the Muslim scholars, hence the differences and gaps between all sects of the religion of Islam have vanished and developed consensus.”

“Ulema (Muslim scholars) have greatly benefitted through AI and IT for Qirat (recitation) and tajweed, learning and teaching of Holy Quran,” he noted.

The entire nation, he said needed to work on IT as the country had not completely ventured into the domain of this vast subject.

Solangi grieved over demise of Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Nazir Shawl

ISLAMABAD

staff report

Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of senior Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl on Saturday. In his condolence message, the minister said he was deeply grieved to hear the sad news of the death of Professor Nazir Ahmad Shawl. “Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl was a brave, fearless, and sincere leader,” Murtaza Solangi said, adding that with the demise of Nazir Ahmad Shawl, Kashmir had lost a great leader. Appreciating the contribution of Nazir Shawl, Solangi said he was a strong voice for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir who played an important role in highlighting the Kashmir issue at the global level.

Murtaza Solangi said Shawl’s political and diplomatic services will always be remembered for the struggle for the inalienable right of selfdetermination of the Kashmiri people. He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with fortitude.

Usman Dar’s brother ‘abducted’ from Lahore, claims PTI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Petition filed for recovery of Umar Dar Meanwhile, a petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court, urging the recovery of Umar Dar. Key figures such as the Punjab police chief and Lahore CCPO have been named as respondents in the plea. The petition, filed

by Usman’s legal counsel Abuzar Salman Niazi, contended that the Dar family was persistently subjected to political vendetta. It pointed out that Dar’s mother was contesting elections against Asif in Silakot, adding that the family was being targeted for political motives. The plea urged the court to issue an order for the recovery and appearance of the missing individual before the court. The Dar family’s complaints of police raids and mistreatment are not new. Earlier this month, Dar’s mother had accused Asif and the police of raiding their Sialkot home and manhandling her. Asif and the Sialkot police had denied the allegations. In August, Usman Dar had said his house, factory and businesses in Sialkot were sealed and his family members, including women, were left stranded after ‘state highhandedness’ “The state has snatched away our right to live in our own country, declared proclaimed offender in fake cases and being treated as terrorists,” Dar had stated in a post. In October, Usman appeared in a TV interview and condemned the May 9 incident and announced quitting the PTI and politics.

As scrutiny concludes, PTI faces ‘unprecedented wave’ of rejections of nomination papers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Shah Mehmood Qureshi, son and daughter’s nominations rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vice chairman and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s nomination papers have been rejected from NA 151 (Multan) and NA 214 (Tharparkar).

As per details, the nomination papers of incarcerated PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi were rejected whereas the nomination papers of 21 other candidates from NA 151 were approved.

While rejecting the nomination papers of Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his son Zain Qureshi, the returning officer stated that No Dues Certificate was missing from the PTI leaders’ nomination papers.

Moreover, the returning officer also rejected the nomination papers of Shah Mehmood’s daughter Mehr Bano Qureshi and son Zain Qureshi from NA 151.

Meanwhile, former federal minister and PTI leader Hammad Azhar’s nomination papers were rejected from PP-172.

However, the PTI founder and his associates can appeal against the rejection of their nomination papers by January 3, which

will be decided upon by the Appellate Tribunal by January 10. The electoral body will publish the revised list of candidates on January 11.

Azam Swati from NA-15 and Zulfi Bukhari nomination papers rejected The nomination papers of Azam Swati and Zulfi Bukhari were also rejected earlier in the day.

Former federal minister and PTI’s leader Azam Khan Swati filed had filed nominations for NA-15 Mansehra were rejected on Saturday.

According to details, objections were raised that Azam Swati was wanted in different cases.

It was objected that Azam Swati has submitted affidavit but did not appear himself.

After completion of arguments of lawyers from both sides, the returning officer rejected nominations of the PTI leader.

Upon rejection of Swati’s papers, PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif’s counsel Jahangir Jadoon Advocate told the journalists in Mansehra that it was essential for the candidate contesting polls to be present in the country.

Jadoon, who filed objections against

Swati, said the PTI leader was only asked to appear before the RO after which the objections would be withdrawn.

The RO later confirmed that the PTI leader’s nomination papers were rejected from NA-15.

Swati’s lawyer Sohail Swati said Azam Khan’s papers were rejected claiming his signatures to be fake and raising objection on him being an absconder. He said they would approach the election tribunal against the decision.

It is pertinent to mention here that the scrutiny of the nomination papers filed by the candidates to contest general elections 2024 will continue until December 30 (Saturday).

Appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be submitted until January 3 and decisions on these appeals will be made by January 10.

The list of candidates will be displayed on the 11th of January, and candidates will have the option to withdraw by January 12.

The electoral symbols will be allotted on January 13, and polling for the general elections will be held on February 8.

Bukhari, on the other hand, said his papers were not being accepted claiming that

his signatures were not genuine, which he termed “ridiculous”. The close aide of PTI founder Imran Khan said he even had them notarised and counter signed by the oath commission.

Announcing to move court against the decision, Bukhari also alleged that six people including his lawyers, proposers and seconders had been abducted.

“My lawyers, proposers and seconders have been abducted from inside. No one else was allowed in. A complete violation of justice and rule of law. This is not an election it’s a joke like the jokers in the care taker govt. Going to court!” the PTI leader wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

On December 26, the PML-N supremo’s nomination papers for the NA-130 constituency in Lahore were approved by the ECP without any objection.

It should be noted that today is the last day of scrutiny of nomination papers submitted by candidates aspiring to contest general elections 2024.

Nominations of PTI candidates rejected in NA-71 Sialkot The nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Umar Dar and his mother Rehana Imtiaz were rejected

from National Assembly Constituency NA71 Sialkot while nomination papers of Umar Dar’s wife, Aruba Dar, also met the similar fate. The rejections come as PTI leaders submitted nomination papers against Khawaja Asif.

Apart from Imran, a number of other senior PTI leaders’ nomination papers were also reportedly rejected, with the party alleging widespread misconduct by ROs towards its candidates and their proposers.

Senior PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser said: “Today, the nomination papers of all the senior leaders of PTI, including me, were rejected.

These are just tricks to make Nawaz Sharif the prime minister.”

He said the party would challenge the rejections in the courts.

“Up and down the country, state machinery is in full swing against PTI’s candidates whose proposers and seconders or they themselves are being openly harassed, assaulted and pushed back from ROs’ offices,” Barrister Gohar said.

He termed the events the “worst kind of misuse of authority and abuse of process” and the “flagrant failure of ECP in performance of its constitutional duties”.

04 COMMENT

Sunday, 31 December, 2023

China’s Phenomenal Economic Progress

THe blood lettings continue

T

Neither the war in Ukraine nor the one in Gaza seem to be going anywhere

Becoming a superpower

HERE seems to be strange stalemates in Ukraine as well as Gza, as the invading forces, respectively Russia and Israel, seem to have bogged down in the face of resistance from a smaller force.

However, the big difference is that Ukraine is fighting with a comparable army, and recently conducted something almost unthinkable for the Gazans, a counteroffensive. That has failed, and Russia launched one of its biggest attacks on Ukraine, killing 31. Israel carried on as before, carrying on with the artillery and air strikes intended to pound Gaza into rubble. The strikes left 180 dead, taking the death toll to 21,500. However, the Israeli ground forces did not speed up their progress, giving rise to speculations that the war is being prolonged

by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netantahu, who seems to be using his position as a wartime PM to avoid the legal processes which would otherwise unfold about him to bring him to book for the corruption charges he has now spent years avoiding.

In the same way perhaps, Russian President Vladimir Putin is using the Ukraine war in the upcoming election next March, to drum up support. However, Ukraine’s allies stand as firmly behind it as they do behind Israel. One result, probably unforeseen, is that the allies, including the USA, now have to balance out which ally needs more support. Ukraine may seen in greater danger from Russia, than Israel from Gaza, but the Zionists are stronger in Western capitals than Ukrainian nationalists. The problem for the USA and its allies will be to maintain support for both conflicts. The US public seems less than impressed by alleged Russian atrocities on Ukrainians than by the images of dead and wounded Palestinian children.

There is a very real danger of the Western powers failing to bring about a ceasefire in either conflict. Both threaten the world. Because of the Ukraine conflict, Europe has access to Russian gas blocked, and the world to both Russian and Ukrainian wheat. The Red Sea is vulnerable to Houthi attacks from Yemen, with the result that shipping which normally use the SXuez Canal and the Red Sea and now having to use the Cape of Good Hope.

Both conflicts must be stopped, because they are bad for the whole world, not just the poor unfortunates who are being killed.

M

Zafar aZiZ ChauDhry

Y first anxiety to know more about China came through my readings of Bertrand Russell. Russell, one of the greatest minds of the 20th century, had visited China on a lecture trip in 1920, staying there for nine months, visiting many places and people. In this trip he delivered several lectures and received immense love, adulation and admiration. Despite the fact that Russell’s observations and analysis of China’s cultural, demographic and economic life are nearly 100 years old, it redounds to his incisively brilliant mind that most of what he observed then is not only correct even today, but most of his predictions about China are incredibly true.

Russell’s views of China were very balanced. He looked at their culture with empathy and rightly predicted that the so-called “opiumeaters” of the 19th century would one day become a superpower of the world.

In days of antiquity, that is, several centuries before the birth of Christ, China had excelled in mechanics, hydraulics and mathematics. Mercantilism was frowned upon in the Confucian system, and since China had its own very vast land, the Chinese hardly felt the need to go out of their country for livelihood or trade. Hence China remained shrouded in mystery, and was generally thought to be a fabled land. China had no interactions with countries outside its territories, and yet the Chinese were the inventors of papermaking, the compass, gunpowder and printing among other things, sufficient to change the world civilization.

By opening to free market reforms in 1979, China opened up to foreign trade and investment, and became the world’s fastest-growing economies, with real annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaging 9.5 percent through 2018, a pace described by the World Bank as “the fastest sustained expansion by any country.”

Prior to Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms in the early 1980’s, most Chinese lived in poor, rural communities where job opportunities were limited to very inefficient agriculture. Poverty was the norm, not the exception.

The Chinese government promulgated a series of major economic policies, such as energy saving, industrial adjustment and revitalization plan, technological innovation, and regional economic

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami

development plan. All these policies have given a boost to the Chinese economy.

