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Authority to decide NAwAz ShArif ASSErTS PML-N party’s candidates for elections rests with DEMANDS ACCouNTABiLiTy, NoT PowEr imran: Gohar

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Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 160 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition

g CLAIMS A PERSON WAS BROUGHT TO SAYS NATION SHOULD KNOW THOSE WHO USED TO CRY ‘THIEF’ ARE THIEVES POWER WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THEMSELVES, THE BIGGEST THIEVES POLITICS, ECONOMY OR FOREIGN POLICY

PTI berates ‘national criminal’ for ‘absurd, nonsensical talks’ ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

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ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

ML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Friday said his party does not desire to win elections and form a government but demands accountability.

“The nation should know that those who used to cry ‘thief’ are thieves themselves, the biggest thieves. […] This is our demand,” he said at a PML-N parliamentary board meeting in Lahore.

“Our demand is not to form governments after winning elections and then roam about in big cars,” the former premier stressed, saying that while the PML-N was determined to serve the country, it also wanted the truth to be brought in front of the public.

“Who ruined the country? Who brought the country to this point today?

Why are the poor starving today? […]

All these things are eating up the country. There should be accountability.

“We are not sitting here to get into government, we want the well-being of

the country and the 250 million people living here,” Nawaz asserted.

“Pakistan is going through a tough time today and we have created these difficulties ourselves. We punished the people who wanted to serve the country and brought forth those who were playing an evil game,” he claimed in an apparent reference to ex-premier Imran Khan.

The PML-N leader, without taking any names, said a person was brought to power who knew nothing about politics, economy or foreign policy. “He only talked about ‘Riyasat-i-Madina’ but didn’t know anything about ‘Riyasat-i-Madina’ in the true sense,” he said. Nawaz went on to say that the “biggest corruption scandal in the history of Pakistan” was the £190m case and that there was “no doubt about it”. The case alleges that Imran and Bushra Bibi obtained billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd for legalising Rs50 billion that was identified and returned to the country by the UK during the previous PTI government. Last week, the National Accountability Bureau filed

ECP likely to announce schedule for general election on Dec 14 ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Amid heightened political temperature in the country, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is expected to announce schedule for the much-awaited general elections on December 14. Political parties are busy in electioneering and political wheeling and dealing to strengthen their position in the polls which are slated to take place on February 8 next year.

The electoral body recently published the final list of delimitations clearing a major hurdle to the announcement of the polls. It is in the final phase of appointment of district returning officers, returning officers and assistant officers as per the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017.

According to Sections 50 and 51 of the Elections Act, a district returning officer is appointed for each district or a specified area and a returning officer for each constituency for elections to an assembly.

The provincial election commissioners as well as the Election Commission Secretariat have furnished lists of government officers for the election duty. Their appointment will follow the election-related training.

Separately, in a message on the occasion of National Voters Day, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja said the printing and delivery of the final electoral rolls had been completed successfully. He said the ECP was fully cognizant of all its constitutional and legal responsibilities regarding elections and related matters. CEC Raja also referred to the Election Commission’s full preparedness and commitment and assured the voters of complete security, privacy and transparency throughout the election process. The chief election commissioner called on the public to participate in the polls to shape their bright future.

The Finance Division on Tuesday released Rs17.4 billion to the ECP for poll arrangements, putting to rest election delay rumours.

Last week, the ECP also notified the final list of delimitation of constituencies of the national and four provincial assemblies, paving the way for the announcement of the election schedule.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday lashed out at the ‘national criminal’ for his ‘absurd, nonsensical and inane talks’ and categorically stated that the nation has absolutely rejected Nawaz Sharif’s project and they would practically bury the politics of PML-N once and for all on February 8.

PTI spokesperson, in a scathing attack on the certified criminal for his outburst against PTI Chairman-for-life, said that absconder convicted, who had been ruthlessly looting the country and the nation for the past 40 years, was preparing to rob the national resources again by grabbing power through striking another notorious deal.

However, he made it clear that the corrupt person would bear in mind the February 8 electoral battle would prove last nail in the political coffin of the cor-

a reference in connection with the case.

“This biggest evidence is that they waved a sealed envelope [in a cabinet meeting] and asked for signatures on it.

At least show us what is inside the envelope […] but they took approval by putting on blindfolds,” Nawaz claimed.

He further highlighted that the Supreme Court had recently ordered that an amount of Rs35 billion, which was remitted to the apex court’s bank accounts maintained in the name of the SC registrar in the Bahria Town settlement, be transferred to the federal government.

rupt family and its compromised leader.

PTI spokesperson dubbed the gathering of shicers, fraudsters, cowards and fugitive thieves as a pack of lies, myths, false rhetoric and accusations.

He went on to say that that if we start naming the deeds of the inhabitants of the house of the foul-mouthed, ignorant and uncivilized person, then this barefaced and shameless person would not even be able to meet his eyes with them.

He pointed out that this certified criminal could not be proved guiltless and innocent in public eyes even after bringing him back to the country under the state patronage and giving him special pardon from the courts.

PTI spokesperson made it clear that the national criminal, who called himself innocent, had not been able to present any receipts or documents in his defense in the court till today to prove his innocence.

“This was a huge theft and corruption,” he said. “On the other hand, we were sent to jail for not taking salaries from my son.” Talking about the cases against him, the PML-N supremo said he got justice after seven years and even today he was visiting courts. “There is a court certificate that declared these cases bogus. But who registered these cases?

Will anyone ask them why they registered these cases?” he demanded.

Earlier, Nawaz told his party workers that politics was truly about serving the country and doing something for the people.

Afghans residing in Pakistan can’t participate in political activities: Bugti g

SAYS RESTRICTION ALSO APPLY TO VISA HOLDERS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES OR THOSE ON BUSINESS VISA OR ANY OTHER VISA ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Friday said that any Afghan residing legally in the country if found engaging in political activities would be deported.

Sharing update on the deportation drive at a presser here on Friday, Bugti announced that the government had devised a new policy for legal Afghan residents, refugees with Afghan Citizen Cards or other relevant identification.

“They cannot participate in any political activity in Pakistan, they have nothing to do with Pakistan’s politics. Around 10 people have been identified initially, and the number is growing [of those] involved in political activities and they are being deported.”

Bugti said the policy would be implemented across the board against all categories of Afghans with legal documentation, including those with business or tourist visas.

He added that “visa holders from other countries or those on a business visa or any other visa or with any other status” would also be expelled if they participated in political activities.

The interior minister said that

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Newly-appointed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, on Thursday said that the final authority to decide who would receive the party ticket for the upcoming general elections rested with the founding PTI chairman Imran Khan – currently in jail.

After holding his second meeting with Imran at the Adiala Jail, the PTI chairman said that the potential candidates were already being interviewed, adding that the integrity and dedication to party’s principles were the core values for obtaining the PTI ticket.

Following the meeting, Barrister Gohar said that matters pertaining to the party’s organisational affairs, legal matters concerning upcoming elections, and ongoing cases were discussed with Imran, who was currently incarcerated and entangled in multiple cases.

Gohar revealed that the committees had already been formed to oversee the selection of candidates for the upcoming elections. “The party is actively engaged in preparations, ensuring a thorough vetting process to field candidates with integrity and dedication to party’s principles,” the PTI chairman said.

Highlighting the significance of the founder’s role, Barrister Gohar stated: “The founding chairman holds the authority to decide who will receive the party’s ticket.” Gohar’s disclosure came on the heels of a story published in The Express Tribune, revealing that the party had been busy screening candidates and was all set to distribute party tickets. Speaking to the media outside the Adiala Jail, Gohar emphasized that the recently held intra-party elections, as mandated by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), were conducted in strict adherence to the constitution and legal guidelines. He expressed confidence in the PTI’s commitment to maintain a clean and fair electoral process, despite alleged attempts to tarnish the party’s image. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the party, the PTI chairman described the current phase as “a testing time for the party”.

Despite external efforts to create obstacles, he expressed optimism about the PTI’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges. Regarding the ongoing legal battles, Gohar expressed hope for relief from the courts, saying the party was actively pursuing legal avenues to address any legal challenges, signalling a commitment to upholding democratic principles.

In a reaffirmation to his commitment, Gohar said: “I belong to the PTI and will stay with it.” He also praised the former prime minister for setting an example by entrusting the party’s leadership to a dedicated worker.

He highlighted the meritocratic approach within the PTI, contrasting it with practices of nepotism seen in other political spheres. Amid the complexities faced by the PTI, he expressed confidence in navigating the challenges. The commitment to transparency, adherence to democratic values, and the founder’s continued influence all contributed to the PTI’s ongoing efforts to uphold its principles and “contribute positively to Pakistan’s political landscape”.

Ex-finance minister Shaukat Tarin parts way with PTi, politics ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

with the February 8 general elections inching closer, such individuals would be deported as soon as possible. He said the government was searching for such individuals, adding that he would provide an updated count within a week.

“Pakistanis have to engage in politics, we have the right to politics and we will carry it out while remaining within the Constitution.”

The interior minister said 482,845 people had left the country through various borders under the government’s deportation drive, with 90 per cent or slightly

more returning voluntarily.

Bugti said the first phase of the deportation drive was still under way, adding that “ultimately everyone has to go back in the second stage […] Finally, the time is coming when only Pakistanis will live in Pakistan.”

The minister said that whoever wanted to come to Pakistan would have to do so legally. He claimed the figures showed there was no substance to the perception being propagated in the media about the “manhandling” of refugees or their harassment.

Former finance minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Shaukat Tarin on Friday announced quitting party, Senate and active politics.

“I have decided to quit PTI and politics after consulting with friends and family members,” Tarin said in a statement on Friday. “The last two years were very difficult for me due to health and financial issues,” the former finance minister said.

Tarin is the latest politician to part ways with the PTI. Over the past few months, a long list of politicians have quit the party after a nationwide crackdown was launched against it and hundreds of prominent leaders were arrested in reaction to the May 9 riots that broke out after Imran Khan’s arrest.

The most notable departures from the PTI in the aftermath of the May 9 violence have been Shireen Mazari, Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Pervez Khattak, Ali Zaidi and Farrukh Habib.

Only yesterday, former deputy Punjab Assembly speaker and firebrand Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi on Thursday announced to quit party as well as politics.

In an announcement on X, former MPA from Rawalpindi Abbasi said that he had decided to leave PTI due to party’s policy of confronting with the state institutions. My political career is aimed at serving the people but now it is unbearable to hold the burden of confrontation with the state and its institutions,” the young PTI leader said.

Court summons co-accused through advertisements in £190m case ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Friday approached Interpol for the arrest of ‘proclaimed offender’ former accountability czar Shahzad Akbar, who is currently in selfimposed exile in United Kingdom (UK).

Following a request from Islamabad police, the investigation agency penned a letter to Interpol and sought its help in arresting the former accountability czar.

The development came after Shahzad Akbar was declared a proclaimed offender

by Civil Judge Ahmed Shehzad Gondal in a case, encompassing charges of fraud and other serious offenses.

On the other hand, an accountability

court in Islamabad on Friday ordered the issuance of advertisements summoning expremier Imran Khan’s co-accused in the £190 million corruption case.

A total of eight people were nominated in the case. Others beside Imran include his wife Bushra Bibi, her friend Farhat Shahzadi aka Farah Gogi, PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari, former accountability czar Shahzad Akbar and Barrister Ziaul Mustafa Naseem. The court also ordered the posting of the advertisements outside the residences of the co-accused under Section 87 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) The report by the investigation officer (IO) stated that the accused have impeded the investigation through their non-compliance and also recorded his statement in court. .Judge Muhammad Bashir then ad-

journed the hearing till January 6, 2024.

Earlier on Dec 1, NAB filed a £190 million corruption reference against Imran, his wife Bushra Bibi, a close family friend Farah Gogi and others in the accountability court.

NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi and IO Mian Umar Nadeem submitted the reference against eight accused to the court’s Registrar’s Office. The reference lists other accused as Shahzad Akbar, Barrister Ziaul Mustafa Naseem, and Zulfi Bukhari. Documents submitted include arrest warrants for the accused and a witness list comprising 59 individuals.

The warrants were forwarded to DG NAB Rawalpindi, IG Islamabad and IG Punjab. NAB chairman directed the officials to arrest the accused and produce them in court.

NAB summons Bushra Bibi in Toshakhana case on Monday

RAWALPINDI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Friday summoned Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in Toshakhana case. The NAB Rawalpindi issued notice to Bushra Bibi for December 11 at 11am in connection with Toshakhana case. NAB directed the wife of PTI founder to bring the gold necklace, diamond ring and bracelet with her to the court appearance.

Earlier, the caretaker federal government placed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL), said sources.

Former prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan’s wife’s name had been placed on ECL in the National Crime Agency (NCA) £190 million scandal. Her name was put on the ECL on the recommendation of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

TOSHAKHANA CASE: The former first lady has been accused of keeping a locket, chain, earrings, two rings and bracelet from the Toshakhana gifts. STAFF REPORT

02 NEWS

BULLS RUN WILD AT PSX AS KSE-100 INDEX BREACHES 66,000 LEVEL

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News Desk

ULLS ran wild at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index crossed another milestone of the 66,000 mark for the first time in its history.

The index’s upward trajectory was backed by economic revival initiatives, improved financial indicators, high investor confidence, and expected inflows in the form of the second tranche of $700 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to the PSX website, the KSE100 index closed at 66,223.63 points, gaining 1505.56 points or 2.33% high from the previous close of 64,718.08.

The market saw a strong demand for index-heavy sectors as investors were quite optimistic about the country’s economic recovery. Cement, chemical, commercial banks, fertiliser, OMCs and power generation and distribution sectors were among the

ATC confirms interim bail of underage driver’s father in DHA accident case

top performers, as they contributed to the historic rise of the benchmark index.

According to the latest report by the Ministry of Finance, the PSX was experiencing a bullish wave due to a favourable IMF review and a consistent monetary policy stance.

The report, titled “Monthly Economic Update and Outlook for November”, stated that “Pakistan’s economy is on a gradual

but promising path to recovery.” The report also observed that the economic activity was increasing due to the pace of economic revival initiatives.