Since the initiation of policy reforms in 1978, the Chinese economy has been in rapid growth. From 1978 to 2007, the average growth rate of China’s per capita GDP was 8.6 percent per annum, and until now it has not shown any signs of slowing down.

From 2000 to 2007, the average growth rate was 9.2 percent per annum. China has started to eliminate poverty since 1978. What’s more, the transformation from planned economy to market economy was very difficult in the early stage of reforms. The first stage of the economic reform concentrated on rural areas from 1978 to 1984. Through the 1990s, China began to record rapid growth rates and joined the World Trade Organization in 2001 which gave it another jolt. By 1985, they hit $25 billion and 18 years later exports valued $4.3 trillion, making China the world’s largest trading nation in goods. Economists generally attribute much of China’s rapid economic growth to two main factors: large-scale capital investment (financed by large domestic savings and foreign investment) and rapid productivity growth.

As a result, China’s gross savings as a percentage of GDP is the highest among major economies.

China’s economy has enjoyed 30 years of explosive growth, making it the world’s largest. Its success was based on a mixed economy that incorporated limited capitalism within a command economy. The Chinese government’s spending has significantly contributed to its growth. Recently published economic data showed that China logged 2.3 percent growth for 2020, becoming the only major economy that grew during a year when the virus exacted a devastating global toll. China’s GDP surpassed a milestone in 2020, topping 100 trillion Yuan, or about $15 trillion.

However, Covid-19 was still a major drain on growth in 2020, with nationwide shutdowns of factories and manufacturing plants forcing economic growth down to its slowest rate for four decades.

China’s manufacturing sector appears to have recovered, with data at the beginning of this year showing a 7.3 percent increase in industrial output.

China's economy grew a record 18.3 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Rich potential needs to be realized

T

Dr Zafar Khan SafDar

OURISM significantly boosts economic status and global harmony by connecting different cultures, increasing local production rates and competition among tourism companies. It also reduces poverty and supports middle and lower-level economic communities. Tourism is predicted to reach $1.8 billion by 2030, strong tourist endeavours benefit any country by creating jobs, raising income, attracting diverse investments, facilitating tax collection, and improving GDP. It contributes to economic growth across various sectors, increasing foreign exchange profits, spurring industrial expansion, and supporting travel and lodging industries.

Rapid economic expansion attracts international business travellers, increasing developed nations’ foreign reserves.

Pakistan attracts 0.7 million tourists annually, a significant increase from the previous decade. In 2009, Pakistan ranked among 25 percent of the world’s most visited places based on its world heritage sites. According to the World Bank, Pakistan brought in $16 billion in tourist spending in 2022, and that amount is expected to rise to $30 billion by 2033. The travel and tourism sector’s total contribution to Pakistan’s GDP was 5.9 percent in 2022 and 4.2 million jobs. With its diverse landscapes, historical treasures, and vibrant culture, Pakistan is gaining popularity as a global travel destination.

Pakistan is a significant site for prehistoric archaeological research, containing ancient civilizations like the Gandhara Civilization and the Indus Valley Civilization, and the Mughal Empire. The Gandhara Civilization, linked to an ancient kingdom, is considered the sixth most beautiful area on earth. The Indus Valley Civilization, linked to the Bronze Era, was established on a 1.2 million km area with an estimated population of 5 million. Samples, antiques, and collections from these civilizations

are housed in various museums in Pakistan.

Religious tourism in Pakistan involves visiting holy places for worship and spiritual pleasure. The country has a rich Islamic heritage and diverse religious heritage from other religions.

The Kalash people, animists with ancient Albanian roots, have a unique culture with captivating festivals. Gurdwaras’ holy place in Nankana Sahib and Hasan Abdal are a significant persuasion site for the Sikh community. The Kartarpur Corridor connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in northwest India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, believed to be a place of Sikhism foundation. Other notable shrines in Pakistan include those of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hujwairi, Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganj-e-Shakar, Mian Mir, Shah Hussain, and Bahauddin Zakaria.

Pakistani culture values sports, with cricket being the favourite. The Pakistan Sports Board aims to enhance competition, maintain international standards, and manage sports in Pakistan.

The Board supports players and associations in participating in sports. Field hockey, cricket, kabaddi, and squash attract international tourists. Pakistan’s diverse ecosystem, including

Kalam, Malam Jaba, Shangla, Balakot, Galyat, Murree, Chitral, Gilgit Baltistan, Hunza, Kaghan, Naran, and Neelam valley. The country has an inordinate diversity of animals and plants, with five of the highest peaks in the world, including K-2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum-I, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum II. The Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan to China, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and valleys.

The Kaghan Valley and Neelum Valley attract nature enthusiasts. The Makran Coastal Highway, stretching along the Arabian Sea in Balochistan, presents a scenic route for road trips, allowing travellers to explore the pristine beaches and coastal landscapes. The Hingol National Park, with its diverse flora and fauna, is a testament to the country’s ecological richness. Lahore, a Mughal architecture treasure, and Karachi’s bustling bazaars showcase Pakistan’s urban life.

Pakistan’s tourism industry has potential to attract both visitors and the investors, but fears several challenges. A research report by TDAP identifies several issues, including security issues, negative media portrayal, lack of supportive infrastructure, poor development policies, inadequate facilities, lack of government support, and low investment. Other issues include shortages of trained staff, lack of services, insufficient equipment, lack of interest in meeting visitor needs, and haphazard price hikes. Authorities should play a more active role in tourism development, ensuring tourists obtain visas and relevant information promptly.

Challenges and security concerns remain significant for Pakistan’s tourism sector, with internal conflicts and geopolitical tensions contributing to a perception of instability. Efforts to promote tourism include infrastructure development, the ‘Brand Pakistan’ campaign, international collaborations with travel agencies and organizations, specialized tourism packages, and community involvement.

As the world increasingly turns to Pakistan’s hidden gem, the future of tourism holds the promise of transformation, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and global understanding. Pakistan’s tourism potential requires a comprehensive management plan, investments, marketing, attractive packages, and infrastructure, with key factors including information availability, security, 24/7 emergency support, and a courteous workforce.

As the world increasingly turns to Pakistan’s hidden gem, the future of tourism holds the promise of transformation, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and global understanding. Pakistan’s tourism potential requires a comprehensive management plan, investments, marketing, attractive packages, and infrastructure, with key factors including information availability, security, 24/7 emergency support, and a courteous workforce dunes, mountains, deserts, and forests, is protected by national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, game reserves, and community-controlled hunting areas. With over 668 bird species, Pakistan offers nature-based tourism activities like trekking, mountain biking, mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, jeep safaris, trophy hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching. Cultural festivals and fairs provide excellent tourism opportunities, such as Shandur Polo, the Silk Route fair, the Kalash dance festival, the water sports festival, and various food festivals. Adventure tourism offers various opportunities, including the Karakoram Range, Baltoro Glacier, Chitral Valley, and Deosai National Park.

These regions attract mountaineers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts, offering challenging and rewarding experiences. The northern part of Pakistan features some of the world’s most beautiful scenic areas, including Swat,

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

The writer is has a PhD in Political Science, and is on the visiting faculty at QAU Islamabad.

He can be reached at zafarkhansafdar@yahoo.com and tweet@zafarkhansafdar.

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

If the current transformation continues, China with its economic and military might will be able to threaten the countries in the region and the West. The closer ties with Russia have already resulted in a strategic relationship that is designed to counter the influence of the USA. Being a nuclear power and with its high-technology economic system, China has set the foundation that will likely ensure that it is much stronger than the former USSR and perhaps even more powerful than the USA

Tourism in Pakistan: A long way off Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi

the year before. It's the biggest jump in GDP since China started keeping quarterly records in 1992.

China's GDP was slightly larger than Germany's in 2007; however, by 2017, China's $12.2 trillion-economy became larger than those of Germany, UK, France and Italy combined. In 2018, the IMF reiterated its forecast that China will overtake the US in terms of nominal GDP by the year 2030 It is clear that China's economic and military transformation has been aimed at challenging the balance of power that has existed in the region since World War Two. China has maintained its hegemony through its territorial claims in the South China Sea and in its recent actions against Taiwan. A more aggressive and expansionist policy may occur as China faces more pressure to provide food and resources for one quarter of the world's population.

If the current transformation continues, China with its economic and military might will to able to threaten the countries in the region and the West.

The closer ties with Russia have already resulted in a strategic relationship that is designed to counter the influence of the USA. Being a nuclear power and with its high-technology economic system, China has set the foundation that will likely ensure that it is much stronger than the former USSR and perhaps even more powerful than the USA.

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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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

Gas shortage

I am writing to express my deep concerns about the ongoing gas shortage that has been affecting our community in recent months. It is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals and businesses alike to access the fuel they need to go about their daily activities, and this situation demands our immediate attention. The repercussions of this gas shortage are widespread and alarming. Firstly, the rising gas prices are putting a significant financial strain on families who rely on their vehicles for commuting to work, school, and other essential activities. Moreover, local businesses, especially those in the transportation and logistics sectors, are grappling with increased operational costs that could ultimately result in layoffs or price hikes for consumers. Furthermore, the environmental impact of this gas shortage cannot be ignored. With limited access to public transportation options in our area, many people have no choice but to continue using their personal vehicles, contributing to increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

I urge our local and state authorities to take immediate action to address this crisis. Exploring alternative energy sources, investing in public transportation infrastructure, and implementing fuel conservation measures are some steps that can be taken to alleviate the strain on our gas supply and promote a more sustainable future. Additionally, I encourage our community members to consider carpooling, using public transportation when possible, and adopting fuel-efficient driving practices to reduce their individual carbon footprint. It is my hope that by bringing attention to this issue, we can work together to find practical solutions and ensure that our community does not suffer further due to this gas shortage.

REEBA SALEEM KARACHI

Population dynamics

PAKISTAN is a country known for being star-crossed. Whenever a star appears over this byzantine country, it is invariably viewed as a foreboding omen. Albeit, to this day, the very source of discord that led it from economic collapse to severe inflation, political instability to civil polarisation, water shortage to land degradation, academic shortcomings to underage labours, and rural urbanisation to deforestation is unbridled population growth quietly drawing unseen meteors.

In Pakistan, the population is burgeoning rapidly at a growth rate of 2.55% annually and, according to United Nations estimates, is ranked as the 5th most populated country in the world. The growing population has proven to be an agent of meteors’ arrival; one of them is child labor. Middle-class families having multiple children later in life have no choice but to be unable to nurture their children properly, depriving them of the right to education and making them do hazardous labour work. As the saying goes, “for a nation, children are shining stars in the sky,” but in our sky, stars don’t shine anymore because it has clouded itself with labour and scrounging. The reasons are pretty obvious because these families are unable to make ends meet, let alone provide children with basic amenities in a comet-stricken country that is about to collide with several catastrophic comet clusters. Uncontrolled population surge plays the role of gravitational force in escalating the velocity of falling meteorites. To stop meteorites from falling, dealing with the gravity of a burgeoning population is more of a concern. Implementing comprehensive family planning campaigns tailored to specific regions can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about contraceptive methods. Simultaneously, fostering gender equality empowers women to make informed decisions about their reproductive lives. Promoting widespread education and creating economic opportunities even further contribute to averting the impending collision. However, overcoming the gravitational pull of a surging population remains a theoretical endeavour; for that, let us rewrite the cosmic narrative, steering away from the collision course through these campaigns that are akin to winds that disperse the clouds in the sky, allowing our children to once again shine like the stars they are meant to be.

TAHIR JAMAL NAWABSHAH

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Sunday, 31 December, 2023

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COMMENT 05

Misunderstood Balochistan It is covered by false images i n the rest of the country

AsAdullAh RAisAni

have spent over three years in different parts of Punjab, mainly in Multan for studies. Apart from Multan, I have been to Lahore, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanewal, Dera Ghazi Khan; in pinds (villages), Mandi Sadiq Ganj, Dera Bakkhar Wala, and Qasim Wala. A few of the misconceptions about Balochistan and the people living here were common almost everywhere I went. This piece aims to discuss and correct them.

MISCONCEPTION 1: BALOCHISTAN IS A PLACE WHERE ONLY BALOCH LIVE If you think that Balochistan is home to people who all belong to a single ethnicity, that is Baloch, then you are wrong. The majority of the people who live in Balochistan are ethnically Baloch, but Balochistan is a multi-ethnic province that includes Pashtuns, Sindhis, hazaras, Seraikis, Punjabis, hindkos, Kashmiris, Gilgitis, Urdu and Persian speakers, even Tajiks, and Uzbeks. As a matter of fact, the number of Baloch living in South Punjab is more than the total Baloch population in Balochistan. In short, Balochistan is home to multiple ethnicities, also, multiple religions, as hindus, Christians, and Zoroastrians also live in different parts of the province, and they own businesses too.

MISCONCEPTIO# 2: THE PEOPLE OF BALOCHISTAN ARE ANTI-STATE It would be unfair if I claim that Balochistan is filled with individuals deeply devoted to the country. however, it is also an exaggeration to believe that the people of Balochistan are anti-state. People living in Balochistan, particularly the Baloch and Pashtun nationalists, do have grievances, but that by no justification makes them antistate. Most of these dissidents are concerned citizens and they, like any average Pakistani today, believe that the country is not on the right track. The difference is that they are quite vocal against the policies that they

think are against the national integration of capacities. A fine number of tuition centres, Pakistan. In short, they are not against the english language academies, and freelancing training centres are present almost everystate but certain policies and attitudes. where in the province. There are people who MISCONCEPTION 3: THE PEOPLE donate books to libraries on a routine basis.

OF BALOCHISTAN ARE STUBBORN The people of Balochistan are serving in difAND AGGRESSIVE It would be a white lie to claim that the ferent institutions, actively participating in people of Balochistan are not assertive; how- politics, doing business, and much more. In ever, they are neither stubborn nor aggres- short, the crime ratio in Balochistan is below sive. even the assertion in the points of view the average crime ratio (3.98 percent) in the of the people living in Balochistan is due to country and the people of Balochistan are acfor picnics, play sports, like partying, and its tribal setup, where assertion and confi- tively participating in different fields. have fun, which they despite odds manage dence are considered a part and parcel of a MISCONCEPTION 5: BALOCHISTAN to do. In short, Balochistan is livable. strong character and bravery, which can be IS NOT A SAFE PLACE (TO LIVE IN) It is true that owing to multiple factors, MISCONCEPTION 6: THE PEOPLE understood by studying the code of conduct of Baloch called the Baloch Mayar and Balochistan is not as safe and secure as it OF BALOCHISTAN ARE AGAINST Pashtun called the Pashtunwali. That asser- used to be. however, wondering how people PUNJABIS It would be sheer romance to claim that tion can also be melted down by showing af- are still living in Balochistan defines the fection and love to its people. As a famous frightful images the people of Punjab carry Punjabis are welcomed with open arms in Balochi maxim says, “With love, I am ready about Balochistan. The major source of such Balochistan. The incidents of killing Punjabis had gained a signifto partner you in hell; icant pace after the with force, I will reject to assassination of Nawab enter even heaven.”

Akbar Bugti on 26 AuMISCONCEPTION 4: There are various misconceptions about Balochistan and its people, gust 2006. however, the THE (MAJORITY OF notably in Punjab. While these ideas can't be dismissed outright, they whole of Balochistan THE) PEOPLE OF BALOCHISTAN ARE are largely incorrect. The negative image of Balochistan is attributed cannot be blamed for their killings, as OUTLAWS to media, unchecked information, and limited communication Balochistan has a signifBaloch were described between the people of Balochistan and Punjab. Therefore, it is icant number of Punjabis as “uncivilized people enliving and working here. gaged in murder and lootrecommended to increase the portrayal of the true image of even I recall one of my ing” in the Sociology book Balochistan in media and increase communication between school teachers, to whom of the 12th class in Punjab Balochistan and Punjab through different cultural exchange we had asked, “Why since the mid-1980s. It aren’t you leaving was corrected in 2016, programmes like celebrating Baloch culture in Punjab and Punjabi (Balochistan as many of which means that for some and Seraiki cultures in Balochistan at the government level our Punjabi teachers 30 years, people in Punjab have left due to the ongowere taught that Baloch ing killings of you peoare outlaws. A great numple?)” and he confidently ber of them still believe the same. It is not true. Balochistan, despite frightful images is the media, as BBC head- replied, “how can one abandon his being the least populated province of Pak- lined Quetta, ‘hell on earth’ in 2013. But mother(land)?” In short, Punjabis did face istan, has a far greater enthusiasm for higher that is no longer relevant. A large portion of tough times in the province in the recent education and readership of books. It is esti- Balochistan might not be safe for tourists, past, but that does not mean that the people mated that in the recent Quetta Literary Fes- not because the locals dislike outsiders, but of Balochistan hate or are against them. It tival 2022, books worth Rs 7 million were because it is a thinly populated province. In also needs to be understood that the majority sold in just three days. There are hundreds the case of a vehicle breakdown or accident, of the people who influence the policy-makof single-room libraries in Quetta alone there is no help for miles; however, ing of the country are Punjabis and it natuwhere people have turned their drawing Balochistan is livable. People living in rally creates a sense of apprehension against rooms into libraries as libraries of the city Balochistan are as human as the rest of the this majority not only in Balochistan but also are already entertaining readers beyond their homo Sapiens and they do earn a living, go in other parts of Pakistan.

Predictions for the world in 2024

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Though visibly ageing, Biden will squeak through, more because a narrow majority will be rejecting Trump than endorsing a Biden second term FinAnciAl Times

he Financial Times’s team of crystal ball gazers had their best year for a while in 2023, with only three wrong answers — though we got these pretty wrong. The S&P 500 did not fall by more than 10 per cent, but climbed over 20 per cent (though driven mostly by just seven tech stocks). europe didn’t experience blackouts, though we said this would happen only in a very cold winter (it wasn’t). And there wasn’t a string of defaults in Africa, though ethiopia did default this week.

It says much about the world that, for a third year running, we feature questions on war or military action this year — between Israel and hamas, Russia and Ukraine and, perhaps, between China and Taiwan. The big calls seem ever harder to make. But on the question more FT staff suggested than any other — will Donald Trump be president? — edward Luce agreed to venture his best guess. Read on to find out!

WILL DONALD TRUMP BECOME US PRESIDENT AGAIN? No. But — assuming the recent legal hurdles thrown up against Trump standing in Colorado and Maine are overcome — his campaign against Joe Biden will be the nastiest presidential election in US history.

It will be very close run. Trump will be criminally convicted in at least one of his four trials, probably two, before the election, and will present it as political persecution by the “Biden crime family”. Though visibly ageing, Biden will squeak through, more because a narrow majority will be rejecting Trump than endorsing a Biden second term. edward Luce WILL 2024 SURPASS 2023 AS THE HOTTEST YEAR ON RECORD? Yes. The year 2023 was marked by so many scorching heat extremes that it will almost certainly prove to be the hottest in 174 years of climate records, once the final numbers are in. But many scientists expect 2024 to be even warmer, because the 2023 heat was bolstered by the emergence of a naturally occurring el Niño climate pattern. This typically has the biggest effect on global temperatures after it peaks — which may not happen until January 2024. Pilita Clark WILL THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR TRIGGER A FULL-BLOWN REGIONAL CONFLICT? No. The war has sparked violence across the region involving Iranian-backed militant groups. The biggest concern is that border clashes between hizbollah, the powerful Lebanese movement, and Israeli forces spiral into a full-blown conflict between the two.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has been clear it can no longer live with hizbollah fighters camped on the Lebanon-Israel border, but the hope is that diplomatic pressure contains the situation. Neither Washington nor Tehran want a broader regional conflict, even if fighting between hizbollah and Israel intensifies, but the situation is alarmingly volatile.

Andrew england WILL THE US ACHIEVE A SOFT LANDING? Yes, in the short term. Inflation has drifted down in a manner that has surprised even the Federal Reserve this year, and growth has remained stronger than most economists ex-

MISCONCEPTION 7: BALOCHISTAN IS RULED BY SARDARS Indeed, many elders in Balochistan themselves do not adhere to the code of conduct of their ethnicities and there are stories of them torturing their tribesmen, but that is not the case in the whole of Balochistan. The tribal setup in Balochistan is not as intact as it was in the past; also, the tribal setup of Balochistan is different from the tribal setup of Sindh and South Punjab. To legitimize his authority, A Sardar has to ask his tribesmen to vote for him. If they were the rulers of Balochistan then they would have not requested people to vote for them. even political engineering in Balochistan is proof that many Sardars who do not deserve the seat, need an outside push to legitimize their control.