The investor confidence was also boosted by the improvement in the country’s financial indicators, such as the extension of a $3 billion deposit by Saudi Arabia, the expected $2 billion inflow from the World Bank in FY24, the above-target tax collec-

ADB assures funding for 180 more electric buses for Sindh BRT routes KARACHI

staff RepoRt

LAHORE

staff RepoRt

BENCHMARK INDEX CLOSES AT 66,223.63 POINTS AFTER GAINING 1505 POINTS OR 2.33% HIGH DURING INTRADAY TRADE

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday confirmed the interim bail of Shafqat Awan, father of an underage driver Afnan involved in the Lahore DHA accident case claiming six lives of a family.

ATC Judge Abher Gul Khan presided over the hearing of the bail plea of Afnan’s father, Shafqat, and after hearing arguments from both parties the court confirmed the interim bail of Shafqat.

Earlier to this, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore handed over underage driver Afnan Shafqat – accused of causing the death of six members of a family while driving a car without licence – to the police for five days on physical remand.

It is pertinent to mention here that six members of the same family were killed in a tragic car accident in Lahore’s Defence Phase 7 area.

The family was reportedly returning home in two cars after visiting relatives in Shadab Colony on Ferozpur Road. As they reached a roundabout in DHA, the car rammed into their vehicle.

The tragic incident had also led the head of the family to traumatic stress when he saw his wife Rukhsana Bibi (45), son Husnain (25), daughter-in-law Ayesha (23), son-inlaw Sajjad (30), four-month-old grandson Huzaifa, and granddaughter Anaya (4) in a pool of blood.

Car driver Afnan Shafqat, who was overpowered by the locals on the spot, appeared to be a teen and the police had arrested and booked him soon after the incident. Afnan in his confessional statement said that he was driving his car at over 100km/h. In the video statement, he admitted that he had been driving his car for one year against the will and consent of his parents.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday assured the Sindh government of funding for more electric buses for Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) feeder routes.

A high-level delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ABD) led by Principal Director F Cleo Kawawaki met the Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister (CM) Justice Retired Maqbool Baqar today. They exchanged views on different public-private partnership projects.

In the meeting, they discussed new areas of potential collaboration, including nature-based solutions, urban development, and mobility, that have embedded digitisation solutions and contribute towards the development of carbon markets.

Sindh Caretaker CM Maqbool Baqar said that the government intends to run electric buses on the BRT feeder routes

iff and non-tariff with no requirement for operational subsidy.

CM Baqar also informed the ADB delegation about the planned installation of a wastewater recycling plant in Karachi’s Haroonabad – a neighbourhood in SITE town – in another step to curb pollution. The plant will have the capacity to treat 120 MGD wastewater from TP-4. The recycling plant project will significantly reduce carbon emissions besides fulfilling the industrial demand.

The cost of the project would be around $400 million, of which the World Bank, ADB and Sindh government would finance $230 million, and the remaining amount would be taken as a loan from the banks.

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) mandated the ADB to be the transaction advisor about an unsolicited proposal for a treatment plant at Haroonabad near Sindh Industrial Trade Estate (SITE).

to reduce pollution. The induction of more electric buses on BRT routes will also benefit around 50,000 commuters on a daily basis, whereas, a feasibility report of the project was also prepared by the Sindh government, he added.

Chairman P&D Shakil Mangejo told the ADB head that the Green and Orange Lines have been implemented in Karachi to facilitate estimated passenger traffic of 50,000 per day, according to a press release issued today.

With the induction of feeder route buses, existing and future lines will be integrated which will contribute towards the long-term sustainability of the overall system. Secretary Transport said that under the project 170-180 electric buses would be inducted into the existing BRT routes of Green and Orange Line. Partial electricity generation through solarization under a wheeling mechanism could help reduce operating costs targeted to be covered through tar-

Weekly SPI surges 43% YoY driven by increased gas prices g

COMBINED INDEX STOOD AT 311.78, COMPARED TO 308.2 ON NOVEMBER 30, 2023, AND 218.52 ON DECEMBER 08, 2022 PROFIT

News Desk

Weekly Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the Combined Group on the week ending December 07, 2023 surged to 42.68 percent year-on-year, with a 1.16 percent week-on-week rise.

This sustained elevation in the yearly SPI for the fourth consecutive week is attributed to a significant surge in gas prices.

According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Combined Index stood at 311.78, compared to 308.2 on November 30, 2023, and 218.52 on December 08, 2022.

Out of 51 items monitored, 15 experienced an average price increase, 14 saw a decrease, and 22 remained stable.

Notable increases during the week were observed in Onions (8.42pc), Energy

saver (3.02pc), Eggs (2.52pc), Electricity Charges for Q1 (2.03pc), and Pulse Moong (0.88pc). Conversely, notable decreases were noted in Tomatoes (9.82pc), Potatoes (4.34pc), Chicken (2.99pc), Tea Lipton (2.58pc), and Diesel (2.31pc).

Weekly SPI percentage changes by income groups indicated a decrease across all two quantiles, while an increase was observed across three quan-

tiles. The Lowest Income Group experienced a weekly decline of -0.17 percent, whereas the highest income group recorded an increase of 1.65 percent.

On a yearly basis, SPI changes across different income segments ranged between 34.79 percent and 46.37 percent, reflecting an overall increase. The Lowest Income Group saw a 34.79 percent rise, while the highest income group recorded a 41.1 increase.

Key commodity prices also exhibited fluctuations, with the average price of Sona urea at Rs4,267 per 50 kg bag, marking a 2.48 percent increase from the previous week and a substantial 67.72 percent increase compared to last year.

Simultaneously, the average Cement price was recorded at Rs1,244 per 50 kg bag, reflecting a 0.35 percent weekly increase and a 19.88 percent year-on-year rise.

Debt servicing drains $237mn from SBP’s forex reserves in a week g

PAKISTAN'S FOREIGN DEBT AND LIABILITIES HAVE INCREASED BY $3.48B, REACHING $128.09B IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF FY24, RAISING ADDITIONAL ECONOMIC APPREHENSIONS PROFIT

News Desk

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reported a decline of $237 million in its foreign exchange reserves, reaching $7 billion in the week ending December 1.

This reduction is attributed to ongoing debt servicing on foreign loans, a trend that has seen the central bank lose over $1.7 billion since mid-July.

The country’s total liquid foreign reserves, including $5.09 billion held by commercial banks, currently stand at $12.1 billion.

Despite a seemingly stable exchange rate, the growing costs of debt servicing, coupled with a lack of significant inflows, pose economic risks for Pakistan.

The World Bank’s regional vice president for South Asia, Martin Raiser, recently emphasized the country’s economic challenges, noting a low-growth trap, poor human development outcomes, and increasing poverty.

Currency dealers in the interbank market have observed that the SBP has been purchasing dollars for debt servicing, influencing the level of reserves. This practice has led to a tight control over imports,

which declined by 17.3 percent year-onyear to $21.5 billion in the first five months (July to November) of the current fiscal year.

The decline in imports, combined with a modest improvement in exports by 1.9 percent, resulted in a 33.6 percent reduction in the trade deficit, amounting to $9.4 billion.

However, concerns are raised as importers face challenges, and the SBP’s re-

strictions on profit outflows have significantly impacted the outflows of profits and dividends, reaching $485 million in JulyOctober, compared to just $71 million in the same period a year ago.

Furthermore, the country’s foreign debt and liabilities have increased by $3.48 billion, reaching $128.09 billion in the first quarter of FY24, raising additional economic apprehensions.

Saturday, 9 December, 2023 | KARACHI

tion by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the relatively stable local currency.

The market experts believed that the interest rates had peaked and were likely to decline from 2024, which would attract more flows to the equity market. They also expected the corporate earnings to improve in the coming quarters, reflecting the economic recovery.

The PSX had seen a phenomenal rise of nearly 17% and the highest foreign investment in six years of $34.5 million in November 2023, indicating the strong confidence of investors in the country’s economic revival.

This was the second-highest monthly return in percentage terms in over a decade, only behind Covid’s abnormal return in April 2020.

The surge in Pakistan’s stock market rally had been a pivotal factor in the 50 percent increase in the benchmark index since late June, making it the world’s second-best performer during this period, following Argentina.

OGDCL discovers new gas, condensate reserves in Sindh

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Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), a state-owned exploration and production company, has discovered gas and condensate in Sindh.

The company shared this development with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) through a notice that the discovery was made at Dars West Well 02, located in Tando Allahyar District of Sindh. The well was drilled and tested by the company’s experts, showing promising results. The well has tested 8.51 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) gas and 360 barrels per day (bpd) condensate from the lower Goru formation.

The well is part of the joint venture of Dars West Development and Production Lease (D&PL), which includes OGDCL as an operator (77.5 %) and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) (22.5 % carried).

The company said that the discovery would add to the hydrocarbon reserves base of the OGDCL, joint venture partners and of the country. It also said that it was the result of its aggressive exploration strategy.

Last month, OGDCL completed the Khewari Project in Sindh, with a potential gas production of 10 mmscfd. The company also registered net sales of Rs 120.141 billion and profit before taxation of Rs 86.174 billion during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024.

IMF board to finalise $700mn loan tranche for Pakistan on Jan 11 PROFIT

News Desk

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to approve the next $700 million tranche from its current loan program for Pakistan on January 11, according to a spokeswoman quoted by Bloomberg.

The IMF board will meet to consider the final approval after Pakistan reached a stafflevel agreement with the IMF on November 16. The loan is part of a $3 billion Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) that Pakistan and the IMF agreed on in July 2023, replacing the previous Extended Fund Facility (EFF) that expired on June 30, 2023. The SBA aims to support Pakistan’s economic stabilization program in the face of multiple shocks and challenges. The first tranche of $1.2 billion was disbursed immediately after the SBA was approved by the IMF board. The remaining amount will be phased over the program’s duration, subject to two quarterly reviews. Pakistan has about $1 billion in dollar-denominated debt due next year and the caretaker government is also seeking $6.3 billion in loans from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank, and about $10 billion in bilateral funding from creditor nations.

These loans will help boost the country’s foreign reserves, which fell to $7 billion in the week ended December 01, equivalent to less than two months of imports.

Earlier, Pakistan’s caretaker finance minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar had said that the country might need to continue borrowing from the IMF as its economy was fragile.

Industrial Advisory Council unveils strategic roadmap to propel exports to $100b g

ROADMAP SPECIFICALLY UNDERSCORES NEED TO ELIMINATE CROSS-SUBSIDIES FROM POWER TARIFFS FOR INDUSTRIAL CONSUMERS PROFIT

News Desk

The Industrial Advisory Council (IAC) convened on Thursday to deliberate on a strategic roadmap aimed at achieving a substantial increase in Pakistan’s exports to $100 billion.

Chaired by Dr Gohar Ejaz, the Federal Minister for Industries and Production, the inaugural meeting marked a significant step towards realizing the ambitious vision of “Vision

Pakistan: Road to $100 billion Exports.”

The discussed roadmap emphasized key measures, including the removal of crosssubsidies from power tariffs for industrial consumers, duty cuts, and rationalization of gas prices. The objective is to streamline bureaucratic processes, reduce red tape, and boost Pakistan’s export capabilities.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that cross-subsidies in electricity and gas tariffs often fund inefficiencies in the power sector and the government’s social obliga-

tions. The roadmap specifically underscores the need to eliminate cross-subsidies from power tariffs for industrial consumers.

Anticipating the operationalization of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in the EU in 2026, the roadmap emphasizes power sector reforms, urging the fostering of clean and competitive energy markets. It also advocates for the facilitation of clean energy wheeling through businessto-business contracts.

To address the challenge of high emis-

sions content in exported products, the roadmap calls for an increase in the cap on solar net-metering for industrial consumers from 1MW to 5MW. Gas price rationalization is recommended, coupled with a substantial investment in gas exploration to reduce reliance on imported LNG and supplement depleting indigenous gas supplies.

The roadmap addresses the need for fair distribution of the tax burden, advocating for a separation between policy-making and tax administration. It suggests taxing profits instead of turnover and maintaining regionally competitive tax rates to attract investment.

Importantly, the roadmap underscores the necessity of rationalizing import duties for export-led growth, reversing anti-diver-

sification biases in export incentives, and promoting the export of a broader range of goods and services.

Other key focal points include reducing costs associated with liquidating non-viable firms, strengthening insolvency procedures, streamlining business licensing and procedures for entrepreneurs, and promoting digital connectivity and skill development.

Additionally, the roadmap recommends incentivizing firm growth through fiscal and tax incentives, facilitating access to credit, and encouraging significant investment in research and development, innovation, and invention. It also suggests incentivizing foreign direct investment (FDI) in export-oriented activities.

NEWS 03

Saturday, 9 December, 2023 | KARACHI

WORLD’S CONSCIENCE OVER GAZA KILLINGS

BY ISRAELI FORCES QUESTIONABLE: PRESIDENT

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ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

RESIDENT Dr Arif Alvi on Friday said that world’s conscience over the bloodshed by Israeli forces in Gaza and unabated human rights abuses in Kashmir was questionable, saying the world was committing biggest mistake by not treating all humans equally.

Addressing an event on Friday held in connection with International Human Rights Day, the president said the way innocent children and people were being killed in Gaza would have a long-lasting impact on peace as it would be difficult for the sufferers to forget such brutalities.

First Lady Samina Alvi, diplomats from various countries and representatives of International NGOs attended the event.

Dr. Arif Alvi said that being a developing country, Pakistan was evolving regarding human rights but humanity still awaited the powerful nations to respect the human rights being violated in Palestine and Kashmir where thousands of people had been killed with a significant ratio of women and children. He called for a world order with no room for wars and humanitarianism should override vested interests. Instead of promoting the narrative of civilized wars,

the United Nations should pursue the goal of no wars in the world, he added.

The president said humanitarianism could not get strength in world affairs compared to the vested interests that led to the wars based on the self-serving justifications of the powerful nations.