In short, Balochistan is ruled by the same people who rule Pakistan.

In sum, there are various misconceptions about Balochistan and its people, notably in Punjab. While these ideas can't be dismissed outright, they are largely incorrect. The negative image of Balochistan is attributed to media, unchecked information, and limited communication between the people of Balochistan and Punjab. Therefore, it is recommended to increase the portrayal of the true image of Balochistan in media and increase communication between Balochistan and Punjab through different cultural exchange programmes like celebrating Baloch culture in Punjab and Punjabi and Seraiki cultures in Balochistan at the government level.

The writer is Research Fellow at the Balochistan Think Tank Network, Quetta.

Made by men to serve: Why virtual assistants have a woman’s name and voice “The female gender has always been linked to servitude. This was confirmed by researcher Clifford Nass, professor at Stanford University, in his study: Are Machines Gender Neutral?, which concludes that people tend to perceive female voices as helpers and male voices as dictatorial figures”

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pected. Since consumer spending remains robust and wage growth (fairly) well contained, a soft landing could continue for several months. But don’t bet on it lasting throughout 2024. There will be less fiscal support, as Covid-era handouts to households have been consumed. higher interest rates are sparking bankruptcies, US debt worries are rising and geopolitical stresses are fracturing global trade.

That could raise inflation and slow growth. So within a year, the landing will probably become more painful. Gillian Tett WILL KEIR STARMER BECOME UK PRIME MINISTER? Yes, though it is possible the UK election does not happen until January 2025. Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives look divided and exhausted.

The number of seats the Labour opposition must win means it could land anywhere between a minority government and the landslide to which opinion polls currently point. But it is extremely hard to see how the prime minister can recover enough support to hold on to power. Robert Shrimsley WILL CHINA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH CRASH TO 3 PER CENT OR LESS? No. The quality of Chinese growth has certainly deteriorated markedly in recent years.

The property market, which contributes almost a third of gross domestic product, is slowly imploding. Many local governments are drowning in debt. The Chinese consumer is hesitant.

But GDP growth in 2024 is still set to comfortably exceed 4 per cent — assisted by a medley of debt bailout packages, fiscal stimulus initiatives and other forms of official support.

Advances in technology will remain strong.

James Kynge WILL A CHANGE OF PRESIDENT IN TAIWAN SPARK A CHINESE ATTACK? No. Many people inside and outside Taiwan worry more about war these days, thanks to China’s expanding military manoeuvres. The frontrunner in January’s presidential election, the ruling Democratic Progressive party’s Lai Ching-te, also has a very different background to the incumbent Tsai Ing-wen.

But Lai has been clear he would follow Tsai’s cautious China policy stance — leaving Beijing with no pretext for an assault. The Chinese leadership under President Xi Jinping still seems to believe, too, that it has a chance to co-

erce Taiwan into unification without fighting — by stepping up military intimidation, political infiltration, economic lures and international isolation. Kathrin hille WILL THE US AND THE EU KEEP FUNDING UKRAINE? Yes. As Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia’s invasion stalled in late 2023, military and financial support for Kyiv became a contentious issue on both sides of the Atlantic. The Biden administration is determined to keep supplies flowing: a deal with Republicans in Congress might involve concessions on US border security in return for extended aid for Ukraine.

A bigger challenge will arise if Donald Trump returns to the presidency. eU leaders, meanwhile, should find ways early in 2024 of circumventing hungary’s veto on a €50bn financial aid package. But Ukraine is still likely to struggle to make a military breakthrough, so will come under mounting pressure to negotiate with Moscow. Tony Barber WILL RENEWABLES OVERTAKE COAL IN GLOBAL ELECTRICITY GENERATION? No. While renewable power’s share of generation is expected to outstrip coal within the next few years, it is unlikely to happen in 2024, thanks to China.

Chinese demand for coal has continued to rise rapidly in 2023 and while renewables are growing fast too — expected to account for about 90 per cent of all new generation capacity globally — this won’t quite be enough to surpass coal generation next year, even as western coal use declines. But the tipping point is not far away. More critical for the climate is when China’s appetite for coal finally goes into reverse. David Sheppard WILL X GO BANKRUPT? Yes. elon Musk frequently uses warnings of bankruptcy to motivate; he did it at Tesla and SpaceX. But this time, with X’s advertising tanking and attempts to create new sources of revenue falling flat, there’s a good chance it will happen.

After recent emotional outbursts against X’s advertisers, he may be reckless enough to think he can put it through bankruptcy and still come out on top. Musk fighting for control of X in bankruptcy would be a gripping sequel to the drama-filled Twitter acquisition. Richard Waters.

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lucíA FRAnco

eChNoLoGY doesn’t have emotions, but it tries to find ways to imitate them. To this end, virtual assistants such as Siri (Apple), Alexa (Amazon) and Cortana (Microsoft) have a woman’s name and voice.

Although, after many controversies, these virtual assistants have been available for the past year in neutral and masculine voices, studies show that attributing female gender traits to robots increases how well they are perceived as human, as they are seen as warmer and more helpful. Many companies have based their decisions on these studies, arguing that giving their programs female traits increases their use and, with it, sales.

“I’m Siri, but I don’t like to talk about myself. how can I help you?” says the virtual assistant when asked for its name. Sylvie Boreau is a professor of ethical marketing at the Toulouse Business School (France) and has been researching why female robots are seen as more human for years. In the article The most human bot: Female gendering increases humanness perceptions of bots and acceptance of AI, Boreau explains her findings: that positive human qualities — such as the ability to perceive emotions and be friendlier and more helpful — is more associated with women than men.

“Users feel more comfortable interacting with female voices due to the traditional connotations associated with women’s care-giving and assistance roles in our society. That is why AI uses these feminine characteristics to make its products more human,” Bureau says by phone. however, the expert warns that this can create an ethical dilemma: “Giving a virtual assistant feminine characteristics can lead to women’s objectification.”

According to the researcher, over time, many users began to call their virtual assistant derogatory names such as bitch. In the case of Siri, the programmers decided that the device would respond: “I’d blush if I could.” This gave rise to a 2019 research paper on gender and technology by UNeSCo’s Division for Gender equality that made direct reference to Siri: the study was called I’d Blush If I Could. That forced Apple to change Siri’s response in its next update.

Now, she responds, “I’m not sure what you’re expecting with those words.” however, the stereotype continues as these virtual assistants continue to be given a female name and voice. When Siri is asked if she is a woman, she replies that she does not have sex, like cacti. For Cristina Aranda, co-founder of the Women’s Tech association, which seeks to promote women in the field of technology, it is very clear that the problem lies with the people who manufacture and make decisions about this type of technology: “The vast majority of people who have shaped these products are men with great gender and cultural biases,” she says. Although Aranda thinks that it will be very difficult to change these stereotypes, she thinks there is some hope: “The only way to hack the system is for there to be more women in the sector. In the end, the decisions that programmers make when creating these devices are based on their belief system, and if they have always seen women as assistants, they will reflect this in their AI.” Martín Piqueras, professor at the oBS Business School (Spain) and digital strategy expert at the company Gartner, agrees. he uses the example of the first switchboard operators to explain why virtual assistants have a woman’s voice and name: “Telephone companies were able to verify very quickly that when a woman was the one who connected the call, customers felt more satisfied. Women generated confidence, and men felt assisted. Quickly, the rest of the companies sought to imitate that female voice in their customer services.”

Piqueras says that since those first “hello Girls” — female switchboard operators — women’s voices have always been studied more: “It gives people confidence and makes them feel satisfied. And this has been proven by multinational companies, who know that their products are more likely to succeed using feminine traits.”

Scientist Karl Fredric MacDorman, an expert in the interaction between people and computers, published a report in 2010 in which he concluded that both men and women preferred female voices in their virtual assistants. Since then, as Piqueras explains, technology companies have relied on these studies to ensure that the feminine in their robots increases the sale of their devices.

Nancy Salazar, an expert in information technology, has studied this phenomenon for years: “The female gender has always been linked to servitude.

This was confirmed by researcher Clifford Nass, professor at Stanford University, in his study: Are Machines Gender Neutral?, which concludes that people tend to perceive female voices as helpers and male voices as dictatorial figures.”

06 NEWS

Sunday, 31 December, 2023 | KARACHI

Modi govt’s anti-Islam FIGHTING BETWEEN HAMAS AND ISRAELI FORCES propaganda exposed RAGES AFTER NEARLY 200 KILLED IN GAZA STRIKES at global level

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IERCE Israeli tank fire and aerial bombing struck Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip on Friday night, residents said, after nearly 200 Palestinians were killed in 24 hours in Israel’s brutal campaign of retribution. Gaza health authorities said 187 Palestinians were confirmed killed in Israeli strikes in the 24-hour period, raising the overall toll to 21,507 – about 1% of Gaza’s population. Thousands more bodies are feared to be buried in the ruins of neighbourhoods.

Israeli aircraft also carried out a series of air strikes on the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, according to medics and Palestinian journalists.

Israeli forces have been pounding Khan Younis in preparation for an anticipated further advance into the main southern city. The invading forces have not made any significant headway in the last few weeks.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant claimed troops were reaching Hamas command centres and arms depots. The Israeli military also claimed it had destroyed a tunnel complex in the basement of one of the houses of the Hamas leader for Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, in Gaza City.

Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million peo-

ple have fled their homes at least once and many are on the move again, often reduced to taking shelter in makeshift tents or huddled under tarpaulins and plastic sheets on open ground.

The narrow coastal strip is just 40 km (25 miles) long, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

PALESTINIAN JOURNALIST KILLED: A Palestinian journalist working for Al-Quds TV was killed along with some of his family members in an air strike on their house in the Nu-

Renowned Kashmiri leader Prof Nazir Ahmed Shawl passes away in London ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Prominent Kashmiri leader, Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl, passed away in London after a brief illness. He was 77. According to Kashmir Media Service, Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl was admitted to a hospital in London due to a serious illness on December 23. He was suffering from a chest infection and kidney problems. He breathed his last on Saturday.

He was a multilingual person, an educationist, an author and poet, and a human rights defender.

Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl was born in Baramulla, a town in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, on October 13, 1946. He received his education from Baramulla. He graduated in sciences and postgraduated in botany from Kashmir University, specializing in ecology, and post-graduated in education from the Himachal Pradesh University, India. He undertook various trainings at NCERT (India’s National Council of Educational Research and Training) in Delhi and SCERT (State Council for Educational Research and Training) in Jaipur, India, and specialized in curriculum development.

He started his professional work at St. Joseph’s Institute, Baramulla, and later joined the government education department, having contributed to educational theory and practices through different research projects in association with SCERT and UNICEF, including developing experimental curricula, particularly in environmental studies.

Professor Shawl held different positions in his professional career, including being a professor and researcher in botany, field advisor in sciences, coordinator of UNICEF-assisted project PECR, member of the board of Undergraduate Studies in Botany at the University of Kashmir, and Chief Test Administrator of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS-Bombay).

Professor Shawl migrated to Pakistan in 1991 and started working for the Kashmir cause. He remained a representative of veteran Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Gilani for some time in the APHC-AJK chapter. He worked as Chief Editor of the Kashmir Mirror, Chief Editor of SANA News (now SABAH), and Chief Editor of the news agency Kashmir Press International. Later, he shifted to the UK in 2004 and headed the Kashmir Cantre in London. He has been championing the Kashmir cause and highlighting the Kashmir dispute at the international level for the last three decades.

Mushaal condoles demise of Prof Nazir Shawl Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Mushaal Hussien Mulick has expressed deep sorrow over the sad demise of Prof Nazir Shawl, a prominent figure in the Kashmir liberation movement, who breathed his last in London on Friday. Mushaal Mulick said Professor Shawl, a multilingual individual, educator, poet, and human rights advocate, was a true pioneer in the struggle for the self-determination rights of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

seirat camp in central Gaza Strip, health officials and fellow journalists said.

Gaza’s government media office says 106 Palestinian journalists have been killed in the Israeli offensive.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said last week that the first 10 weeks of the Israel-Gaza war were the deadliest recorded for journalists, with the most journalists killed in a single year in one location.

Most of the journalists and media workers killed in the war were Palestin-

ian. The report by the US-based CPJ said it was “particularly concerned about an apparent pattern of targeting of journalists and their families by the Israeli military.”

Earlier this month, a Reuters investigation found an Israeli tank crew killed a Reuters journalist, Issam Abdallah, and wounded six reporters in Lebanon on Oct 13 by firing two shells in quick succession while the journalists were filming cross-border shelling.

Israel has previously claimed it has never and will never deliberately target journalists and that it is doing what it can to avoid civilian casualties, but the high death toll has caused concern even amongst its staunchest allies.

The US has called for Israel to scale down the war in the coming weeks and move to targeted operations against Hamas leaders, although so far it shows no sign of doing so.

South Africa asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday for an urgent order declaring that Israel was in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention in its vicious war against the people of Gaza.

It called on the court to issue shortterm measures ordering Israel to stop its military campaign “to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people.”

No date has been set for a hearing.

China’s diplomacy contributed to world peace and development in 2023 BEIJING

The Narendra Modi government of India’s anti-Islam propaganda has been exposed at the international level. The Modi government and its media workers have not stopped from undertaking heinous acts in different countries, which has been exposed again with the arrest of an Indian spy blogger by Saudi Arabian security forces.

On December 18, the Saudi security forces arrested blogger Zahack Tanveer on charges of undertaking activities considered harmful to the interests of the Saudi state. Zahack is an Indian journalist known for his pro-RSS and pro-Modi views.

Tanveer was arrested by the Saudi authorities for publishing anti-Islam content. He took to his social media to criticize protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and seeking an independent Palestinian state.

The blogger also urged the youth on social media to join dangerous and radical organizations like the Islamic State.

In May 2020, a Hindu chef, storekeeper, and cashier in the United Arab Emirates were expelled for making anti-Islamic statements on social media.

Eight former Indian Navy officers were sentenced to death in Qatar for espionage. A Bahraini hospital fired Indian doctor Sunil Rao for his anti-Islamic views.

Moreover, in April 2020, a Hindu engineer was fired from his job in Kuwait for making anti-Muslim comments on social media.

Despite the fact that India’s anti-Islamic face is evident at the global level, Hindu extremists have not stopped their anti-Islamic policies.

South Africa files genocide case against Israel at World Court AMSTERDAM REUTERS

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

In 2023, China’s diplomacy was in full swing. From bilateral and multilateral meetings to regional and global forums, China promoted common prosperity and a more just international order by advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, an idea which is deeply rooted in the country’s unique path to modernization.

SHARING DEVELOPMENT DIVIDENDS WITH WORLD China sought to share the development dividends it has gained through modernization with the world in 2023, and this was vividly demonstrated in four major diplomatic events the country hosted.

In May, the heads of state of the five Central Asian countries attended the First China-Central Asia Summit in the northwestern Chinese city of Xi’an, their first inperson summit over the 31 years since China established diplomatic relations with these countries.

During the summit, China and the Central Asian countries signed seven bilateral and multilateral documents as well as over 100 cooperation agreements in various fields, pushing forward the building of an even closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

In July, a total of 6,500 athletes from 113 countries and regions gathered in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, to compete in the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games.

Ahead of the opening ceremony of the Games, Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a flurry of face-to-face high-level meetings, highlighting the importance of solidarity, cooperation and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The 19th Asian Games, another multi-sports event hosted by China, was held in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, in September and October.

Addressing a welcoming banquet for foreign guests who attended the opening ceremony of the Games, Xi said the Chinese

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government and people were confident and capable of delivering a spectacular sports event that showcased Chinese features and celebrated the charm of Asia.

During the 16 days of competitions, around 12,500 athletes from 45 countries and regions produced top-class performances, breaking 13 world records.

Praising the work of the Chinese Olympic Committee, the people of Hangzhou and the Hangzhou organizing committee, Olympic Council of Asia acting president Raja Randhir Singh said the Games were “an unprecedented success.”

The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) on October 17-18, the most important diplomatic event hosted by China in 2023 and the most significant celebration for the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), attracted representatives from over 140 countries and more than 30 international organizations and yielded a total of 458 outcomes, with cooperation agreements worth $97.2 billion concluded.

The BRI, a high-quality public good jointly built by all partners, has delivered nearly $1 trillion of investment, established over 3,000 cooperation projects, created some 420,000 jobs in countries along the routes, and helped lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty in the past decade.

SETTING AN EXAMPLE IN

MAJOR-COUNTRY RELATIONS: China is committed to enhancing coordination and mutual trust between major countries, showing the responsibility a major country should shoulder when facing international affairs.

This approach was exemplified in China-U.S. relations in 2023. Although there were points of friction between the world’s two largest economies, mostly in the first half of the year, frequent exchanges in the second half proved that win-win cooperation is the trend of the times.

In particular, the Xi-Biden summit meeting in November not only enhanced mutual trust and bridged differences, but also promoted multilateral cooperation between Beijing and Washington. Just as President Xi told his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden, “the world is big enough to accommodate both countries, and one country’s success is an opportunity for the other.”

China-Russia relations, an example of a new model of majorcountry relationship, withstood the uncertainties of a complex international situation and maintained high-level development in 2023.

Xi paid a state visit to Russia in March, where he and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a “frank and fruitful” dialogue and signed joint statements aimed at strengthening the overall ChinaRussia partnership and deepening cooperation in investment, energy and other fields.

South Africa asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday for an urgent order declaring that Israel was in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention in its crackdown against the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza.

The ICJ, sometimes known as the World Court, is the United Nations venue for resolving disputes between states. Israel’s foreign ministry said in a reaction that the suit was “baseless.”

South Africa’s filing alleged Israel was violating its obligations under the treaty, drafted in the wake of the Holocaust, which makes it a crime to attempt to destroy a people in whole or in part.

It asked the court to issue provisional, or short-term, measures ordering Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza, which it said were “necessary in this case to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people.”

No date has been set for a hearing.

While the ICJ in The Hague is considered the U.N.’s highest court, its rulings are sometimes ignored. In March 2022 the court ordered Russia to immediately halt its military campaign in Ukraine.

ISRAEL REJECTS FILING War began on October 7 when Palestinian resistance group Hamas killed 1,200 people in a cross-border attack on Israel and seized 240 hostages by Israel’s count. Israel responded with an assault on Hamasruled Gaza, killing more than 21,000 people, Palestinian health officials say.

In a first response to South Africa’s suit, Israel’s foreign ministry blamed Hamas for the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip by using them as human shields and stealing humanitarian aid from them, accusations Hamas denies.

“Israel has made it clear that the residents of the Gaza Strip are not the enemy, and is making every effort to limit harm to the non-involved,” the ministry statement said.

Palestine, whose statehood is contested but is seen by the court as having “observer state” status, said it welcomed South Africa’s suit.

“The court must immediately take action to protect the Palestinian people and call on Israel, the occupying power, to halt its onslaught,” the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The court application is the latest move by South Africa, a critic of Israel’s war, to ratchet up pressure after its lawmakers last month voted in favour of closing down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and suspending diplomatic relations.

In a statement from South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the government said the application against Israel was filed on Friday.

“Israel, since 7 October 2023 in particular, has failed to prevent genocide and has failed to prosecute the direct and public incitement to genocide,” DIRCO said in a statement.

Xi calls for consolidating, developing broadest patriotic united front BEIJING

MIAN ABRAR

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday addressed a gathering organized by the country’s top political advisory body to ring in 2024. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the gathering of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing. Other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the gathering.

They were joined by leading officials of the central committees of non-CPC parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, representatives of personages without party affiliation, leading officials of central Party and government departments, and representatives from various ethnic groups and sectors of society in Beijing.

Advancing the great cause of building China into a stronger country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation on all

fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization is the central task of the Party and the country on the new journey in the new era, Xi stressed.

Xi called for consolidating and developing the broadest patriotic united front, stressing the need to pool strength through unity, forge great achievements through hard work, and jointly write a magnificent chapter on Chinese modernization.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the CMC, Xi extended New Year greetings to nonCPC parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, personages without party affiliation, Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, overseas Chinese, and the friends from around the world who support the development of China’s modernization.

The year 2023 marks the first year of the full implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, Xi noted.

Over the past year, we have remained committed to the underlying principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, transitioned COVID-19 management to

that of a class-B infectious disease, resolutely overcame internal and external difficulties, pushed for economic recovery, and fulfilled the main objectives for economic and social development, said Xi. We have created new opportunities and won the strategic initiative while overcoming crises, fighting difficulties and responding to changes, which has greatly enhanced our confidence and strength, he said.