He said that Pakistan was a well-legislated country vis-a-vis human rights backed by the constitution and human rights declaration and emphasised the will

PML-N parliamentary board poised to choose candidates from Dera Ghazi Khan LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan Muslim League (N) Parliamentary Board convened its fifth meeting on Friday, intensifying its preparations for the upcoming general elections. The crucial meeting, presided over by party leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and President Shehbaz Sharif, focused on selecting suitable candidates from Dera Ghazi Khan Division. Senior party officials, including Maryam Nawaz Sharif (Chief Organizer), Ishaq Dar (Head of Election Cell), Ahsan Iqbal (Secretary General), and Rana Sanaullah Khan (Punjab President), actively participated in the discussions. Additionally, central and provincial officials and divisional coordinators were present, ensuring comprehensive representation in the decision-making process. This meeting marked the continuation of a week-long candidate selection drive initiated on December 2nd. During this period, the Board has meticulously reviewed potential candidates in Sargodha Division, Rawalpindi District, Hazara and Malakand Divisions, and Balochistan Province. With each meeting, the PML-N Parliamentary Board is strategically solidifying its electoral strategy by selecting individuals who best represent the party’s vision and values. Today’s focus on Dera Ghazi Khan Division demonstrates the Board’s commitment to fostering a diverse and geographically balanced team of candidates.

PTI’s Sher Afzal Marwat released shortly after arrest PESHAWAR

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice President Sher Afzal Khan Marwat has been released after a briefly arrested by the police on his way to Bajaur. As per details, PTI Lawyers Forum senior vice president Adeel Butt confirmed the release of Sher Afzal Marwat.

Earlier, reports emerged that PTI’s Sher Afzal Khan Marwat was arrested. As per details, PTI senior lawyer Sher Afzal Khan Marwat was arrested at Ouch, Lower Dir when he was on the way to Bajaur from Chakdara. Prior to this, a first information report (FIR) was registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice President Sher Afzal Khan Marwat and others for organizing a worker’s convention in Swabi. In October, a case was lodged against him in KP for provoking the public against state institutions through social media.

to ensure legal justice, financial equality, empowerment, and mainstreaming of women as well as the differently-abled people. Dr Alvi appreciated the role of Human Rights Minister Khalil George, Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights Rabia Javeria Agha and said Pakistan’s institutions had made remarkable progress regarding legislation and the attitudinal changes towards human rights.

He told the gathering that in case of any human rights violation, Pakistan’s state and judicial system took prompt action against those responsible for human rights violation and the people also discouraged such acts. The president said the world had witnessed immense development but it remained unable to address the economic disparity. He told the gathering that no religion allowed discrimination on the basis of class, creed and color but it was yet a challenge faced by the world.

Caretaker Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George said that Pakistan was playing an effective role promotion of human rights and peace. He said that the Pakistani minorities carrying out their religious practices and celebrating their festivals manifested a sense of freedom and security in the country.

He told the gathering that the government had not only condemned incidents like Jaranwala, but also brought those responsible to justice. Contrarily, in the neighboring country of India, Christian girls were stripped naked and paraded around the city under the auspices of the state. Federal Secretary for Human Rights AD Khawaja said the ministry told the participants that the ministry was taking steps to ensure the protection of the rights of all citizens including minorities.

Chinese firm initiates full-scale construction of 765KV Mansehra Substation ISLAMABAD

China welcomes first shipment of Pakistani frozen fish in 2023 URUMQI

Staff RepoRt

A shipment consisting of 388 kilograms of various Pakistani seafood varieties, including frozen pufferfish, frozen catfish, and frozen sardines, was being efficiently and orderly unloaded at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, China Economic Net (CEN) reported on Friday. This marks the first import of seafood through Urumqi Aviation Port this year. The reporter learned that after the import, this batch of frozen fish will be promptly transported to Nanjing, China, to be exhibited at the first “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Frozen Product Trade and Exchange Conference”. Guan Jiangbo, head of the Comprehensive Business Division at Urumqi Diwopu Airport customs, mentioned that this import of frozen fish enriches the variety of goods being imported through the port. “In the future we’ll promote the import of high-quality goods, meeting the diverse demands of Chinese consumers,” he added. Chai Ye from the importing company based in Nanjing, termed this batch of frozen fish as an “exploratory move” by Pakistani merchants to be participating in the exhibition. If the market response is favorable, they plan to import more frozen seafood from Pakistan to the Chinese market.

Fertilizer shortage in KP, prices soar PESHAWAR

Staff RepoRt

POWERCHINA has commenced the full-scale construction of the Mansehra 765/220KV substation, which will undertake power transmission between Dasu Hydropower Station and the Islamabad Power Grid.

“The groundbreaking ceremony for the Mansehra 765kV Substation, Pakistan’s first 765kV substation EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) project constructed by POWERCHINA, was grandly held at the project site, signaling the commencement of full-scale construction,” POWERCHINA stated.

The substation is situated in Mansehra city and will facilitate power transmission between Dasu HPP and the federal capital, pioneering the use of 765/220kV voltage for the first time.

This voltage grade represents the highest capacity substation in Pakistan at present. With its completion, by transmitting clean energy, its substation will help alleviate local power shortages and promote economic development in Pakistan.

In January 2023, POWERCHINA SEPCO1 Electric Power Construction Corporation and the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) of Pakistan signed the EPC contract for the 765 kV Mansehra Substation.

aziz BuneRi

The POWERCHINA has also signed another contract with NTDC, for the project of 765/220kV Mansehra Substation Lot 1. The project will build a 157-km-long 765kV double-circuit AC transmission line between the Dasu Hydropower Station and the Mansehra Substation, according to Gwadar Pro. As per the Ministry of Water Resources, the Dasu Hydropower Project (DHPP) is a run-of-river project on the

Indus River, located 7 km upstream of Dasu Town in District Kohistan.

The site is 74 km downstream of the proposed Diamer Bhasha Dam site and 350 km from Islamabad. Upon its completion, the DHPP will have a total installed capacity of 4320 MW with 12 generating units. It is among the priority projects under the National Power Policy 2013 and Vision 2025 of the Government of Pakistan.

Fertilizer shortages and artificially inflated prices have created a crisis for farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Urea fertilizer, which is a key input for wheat and other crops, is now being sold for more than twice the official price of 3,600 rupees per bag. Farmers say that some dealers are refusing to sell fertilizer, while others are selling it on the black market at inflated prices. Dealers have increased the price of urea fertilizer by as much as 1,000 rupees per bag. Farmers are now spending hours waiting in line at fertilizer stores, and some are even resorting to political connections to get their hands on fertilizer at the official price. Farmers are calling on the government to take action against fertilizer dealers and ensure that farmers have access to fertilizer at the official price. The cause of the fertilizer shortage is unclear, but it is likely due to a combination of factors, including increased demand, supply chain disruptions, and speculation by dealers. The government has taken some steps to address the fertilizer crisis, including increasing imports and launching a crackdown on black marketeering.

However, these measures have not been enough to prevent prices from soaring. The fertilizer crisis is a major concern for farmers, who are already facing rising input costs and other challenges. The crisis could lead to lower crop yields and higher food prices.

Pakistani students set to embark on Japan visit through Japan-SAARC exchange program ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

A seven-member group of Pakistani undergraduate students and a working youth on invitation of Japanese government will visit Japan from December 11 to 19, 2023 under the Japan-SAARC Network Program of People–to-People Exchange known as JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths).

This year the theme of visit program is Connectivity/Economic Cooperation.

JENESYS is a youth exchange program between Japan and the Asia Pacific region launched by the Japanese Government which aims at promoting mutual trust and understanding among the peoples of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. Under the JENESYS 2023 program, youth from SAARC countries during their stay in Japan will be provided opportunities to learn and deepen further their understanding of Japan’s economy, society, history,

politics, and diplomatic relations, and also experience Japan’s diverse culture through lectures and visits.

The Embassy of Japan held a pre-departure orientation session for the visiting group to give them useful information before their departure for Japan.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan WADA Mitsuhiro congratulated the young students upon their selection for visiting Japan under this youth exchange program which, he said, will be a life-time opportunity for the young minds to learn more about Japan.

People-to-people exchange, especially that of youth is essential for promoting mutual understanding and friendly relations between the countries.

The Ambassador hoped that the visiting Pakistani students will find ample opportunities to learn and enjoy the life, culture and historical heritage of Japan during their stay in the country and share their experiences with their friends.

This year under JENESYS 2023 program, a total of 56 undergraduate/graduate students and working youth from SAARC countries have been invited by the Government of Japan to participate in this

short term invitation. The program is expected not only to promote capacity building but also to develop mutual understanding among youths of Japan and that of SAARC countries.

Fear of cheap Chinese EVs spurs automaker dash for affordable cars PROFIT

ReuteRS

The rise of inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles has upped the pressure on legacy automakers who have turned to suppliers, from battery materials makers to chipmakers, to squeeze out costs and develop affordable EVs quicker than previously planned.

“Automakers are really now only turning to affordable vehicles, knowing they’ve got to or they will lose out to Chinese manufacturers,” said Andy Palmer, chairman of UK startup Brill Power, which has developed hardware and software to boost EV battery management system performance.

Palmer, formerly Aston Martin’s CEO, said Brill Power’s products could boost EV range by 60% and enable smaller batteries.

The battery is an EV’s most costly component. Fears of slowing demand because EVs are expensive has increased urgency to reduce costs.

That urgency can be seen everywhere.

Renault (RENA.PA) said last month it plans 40% cost reductions for its EVs to reach price parity with fossil-fuel models.

Stellantis (STLAM.MI) is building a

European plant with China’s CATL (300750.SZ) to make cheaper LFP batteries and recently unveiled the Citroen electric eC3 SUV, which starts at 23,300 euros ($24,540).

Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) and Tesla (TSLA.O) are developing 25,000-euro EVs. Vincent Pluvinage, CEO of Palo Alto, California-based OneD Battery Sciences, said that on his recent visits with European automaker customers, every meeting started with the same refrain: “‘Reducing costs is now more important than anything else.'”

OneD adds silicon nanowires to graphite EV battery anode material to boost range and cut charging time, saving $281 – nearly 50% – versus using graphite alone for a 100 kilowatt hour (kWh) EV battery.

This can reduce EV battery weight by 20% for the same range, Pluvinage said.

General Motors (GM.N) is a OneD investor and customer.

OneD has developed a manufacturing process on relatively inexpensive machinery used in the solar panel industry, as Pluvinage said automakers dislike complex, costly new processes. OneD’s first test plant will open early next year.

Hodenhagen, Germany-based Veekim has developed an EV motor with magnets using a form of ferrite, or iron powder, instead of rare earths, which five automakers and suppliers are testing for affordable EV projects.

Legacy automakers want to cut rare earths use because China dominates mining and processing. Veekim CEO Peter Siegle said using cheaper ferrite and low-cost processes – including 3D-printed copper wiring – can cut an EV motor’s price by 20%. Motors can cost more than 500 euros.

‘ALL ABOUT THE COST’ It is not just startups seeking EV cost reductions.

Chip maker NXP (NXPI.O) is working with automakers to reduce the amount of electronic control units – or mini-computers – in EVs, which can number between 200 and 300, said Allan McAuslin, director of vehicle control and electrification.

Siemens (SIEGn.DE) has developed software simulation called digital twins to halve expensive EV development time.

European automakers are reacting to the arrival of lower-cost EVs from China,

whose makers are planning even cheaper models.

BYD’s (002594.SZ) Dolphin hatchback, for instance, starts in the UK at 26,000 pounds ($33,000), nearly 30% below the starting price for the VW ID.3 hatchback.

But U.S. automakers, somewhat protected from Chinese EV imports by subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act, also seek more affordable EVs. GM said it has saved billions partly by developing a more inexpensive battery pack with LFP batteries for its revamped Bolt EV, which will launch in 2025, two years earlier than planned. Ford (F.N) said it will cut costs partly through a 50% increase in “in-sourcing” of parts like batteries and inverters.

Premium automakers want lower costs for EVs, too.

Michigan-based Our Next Energy (ONE) is developing an “Ares” battery pack with cheaper LFP technology that should give automakers the same electric driving range for half the price and a “Gemini” pack for customers including BMW (BMWG.DE) that offers extended range and should cost $75/kWh compared with an average today of $130/kWh, CEO Mujeeb Ijaz said.

Suppliers said automakers particularly like less expensive parts that also reduce production costs.

San Carlos, California-based CelLink has developed a laminate sheet to replace wire harnesses – labor-intensive to make and install – that can be installed by robots.

CelLink raised $250 million from investors last year and in May announced a $362 million U.S. government loan for its Texas factory.

Since opening that plant, said CEO Kevin Coakley, “We’ve gotten some form of a purchase order from basically every major automaker that’s come through there.”

Israeli startup Addionics has developed porous, three-dimensional copper and aluminium electrode battery materials that look like sheer silk scarves when held up to the light and use far less material – including 60% less copper.

Those electrodes provide faster charging and boost EV range by 30%, CEO Moshiel Biton said. But automakers are more interested in projected savings of up to $7.50 per kWh. “What we hear from carmakers today is, ‘We don’t need longer range, we want lower costs,'” Biton said.

04 COMMENT

Saturday, 9 December, 2023

Navigating the tumultuous landscape of internet censorship and freedom of speech

Going to the Security Council

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The unprecedented invocation of Article 99 indicates rising horror at what Israel is doing in Gaza

The government is the main threat

SRAEL should finally realize that its bad behaviour in Gaza is no longer acceptable to its supporters. That the bad behaviour continues was made clear by its eager resumption of both bombing and ground invasion of Gaza as soon as the recent ceasefire came to an end. One result has been that there are now 17,000 Palestinian casualties, which is far more than the 1200 Israelis killed on October 7 in the Hamas attack which started the whole savagery. It is almost as if the Israeli side agreed to the ceasefire in order to launch themselves upon the Palestinians with more vigour. This might explain why the UN Secretary General has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, which permits the Security Council to intervene in a matter where it is feared that there will be an administrative breakdown in a member. It is doubly interesting because the Gaza Strip is an occupied territory.

Israel is thus being told that it does not seem that it can maintain even minimal civic functions in the Gaza Strip.

Part of the outcry seems to be because there was an expectation that the truce would lead to a prolongation of peace as the Israelis recovered from their blind rage.

However, it seems that now the most uncritical supporters of Israel have been struck afresh by the genocidal nature of what the Israelis are doing. The US Senate’s refusal to pass a funding bill for Israel may be rooted in domestic politics (where a Republican-controlled Senate wanted to do down a Democrat President), but it have been unthinkable if the American public had not had its screens filled with images of the results of Israeli atrocities against unarmed civilians.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that Israel is losing the hearts and minds of the American people and European nations, upon which it had relied for so long.

Without unquestioned backing, it will not be feasible to commit genocide in Palestine. The only solution, and that too a temporary one, is for the UN to intervene and stop the bloodshed. A permanent solution may seem impossible to achieve, especially in a dispute that dates back to the Sykes-Picot agreement, which first promised a Jewish homeland in Palestine, back in 1916. However, the world must first stop the killing, which is not just mindless violence, but seems an act of genocide.

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SarMaD Sattar

ITH the rise of the Internet, information dissemination has become more accessible than ever before. However, this freedom has also led to an increase in Internet censorship, raising concerns about the limits of freedom of speech in the digital age. Internet censorship refers to the control or suppression of information published, viewed, or accessed online.

It is often carried out by governments, organizations, or individuals to control and limit the flow of information and ideas. While proponents argue that Internet censorship is necessary to maintain social order and protect national security, opponents argue that it stifles freedom of speech and impedes progress. The advent of the Internet has brought about unprecedented opportunities for connectivity and the free exchange of ideas. However, the rapidly evolving digital landscape has also given rise to concerns regarding Internet censorship and its implications for freedom of speech One of the primary arguments in favor of Internet censorship is the need to prevent the spread of harmful or illegal content. Governments may justify censorship by claiming that it is essential for protecting citizens from online scams, cyberbullying, hate speech, and incitement to violence. They argue that limitations must be in place to maintain public safety and preserve social harmony. In some cases, censorship may also be used to combat terrorism or the spread of extremist ideologies. However, critics argue that such justifications can often be used as a guise to suppress dissenting opinions and control the narrative.

Another argument that supporters of Internet censorship put forth is the protection of national security and interests. Governments may argue that controlling access to certain information is necessary to safeguard their citizens and prevent the dissemination of classified or sensitive data. They may also claim that it is vital to combat foreign interference, espionage, and cyber attacks. However, opponents argue that

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi

Zelensky’s comedy roots and political pursuits Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Putin doesn’t find him funny

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Dr MuhaMMaD akraM Zaheer

OLODYMYR Zelensky the President of Ukraine had born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian SSR (now Ukraine). Zelensky is a former comedian, television producer and actor. Before entering politics, Zelensky gained popularity as the star of the television series “Servant of the People,” where he played a teacher who unexpectedly becomes the President of Ukraine after a video of him passionately ranting against corruption goes viral.

This role foreshadowed his real-life political career. Zelensky co-founded the production company Kvartal 95, known for its comedy shows and performances. He gained recognition for his wit and humor. He became synonymous with successful television shows and comedy sketches. Zelensky’s entertainment career not only showcased his comedic talent but also played a pivotal role in shaping his public image and connecting with voters, marking a unique trajectory from the world of entertainment to the highest echelons of political leadership.

Zelensky was born into a Jewish family. His father, Oleksandr Zelensky, worked as a professor, and his mother, Rymma Zelenska, was an engineer. His family was not directly involved in politics. Zelensky studied law at the Kyiv National Economic University but chose a different career path after graduating. Instead of pursuing the legal profession, he ventured into the entertainment industry.

Volodymyr Zelensky gained popularity as a comedian, actor, and producer. He co-founded the entertainment company Kvartal 95, which produced a variety of comedic shows and programmes that became well-received in Ukraine.

One of the notable shows was “Servant of the People,” where Zelensky played the role of a high school teacher who unexpectedly becomes the President of Ukraine after a video of him passionately ranting against corruption goes viral. The success of the television series “Servant of the People’’ contributed significantly to Zelensky’s public image. The show reflected the public’s

frustration with corruption in Ukrainian politics and resonated with many viewers. Zelensky’s foray into politics was not immediate. However, he gradually became more involved in civic activities and expressed his views on political issues, particularly focusing on anti-corruption measures.

In 2019, Zelensky ran for the presidency of Ukraine as an anti-establishment candidate. His campaign focused on fighting corruption and bringing fresh faces into politics. In a surprising turn of events, he won a landslide victory in the election, defeating the incumbent Petro Poroshenko. Zelensky brought a fresh and unconventional approach to governance, leveraging his background in entertainment to connect with a younger generation of voters.

His political career began with the establishment of the Servant of the People party, named after the television series in which he played a fictional president. Zelensky’s campaign focused on combating corruption, decentralizing power and promoting transparency. In the office, he faced significant challenges including navigating tense relations with Russia and managing domestic expectations. Zelensky’s leadership during critical moments, such as the response to the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts in the east, has shaped his presidency. Despite facing criticism and political complexities, Zelensky’s commitment to reform and his ability to communicate directly with the public have marked him as a distinctive figure in Ukrainian politics.

As president, Zelensky faced various challenges, including ongoing conflicts in eastern

Volodymyr ZelenskyÊs transition from a comedian and actor to the President of Ukraine is a remarkable aspect of his life, reflecting the intersection of entertainment and politics in Ukrainian society. His transition from entertainment to the presidency reflects a global trend where individuals outside traditional political circles have entered politics and achieved significant success.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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governments can exploit this justification to curtail freedom of speech and manipulate public opinion to maintain their power. One of the most significant concerns surrounding Internet censorship is its potential impact on freedom of speech.

The Internet has provided a platform for individuals to express their opinions, even in countries with strict censorship laws. It has allowed marginalized voices to be heard, sparking social change and challenging oppressive regimes. However, Internet censorship can limit this freedom by promoting self-censorship and fear of retribution. It hampers the free flow of ideas, stifles innovation, and undermines democracy. It is not only limited to Governments. Private organizations may also engage in censorship, often driven by commercial or political interests. Online platforms and social media companies have faced criticism for their algorithms and policies that censor or limit certain content to create a more polished and controlled online environment. Critics argue that this selective censorship can lead to a reduction in the diversity of ideas and limit public discourse. While the debate on Internet censorship and freedom of speech continues, finding a balance between the two is crucial.

Governments must ensure that any restrictions on online content are reasonable, proportionate, and conform to international human rights standards. Transparency and accountability in the decision-making processes are essential. On the other hand, individuals must remain vigilant and fight for their rights to express their opinions freely, challenging any form of censorship that threatens the fabric of democracy. In conclusion, Internet censorship presents a complex and multifaceted issue concerning the limits of freedom of speech in the digital era. While supporters argue that it is necessary for public safety and national security, opponents contend that it stifles free expres-

Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It serves as a cornerstone of democratic societies, fostering the exchange of ideas, intellectual growth, and societal progress. It enables citizens to hold their governments accountable, challenge prevailing norms, and contribute to social change.

sion and hampers progress. The impact of Internet censorship on freedom of speech has far-reaching consequences, affecting democracy, innovation, and social change. Striking a balance between protecting society and upholding individual rights is vital to ensure the continued evolution and integrity of the Internet as a tool for global communication and empowerment. Internet censorship and freedom of speech represent a complex and ever-evolving challenge in today’s digital age. Striking a delicate balance is imperative to safeguard individual liberties while effectively tackling the spread of harmful content. By fostering inclusive conversations and embracing a holistic approach, we can navigate the murky waters of Internet censorship and preserve the essence of free expression in the vibrant realm of the online world.

Governments must ensure that any restrictions are narrowly defined, transparent, and subject to judicial review. They should collaborate with Internet service providers, tech companies, and civil society organizations to develop policies that balance individual rights with societal interests. Promoting digital literacy and media literacy can empower individuals to critically evaluate online content while recognizing diverse perspectives. Internet censorship poses a significant threat to global democracy.

In authoritarian regimes, it is often used as a political tool to control opposition, stifle dissent, and maintain power. By limiting access to information and diverse perspectives, these governments curtail the freedom of expression of their citizens. Moreover, Internet censorship can lead to a chilling effect, where individuals self-censor due to fear of persecution or reprisals. Governments employ a variety of methods to censor the Internet, ranging from outright blocking of websites and social media platforms to filtering and surveillance systems. Some countries restrict access to specific domains or employ firewalls to control the flow of information. Others use legal mechanisms to remove or limit the dissemination of specific content.

The challenge lies in striking the right balance between preserving freedom of speech and addressing the legitimate concerns that warrant online content regulation. Determining what constitutes “harmful” or “illegal” content can be subjective, as different cultures and societies have varying interpretations and standards.

Additionally, technological developments, such as encryption and anonymity tools, make it increasingly difficult to fully control or monitor online activities.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It serves as a cornerstone of democratic societies, fostering the exchange of ideas, intellectual growth, and societal progress. It enables citizens to hold their governments accountable, challenge prevailing norms, and contribute to social change. Therefore, any restrictions on freedom of speech must be approached cautiously, keeping the broader societal impact in mind.

However, opponents raise concerns about the potential abuse of power by those in charge, leading to a stifling of dissent and the erosion of free expression.

The writer is a lawyer based in Lahore

Editor’s mail

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Anger alchemy Ukraine and relations with Russia. He initiated several reforms, aiming to improve the country’s governance and address corruption issues.

Zelensky has been serving as the President of Ukraine since May 2019. Zelensky, a former comedian and political newcomer has implemented several policies and reforms aimed at addressing corruption, improving governance and fostering economic development.

One of his notable initiatives has been the fight against corruption, with the establishment of the High Anti-Corruption Court to hold accountable those involved in corrupt practices. Zelensky has also advocated for decentralization, aiming to empower local governments and provide citizens with more control over their communities. Additionally, he has worked on judicial reforms and sought to attract foreign investment to stimulate economic growth. However, the success and impact of these policies may have evolved recently, so it’s advisable to check more recent sources for the latest developments in Zelensky’s presidency and the state of Ukraine.

Zelensky has been involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine and has sought international support for his country and brought a fresh perspective to Ukrainian politics. In terms of international relations, Zelensky’s presidency has been marked by efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union and NATO while navigating the complex relationship with Russia.

Ukraine’s geopolitical position, particularly the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, has significantly shaped Zelensky’s foreign policy agenda. He has sought international support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, engaging with leaders and organizations to address the ongoing challenges in the region. Zelensky’s approach to international relations reflects a balancing act between pursuing closer ties with the West and managing the delicate dynamics with Russia. It’s important to note that developments in international relations.

Volodymyr Zelensky’s transition from a comedian and actor to the President of Ukraine is a remarkable aspect of his life, reflecting the intersection of entertainment and politics in Ukrainian society. His transition from entertainment to the presidency reflects a global trend where individuals outside traditional political circles have entered politics and achieved significant success. His presidency has faced numerous challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economic issues, and ongoing efforts to reform the Ukrainian political system.

The writer has a PhD in Political Science and can be reached at akramzaheer86@yahoo.com

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Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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IN the spectrum of human emotions, happiness, sadness, fear, and anger coexist. Anger, a normal emotion, can lead to high blood pressure and foster revenge and rage if not properly managed. Unchecked anger might manifest in unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, potentially contributing to weight gain and a vicious cycle of depression and heightened anger.

However, it is a fact that eliminating anger from our lives is impossible. Emotions, including anger, play significant roles in various aspects of human life. At times, anger can be a driving force propelling one towards goals. Conversely, uncontrolled anger may result in conflicts, severed relationships, and jeopardised futures when it escalates to fury.

Ultimately, seeking professional help is the most effective way to manage anger. Anger is not a disease or an epidemic, but rather a manageable aspect of human experience. Enrolling in anger management classes can provide the necessary tools to address burning questions in personal life and foster emotional control.

NADIR SARWAR SAJIDI MASHKEY

Nature’s cry

I would like to draw authorities’ attention to a critical issue currently affecting our country, known as the Environmental Challenge. This issue poses numerous survival challenges for individuals facing incredible situations. The consequences of our actions are becoming increasingly apparent.

One of the most pressing problems for our country’s residents is deforestation, leading to the destruction of countless vital species.

Additionally, our greenhouse has been damaged significantly. It is not only harmful to our country but also has worldwide implications for this paramount issue. Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness globally regarding this alarming issue. I urge the entire world to promptly address and take immediate actions to curb this problem seriously.

MAHNOOR HUSSAIN LAHORE

Refugee resilience

THE plight of individuals forced to abandon their homes due to wars, persecution, or natural disasters is a monumental problem. These people aren’t just statistics; they are real individuals with stories of loss and the quest for safety. Families are torn apart, dreams shattered, and lives upended – this is the harsh reality refugees face.

Refugees aren’t mere numbers; they are unique individuals with stories, talents, and dreams. They could be doctors, artists, students, or parents, much like anyone else. Yet, due to circumstances beyond their control, they find themselves seeking safety in new, unfamiliar places. This is not a localised issue; it’s a global challenge that requires collective efforts. Countries, groups, and individuals must come together not only to address immediate needs but also to find long-term solutions that address the root causes of displacement. Education plays a pivotal role in helping refugees rebuild their lives. Access to quality education provides hope and equips them with the skills needed to integrate into their new communities.

During crises, it is crucial to recognize our shared humanity, setting aside borders and prejudices. The refugee situation serves as a reminder to be compassionate and extend help to those in need. Refugees deserve protection, dignity, and respect. Let’s strive for a world where kindness prevails over indifference, and everyone collaborates to support refugees. It is my earnest request to the government, and not just the government, but to all of us, to take meaningful action.

IQRA ZAHID TURBAT

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

India’s NE concern over escalating Myanmar violence

Saturday, 9 December, 2023

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India is getting sucked in nava Thakuria

NDIA’S two eastern neighbours continue to witness socio-political turmoil in recent days increasing security concern for the country’s north-eastern region (NE). While Bangladesh is going through political uncertainty over its 12th national election due in January 2024, Myanmar (also known as Burma or Brahmadesh) now faces a full-scale civil war, where the Burmese armed forces are facing unusual resistance from the anti-junta and pro-democracy groups, many of them even armed. Some parts of the south-east Asian nation have now gone under the control of those rebels, who had recently launched a massive offensive against the military junta to throw away the military dictators from Naypyidaw.