Xi pointed out that 2023 saw the CPPCC conscientiously implement the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and make new contributions to advancing the cause of the Party and the country. Over the past year, the CPPCC played its due role as a specialized consultative body and carried out indepth research, consultation and deliberation, and oversight with a focus on the central task, Xi said.

Xi emphasized that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and is a crucial year in fulfilling the goals and tasks in the 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. He urged efforts to consolidate and enhance the momentum of

economic recovery and growth, improve people’s well-being, maintain social stability, and make solid and steady progress in advancing the Chinese modernization.

Xi noted that 2024 also marks the CPPCC’s 75th anniversary. He called on the advisory body to carry forward its fine traditions, be active in offering suggestions and building consensus, and improve itself so as to open up new horizons for CPPCC work in the new era.

The gathering was presided over by Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee.

Addressing the gathering, Wang stressed that efforts should be made to study and grasp the guiding principles of Xi’s speech. He called on members of the CPPCC National Committee to pool their wisdom and strength in deepening reform, advancing development, and facilitating progress in people’s well-being. Wang also called on them to remain confident, break new ground and forge ahead, make new contributions to the cause of the Party and the country, and strive for the advancement of Chinese modernization.

Sunday, 31 December, 2023 | KARACHI

CORPORATE CORNER 'Tamasha' emerges as second most searched tech term on Google in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Tamasha, Pakistan's largest homegrown OTT video streaming and entertainment platform, has emerged as the second most searched term, after 'ChatGPT,' on Google in its 'Year in Search' rankings for the technology category. The increasing interest in Tamasha validates the widespread popularity of the app among Pakistani users.Google's Year in Search for 2023 revealed a diverse focus on technology trends among Pakistani users, with Tamasha emerging as a key player in the digital landscape. The Tamasha app, available on both Android and iOS, has become the go-to platform for high-quality live streaming, offering a diverse range of content, including movies, dramas, live sports, news, and entertainment TV channels. The platform provides a seamless experience, allowing users to access their favorite content, whether connected to Wi-Fi or mobile broadband. Additionally, the app caters to diverse preferences by featuring content in various local languages. Tamasha aims to cultivate a pocket-friendly, local content culture that promotes digital inclusion and provides the Pakistani audience with endless entertainment options. PR

Sindh Governor support Ride to Donate initiative by inDrive in collaboration with JDC

KARACHI: In a ceremony dedicated to the distribution of winter kits to the underprivileged, Governor Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, lauded the praiseworthy efforts of inDrive and JDC in their joint initiative.During the ceremony at the Governor House Sindh, Governor Kamran Tessori acknowledged individuals and organizations that are actively working for the betterment of Pakistan.

Highlighting the noteworthy initiative undertaken by inDrive, Governor Tessori ensured full cooperation towards the nobel cause. He lauded JDC as a true blessing for the underprivileged, commending the commendable spirit of these institutions in serving humanity. During the ceremony, inDrive, a leading transportation platform,talks about their vision for 'Ride to Donate' initiative. The campaign aims to provide winter kits to those in need. Recognizing the importance of community support in offering warmth, hope, and essential items to the less fortunate, inDrive has already distributed 800+ winter kits, spreading warmth throughout the community. PR

People with disabilities make up for 15pc of world's population: Chief National CIP

LAHORE: Chairperson National CIP Syeda Imtiaz Fatima has said that according to the WHO report 2022, people with disabilities are 15 percent of the world's total population, that is, one out of every six people is disabled, according to which people with disabilities in Pakistan The population is around 31 million, such a large population is being deprived of their electoral, political, social and economic rights in Pakistan. should be included in the lists so that appropriate steps can be taken to provide them the required facilities at the respective polling stationsHe expressed these views on Saturday at the Lahore Press Club organized by Coalition for Inclusive Pakistan. PR

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KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

EDERAL Minister for Commerce, Industry, and Production, Dr. Gohar Ijaz, emphasized the pivotal role of responsible legal actions in the restoration of Pakistan Steel Mills.

The session in Karachi, centered around the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TADAP) and Pakistan Steel Mills, provided insights into the factors contributing to the decline and closure of

the steel mills.

During the discussion, the Federal Minister underscored the significance of audits spanning from 1982 to 2023. By closely examining the Performance Indicators (KPI) of Pakistan Steel Mills, the Government and the State-Owned Enterprises Investment Committee (SIFC) can play a crucial role in the revival process through their responsible legal interventions.

In a related development, the caretaker government made the strategic decision to remove Pakistan Steel Mills from the Conjugation List, signaling a

shift in approach towards addressing the challenges faced by the steel industry.

Additionally, officials from TADAP, led by Chief Executive Zubair Motiwala, extended an invitation to the Federal Minister to attend the upcoming "Fourth Pak-Africa Trade Development Conference (PATDC)" and Single Country Exhibition (SEC) scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt next month.

The fourth edition of PATDC and SEC is expected to attract participation from major economies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, in-

Parade of 120th midshipmen, 28th short service commissioning held at PNA KARACHI

638 Afghan women die per 100,000 births: WHO UNITED NATIONS STAFF REPORT

STAFF REPORT

Course Commissioning Parade of 120th Midshipmen and 28th Short Service Commission (SSC) was held at Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA), Karachi. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The commissioning contingent comprised of 88 Midshipmen out of which 60 were from Pakistan, 01 from Kingdom of Bahrain and 27 from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia along with 44 officers of SSC Course including 12 lady officers.

While emphasising on geostrategic environment, Chief of the Naval Staff asserted that peace and stability in South Asia will remain elusive unless the long-standing issue of Kashmir is resolved in accordance with the aspirations of its people and the UNSC resolutions.

He urged the international community to play its role in cessation of human right violations and atrocities in the illegally occupied Indian held Jammu and Kashmir whose citizens must be allowed to exercise their right of self determination.

During his address, Naval Chief also emphasised the immediate need to end the sufferings in Gaza as indiscriminate use of force on Palestinian civilians is a gross violation of human rights and war crimes that must cease forthwith. He further reiterated that

Pakistan would continue its diplomatic, moral and principled support to Palestinians and urge for a just, comprehensive and enduring solution to the Palestinian question, in line with relevant UN resolutions. He added that Pakistan looks forward to a stable and secure Afghanistan; which is key to regional integration, growth and prosperity.

The Chief Guest felicitated the commissioning term and their parents. He commended the parents for instilling a spirit in their children to serve the nation, which ultimately led them in joining this prestigious Service. He also lauded Pakistan Naval Academy for imparting quality training and expressed his hope that cadets from friendly countries trained at PNA will serve as our brand- ambassadors to enhance bonds of endearment and affinity. Chief of the Naval Staff also advised the youth on new dimension of warfare, which is the use of social media for disinformation, that has become an essential segment of fifth generation warfare.

Later, Chief Guest gave away

awards to the distinction holders.

The prestigious Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal was awarded to Lt Muhammad Talha Masood PN for his overall best performance. Midshipman Ayan Yameen claimed the coveted Sword of Honour, whereas Midshipman Sanaullah Safeer clinched the Academy's Dirk. Officer Cadet Abdullah Waheed was awarded Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal, Officer Cadet Sultan Abdulrahman Hamad Saleh Alrowaiei received Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal while Commandant Gold Medal was awarded to Officer Cadet Asia Safdar from Short Service Commission Course. Proficiency Banner was claimed by Fox'l Squadron.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Muhammad Khalid highlighted the main characteristics of academic and professional training afforded to Pakistani as well as friendly countries cadets.

The parade was attended by senior civil, military officials and parents of cadets.

New Year Eve: Section 144 imposed in Karachi KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

The district administration has imposed section 144 in Karachi division on the eve of New Year.

According to the notification issued by the Karachi commissioner, section 144 will remain in force from Saturday (today) evening to January 1st, 2024.

The notification said that aerial firing will be banned in the metropolis while strict action will be taken against the violators.

Meanwhile, the Karachi traffic police have finalized a strategy to

deal with drunk drivers on New Year’s eve in the port city.

According to DIG traffic Iqbal Dara, the police have formed separate teams to launch crackdown against drunk drivers.

The police have acquired breathalysers to check alcoholism in suspicious drivers amid a growing number of such cases which have led to many fatal road accidents in Karachi, he said.

He further said that case would be registered against drunk drivers and their cars would be seized.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Thursday

had completely banned all kinds of events regarding the New Year celebrations to express solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians.

He also urged the general public to show solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza and observe simplicity at the beginning of the New Year.

In a special televised message, he said the entire Pakistani nation and the Muslim Ummah were deeply saddened by the massacre of the oppressed Palestinians, especially the innocent children, and the genocide of innocent Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

FBR tax collection in six months crosses target set by IMF ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

cluding Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Mauritania. Over 100 Pakistani business owners and entrepreneurs are slated to form a delegation to Cairo, actively engaging in the exhibition and fostering trade ties with diverse international partners.

As the efforts to rejuvenate Pakistan Steel Mills gain momentum, the emphasis on responsible legal actions and strategic international collaborations becomes increasingly vital for the revival and sustainability of the steel industry in the country.

The Federal Board of Revenue has crossed the IMF’s tax target in first six months of the current fiscal year, sources said on Saturday.

“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had set Rs 4.425 trillion revenue collection target for six months while Rs 4.44 trillion tax has been collected in

the period,” sources said.

The target was 35% above in comparison to last six months of the previous year.

According to sources, the FBR collected 2.13 trillion with 730 billion increase in income tax, while 1.5 trillion were collected in sales tax and 265 billion rupees in federal excise duty.

The revenue board collected 540 billion rupees in customs

duty, which were 100 billion rupees down to the set target.

More than 50 billion rupees target has been set for the last two days of the year.

All FBR offices and banks have been directed to keep open on Saturday and Sunday till late night for tax collection.

The tax defaulters’ telephone, electricity and gas connections will be disconnected under the IMF conditions.

Afghan women are still living a miserable life under the interim Taliban regime in their country.

According to UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, one woman dies during childbirth every two hours in Afghanistan. The country has one of the world's highest mother-and-child mortality rates, with 638 women dying per 100,000 births, as per a World Health Organisation (WHO) report. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warns of 51,000 additional maternal deaths, 4.8 million unintended pregnancies, and the loss of family planning clinics by 2025, the report says further.