The land of golden pagodas has slowly slipped into a place of intensive conflicts after the present band of dictators, led by Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup on 1 February 2021 that ousted a democratically elected government under the leadership of Nobel Peace laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party National League for Democracy (NLD) recorded a massive victory in the last national polls. The pro-democracy icon was detained and later imprisoned by the military-controlled courts for many years under fictitious cases alleging her involvement in electoral fraud.

Along with Suu Kyi, who functioned as State Counselor in the previous government, President U Win Myint and many NLD chief ministers and ministers were booked for electoral fraud. But the polls in November 2020 were participated in by over 27 million people (out of a total 55 million population) where the NLD nominees won in over 920 seats (out of 1,117 available constituencies). The military-supported Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) succeeded in 71 seats only. Even though the domestic and international observers argued that the polling was free and fair, the military dictators termed it unlawful.

Some 141 elected NLD lawmakers (both in the Parliament and States) and over 1,900 NLD activists were arrested after the coup and half of them are still behind bars. Many elected representatives fled the country and at least 18 among them died with illness because of inadequate medical care while in hiding. The military rulers seized properties belonging to 182 elected representatives. Former lawmaker Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw was even executed by the junta authority following trials in the closely-functioned military courts.

Progressive Voice, a participatory rights-based advocacy organization, claimed that by the end of November over 4,200 civilians were killed and 25,000 arrested

by the junta forces. The soldiers have torched at least 76,000 properties in different localities across Myanmar.

No less than 150 media personnel were also detained by the military council and some 25 are still inside various jails. At least three journalists died of military atrocities in separate incidents. Days back, the Geneva-based global media safety and rights body Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) expressed serious concern over the imprisonment of working journalists in Myanmar and urged the authorities to ensure fair trials for them.

A recent statement issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees revealed that over 333,500 civilians have been rendered homeless in the ongoing gun fighting between the junta forces and ethnic armed organizations along with the people’s defense force (PDF).

More than 2 million were displaced across the country since the last military takeover. The intense fighting continues and lately expands into new localities with densely populated areas. From the States of Shan, Kayah (formerly Karenni), Mandalay & Sagaing divisions, the battles against the junta forces (popularly known as Tatmadaw) expand to Rakhine and Chin States.

The latest wave of gun fighting broke out on 27 October, when three ethnic minority groups (namely Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army and Arakan Army) coordinated their offensive in northern Shan locality, which is adjacent to China. Named Operation 1027, the offensive has achieved some successes as Tatmadaw had to lose nearly 200 military camps and nine towns till the end of November. Lately, the Arakan Army (AA) has launched an /offensive in Rakhine State (bordering Bangladesh) killing many soldiers and even compelling some to surrender with arms & ammunition to AA rebels.

Burmese political activist Khin Ohmar, while speaking to this writer from an undisclosed location, revealed that the Rakhine region has already descended into a full-blown civil war, where the Myanmar military are shelling innocent people, using airstrikes to displace more people and even blocking humanitarian assistance

The Buddhist-majority country also supports a number of NE militant groups, which have been waging a war against New Delhi for various separatist homelands.

The COP climate conference is a fossilised racket Whatever language comes out of COP28, it will not inconvenience coal, gas and oil interests in any serious way

W

TELEGRAPH, LONDON

amBrose evans-PriTchard

HETHER the world cuts carbon emissions fast enough to secure a 1.5-degree planet depends on the arms race for clean-tech dominance between the US and China. It does not depend significantly on anything done, and even less said, at the COP28 summit in Dubai, a process that risks becoming a net negative for progress, if it has not already crossed that line as a full army corps of lobbyists converge with 97,000 others at petroleum ground zero.

The annual COP gathering is itself a fossilised racket, an anachronistic showdown between the West and a victim category of “developing countries” that is frozen in time and contains some of the richest and most brazen polluters, or others that still build coal plants and persecute ecologists.

The environmental press corps will anguish over whether the text progresses from a “phase-down” to a “phase-out” of coal power plants, and whether petrostates lift their veto on such language for oil and gas. Passions will fly over a get-out clause for “abated” fossil fuels, and whether carbon capture really counts.

The language matters, and the precise wording can be mobilised for climate lawfare in civil courts, at least in rule of law states. But technology and geo-economic reality are already moving faster than the COP curriculum can keep up. “A global, irreversible, solar tipping point may have passed where solar energy gradually comes to dominate global electricity markets, without any further climate policies,” concluded a recent paper by the World Bank and Europe’s leading universities.

The “technological learning rate” of solar, wind, and now batteries is so relentless that a 24/7 mix is already cheaper than new coal in most of the world, and will become massively cheaper almost everywhere over time.

The report said the priority now is to sort out the details, upgrade grids, and channel the necessary funds to Africa. It is also a ferocious indictment of the “energy modelling community” that failed to see this coming. China is rolling out 210 gigawatts (GW) of solar this year, not far short of the entire installation worldwide the year before. Carbon Brief says it is expanding its solar panel capacity to 1000GW by 2025, and increasing its battery capacity six fold.

This is not the result of altruism. It is happening because China a) wants a cheap and secure source of home-grown power beyond American naval reach, b) has acquired manufacturing dominance of renewables and wishes to leverage the advantage, and c) aims to dethrone the West’s auto industry.

America is responding with $US2 trillion ($3.1 trillion) of manufacturing rearmament because it a) cannot let this happen, b) still leads in applied sciences, and can win the fight, and c) recognises that clean tech is the economic prize of our time. Europe is responding because its industries will be obliterated if it does not. None of this has much to do with the COP process. “The transition to clean energy is happening worldwide and it’s unstoppable. It’s not a question of ‘if’, it’s just a matter of ‘how soon’,” said Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency.

The pace depends on whether vested interests succeed

to the people in distress. She also added that the military junta is laying landmines and continuing to use airstrikes over populated villages as a form of collective punishment. But lately, the soldiers have been abandoning their outposts and various strategic points to avoid the hit of AA offensives, added Ohmar.

The UN office of humanitarian affairs recently stated that the fresh clashes in Rakhine localities displaced over 26,000 people. The well-trained AA rebels maintain its demand for the restoration of democracy in their land with the collective desire to safeguard the lives of civilians and assert rights for self-defense and maintain territorial integrity. The UN office also pointed out that individual soldiers are not collectively responsible for the crimes & human rights violations and hence they should be treated with humanity.

Amazingly, a recent public demonstration attracted the attention of political observers as it chanted slogans against China, which is usually known as a trusted neighbour and arms supplier to Myanmar. A good number of people assembled in front of the Chinese Embassy in Yangon on 19 November and propagating anti-Beijing statements was an unusual occurrence in the country.

The seemingly pro-junta militia groups claimed that Beijing was behind the recent offensive against the military regime and also supporting the PDF, the armed wing of National Unity Government. Speculations are now raised that Communist China wants to topple the current batch of Burmese military dictators.

Contrary to its mandate, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains a mute spectator to all troubles in its member country. Over 600 Myanmar national and international organizations have recently criticized the ASEAN for failing to make the junta accountable for relentless crimes against humanity. They also urged the ASEAN leadership to take concrete actions to fulfil the demands forwarded by the Burmese people to establish a federal democratic union and bring all military dictators to justice for committing mass

in delaying the rollout of technology that already exists, and whether they can head off investment in new technology at the point of critical breakthrough.

Electric vehicles are already there. Decent EVs retail today in the Chinese mass market for $US10,000-$US15,000 without purchase subsidies. Credible analysts in China think EVs will surpass 50 per cent of sales within two years.

Europe will catch up as cheaper models flood showrooms circa 2025, albeit nearer $US20,000-$US25,000.

This is before the arrival of solid-state batteries and other variants that should triple range before the end of the decade, without the need for cobalt. The US Energy Department is targeting green hydrogen at $US1 a kilo by 2030.

Anything from $US1.50-$US2 opens the way for a displacement of fossils in dirty hydrogen, and then for fertilisers, steel, shipping, etc, going down the Liebreich “hydrogen ladder”, covering some 20 per cent of emissions.

Cell-grown chicken and lab-fermented milk is on the market today in the US, the first of a wave of bioidentical meats and dairy likely to undercut Big Meat on cost within five years, disrupting the industrial-scale market for sausages, burgers, nuggets, and so forth, with a fraction of the water needs and CO2 emissions. Whatever language comes out of Cop28, it will not inconvenience coal, gas and oil interests in any serious way. This will alleviate the strain on croplands used for animal feed. It may enable some reforestation and surplus biofuel for jet travel.

More exotically, nuclear fusion at competitive cost may not be as far away as people think. The Fusion Industry Association says 65 per cent of its members think commercial fusion power – at viable cost, and the radioactive waste of a hospital – could be a reality by 2035, and 90 per cent by 2040. They are eyeing costs of $US60-$US80MWh. That would seal the argument.

The COP process was necessary to kickstart clean technology and bring it to scale. The Paris Agreement in 2015 sent the message that the game was up for the carbon economy. It was the moment when Big Money grew wary of fossil finance. It defected to the other side, discerning larger fortunes to be made in the new industries.

This pulled forward investment and brought us to where we are today. The baton has by now passed. With each year the COP process is more clearly becoming a venue for vested interests – Big Oil, Industrial Meat, Old Auto, you name it – trying to slow down the post-carbon juggernaut.

Sultan Al-Jaber has proved a capable president of COP28, earning plaudits even from some green activists.

He is right that you need “smart decarbonisation” and political “buy-in” from fossil producers and users. What are we going to do about the 2,000 coal-fired plants in Asia built mostly between 2005 and 2018 with a lifespan of 4045 years that must keep burning to pay off project debt? But he also presides over Abu Dhabi’s national oil company, which is expanding crude output from three million to five million barrels a day over the next seven years, with emissions to match, and “no credible plan whatsoever to reduce them”, in the words of climateer Al Gore.

Al-Jaber said two weeks ago that there was “no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phaseout of fossil fuel is what’s going to achieve 1.5”. He is right. We will still need some oil and gas in 2050. The CO2 will be offset by removal technologies, or captured and sequestered.

But Gore is also right that fossil interests are promoting “falsehoods on an industrial scale”, intervening at every level across the world, “with their lobbyists and with their fixers, doing everything they can to slow down progress”, and have “brazenly seized control of the COP process”. Like all large synods that grow too big, lose focus and fall prey to carpetbaggers, the COP process has outlived its original purpose. It is a jarring mix of climate doomerism and delaying-tactics. It should stick to scientific reports and to helping vulnerable nations at the sharp end of climate change. Technology and market price signals are already solving the problem without need for degrowth, hairshirts and sacrifice. That is what we should be proclaiming from the rooftops.

atrocity crimes since the illegal coup.

The troubles in various western Myanmar localities increased the influx of refugees to northeast India. Many Burmese soldiers also crossed the porous boundary to arrive in Mizoram and were later sent back by the Indian agencies. The government in Aizawl has extended necessary support to the refugees (mostly Chin people as they enjoy ethnic proximity to Mizos). The Chin bordering hilly State now gives shelter to thousands of asylum seekers and many of their children have even enrolled names in the government-run schools. Manipur and Nagaland have also witnessed the arrival of over 600 Burmese nationals in the last few days.

New Delhi has already directed the Indian nationals in Myanmar to register their names with the embassy in Yangon (formerly Rangoon). It also asked the citizens to avoid non-essential travels to the country in view of the evolving security situation there. Earlier India, which shares a land border (1643 km) and a maritime boundary (725 km, in the Bay of Bengal) with Myanmar called for cessation of gun fighting between the junta forces and rebel groups near the international border. It maintained the call for the return of peace and stability as well as democracy in the country.

The Buddhist-majority country also supports a number of NE militant groups, which have been waging a war against New Delhi for various separatist homelands.

Amazingly, most of them remained supportive to the Burmese military rulers and hence avoided engaging in the ongoing anti-junta battles.

However, the PDF members and ethnic rebels targeted NE militants as they continued to be junta.-supportive.

Lately, a camp of United National Liberation Front was raided and a large volume of arms and ammunition along with important documents were seized. New Delhi needs to deal with the junta carefully so that a sustainable solution to the insurgency problems of NE can be achieved.

Hollywood’s Israel problem The writer is a freelance columnist

The truth about Palestine is definitely not coming to a theatre near you

I

AL JAZEERA

Belén Fernández

T’S that time of year again: when Hollywood’s thought police undertake to ensure that American celebrity culture remains firmly in the service of the Zionist narrative.

In one prominent case, actress Melissa Barrera – a star of the horror film franchise Scream – was recently fired from her role in the next instalment of the series for posting on social media about Israel’s latest real-life horror show in the Gaza Strip.

Since October 7, the Israeli military has killed more than 16,000 Palestinians in Gaza, among them more than 6,000 children. Barrera’s crimes included calling for a ceasefire and quoting Israeli historian Raz Segal, an Israeli professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Stockton University in New Jersey, who has argued that Israel’s current behaviour constitutes a “textbook case of genocide”.

The Spyglass Media Group production company was responsible for the firing, contending that Barrera’s social media posts on Palestine were antiSemitic. After all, there is nothing more anti-Semitic than quoting an Israeli genocide scholar on the topic of genocide.

In its writeup of the Barrera episode, Newsweek magazine felt compelled to state that “some critics of Zionism have argued the creation of Israel forced Palestinians off their land in what is called the Nakba”. This is the equivalent, in terms of ludicrousness, of stating that “some critics of meteorology have argued that hurricanes don’t exist”.

Given the established fact that the creation of the state of Israel entailed the destruction of some 500 Palestinian villages, the slaughter of more than 10,000 Palestinians, and the expulsion of 750,000 more, it seems Newsweek has taken a page from the Hollywood playbook of diluting criticism of Israel.

Barrera is not the only Hollywood star to come under fire for defying the Zionist script. In November, actress Susan Sarandon was dropped as a client

by United Talent Agency (UTA) after speaking at a pro-Palestinian rally. And actor Mark Ruffalo, who during Israel’s May 2021 bout of slaughter in Gaza was forced to apologise for invoking the term “genocide”, has once again come to occupy Zionist social media crosshairs for opining that neither Palestinian nor Israeli children should suffer.

Meanwhile, many more complicit A-listers have tripped over themselves to “stand with Israel”. At the outset of the war, actress Jamie Lee Curtis shared a photo of Palestinian children fleeing Israeli bombs but mistakenly cast them as Israeli children subjected to Palestinian “terror from the skies”.