The global health organisation says women in Afghanistan lack basic health facilities, raising fears of increased maternal and child mortality. The growing risks of underage marriages and forced marriages of women to terrorists have increased alarmingly, according to the UNFPA. Furthermore, international news outlet AlJazeera reports that Incidents of violence against male doctors examining women have steadily increased, while hospitals and clinics are being ordered to allow only female staff to cater to female patients.

According to the WHO, there is a severe shortage of healthcare professionals in Afghanistan. There are only 4.6 doctors, nurses, and midwives for every 10,000 Afghans, nearly five times less than the standard level. The return of the Taliban in August 2021 exacerbated the health crisis, reported the Voice of America. The medical field for women has been severely affected, due to which they face huge restrictions on basic life rights and education.

For every 100,000 children born in remote areas, 5,000 maternal deaths have increased to an alarming level, the WHO reported. Women have to use mountainous paths to reach hospitals, some even dying on the way, as per the Voice of America.

Because access to public hospitals is impossible, women are forced to get their own medication to give birth, the news outlet reported further. A child delivery costs about 2,000 in Afghan currency ($29), which is beyond the means of many families, the VOA said. Due to high delivery charges, 40% of Afghan women give birth at home and 80% in remote areas, according to Voice of America.

DC takes action against delay in receiving payments from sugar mills MUZAFFARGARH

STAFF REPORT

Deputy Commissioner Mian Usman Ali of Muzaffargarh, has taken prompt action in response to complaints from farmers regarding delays in receiving payments from sugar mills.

Acting on the matter, the Assistant Commissioner carried out a raid Tandlianwala sugar mill, seizing relevant records for further investigation.

Expressing concern over the reported issues, Deputy Commissioner Mian Usman Ali has issued a directive to the concerned sugar mill, compelling them to make the outstanding payments to the farmers by January 4.

Emphasizing compliance with the Sugar Factories Control Act of 1950, the Deputy Commissioner underscored that the legislation mandates sugar mills to disburse payments within a 15-day timeframe. In the event of non-compliance, strict actions will be taken against mills failing to fulfill their financial obligations to the farmers.

This decisive step by Deputy Commissioner Mian Usman Ali reflects the administration's commitment to ensuring the welfare of farmers and upholding the regulatory framework governing sugar mills.

China’s Foreign Policy Achievements: An Overview DR MEHMOOD UL HASSAN KHAN

Most recently, the Chinese Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs held in Beijing during which top leaders and senior officials of the CPC and central and local governments, as well as all departments and agencies related to foreign affairs rigorously participated.

The Chinese president Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech covering all aspects of historic achievements which vividly reflected grand success of strategic vision pertaining to Chinese socialism, opening-up, modernization, qualitative industrialization, nurturing of human capital, green transformation, and last but not least, full implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress during 2023.

Xi also presented comprehensive evaluations of the historic achievements of Chinese diplomacy in the new era, providing a profound exposition on the international environment and historical mission of China’s external work on the new journey, and made comprehensive plans for China’s external work for the present and coming periods.

Xi termed year 2023 as apex of the Chinese

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FEDERAL MINISTER STRESSES RESPONSIBLE LEGAL ROLE TO REVIVE PAKISTAN STEEL MILLS NEWS

economic diplomacy and foreign policy at all fronts giving message of hope, harmony, stability, international cooperation and road map of quick regional as well as global economic recovery, trans-regional connectivity, digitalization, diversification of economy, sustainable development and last but not least, protection of human rights, health care and successfully combating against deadly virus of COVID-19.

Thus despite numerous internal and external difficulties, China achieved immense socioeconomic development during 2023.

Comparative study upholds that 18th National Congress of the CPC, 2012, China has been striving hard to peacefully pursue the end goal of building of a community with a shared future for mankind, pointing the right direction for human society leading to common development, lasting peace and security, and mutual learning between civilizations.

During his speech Xi showcased the China’s new opportunities and prospects which successfully created new strategic initiatives and mitigated crises which ultimately enhanced national confidence and strength.

The secret of China’s success in foreign affairs and international diplomacy is to constantly follow the strategic guidance of head-

of-state diplomacy which has been playing an increasingly important and constructive role in international affairs. China initiated a holistic approach to its relations with all countries featuring peaceful coexistence, overall stability and balanced development.

Xi termed the CPPCC performance remarkable, conscientiously implementing the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and making new contributions to advancing the cause of the Party and the country which is indeed commendable in term of good governance in the country. He emphasized to fulfill the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development during 2024, the 75th anniversary of China.

His commitments to further consolidate and enhance the momentum of economic recovery and growth, improve people’s wellbeing, maintain social stability, and making solid and steady progress in advancing the Chinese modernization clearly demonstrates his government’s people, investment, business and environment friendly policies to achieve the desired goals of socio-economic development in the days to come.

The gathering was presided over by Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Commit-

tee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee. While addressing the event Wang termed Xi’s speech as strategic road map for the future giving guiding principles for socio-economic prosperity, structural reforms and wellbeing of the common people.

China has not been intimidated by bullying and pressure from others, pushing forward the construction of ties with other major powers which vividly reflects its pragmatic foreign policy having firm belief in dialogue, diplomacy, development and determination.

During these years, China under the leadership of Xi has expanded a comprehensive strategic layout, and formed a wideranging, high-quality global network of partnerships. Advancing of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation is indeed established the world’s most broad-based and largest platform for international cooperation negating all false and fake propaganda and misperceptions against BRI and CPEC. Because of its balanced, result oriented, participatory, positive and productive foreign policy China continuously worked to both pursue development and safeguard security, and effectively upheld China’s sovereignty,

security and development interests with a firm will and an indomitable fighting spirit.

Ultimately its foreign policy with the Chinese characteristics enhances its active part in global governance and shown the way in reforming the international system and order.

One of the key salient features of the Chinese foreign policy is that it never created blocs, isolations, marginalization and protectionism and always serves the shared interests of the international community.

During these difficult years, China always stood first to carry out the mediation of conflicts and tensions and the China-brokered agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, track-II diplomacy for truce in Ukraine and last but not least its peaceful diplomacy to achieve peace in the ongoing Israel-Palestine all show China’s strong commitment towards international cooperation, global governance, and law based international order.

Critical analysis of its foreign policy reveals that China has made tremendous success which helped it to overcome a series of challenges, including the US-launched trade war in 2018, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption to supply and industrial chains after the outbreak of Ukraine crisis.

of CAPITAL DC’S AUTHORITY TO ISSUE MPO Rejection nominations of PTI lays bare ORDERS EXCEEDS LEGAL BOUNDARIES: IHC candidates’ ‘reality of polls’: Raoof

Sunday, 31 December, 2023

PRAYER TIMINGS

NEWS

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ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

HE Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared the arrest of individuals based on suspicion of breach of peace as unconstitutional, ruling that issuing arrest orders without sufficient evidence amounts to an abuse of power.

A single-judge bench of Islamabad High Court, comprising Justice Babar Sattar issued the detailed verdict on petitions challenging the detention of several individuals, including PTI leader Shehryar Afridi, under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.

The bench dealt a blow to the controversial Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law, by declaring it as illegal, mainly for its potential for abuse and political targeting. In the 89-page order, issued a day after Justice Babar Sattar announced the verdict, states that the DC Islamabad’s authority to issue MPO orders exceeded legal boundaries and was against the law. The court ruled that the federal government, acting as both federal and provincial governments for Islamabad, has individual powers under the constitution. Arresting someone based solely on the suspicion of future threats to

peace is deemed unconstitutional, it reads.

It is to be noted that five petitions against detention orders by the Deputy Commissioner were approved, while disposal one more petition is pending with the court. The court directed implementation of the verdict and sent a copy to the Secretary Cabinet Division.

Furthermore, the court declared the Chief Commissioner’s 1992 notification, assigning powers to DC Islamabad as against the law. It urged the federal gov-

ernment to formulate rules related to the use of provincial powers within three months. The judgment clarified that, for Islamabad, the federal government acts as the provincial government, not the Chief Commissioner.

The conflict between Article 3(2) of the MPO and Article 10(4) of the Constitution was highlighted, with the court stating that no person should be arrested merely based on the potential to commit an act. Concrete evidence is necessary

for issuing detention orders. The judgment criticized the historical misuse of preventive detention laws for political purposes, especially before elections.

The court emphasized that detention under the MPO is illegal, as the law should come into play after an offense is committed. The federal government, not the Chief Commissioner, holds the authority to apply federal and provincial laws in Islamabad. The court referred to the Mustafa Impex judgment, stating that the approval of the cabinet is necessary for exercising special powers.

Details presented in the Islamabad High Court revealed that DC Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon issued 67 MPO orders from May to September 2023, primarily against PTI leadership or their members. The court noted allegations of political targeting by PTI leadership based on their affiliation. All challenged MPO orders were either annulled, withdrawn, or rendered ineffective.

The court condemned the District Magistrate for using authority with malice, stating that contempt of court proceedings against the Deputy Commissioner are pending. It emphasized the need for a fair trial and refrained from making further observations against the DC until the trial is completed.

PTI moves ECP against caretaker govts, DROs, Nadra officials LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Nawaz to flee country before elections, claims Aitzaz Ahsan ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Veteran politician and senior lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan has predicted that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif would leave the country before elections and watch the results unfold from there.

“He lives abroad anyway,” said Ahsan in a TV interview.

In the interview, the PPP stalwart also claimed that JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman was “retreating [from elections]”, claiming that from the two drums that are beaten — either of victory or retreat — Rehman seemed to be “beating the drum of a retreat”.

Previously, the lawyer had also called Sharif a “Ladla”(favoured) and had claimed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the caretaker government were trying to ensure Nawaz Sharif wins a two-thirds majority in next year’s general elections.

Nawaz, who had returned to Pakistan on October 21 after spending four years in self-imposed exile, said he had “no wish for revenge” and stressed on beginning a “new journey” towards growth.

As far as the PTI’s on-going tussle with the election commission goes, Ahsan said it would be unwise for the election watchdog to pursue this matter any further.

The ECP and the PTI have been exchanging blows over the past few days. The controversy stems from the electoral watchdog’s earlier decision to strip PTI of its symbol following the annulment of its intraparty elections for not complying with the Elections Act and the party’s own constitution.

PTI’s new chairman, Gohar Khan, had also claimed there was a conspiracy brewing against the party to snatch its electoral symbol ‘bat’ and exclude it from the upcoming elections.