Anyway, the movie industry is all about making up stories, right?

For her part, the Israeli beauty queen-turnedWonder Woman star Gal Gadot took to Instagram to rally support for what has turned into a nonstop massacre in Gaza: “I stand with Israel you should too”.

Gadot, who has played an outsized role in whitewashing the Israeli occupation and predilection for mass killing, was applauded by Time Magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2018 and was once hailed by former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin as a “true and beloved ambassador” for the state of Israel. Call her Israel’s not-so-secret weapon.

Speaking of weapons, Gadot appeared on the cover of Maxim magazine in 2007 as part of a photoshoot of female Israeli soldiers in bikinis and other scanty attire. Who said ethnic cleansing wasn’t sexy?

The Maxim photo spread propelled Gadot’s fame and wealth; she and her husband Jason Varsano later launched their very own production company, Pilot Wave, which is now involved in Gadot’s much-anticipated silver screen interpretation of Cleopatra – sure to be a box office hit for Orientalist showbiz.

Israel’s onscreen image also got a boost in 2022 when Disney’s Marvel Studios announced that the forthcoming film Captain America: New World Order would feature a character named Sabra, a member of Israel’s notoriously criminal spy agency Mossad. As I pointed out at the time, this Disney venture amounted to putting a superheroine’s cape on state savagery.

Why, then, does Hollywood have such an Israel problem? To be sure, there is no need to resort to conspiracy theories to explain the film industry’s affection for a state synonymous with oppression; quite simply, Israel’s very special relationship with the United States means that the exaltation of Israel in pop culture directly serves US foreign policy goals. And the propaganda campaign is so relentless that, when the likes of socialites Paris Hilton and Kendall Jenner stage brief shows of compassion for the Palestinian cause on social media, the posts are quickly deleted.

Among Zionism’s favourite celebrity targets are supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, whose father Mohamed was born in Palestine in 1948 – the same year “some critics” argue that the creation of Israel upended Palestinian existence, to borrow Newsweek’s diplomatic words.

In 2021, the sisters were smeared along with British singer Dua Lipa in a full-page New York Times advertisement implicitly accusing them of endorsing a “second Holocaust” of Jews perpetrated by Hamas. Now, Bella has reported receiving continuous death threats for expressing solidarity with Palestinians under bombardment, as Israel’s propaganda machine has so warped reality that just calling for a ceasefire has been elevated to a greater crime than annihilating a good portion of the population of the Gaza Strip. And in characteristically mature fashion, the state of Israel’s official Instagram account has lashed out at Gigi, insinuating that by pleading for peace for both Palestinians and Israelis, she was “turning a blind eye to Jewish babies being butchered in their homes”.

Now, as Palestinian babies and larger humans continue to be butchered at a terrifying rate and the Israeli army conducts a most cinematic apocalypse in the Gaza Strip, one wishes that Hollywood stars and other famous folks weren’t so deeply embedded in the Zionist trenches. But for the time being, at least, the truth is definitely not coming to a theatre near you.

Belén Fernández is a contributing editor at Jacobin Magazine, and has written for the New York Times, the London Review of Books blog, Current Affairs, and Middle East Eye, among numerous other publications.

06 NEWS

CORPORATE CORNER ISRAELI FORCES BLINDFOLD, STRIP Govt unveils plan for six PALESTINIAN CIVILIAN DETAINEES IN GAZA protectorate offices to support

A

GAZA

REUTERS

T least 100 Palestinian men detained by Israeli forces have been stripped to their underwear, blindfolded and made to kneel on a street in northern Gaza, according to images and videos widely circulated on social media and confirmed by the Israeli army.

The men were shown with their heads bowed as they were guarded by Israeli troops in the undated video that first surfaced on Thursday, which has drawn condemnation. end of list Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher, reporting from occupied East Jerusalem, said on Friday that the images echoed the history of the region, where stripped men are taken to unknown locations.

Many of the detainees were recognised by members of the community and family. “Some say one was a student, one ran the local store and another one had no connection with ‘terrorism’ as he lived in an apartment block. … A number of people identified a well-known

Saturday, 9 December, 2023 | KARACHI

local journalist among those who were arrested,” according to Fisher, who added that one man was with his two children and all three of them were rounded up.

Shawan Jabarin, director of the AlHaq human rights organisation, said he was “shocked” to see images that reminded him of the treatment of detainees and prisoners of war during World War II. “This [is] inhuman, it amounts to torture and more than that, it’s a war crime and a crime against humanity,” he told Al Jazeera. Israeli media reported that some of the images appeared to show suspected Hamas fighters who had surrendered to Israeli forces.

Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan, reporting from Tel Aviv, said later on Friday that some of the Palestinians detained in the incident were released.

According to family members, one of the released detainees was a shopkeeper with no ties to Hamas, he said.

About the Israeli response on the images, Khan said that the army statement was unapologetic.

“This is simply a tactic that they are

Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer killed in Gaza strike GAZA

AGENCIES

The Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer, one of the leaders of a young generation of authors in Gaza who chose to write in English to tell their stories, was killed in an Israeli strike, his friends said overnight Thursday.

“My heart is broken, my friend and colleague Refaat Alareer was killed with his family a few minutes ago,” wrote his friend, the Gazan poet Mosab Abu Toha, on Facebook.

“I don’t want to believe this. We both loved to pick strawberries together.” Israel had conducted further

going to use. They don’t care about the criticism from the international commu-

raids on Thursday evening in the north of the Gaza Strip, according to Hamas authorities. Alareer had said a few days after Israel began its ground offensive in October that he refused to leave northern Gaza, the epicentre of the fighting at the time.

“Refaat’s assassination is tragic, painful and outrageous. It is a huge loss,” his friend Ahmed Alnaouq wrote on X. The Literary Hub website also paid tribute to him, while author and journalist Ramzy Baroud wrote on X: “Rest in peace Refaat Alareer. We will continue to be guided by your wisdom, today and for eternity.”

nity or the human rights groups,” he added.

BoP hosts crop insurance pay out ceremony PEC’s Assistant registrar leads a protest against murder of Engr Asim Laang in front of Islamabad Press Club. PR

Punjab sets bold agenda for sustainability at COP28, featuring RUDA initiative

DUBAI: In a groundbreaking announcement at the Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, Punjab has emerged as a proactive force for change, pledging an unprecedented commitment to collaboration, innovation, and decisive action in the face of climate challenges. This commitment is exemplified by the integration of the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) initiative into Punjab's sustainability roadmap.Situated in the heart of South Asia, Punjab stands as a testament to resilience, heritage, and a sustainable future.

Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, the region refuses to be a passive observer and is positioning itself as a driver of change. PR

PSDF, OGDCL to impart skills training to youth in Attock, Chakwal, and DG Khan districts

LAHORE: In a significant move towards fostering empowerment and skill development, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide free skills training to 150 individuals in Attock, Chakwal, and DG Khan districts.The collaborative initiative aims to enhance employability and create income-generating opportunities for the youth, with a special emphasis on gender inclusivity. Out of the 150 trainees, 50% will be women, reflecting a commitment to provide income generation opportunities for trainees and uplifting them. The training program will cover a diverse range of trades, including Graphic Design, Beautician, Domestic Tailoring, Electrician, Hand Embroidery, and Welding. These trades have been selected strategically, taking into consideration the cultural norms and economic landscape of the target districts, aiming to equip the youth with skills. PR

LAHORE

ments in advancing this concept.

He highlighted that The Bank of Punjab continues to lead initiatives that empower farmers for a secure and prosperous future.

The pilot for the Area Yield Index Insurance was executed in Pakpattan District, focusing on wheat and rice crops. Notably, TPL and PULA approved a substantial claim benefiting affected farming customers of the area. Mr. Masud added that the AYII can address to the specific needs of the farming community in this era of climate change and low per-acre productivity.

Ms. Lee elaborated on the significance of the Area Yield Index as a globally practiced method to protect farmers against low yields, providing insurance against a preset historical benchmark.

Mr Aminuddin showcased the efficacy of the area yield in accurately determining crop yields, facilitating prompt and fair insurance payouts for farmers in times of need.

He shared insights into the inception and development of the innovative insurance model, emphasizing the transformative impact it had had on the agricultural landscape.

China’s November exports beat forecast with first growth in seven months BEIJING

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

China’s imports and exports expanded by 1.2 percent year-onyear in November, with exports recording the first expansion in dollar terms in seven months, according to official data, beating markets expectations and offering more proof that China’s economic recovery continues to consolidate despite challenges.

The better-than-expected data showed that China’s economic recovery continues to consolidate, with more and more positive factors emerging for foreign trade as well as other aspects of the economy, Chinese officials and analysts said, adding that upcoming data will also likely point to solid growth of the Chinese economy, defying dire predictions made by some foreign politicians and institutions.

Still, the data for the first 11 months reflected a tough recovery path for China’s foreign trade and lingering downward pressure for the world’s second-largest economy, analysts noted. But Chinese policymakers still have plenty of policy tools and room and will likely take forceful measures to tackle risks and challenges and en-

sure stable economic operations going into 2024, they said.

Meanwhile, the global market attention is turning to a crucial upcoming economic meeting in China, the Central Economic Work Conference, which is usually held in mid-December. Investors will be looking closely for clues on how Chinese policymakers view China’s economic conditions this year and how they set the tone for economic policies for 2024.

In November, total imports and exports reached 3.7 trillion yuan ($516.68 billion), increasing 1.2 percent, with exports rising 1.7 percent and imports up 0.6 percent, the General Administration of Customs (GAC) said on Thursday.

Notably, in US dollar terms, total imports and exports in November were flat from last year, but exports expanded by 0.5 percent, the first expansion since April, according to the data. That growth pace represented a remarkable comeback from a 6.4-percent decline in October and beat a Reuters’ forecast of a 1.1-percent drop.

“Entering the fourth quarter, China’s foreign trade is seeing increasing positive factors, with imports and exports growing on annualized basis for two consecutive

months and the stable and positive development trend continuing to consolidate,” Lü Daliang, spokesperson from the General Administration of Customs, said on Thursday.

The growth for two straight months reflected the positive trend of the domestic economic recovery and a market demand rebound, according to Lü. Analysts said that November’s foreign trade data were better than expected considering lingering downward pressure from a severe and complex global situation and still weak and recovering internal demand. “China’s trade situation this year is still full of twists and turns, a bit like the letter ‘N,’ with a slight growth in the first quarter, a decline in the second quarter and an uptick starting in the third quarter,” Gao Lingyun, a trade expert. at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told media on Thursday. “And November’s results continued the upward trend since the third quarter, which is quite impressive.”

Analysts were also encouraged by a slight expansion in imports in Chinese yuan terms in November.

According to the GAC, November’s imports rose by 0.6 percent to 1.6 trillion yuan.

Top CPC meeting charts China’s policymaking for year 2024 BEIJING MIAN ABRAR

A meeting attended by China’s top leaders on Friday called for strengthening economic vitality, containing risks and improving social expectations so as to cement and strengthen the positive momentum of economic upturn, as part of the economic assessment and policymaking for 2024.

The key gathering, which is assumed to come ahead of the annual Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC), put the focus on a stable economic rebound and is set to boost market confidence, economists said. They expressed confidence in achieving the pre-set annual GDP growth target of around 5 percent this year, while expecting the country to continue being a leading engine of global growth next year.

The Political Bureau of the Commu-

nist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Friday held a meeting to analyze and study the economic work of 2024, arrange Party conduct and anticorruption work, and review regulations on the CPC’s disciplinary action, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The country should strengthen counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments of macro policies and continue to implement a proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy. The proactive fiscal policy should be appropriately intensified and improved in quality and efficiency, while the prudent monetary policy should be flexible, appropriate, targeted and effective, according to the meeting, calling for more consistency in macro-policies.

The meeting stresses stable macroeconomic policies, which underscores top officials’ positive attitude on the fundamentals of the economy and gives re-

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development aimed at better serving the needs of prospective Pakistani migrant workers, a high-level meeting was chaired by Mr. Jawad Sohrab Malik, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. The meeting brought forth positive news for individuals aspiring to work abroad, as plans for the establishment of six additional Protectorate Offices were unveiled. There are currently nine Protectorate of Emigrant offices located in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Multan, Malakand, DG Khan, and Sialkot.The newly proposed Protectorate Offices are strategically located in Sukkur, Abbottabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gwadar, Islamabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan. This expansion is set to provide greater accessibility and convenience to individuals seeking assistance and services related to overseas employment. PR

Akhuwat Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib visits PTA

STAFF REPORT

The Area Yield Index Insurance (AYII) Payout ceremony took center stage in Lahore here on Friday.

The ceremony not only commemorated claims payments but also emphasized the critical collaboration needed between the financial sector and agricultural stakeholders in driving resilience and sustainability in Agriculture Sector of Pakistan.

Distinguished participants at the ceremony included Mr. Zafar Masud, President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab; Ms. Elise Lee, Commercial Manager Africa & Asia from PULA, an International company founded in Mollis Switzerland, Mr. Arif Nadeem, CEO of Pakistan Agriculture Coalition and Mr. Aminuddin, CEO of TPL Insurance Pakistan.

Mr. Masud, emphasized the significance of the Area Yield Index Insurance in Pakistan. He underscored the need of public-private partnerships and the role of Federal and Provincial Govern-

migrant workers: SAPM

assurance to all industries, Cao Heping, an economist at Peking University, told media on Friday. That it specifically pointed out the direction of efforts in implementing the fiscal and monetary policies is in line with the expectations of enterprises, Cao said, noting that he expected more positive market responses following the meeting, such as increased investment from the private sector.

Li Xunlei, chief economist at Zhongtai Securities, told media on Friday that further interest rate and reserve requirement ratio cuts are possible in 2024.

Efforts should be made to expand domestic demand and form a virtuous cycle in which consumption and investment promote each other. We need to deepen reforms in key areas and continuously inject strong impetus into highquality development, the meeting said, noting that a modern industrial system will be built led by sci-tech innovations

so as to increase the resilience and security of supply chains.

The meeting stressed the country’s commitment to high-level opening-up, and vowed to strengthen the fundamentals of foreign trade and foreign investment.

Meanwhile, the country will continue to effectively prevent and defuse risks in key sectors and resolutely safeguard the bottom line against systemic risks.

On Wednesday, the Central Committee of the CPC held a symposium with non-CPC personages to solicit opinions and suggestions on this year’s economic situation and economic work for the next year, according to Xinhua on Friday.

The December meeting of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee – which is routinely held a few days before the tonesetting CEWC – is seen as a prelude to the keenly watched gathering which provides clearer clues to where the Chinese economy is heading over the next 12 months.

ISLAMABAD: Chairman & founder of Akhuwat, Dr. Amjad Saqib, visited the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) headquarters in Islamabad, today. Additionally, he serves as the Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Program.He received a warm welcome from Chairman PTA, Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, who expressed appreciation for the nonprofit organization's noteworthy contributions.

The Chairman underscored the pivotal role of such organizations in fostering social welfare that in turn drives economic development. Following the welcome, Member (Finance) of PTA, Mr. Muhammad Naveed, shared his insights on the significance of social responsibility and the need for collective efforts to help the disadvantaged segments of the society. PR

Participants of 6th Maritime Security Workshop visit Naval headquarters

ISLAMABAD: Participants of 6th Maritime Security Workshop visited Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. The delegation was led by Commandant Pakistan Navy War College Rear Admiral Javed Iqbal. Upon arrival, a detailed briefing was given to the participants on maritime challenges in the region and responses of Pakistan Navy including PN contributions towards promotion of maritime awareness and prospects of Blue Economy. Later on, Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami interacted with the participants of the workshop. During the interactive session, the Chief of Staff dilated upon issues related to maritime security and PN efforts to enhance maritime awareness in the country. He underscored Pakistan Navy initiatives in enhancing maritime and coastal security, operational readiness, PN initiatives for supporting quality education, health sector and socio-economic uplift of coastal community. The admiral, urged the participants to extend their allout support and contribution to exploit these untapped maritime resources in their individual capacity as policy maker, investor, academia. PR

PM&DC hopeful to achieve recognition of WFME

ISLAMABAD: World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) recognition team recently visited Pakistan to conclude its evaluations and assessments of medical education programs of Pakistan in order to grant recognition.President PM&DC Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj said that the WFME recognition of the PM&DC and its Accreditation Programme will enable all graduates of colleges licensed by the PM&DC will have the ability to train and work in the USA and internationally without any restriction. He highlighted that the final decision of the WFME will be communicated in due course as per their process. Undoubtedly PM&DC has worked hard in the last few months to achieve accreditation. As soon as any decision is communicated it will be shared with the public. He added that the WFME is a well-recognized international organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of medical education worldwide.

Ultimately, our focus should remain on providing proper and good care for our patients. PR

Saturday, 9 December, 2023 | KARACHI

CORPORATE CORNER PSX honours Indus Motors with prestigious Top 25 Companies Award

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KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) honoured Indus Motor Company (IMC), with the highly coveted, Top 25 Companies Award 2022, which was presented by the Prime Minister, Mr Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, to the Company’s Chief Executive, Mr. Ali Asghar Jamali, at a ceremony at Karachi. This accolade recognises IMCs excellence in its financial performance, operational and governance accomplishments, sustainability, and ESG related initiatives.The PSX’s evolving award criteria aims to encourage companies to adopt practices that not only drive financial growth but also contribute positively to society and the country.

The event provides an opportunity to showcase the top 25-award winning businesses to the world. PR

INITIATIVE MEANT TO OFFER FARMERS A VARIETY OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROFIT

NEWS DESK

HE State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has approved Habib Bank Limited (HBL) for the establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary HBL Zarai Services Limited, according to a bank’s notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday.

The decision to establish ‘HBL Zarai Services Limited’ was made by the bank in July of this year, to foster and support the agriculture sector in Pakistan.

According to a report by Profit, the launch of the subsidiary would mark an important milestone for the country’s agricultural sector which has remained largely unserved by the formal banking sector.

In July, at the launching of their “2022 Impact and Sustainability” report, HBL’s CEO and President Muhammad Aurangzeb said the bank received permis-

sion from the SBP to establish a special subsidiary called “Zarai” (agriculture), which will help small and medium-sized farmers improve their agricultural output.

Nestlé Pakistan inaugurates N4HK room in Narowal LAHORE PR

Engro Corporation, listed subsidiaries recognized at PSX awards

KARACHI: Engro Corporation and its subsidiaries Engro Fertilizers, Engro Polymer & Chemicals and Engro Powergen Qadirpur, were presented the prestigious Pakistan Stock Exchange Top 25 Companies awards by the caretaker Honourable Prime Minister Mr. Anwaar ul Haq Kakar at a ceremony held in Karachi.Chairman Engro Corporation Hussain Dawood, who was invited to address the distinguished guests, appreciated the Government for recognizing the pivotal role of private sector towards the economy of Pakistan. He said that the corporate sector is fully aligned with the direction being set by the Government to create a conducive business environment and restore investor confidence.

Hussain Dawood also thanked the Pakistan Stock Exchange for playing an instrumental role in encouraging the corporate sector to excel. PR

Karandaaz hosts first roundtable on ‘Open Banking with Eco-system Experts’

KARACHI: Karandaaz Pakistan, a development finance firm at the forefront of promoting financial inclusion and driving digital transformation in Pakistan, held the first roundtable session to deliberate on Open Banking with industry stakeholders including senior representatives from regulators, banks, fintech and technology platforms among others. Karandaaz Pakistan recently issued a white paper that explores the advantages of Open Banking and deliberates on its prospects in Pakistan.The roundtable session held in Karachi on Thursday is the first of a series of activities initiated to gather industry insights and recommendations from stakeholders. Senior leadership from the State Bank of Pakistan, Bank Alfalah Limited, Meezan Bank, Daraz, Haball, Keenu, Tapsys, SadaPay, 1LINK, National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT), Blinq, Digital Miles, Tasdeeq Pakistan, Allied Bank Limited and Mashreq Bank participated in the Karandaaz roundtable session. PR

Descon Oxychem Ltd celebrates 10 Million Safe Hours Milestone

Nestlé Pakistan inaugurated the Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) room in Government Boys High School Narowal to foster and promote nutrition awareness. N4HK is Nestlé’s global nutritional awareness initiative which supports, teachers and caregivers on their journey to raise healthier kids through a curriculum-based education program promoting healthy nutrition, hydration, hygiene and active lifestyle.

Speaking on the occasion, former federal minister and member of National Assembly from Narowal, Ahsan Iqbal said, “We are honored that Nestlé Pakistan has extended the reach of its N4HK initiative to Narowal. We are confident that the awareness imparted on nutrition to teachers and students alike will play a very important role in promoting healthy habits and a better nourished future generation.”

Talking at the event, Jason Avanceña, CEO, Nestlé Pakistan said, “The N4HK program outreach in Narowal is an endorsement of our mutual endeavor to promote healthy nutrition with trainings for more than 250 teachers with an aim

reach out to 15,000 students till 2025,” he said.

“With the launch of the N4HK room here, I am confident that we will be able to create nutritional awareness in Narowal District and impact children’s lives and food choices. I am also hopeful the knowledge they gain, is shared with in their families and communities at large, making an even greater impact.”

“It’s a part of our larger Creating Shared Value efforts, to be a force for good for our communities.

Creating Shared Value is a fundamental part of Nestlé’s way of doing business that focuses on specific areas of the company’s core

KATI Pledges unprecedented support for Commerce Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz's ambitious $100B export vision

KARACHI: Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has pledged unwavering support to Federal Minister for Industry and Commerce, Dr. Gohar Ejaz, in his bold endeavor to propel the export revenue to an impressive $100 billion.

President Faraz-ur-Rehman, Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer, and Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya expressed their appreciation for the minister's commitment and heralded the inclusion of first-time stakeholders in advisory committees.Breaking away from tradition, where policies were typically imposed without stakeholder consultation, KATI leaders lauded Dr. Gohar Ejaz for recognizing the crucial role of industry players in policy formulation. President Faraz-ur-Rehman assured full cooperation. PR

Etihad Town Phase II hosts Lahore's largest two-day ‘Etihad Town Carnival’

LAHORE: Descon Oxychem has successfully completed 10 million safe hours from December 2008 to November 2023. This remarkable milestone not only exemplifies the company's dedication to safety but also underscores its commitment to business excellence. The company's proactive approach to safety measures, rigorous training programs, and the implementation of safe practices have played pivotal roles in reaching this milestone.As Descon Oxychem marks this accomplishment, the leadership is already looking ahead to the future with a renewed focus on increased efficiencies and a diversified business portfolio. This milestone serves as a foundation for the company's continuous efforts to elevate safety standards and business practices.Mohsin Zia expressed his thought on this achievement. PR

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SBP APPROVES INCORPORATION OF HBL ZARAI SERVICES LIMITED NEWS

LAHORE: Under the auspices of renowned town developer Etihad Town, the Etihad Town Phase II witnessed a vibrant two-day carnival, commencing on December 9th and continuing until 10th, 2023, 10:00 PM. The carnival's first day saw a massive turnout of children, adults, and families who thoroughly enjoyed a myriad of entertainment programs. Etihad Town Phase II, known for its commitment to unlimited recreation, organized diverse programs catering to children, adults, seniors, and women. According to sources from Etihad Town, the carnival featured an array of sports cars, vintage cars, and heavy motorbikes, captivating the city's residents during the morning car show on December 9th. PR

business activities where value can be created for both society and shareholders,” he added.

The N4HK program is part of Nestlé’s commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 of Good Health and Well-Being, to ensure that children understand the value of nutrition as they grow older. So far the program has reached out to 360,000 kids, trained more than 2300 teachers and has developed 14 N4HK Rooms with 11 partners from private and public sector.

N4HK has presence in Punjab, the Federal Capital, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and most recently, Gilgit Baltistan.

Zong 4G reinforces commitment towards service leadership through a series of activities in December

ISLAMABAD: Zong 4G, a leading telecommunications company, is set to elevate its commitment to excellence with the launch of its Customer Experience Campaign including nationwide Market Visits on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023. The initiative underscores Zong 4G's unwavering dedication to delivering top-notch services while immersing customers, employees, and stakeholders in an innovative and enriching experience.The company-wide initiative is poised to incorporate diverse elements aimed at cultivating a culture centered around exceptional customer service. In pursuit of excellence, through this campaign Zong 4G will proactively engage with customers through a myriad of touchpoints, including Customer Service Centers, Franchises, Contact Center, and Social Media platforms. This comprehensive approach aims to elicit direct feedback from valued customers, allowing Zong 4G to gauge their experience with its products and services. PR

PM Kakar strikes gong to launch first GoP Ijarah Sukuk auction at PSE

Agricultural financing in Pakistan has long been considered high-risk and has mostly been a collateral base. However, farmers with smaller land holdings have not been able to access formal banking channels because they do not have much to put up as collateral, and also because bank repayment timelines are rarely catered to crop cycles.

As a result, lending to farmers remains low. In 2022 for example, according to a PWC study, allocation of loans to priority segments, namely Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Agriculture, has been relatively low, accounting for less than 8% of the total loans.

Specifically, SME loans constitute 4.2% of the portfolio, while Agriculture loans account for 3.6%.

Moreover, these penetration levels have been witnessing a decline over the past several years. This declining trend highlights the need for attention and support to bolster lending in these crucial sectors to foster their growth and development.

Govt should adopt tobacco harm reduction strategies as part of tobacco control regulatory framework

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan should consider adopting tobacco harm reduction strategies as part of tobacco control in public health regulatory frameworks. By adopting tobacco harm reduction strategies more than 1.2 million precious lives can be saved in Pakistan. According to a recently published international research report “Integrating harm reduction into tobacco control”, authored by various doctors and researchers from different countries including Dr. S. Abbas Raza, Consultant Endocrinologist at Shaukat Khanum Hospital and Research, integration of harm reduction measures as the main pillar of the comprehensive tobacco control framework, particularly in Pakistan is the need of the time. PR

COP 28: Sustainability disclosures are pivotal in driving climate action

LAHORE: AtCOP28, four leading global bodies have called for concerted action to ensure sustainabilityreporting can help provide better information for those driving climate actionacross the business world. Theyunderlined the potential and importance of a global approach to sustainabilityreporting standards in enabling decision-making, as well to channel moreequitable investment. With theintroduction of international sustainability standards from the ISSB – coming into effect in 2024 providing awidely supported reporting baseline – global bodies called for a focus on achievingadoption across the world through the development of skills, capacity and thesharing of knowledge. Panellistsat Sustainability disclosures driving climate action representing ACCA(the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants),the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), theInternational Federation of Accountants (IFAC). PR

Jazz partners with TPL to revolutionize tracking services in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator, has partnered with TPL Corp to revolutionize tracking technology and ensure unparalleled coverage and reliability by seamlessly integrating satellite and GSM tracking devices. Under the partnership, Jazz will enable TPL with hardware components and connectivity mediums including Fixed, GSM, and Satellite. The strategic inclusion of satellite connectivity services serves a pivotal role in ensuring comprehensive coverage, particularly in regions where GSM signals may be inconsistent or weak.

By utilizing satellite connectivity as a backup, uninterrupted communication even in challenging environments will be ensured. Commenting on the collaboration, Asif Aziz, Chief Business Officer at Jazz, said, "We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with TPL to redefine the possibilities of tracking technology. Jazz is committed to setting new standards in coverage, reliability, and secure communication solutions.