“Is the election commission conducting elections or contesting them?” Ahsan asked, adding that the Ccommission cannot — and should not — go to high court regarding the bat symbol against PTI as it will show its bias against the party.

The lawyer was referring to the ECP’s decision to challenge the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) order reinstating the PTI’s election symbol. Sources familiar with the matter told Dawn the ECP initially considered appealing directly to the Supreme Court but ultimately opted for a review petition with the PHC, which is scheduled to revisit the case on Jan 9.

The ECP is also on notice to appear before the bench on the date.

The commission has yet to adhere to the PHC’s specific directives, including publishing PTI’s intraparty elections certificate on the ECP’s official website and reinstating the party’s election symbol.

Ahsan further added that disputing a judgment would create a chain, “If the High Court reverses the decision of the District Court, should the District Judge go to the Supreme Court to ask why the High Court has given a decision against his decision?”

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday filed a joint petition against caretaker governments in Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), against abductions and arrests of its candidates, their proposers, seconders from the offices of Returning Officers.

The joint petition, filed 54 PTI candidates through their counsel Intazar Hussain Panjutha, have has made the federal, and provincial caretaker governments, 17 DROs and NADRA as respondents.

The petition stated that the caretaker governments was depriving PTI of their constitutional

rights as the party’s election candidates are being arrested from Returning Officers’ offices.

According to PTI counsel Intazar Hussain Panjutha, the petition carries details of incidents occurred in 49 constituencies.

Earlier today, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rejected nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder from two National Assembly constituencies – NA 122 (Lahore) and NA-89 (Mianwali).

The nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Yasmin Rashid NA 130 (Lahore), Hammad Azhar PP 172, Asad Qaiser NA 19, PK 50, Shehram Tarakai NA 20, PK 52,53, Ali

Muhammad Khan NA 23 and Qasim Khan Suri NA 263 were also rejected. It is pertinent to mention here that the scrutiny of the nomination papers filed by the candidates to contest general elections 2024 concluded today (December 30).

Appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be submitted until January 3 and decisions on these appeals will be made by January 10.

The list of candidates will be displayed on the 11th of January, and candidates will have the option to withdraw by January 12.

The electoral symbols will be allotted on January 13, and polling for the general elections will be held on February 8.

Five terrorists eliminated in North Waziristan RAWALPINDI

STAFF REPORT

Five terrorists were killed in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as security forces raided their location, the Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) said on Saturday.

It was an intelligence-based operation, military’s media wing said, adding that they also seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition from their hideout.

The dead terrorists were involved in attacks on security forces as well as acts of extortion and targeted killings of civilians, the ISPR said. Pakistan, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since the PTI government entered

into talks with the Taliban.

The PTI former chairman as the country’s prime minister had decided to hold dialogue as he has always been against taking military action against the terrorists and had once even advocated for opening the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) offices in Pakistan.

Apart from the military personnel and installations, the terrorists have been specifically targeting the police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to damage their morale, as they are the frontline force to maintain law and order.

It is Kabul which has been unable to rein in the TTP terrorists who have been operating against Pakistan while using Afghanistan as a base despite the repeated a demand made by Islamabad and the

reminders issued at the highest level by the country’s leadership.

Meanwhile, the destructive policy followed by the PTI has been questioned and negated not only by the rival parties but also the government.

It is important to note that the decision for holding talks with the TTP was in complete contrast to the National Action Plan (NAP) – a document inked after developing a consensus among all political forces after the Army Public School attack on December 16, 2014 to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.

However, the PTI didn’t make any progress on different points listed in NAP after coming into power and thus reversed the gains made during the years-long struggle to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan.

Punjab extends winter vacations for schools LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The Caretaker Punjab government on Saturday announced extending the winter vacations for schools across the province.

According to a notification issued here, the caretaker government of Punjab extended the winter vacations in schools across the province till January 9.

A meeting of the cabinet was held under the chairmanship of caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi in which the decision was made to extend the winter vacations

in schools across the province.

The winter vacations in Punjab in general and cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala in particular have been extended due to prevailing smog and adverse weather conditions in the region.

Owing to the extreme cold conditions, the parents had requested for an extension of the vacations. During the past week, students and parents were anxious about potential extensions, with numerous false reports circulating on social media. However, it is now confirmed that winter holidays which commenced on De-

cember 18 in Punjab, will be extended until January 9.

On November 30, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi had announced winter vacations across Punjab. Mohsin Naqvi announced that schools and colleges will remain closed from December 18 till January 1 across Punjab.

He stated that the air quality has improved in the province hence no ban will imposed in the upcoming week. Earlier, the Sindh government announced vacations for private and government schools and other educational institutions, across the province.

FAJR SUNRISE

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ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan on Saturday strongly criticized the rejection of the nomination papers of PTI candidates by the state apparatus on flimsy grounds, demanding the Supreme Court (SC) to take notice of the situation to frustrate the nefarious plan of the state apparatus to manipulate the elections.

Strongly reacting to the rejection of PTI candidates’ nomination papers, PTI Central Information Secretary termed the worst interference in election process by state machinery as an open state terrorism.

He said that that with the way state apparatus, led by a disgraceful ECP and CEC, has first obstructed the submission of papers and then manoeuvred to have the nomination papers of PTI candidates rejected on fake and flimsy grounds speaks volumes of the fraudulent elections that we are headed for.

PTI Central Information Secretary lamented that the entire world was watching the scene of murder of democracy at the hands of the state machinery in Pakistan. He revealed that all brutal and fascist tactics of abuse use of power were used against PTI but the shameful ECP was enjoying sweet slumber.

PTI Central Information Secretary said that the state resorted to use every tactic of coercion, including harassment, intimidation, and abduction to debar PTI candidates from filing their nomination papers, adding that the ROs were busy in rejecting their nomination papers on flimsy grounds to pay the way for the gang of criminal to take the rein of the country. Raoof Hasan contented that this rendered the entire electoral process questionable, thus liable to be challenged before appropriate forums, including the courts of the country.

“Besides delaying the holding of elections, the plan re-establishes the sinister agenda of the powerwielders to keep PTI out of the parliament and pave the way for the gang of criminals to take over to unleash a reign of loot and plunder upon the country,” he maintained.

PTI Central Information Secretary was of the view that but do as they may, such a process will lack legitimacy and be summarily rejected in the court of the people. This may also lead to onset of violence.

He made it clear that PTI would not retreat from the electoral field come what may, adding that depriving the people of their basic constitutional right to vote was a nefarious plan to plunge the country into the worst chaos and internal strife.

He, however, he demanded that the Supreme Court should take immediate notice of the situation to protect Pakistan’s reputation, identity, constitution and democracy. “There is yet time to let sanity return to the fold and take steps to ensure holding of free, fair and inclusive elections to facilitate a genuinely elected government, which is fully mandated by the people, to take over,” he urged.

Raoof Hasan pressed that all other ill-conceived concoctions will not only be short-lived, they will also raise serious questions about the wisdom of the power-wielders. Pakistan deserves better, he added.

PTI Central Information Secretary underlined that the free, fair and transparent polls was sole answer to steer ship of state, which has been sailing in troubled waters, towards calmer shores.

He said: “Notwithstanding the criminal machinations underway, the brave people of the country will frustrate attempts to disenfranchise them. They shall have their will in the end.”

Citizens, cops feel insecure as IG Islamabad demands bulletproof vehicle ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The demand of Inspector General (IGP) of Islamabad Police for a bulletproof vehicle has added to the growing sense of insecurity among the citizens as well as police officials cops.

The citizens have expressed annoyance and disappointment over the IG’s demand for a bulletproof vehicle, saying if a top police officer who enjoys extraordinary protocol and guard 24 hours can demand such a facility what the public should think about. According to a letter provided by the Islamabad Police, the Threat Assessment Committee has also supported the demand of the Islamabad IG police. The seven-member committee has recommended to the authorities to provide the IGP a bullet-proof vehicle. The Threat Assessment Committee Police have also written a letter to the district administration for the provision of the vehicle.

The letter stated that the IG Islamabad Police was facing security threats to his life.

Therefore, bulletproof vehicle should be provided to IG Islamabad on permanent basis, it added.

The letter further stated that Islamabad Police have no protected vehicle for security of its personnel and officials. Meanwhile, Islamabad IG Police Dr Akbar Nasir demanded a bullet-proof vehicle citing security threats to his life.

Other the other hand, the district administration sources said that IG Islamabad has no security threat.

Fake discounts and sales no more, CCP takes notice g

COMPETITION COMMISSION DIRECTS CONSUMER BRANDS TO ENSURE FULL DISCLOSURE ON PRODUCT DISCOUNTS PROFIT

GHULAM ABBAS

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has advised clothing and shoe brands offering discounts to provide comprehensive and clearly visible disclosures regarding both actual and discounted prices. Brands failing to comply with this directive risk facing enforcement actions by the CCP. Amid the current seasonal surge in dis-

counts, particularly among clothing and shoe brands, the CCP has uncovered instances of deceptive marketing practices.

Preliminary investigations suggest that these practices may potentially violate Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010, pertaining to deceptive marketing.

The CCP’s survey and initial probe have identified 27 brands offering ‘flat’ discounts on their products. However, it was noted that the ‘Flat discount’ did not apply to all items, with discrepancies observed be-

tween the advertised discount and actual sale prices inside the shops. In many instances, disclaimers about ‘Terms & Conditions’ were either in an illegible font size or completely absent.

Furthermore, certain offers, such as ‘Flat 50% plus 20% on bank cards,’ had varying terms for online and retail purchases, leading to confusion and potentially misleading consumers. These inconsistencies were noticed in approximately 96% of the surveyed outlets.

The absence of crucial information in disclosures limits consumers’ ability to make informed decisions. The CCP urged consumers to exercise caution and thoroughly review the terms and conditions of discounts and sales offers to avoid falling prey to deceptive marketing practices.

The CCP has already issued “Guidelines on Section 10: Deceptive Marketing Practices,” which prohibit ‘Bait and Switch Advertising’. This refers to the act of advertising a product at a low price but charging

a higher price at the point of purchase.

These guidelines stress the importance for businesses to ensure clear disclosure of terms and conditions across all media, discouraging the use of fine print disclaimers or qualifications that obscure vital information.

The CCP maintains that it will make sure to uphold free competition, improve economic efficiency, and safeguard consumers from anti-competitive behavior in the light of the Competition Act.

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