This partnership exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the digital era.”. PR

easypaisa, Telenor join forces to financially empower millions

KARACHI: In a landmark development for the financial markets of Pakistan, the Primary Market Auction of Government Debt Securities (GDS) will now also be held at PSX. This follows the change in rules by the Cabinet to enable government debt to be raised from the capital markets, in addition to the State Bank of Pakistan. For the first time, one year GoP Ijarah Sukuk, will be launched from the Stock Exchange platform in the first phase. In this context, PSX has notified, in coordination with Debt Management Office of the Ministry of Finance, a quarterly auction calendar whereby the first primary market auction will be held via the Capital Market Infrastructure Institutions (CMIIs) on December 8, 2023. PR

KARACHI: Pakistan’s leading digital financial services platform easypaisa and Telenor Pakistan have joined forces to solidify their commitment towards advancing innovation in the realm of digital financial services. Through this renewed partnership both entities will focus on development of cutting-edge solutions, aimed at fostering a broader acceptance of digital financial services throughout the country, ensuring ease and convenience for customers. Acting CEO, TMB & easypaisa, Kashif Ahmed, commented on the partnership, “Our collaboration with Telenor Pakistan marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards reshaping the future of digital financial services in Pakistan. Together we are working on a strategic alliance built on a shared ambition and a commitment to leveraging technology for a financially empowered future.” PR

Saturday, 9 December, 2023

PRAYER TIMINGS

NEWS Ex-PTI chIEf’s allEgaTIon abouT IllEgal ImmIgranTs rETurn, ouT of conTExT, basElEss: solangI

c

QUETTA

STAFF REPORT

ARETAKER Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Friday termed the former PTI chairman’s allegations regarding voluntarily return of illegal immigrants out of context and baseless, saying about 0.5 million illegal immigrants had Pakistan voluntarily and none of them was forced out of the country.

Addressing a press conference along with Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai in Quetta on Friday, Solangi said Pakistan was acknowledged for its hospitality in the world, describing Imran’s tweet as tactical move to gain political mileage in the backdrop of upcoming general elections.

To a query, he said the caretaker government was fully determined to conduct free, fair and transparent elections in the country. “There should be no doubt regarding the conduct of general elections in the whole country on 8 February 2024,” he remarked.

It was the responsibility of the caretaker government to meet the financial, administrative or security requirements of the ECP, which it would discharge

along with four provincial governments, the minister added. He reiterated that the Preamble of the Constitution clearly stated that the country would be run by its elected representatives.

Solangi said today Pakistan Stock Exchange 100-Index had crossed the 66,000 mark, in addition to improvement in rupee-dollar parity. The next government would surely have the country in a better financial state, he added.

He said some elements had been spreading the rumours that Pakistan not on the agenda, but today Bloomberg reported that the country was on the

agenda of the IMF Board meeting on January 11.

“We are happy that the country is moving towards economic stability”, Murtaza Solangi remarked.

He said during his visit to PTV Quetta Center, there was a discussion regarding the terrestrial broadcasting of PTV Bolan.

He said that about 43 percent of the geographical area of the country comprised of Balochistan and the PTV would make efforts to ensure the broadcast of PTV Bolan across the province through terrestrial antenna.

Murtaza Solangi said that broadcast of Hazaragi language programmes on PTV Bolan would be started from December 17.

“We will endeavor to meet the technical and human resource requirements of PTV Bolan on the priority basis “, the minister assured.

To a question, he said that the caretaker government’s powers and duration were limited, but it would take all possible steps for the betterment of Quetta Press Club and the welfare of Balochistan journalists.

To another query, he said that some political parties were demanding the level-playing field, just to play a victim card that would help them get sympathy of the electorate.

Solangi made it clear that the caretaker regime had no favourite political parties in the electoral race.

To another question, he said that presently PTV Bolan was available only on cable and satellite but now plan was afoot to ensure its availability on terrestrial antenna. He said he would visit Radio Pakistan Quetta on Saturday to review its performance.

He said that every inch of Radio Pakistan land would be protected and nobody would be allowed to occupy it illegally.

PSQCA greenlights reforms to boost efficiency and transparency g

TESTING LABORATORIES TO BE OUTSOURCED, WORKFLOW TO BE DIGITISED UNDER RESTRUCTURING PROFIT

GHULAM ABBAS

lhc reserves verdict on plea against Khadija shah’s detention under 3-mPo LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday reserved verdict on a plea filed by PTI supporter and fashion designer Khadija Shah against her 30-day detention order under 3-MPO. LHC’s Justice Ali Baqar Najafi who heard the petition reserved the verdict after detailed arguments by the petitioner’s counsel and the law officer, who at different occasions failed to satisfy the court in justifying some aspects of her detention.

During proceedings on Friday, Justice Najafi came down hard on the government for using delaying tactics to decide on the petitioner’s review application against the detention order, as well as delaying holding the cabinet’s meeting which was to decide the matter.

Jehanzeb Amin, husband of Khadija Shah, filed the petition challenging detention order of his wife with a request to court for restraining the quarters concerned from removing or even transferring the detenu from the jurisdiction of Lahore or from within the jurisdiction of this court.

Advocate Sameer Khosa, the petitioner’s counsel, raised questions over the illegalities committed in implicating the designer in multiple FIRs, her arrest and even her 30-day detention, which came through an order issued under the 3-MPO to maintain law and order in Lahore.

The petitioner has contended that after his wife was granted bail in all cases, a detention order was issued to detain her illegally for 30 days.

He maintained that the LHC had earlier granted bails to her in two FIRs after the Lahore CCPO had submitted a report disclosing the registration of only two cases against her. However, right after that, she was arrested in a third undisclosed FIR. Finally, a detention order was issued to detain her for 30 days.

DETENTION ORDER: An order issued by deputy commissioner Lahore noted that Khadija was being detained to “maintain law and order situation” in Lahore, adding that the superintendent of police, Cantt Division, as well as the district intelligence branch made their recommendations.

It added that Khadija had become a “potential danger to public peace and law and order” and that “there exists a genuine concern that she may once again incite the public to partake in destructive and vandalising activities”.

“In order to prevent the above named activist from acting in a manner prejudicial to public safety and maintenance of public order and tranquillity, it is requested that her Detention Order under section 3 of Maintenance of Public Order for a period of 30 days be issued,” the police recommended.

The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Board of Directors (BoD) has set forth an ambitious restructuring plan. This plan was encapsulated in the vision of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for PSQCA. This strategic roadmap entails essential measures such as the appointment of a Director General, collaborative efforts with international standards bodies, and the formulation of policies governing the establishment and outsourcing of testing laboratories.

SIFC was constituted by the incumbent government to serve as a ‘One-Window’ platform to fast-track decision-making and promote as well as facilitate Foreign Direct Investment in the country, with the help of the civil and military leadership.

Under the restructuring initiative, PSQCA is actively harnessing Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and digitalization to streamline its operational workflows. The Board has given the green light to draft and ratify policies, notably those related to the establishment and outsourcing of testing laboratories.

In a bid to enhance transparency, all food standards will soon be accessible free of charge on the PSQCA website, subsequent to the Board’s approval.

Moreover, there are plans to extend the validity duration of product registration (licence) to three years, pending approval from the Federal Cabinet.

Addressing concerns surrounding confusion in product labelling, premises registration, and product registration for essential food items, PSQCA and Provincial Food Authorities are set to escalate the matter to the National Standards Steering Committee for Food and, if necessary, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP).

As per the approved plan, provincial governments are urged to amend laws and regulations pertaining to Provincial Food Authorities, eliminating redundant standards and empowering clauses.

This move aims to foster a more efficient regulatory framework.

A risk-based inspection system, integrated through the Integrated Risk Management System (IRMS) by Pakistan Single Window (PSW) of FBR, is also on the horizon to promote efficiency and compliance.

The proposed establishment of a centralized One-Stop Shop

for food businesses, endorsed by the Board of Investment (BoI), seeks to seamlessly link various organizations through a unified portal or software, simplifying business processes.

In a collaborative effort, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has shared crucial information about PSQCA and PCSIR processes with the Board of Investment (BoI) and National Information Technology Board (NITB), fostering enhanced collaboration and information exchange.

This means that a comprehensive effort is underway to harmonize food standards by engaging federal and regional/provincial food authorities. This includes excluding non-animal products from import restrictions and introducing risk-based inspections with predefined sampling criteria.

While these reforms promise substantial benefits for both the industry and the public, concerns have been voiced by PSQCA employees regarding potential dysfunctionality of the new steps and regulatory issues surrounding them.

Achieving a balance between progress and addressing these apprehensions will be pivotal for the successful implementation of these transformative changes in Pakistan’s quality control landscape.

‘Toshakhana disqualification’: LHC judge refers Imran’s plea to chief justice LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The single-judge bench of Lahore High Court on Friday referred former PTI chairman Imran Khan’s plea, challenging his disqualification in the Toshakhana case to the chief justice.

LHC Justice Shujaat Ali Khan heard the petition filed by the former premier.

During the proceedings, the judge sent the case file to the LHC chief justice, suggesting the case may be heard by a five-judge larger bench, already hearing a set of petitions of similar nature under the head of Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan.

“It will be appropriate if the same larger bench hears this petition too,” Justice Shaukat Ali Khan recommended. The judge conducted the proceedings on Imran Khan’s petition at his chamber.

Barrister Ali Zafar appeared in the court on behalf of the petitioner.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and others have been made respondents in the petition.

The petitioner has alleged that the ECP unconstitutionally and illegally disqualified him in excess of its authority and that attempts are being made to keep him and his party out of the upcoming elections.

The petitioner has argued that the ECP is a constitutional body whose job is to conduct fair and transparent elections, not to act as a court of law. He claimed that the ECP issued a notification of disqualification on August 8, which was against the constitu-

tion and the law.

He has requested the court to declare the notification as unconstitutional and to suspend it until the final decision of the case.

ILLEGAL NIKAH CASE ADJOURNED On the other hand, a district and sessions court in Islamabad adjourned the proceedings in the illegal Nikkah case against former premier Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi till December 11.

Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah heard the case on Friday. At the outset of the hearing, petitioner’s lawyer Raja Abbasi requested the court to grant him more time till Monday to submit documentary proofs in the court.

He said that he would also present his arguments on the maintainability of the case on that very day.

Accepting the lawyer’s plea, the judge adjourned the case till December 11.

FAJR SUNRISE

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ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

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ahad cheema acquitted in assets reference LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

An accountability court on Friday acquitted Ahad Cheema, the advisor to the caretaker prime minister, in assets beyond known sources of income.

Last month, NAB submitted its report in the accountability court in which Ahad Cheema was given a clean chit in the case. The verdict was announced by the NAB court in light of the graftbuster body’s report. According to the NAB report submitted to the accountability court, the assets over income against the former LDA chief do not constitute a reference. The investigation indicated that the alleged benamidars of Ahad Cheema built properties from their personal income and cannot be directly linked to Cheema.

The report emphasized that the assets accumulated by the bureaucrat were found to align with his income.

Additionally, he provided NAB with his income and profit records during the re-investigation, and the submitted records have been verified and found to be correct. In light of these findings, NAB requested the accountability court to decide on Ahad Cheema’s acquittal plea according to the law.

govt accepts passport tokens for hajj application amid passport delays ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Secretary of Religious Affairs Dr Attaur Rehman reassured the public that the delay in passport issuance will not impact the upcoming Hajj operations. Addressing concerns, he mentioned that the tokens received upon applying for passports will also be accepted for Hajj applications, providing a seamless process for potential pilgrims.

Dr. Attaur Rehman has engaged with the Ministry of Home Affairs to discuss the sponsorship scheme for Hajj applicants, ensuring a collaborative approach to facilitate the pilgrimage experience.

Pakistani Muslims aspiring for Hajj next year have a reason to rejoice as the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced a landmark update: no more mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for pilgrims.

five terrorists killed during Tank Ibo: IsPr RAWALPINDI

STAFF REPORT

Five terrorists were killed in fire exchange with security forces during an intelligence based operation (IBO) in Mullazai area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district, the army’s media affairs wing said on Friday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the IBO was conducted in the area last night over the reported presence of terrorists.

“After an intense exchange of fire, five terrorists were sent to hell,” the ISPR said. “The killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against law enforcement agencies as well as extortion and targeted killing of innocent civilians,” it said. The statement added that a cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered during the operation.

“Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists present in the area,” the ISPR said.

The statement concluded that the security forces of Pakistan were determined “to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country”.

On Dec 5, an army soldier was martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists in the Sararogha area of KP’s South Waziristan district. Two terrorists were also killed by security forces during an IBO in Balochistan’s Kalat district on Nov 28.

On Nov 26 eight terrorists were killed by security forces during an IBO in KP’s South Waziristan district. Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in recent months, especially in KP and Balochistan after the banned militant Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan had ended its ceasefire with the government in November last year.

According to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the country experienced a 34 per cent increase in anti-state violence last month. It showed KP as the most affected province, documenting 51 attacks, causing 54 fatalities and 81 injuries.

Cabinet approves ordinance to remove obstacles for privatization of govt assets including PIA PROFIT

AHMAD AHMADANI

All obstacles to the privatization of government assets, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have been removed as the Federal Cabinet has approved to issue an ordinance to ensure the privatization, it was learnt on Friday.

According to sources, the Federal Cabinet has approved the issuance of Privatisation Commission (Amendment) Ordinance,

2023 to ensure the privatization of the government assets including PIA. They said that it has been decided to end the jurisdiction of the High Courts and other courts against the privatization. They said it has also been decided to establish the Appellate Tribunal to hear the petitions so far filed or to be filed against the privatization. They said following the issuance of an ordinance, the decision of the Privatization Commission Appellate Tribunal can only be challenged in the Supreme Court, while the

cases pending in High Courts and other courts across the country will be transferred to the Appellate Tribunal. The privatization process has so far badly affected by the filing of cases in various courts, said sources.

It has been decided to establish an Appellate Tribunal on the demand of domestic and foreign investors, they added.

Documents available with this scribe disclosed that Privatisation Commission was established as a body corporate under Privatsiation Commission Ordinance, 2000

(Ordinance LII of 2000) with an object to conclude privatisation process in a fair and transparent manner avoiding unnecessary procedural and legal delays while adhering to the principle of due diligence, equity and justice, Section 28 to 33 of the Ordinance confer exclusive jurisdiction upon the High Courts to adjudicate, settle all matters and try offences punishable under the Ordinance. These sections also enumerate the powers and procedure to be followed in High Courts besides providing the appellate fora against orders of the re-

spective High Courts. According to the Ordinance, all High Courts can exercise concurrent jurisdiction in any matter and offences. This concurrent jurisdiction has the potential to lead to multiple petitions on the same matter across different High Courts, resulting in inordinate delays thereby impeding the privatsation process. Therefore, there exists a necessity to constitute a privatization Appellate Tribunal to resolve the issues related to privatsation transactions while adhering to the due process of law and principle of natural justice.

Published by Asad Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 021-35381208-9. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk