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bench to take up BALOCH FAMILIES’ PROTEST BEING PROJECTED SC Nawaz Sharif’s lifetime ‘AGAINST GROUND REALITIES’: PM KAKAR disqualification

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Tuesday, 2 January, 2024 I 19 Jamada Al-Sani, 1445

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Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 184 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition

SAYS TERRORISTS INVOLVED IN KILLING BALOCH g VOWS NOT TO SPARE ANY EFFORT TO MAKE PEOPLE INCLUDING DOCTORS, LAWYERS PAKISTAN HUB OF DEVELOPMENT, PROGRESS LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

ARETAKER Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday said that the issue of Baloch protesting families was projected negatively against ground realities as Baloch people were standing with the state of Pakistan.

Responding to media queries during Business Facilitation Center here, the prime minister said that terrorists and armed militants had been involved in the killing of people of Balochistan including doctors, lawyers and teachers. Anwaar-ulHaq Kakar reassured that the state would fight with them with all force as they could not be given license to kill people.

Referring to criticism by a section of media, he said that they were not fighting with the Baloch families and regretted that efforts were made to spread confusion and meddle things together.

The issue of families of Balochs had

been blown out of proportion, the PM said adding that these terrorists had been taking money and funding from RAW and killing people in the province.

He said that about 90,000 people had been killed in the fight against terrorism but hardly any nine accused had been convicted so far. The prime minister opined that the criminal justice system in the country required improvement.

To a question, he mentioned that there was no restriction on freedom of expression. Replying to another question regarding an alleged firing incident over vehicles of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Dera Ismail Khan, he said that it was alarming, adding that the government was responding to security threats in the southern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with all the available resources.

The caretaker prime minister said that all the resources and security apparatus would be utilized to ensure holding of peaceful polls on the election date and expressed the hope that they would be

successful in this regard.

PM KAKAR VOWS NOT TO SPARE ANY EFFORT TO MAKE PAKISTAN HUB OF DEVELOPMENT, PROGRESS: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday reiterated that no effort would be spared to make Pakistan a hub of development and prosperity in the new year.

In a message to the nation on start of year 2024, the PM said the new year holds key importance for the country in its determination to achieve the goals of peace and a strong economy.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar urged the demonstration of unity among the ranks of the nation to attain success in every field of life. He paid tribute to the martyrs of the country who sacrificed their lives for the homeland.

He felicitated the nation on the occasion, however mentioned that the government had banned the celebrations of the new year in solidarity with the people of Palestine. He also pointed out that

2023 was a year marked by the violence and aggression of the Israeli authorities against the innocent people of Gaza.

PM Kakar hoped that the international community would play a role in ensuring peace in Palestine and ending the genocide committed by the Israeli authorities. He expressed a desire that the new year see progress for the people of Kashmir in attaining their right to self-determination.

PM KAKAR DIRECTS ENHANCEMENT OF AFGHAN TRANSIT TRADE TRACKING SYSTEM: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday directed for taking of further steps at enhancement and foolproof tracking system concerning Afghan Transit Trade.

Chairing a review meeting over Afghan Transit Trade and anti-smuggling measures, he also asked for the formulation of an immediate mechanism for the establishment of an integrated transit trade management system.

OGRA hikes LPG price with start of new year

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LPG PRICES JACKED UP BY RS 1.57 PER KG FOR JANUARY 2024 PROFIT

AHMAD AHMADANI

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Monday notified a substantial increase in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for the month of January 2024.

According to OGRA notification, the 11.8kg domestic cylinder price has increased by Rs18.52 with its new price now Rs3,025 and issued a notification of hike in the LPG price while the new price of the LPG, after the issuance of notification, have

come into effect across the country.

It is relevant to note that the increase in the LPG price will affect the LPG consumers who are already reeling under economic hardships. Moreover, the recent increase in LPG price comes as a serious blow to the consumers’ monthly budget who were accustomed to the previous rate of approximately Rs254.86 per kg.

The Rs1.57 per kg hike translates into a notable uptick in expenses for households relying on LPG for their cooking and heating needs. The new rates are poised to chal-

lenge household budgets already grappling with inflationary pressures.

For those utilizing the standard 11.8 kg LPG cylinder, the revised cost now stands at Rs3,025.87. This marks an increase of Rs18.52 per cylinder from the previous price of Rs3,007.35, further intensifying the economic burden on consumers.

The hike in cylinder prices is expected to impact a wide spectrum of consumers, including both urban and rural households.

The LPG price hike has triggered reactions from various quarters, with consumers

case today

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

A seven-member bench of the apex court will hear the matter of lifetime disqualification today, with a little over a month to go for before the country heads to general polls on February 8.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa will head the bench comprising Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali.

The apex court will deliberate whether the disqualification of a lawmaker is for a lifetime under Article 62 of the Constitution or for five years, as legislated by the parliament. The seven-member larger bench will hear the case at 11.30 am tomorrow. A public advertisement has also been issued to newspapers announcing the hearing of the case.

Military dictator Gen Ziaul Haq added Article 62(1)(f) to the Constitution through the 8th Amendment.

Interestingly, in the last 38 years, no elected government could abrogate Article 62(1)(f), which was included in the Constitution during the era of dictatorship.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

expressing concern over the growing cost of essential commodities.

Industry experts point to factors such as international market dynamics, supply chain challenges, and fluctuating oil prices as potential contributors to the increase.

In a short statement, OGRA said that the LPG producer price is linked with Saudi Aramco-CP and US$ dollar exchange rate.

As compared to previous month Saudi Aramco-CP has increased by 1.6 percent.

The average Dollar exchange rate has however gone down by 0.86 percent resulting

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

in an increase in LPG consumer price by Rs. 18.52/11.8 kg cylinder (0.61 percent), it added. Irfan Khokhar Chairman LPG Industries Association Pakistan said that as the winter progressed, the natural gas shortfall has intensified. He said that it has become difficult to cook food for the people living in the plain areas and hilly remote areas of the country as well. He said it is demanded from the government to amend the LPG policy 2016 as the price of LPG has gone beyond the purchasing power of the inflation-hit consumers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

02 NEWS

POSITIVE SENTIMENT AT PSX LIKELY TO PERSIST UNTIL MARCH: REPORT

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Tuesday, 2 January, 2024 | KARACHI

SUSTAINABILITY OF BULL RUN HINGES ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF NEXT IMF PROGRAM AND IMPLEMENTATION OF LONG-TERM REFORMS, AKD SECURITIES 600 basis points, reaching 22%.

The external situation was also grim; the SBP’s foreign reserves shrunk to a paltry $2.9bn in February, barely enough to cover 0.7 months of imports. To conserve dollars, the government imposed restrictions on nonessential imports, leading to a slowdown in large-scale manufacturing (17.3%). The rupee, caught in the crossfire, depreciated by 21% during the first half.

Despite these challenges, the KSE-100 index surprised everyone, giving positive returns of 2.6% due to the low base. However, market activity stayed low with an average traded volume of 239 million shares, the report said.

The benchmark KSE-100 outperformed all global indices in the second half, with returns of 50.7% (US dollar return: 52.2%).

The $3 billion IMF-Pakistan deal sparked foreign inflows, which along with currency controls, anti-smuggling measures, and the SIFC, improved macro indicators and investor confidence. The election date announcement eased political tensions, while the first IMF review, World Bank and ADB approvals further strengthened optimism.

PROFIT

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AKISTAN Stock Exchange (PSX) is expected to maintain a bullish trend in the near term, with positive sentiment likely to persist until March, according to a recent report by AKD Securities.

However, the report cautioned that the sustainability of this bull run hinges on the successful completion of the next IMF program and the implementation of long-term reforms.

The report, titled “From dark clouds to sun-kissed skies – CY23 Pakistan”, suggested that investors should take advantage of the still attractive valuations (forward PE below 4x) and invest in companies with strong fundamentals and appealing dividend yields while being mindful of the changing political and economic situation.

Stock market faced a gloomy start to 2023, as inflation soared to an average of 33% in 1HCY23, up from 14.4% in the same period last year. The central bank responded by hiking policy rates by a massive

The market offered a cheap valuation (forward PE of ~3x and dividend yield above 10%), attracting bargain hunters. This confidence led to a jump in market activity with average traded volume rising to 627 million shares in the second half, with December seeing a record of 1.3 billion shares traded. Overall, for the full year, KSE100 returns reached 54.5%, closing at 62,451 points at the year end.

Meanwhile inflation surged significantly, projecting a full-year rate of 30.9%, compared to 19.7% in CY2022. With stringent import restrictions in place, the current account showed restraint, reporting a deficit of just $126 million for 11MCY2023, a significant drop from US$11.8 billion in the same period of last year.

A historic milestone was reached with the first-time announcement of quarterly GDP, revealing a 2.13% growth in September 2023 and revising the FY23 GDP to 0.17%. Despite an ambitious tax collection target of PkR4.425 trillion, the FBR exceeded expectations by collecting PkR4.468 trillion, surpassing the set target by PkR 43 billion. Post-IMF SBA, unlocked inflows

contributed to the rise in SBP-held reserves, reaching $7.8bn as of Dec 22, 2023.

The currency front witnessed volatility, with the rupee depreciating to its lowest at PkR307.1 against the US dollar in September 2023. However, administrative controls and a crackdown on the gray market stabilised the rupee, closing at PkR281.86 at year-end, reflecting a 20% depreciation.

According to the report, the year saw a surge in corporate buybacks, with companies seizing the opportunity to repurchase their own shares at attractive prices. A total of nine buybacks were completed, amassing PkR38 billion, and three more were still ongoing at year-end.

On the flip side, IPOs witnessed subdued activity with only Symmetry Group managing to raise a significant $435 million, compared to three IPOs raising PkR1.3 billion in CY22. Rights issues also saw a decline, with PkR6.8 billion raised through six offerings compared to PkR8.8 billion in the previous year.

With cheap valuations and improving

ECP asks Pemra to take action against TV channels conducting election surveys Court extends Sanam Javed’s physical remand in arson case LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

A sessions court of Lahore on Monday extended for one more day physical remand of Sanam Javed in case pertaining to setting on fire the Muslim League-Nawaz House. The police, after expiry of two-day physical remand of Sanam Javed, produced her in the court. Duty additional sessions judge Syed Azhar Ali Jafri conducted hearing of the case.

Lawyer Shakeel Ahmad Pasha advanced arguments for Javed. During hearing of the case, police prayed to the court to extend Javed’s physical remand as they had to make investigations and recovery from the accused.

At first, the court reserved the decision, but later on announced its ruling and extended Javed’s physical remand for one more day.

Separately, Javed while talking to media said she would contest election from the same constituency where Maryam would be competing. Javed said it was beyond her comprehension that why Maryam was afraid of her. Despite managing to get her nomination papers rejected and bail cancelled, she (Maryam) was afraid, Javed added.

Election tribunal refuses to hear appeal of PTI’s Firdous Naqvi

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday wrote a letter to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) seeking action against media channels violating the code of conduct for the February 8 polls.

The letter stated that it was observed some media channels were airing poll surveys, a practice that is “explicitly prohibited under Clause 12 of ECP’s Code of Conduct for National Media”.

According to the said clause, any media person on print, electronic and social media “shall not obstruct the election process and must display their accreditation cards provided by the Election Commission”.

The ECP elaborated that the clause emphasises that both print and social media should refrain from conducting polls and surveys at polling stations or constituencies.

“Such activities have the potential to influence voters’ free choice and may disrupt the electoral process,” the electoral watchdog stated.

It subsequently urged Pemra to take

It added that Pemra, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Press Information Department (PID), and the Cyber Wing and Digital Media Wing of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) would be responsible for monitoring the coverage given to political parties and candidates for their election campaigns through electronic channels, print and social media.

“The above authorities shall submit to the commission details of payments made by the political parties and candidates within 10 days after poll day,” the ECP said. During coverage of the polling process, media persons shall not obstruct directly or indirectly in any pre-election, election or post-election process, the commission further stated. The media is also not allowed to air any unofficial result of a polling station until one hour has passed after the close of the poll.

In case of violation of this Code of Conduct, the Election Commission of Pakistan reserves the right to withdraw the accreditation of an individual journalist/media organisation, the ECP warned, adding that the authority to determine the violation also rests with the electoral body.

“prompt and immediate action” against electronic media channels in strict alignment with Clause 12 of the ECP’s Code of Conduct for National Media.

“A compliance report in this regard shall also be shared with this office as soon as possible for placing before the Election Commission,” the letter added.

The 18-point code of conduct for media prepared by the ECP states that the content floated on print, electronic and digital media during the election campaign “shall not reflect any opinion prejudicial to the ideology, sovereignty, uprightness or security of Pakistan, public order or the integrity and independence of the judiciary of Pakistan”.

It highlighted that allegations and statements harming national solidarity or may create a law and order situation during the election campaign and on polling day shall be strictly avoided on print and electronic media and by any media person, newspaper and channel.

The ECP said content on media shall not include any aspect which may be construed as a personal attack on a candidate or political party and any allegation should include the comments from both sides.

HRCP expresses concern over ‘lack of level playing field’ in run-up to Feb 8 polls

KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

An election tribunal comprising Justice Arshad Hussain has refused to hear the appeal of PTI’s Firdous Shamim Naqvi against rejection of his nomination papers. After his refusal, the appeal will now be heard by a bench comprising Justice Khadim Hussain Tunio. It may be recalled that Naqvi’s nomination papers were rejected from the National Assembly constituency NA-236. Meanwhile, the tribunal comprising Justice Tunio issued notice to the Election Commission (ECP) and the Returning Officer for January 4 on the appeal of Mazhar Junejo against rejection of his nomination papers in Sindh Assembly constituency PS-86 as an independent candidate.

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Monday expressed concerns about the lack of a level playing field granted to certain political parties in the run-up to the upcoming February 8 general election. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, HRCP co-chairperson Munizae Jahangir said that the current situation was not the usual atmosphere present ahead of the general elections,

adding that this would weaken democracy.

“Our concern is that there will always remain a question mark on whichever government is formed as a result of this,” she said. Jahangir added that elections needed to be transparent in order to prevent any questions that may arise. Responding to a question, she said the commission had not shied away from saying that the PTI was subjected to “systematic dismemberment”, adding that the body had mentioned the issue several times.

“I think we all know how the nonelected people have used their influence to monitor or direct politicians. We want the caretaker government and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to assert themselves and fulfil the responsibilities of carrying out free and fair elections that have been entrusted to them,” she said.

Meanwhile, human rights activist and former senator Farhatullah Babar lamented that pre-poll rigging was already being carried out, pointing to how candidates were barred from filing their nomination papers and how their proposers were harassed. “I think the biggest threat from this is that if elections happen, people will lose their trust in them and when the people no longer have trust in the polls, then there will be no trust in the government established as a result of the elections,” he said. He warned that the current political uncertainty would further worsen and the state of human rights would further deteriorate.

FBR collects over Rs1trn tax in a single month g

TAX BOARD SURPASSED TARGET OF RS4,425BN FOR FIRST SIX MONTHS BY RS43B AND COLLECTED RS4,468BN PROFIT

newS DeSk

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) achieved a historic milestone by collecting more than Rs 1 trillion in gross revenue in a single month for the first time in December 2023.

According to a press release issued here on Sunday, the FBR collected Rs 1,021 billion in December 2023 and after adjusting refunds of Rs 38 billion issued during the month, reached a net collection of Rs 984 billion which was higher than the targets for the month.

The FBR also surpassed the target of Rs 4,425 billion (as agreed with IMF) for the first six months of the FY 2023-24 by Rs 43 billion and recorded a collection of Rs 4,468 billion.

This was an increase of more than Rs 1 trillion from the corresponding six

months of the previous year, when the FBR collected Rs 3,428 billion.

The FBR achieved this growth despite issuing refunds of Rs 230 billion in the first six months, which was higher than the Rs 177 billion issued in the same period of the previous year.

The tax board also faced the challenge of import compression, which affected the revenues collected at the import stage. It managed to overcome this challenge by raising more revenues domestically.

The revenue mix at the import stage and domestic taxes, which used to be 50:50 in the past, has now changed to 36:64. The ratio of direct and indirect taxes has also changed and the share of direct taxes has increased to 49% for the first six months.

In December alone, the share of direct taxes was 59%. The share of direct taxes also registered an increase of 41% in the first six months as compared to the same

period of the previous year.

Within direct taxes, the FBR reduced the share of withholding taxes from 70% to 55-58% in the past two years. In December 2023, the share of withholding taxes was as low as 40%.

The FBR also highlighted that it collected Rs 1 trillion as annual collection back in 2007-08. It took 50 years to achieve this milestone. However, in a span of only 15 years, this feat has been accom-

plished in a single month, thanks to the untiring efforts, sheer dedication and hard work of the field formations and the top brass of the FBR. The Chairman FBR congratulated the Member (Customs Operations), Member (IR- Operations) and their teams for achieving this unassailable task. He also thanked the taxpayers, without whose continuous support and correct declarations, this target could not have been accomplished.

profitability attracting investors, all major sectors delivered positive returns. Leading the charge was the auto parts sector, benefiting from relaxed import restrictions and posting a phenomenal 108% return for the year.

Furthermore, the new announced refinery policy also fueled investor interest, pushing the refinery sector’s return to 85.3%. Chemicals and power sectors followed suit, with improving margins and attractive dividend yields leading to returns of 73.7% and 70.7%, respectively.

Conversely, sectors like modarbas, property, and textile spinning struggled, facing headwinds and posting declines of 16.8%, 16.4%, and 7.0%, respectively.

Company buybacks emerged as the dominant theme in terms of market flows, contributing a net $129 million. Moreover, foreign investors joined the bandwagon, net buying US$73.5 million, with their interest concentrated in banks, power, E&P, and cement sectors. Interestingly, mutual funds remained net sellers, offloading $132 million.

TOMCL becomes first South Asian company to export cooked beef to China

PROFIT

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The Organic Meat Company Limited (TOMCL) has achieved a historic feat by becoming the first company from South Asia to export Cooked/Heat Treated Frozen Beef meat products to the People’s Republic of China, the company said in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday.

China is the world’s largest meat importer, with an import of approximately 3.10 million metric tonnes of beef and mutton in 2022.

TOMCL has secured this opportunity after being one of only two companies awarded a license for exporting cooked beef meat products to China from South Asia, the company’s notice read. This breakthrough is not only a success for TOMCL but also a sign of new possibilities for expanding exports to mainland China. The company said that they expect a significant increase in export volumes and revenues. Earlier, the Board of Directors (BoD) of TOMCL approved an expansion plan for production facilities with an investment of Rs600 million. The company said that the expansion will enable it to broaden its business presence for current and future boneless frozen, heat-treated, and cooked frozen beef export orders. The targeted international markets include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Central Independent States (CIS), Iraq, and China.

IMF to discuss Pakistan on Jan 11, approval for $700mn expected PROFIT

MonitoRing DeSk

Pakistan is expected to receive a second tranche of $700 million under the $3 billion stand-by arrangement (SBA) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the approval from the global lender’s Executive Board in a meeting on January 11, 2024.

The IMF has updated the calendar of board meetings on its website and the next three meetings are scheduled for January 8, 10, and 11. Pakistan is included on the board’s agenda for the January 11 meeting, which was earlier expected to take place in midDecember. The delay has raised some doubts about the fate of the loan programme, which is due to end in April 2024. Pakistan received $1.2 billion as the first tranche of the loan in July 2023, after signing a standby arrangement (SBA) in June. The SBA aims to support Pakistan’s falling foreign reserves, strengthen its fiscal and monetary policies, and address its structural challenges. Earlier, Pakistan and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on the first review of the SBA in November 2023, subject to the approval of the IMF Executive Board. The agreement was based on the satisfactory implementation of the prior actions and structural benchmarks agreed upon by both sides. The IMF has praised Pakistan’s efforts to contain the fiscal deficit, increase tax revenues, enhance social spending, and improve the autonomy of the State Bank of Pakistan. However, it has also urged Pakistan to continue its reforms to boost growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

CHINA’S BRI PROJECT LAUDED

BY WORLD AS JOINT EFFORTS VITAL FOR PROGRESS: SOLANGI

NEWS 03

Tuesday, 2 January, 2024 | KARACHI

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ISLAMABAD

StAff RePoRt

ARETAKER Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said that China’s Belt and Road Initiative was appreciated at international level as collective efforts hold signification importance for progress.

In an exclusive interview with China Radio International on Monday, the minister said that President Xi Jinping’s vision of development was based on universal development. “The fruits and benefits of development come only when development is not limited. No country can progress in isolation”, Murtaza Solangi maintained.

SIFC, MoPD to work out comprehensive study to exploit Pink Salt export potential: Minister

The information minister welcoming the message of the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping at the beginning of the new year, he said his vision of global development was also evident in his New Year message.

President Xi has always promoted the timeless principles of humanity and his theory was a negation of the theory that a country can achieve development only by keeping other countries behind, the minister opined. “In our region too, President Xi Jinping’s globalist ideology is gaining ground,” he said.

Murtaza Solangi further stated that the Central Asian countries were already implementing Belt and Road Initiative projects. He said with the passage of time, President Xi’s globalization-based ideol-

ISLAMABAD APP

Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Sami Saeed, told the Upper House of Parliament on Monday that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives would work out a comprehensive study on exploiting the pink salt export potential.

In his comments on the resolution presented

by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of Jamaat-iIslami (JI) about the lack of any mechanism to boost the pink salt exports, which were not being scaled up to their optimum level, the Minister said that the issue was under the special focus of the SIFC’s agenda and that it had been debated at the highest level forum of the Executive Committee of the Council.

Saeed said the Senator had rightly pointed out the significance of pink salt reserves and their under-utilization at the national level to tap precious foreign exchange.

The Minister vowed to share the concerns of the Senators with the SIFC secretariat and its Executive Committee, chaired by the Minister for Planning. He added that the report to be prepared would focus on technology development, patent registration, and measures for exploiting pink salt exports.

Earlier, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, while putting the motion before the House, said the country’s salt reserves were the second largest in the world, as the Khewra Salt Mine alone had an income potential of $12 billion per year.

Senate body to move ICAO for revival of pilots’ licences ISLAMABAD

StAff RePoRt

The Senate of Pakistan body has decided to write a letter to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union’s Aviation Agency for the revival of pilots’ licences. The issue of pilots’ licences was raised in 2020 by the then aviation minister, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, who told parliament that a large number of commercial pilots hold fake licences or cheat in exams. The Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Aviation Saleem Mandviwalla said they will take up the matter of pilot’s licenses with ICAO and European Union’s Aviation. According to the details, the Senate standing committee has decided to write a letter to the ICAO and Europen Aviation Agency to revive pilots’ licences as the matter remains unresolved despite repetitive assurances by the director general Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The Senate body will write a letter for the revival of licences of over 80 pilots during the current week. During the last hearing of the Senate body in October, concerns were raised about the economic repercussions for the country resulting from a delay in the release of pilots’ licences and directed the Ministry of Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to present a comprehensive report on the matter to help the panel in its decision-making.

ogy will gain momentum.

Pakistan’s relations with China entered a new era after the start of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, he observed. The minister said due to the cooperation of the People’s Republic of China and China’s leadership, Pakistan has made progress through CPEC. When CPEC was launched, the focus was on energy and infrastructure projects, Murtaza Solangi said and added currently, work was being done in many new areas under CPEC. Wishing Happy New Year to the people of China he said relations between Pakistan and China have always been exemplary.

Solangi said cooperation in the fields of information technology, mining, special economic zones, agriculture, agro-based

OGRA hikes LPG price with the start of new year CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

industry and tourism was developing as new avenues of cooperation between China and Pakistan were opening.

He remarked that Pakistan-China friendship was not limited to slogans and the future of the relations between the two countries was very bright. “Thousands of Pakistani students are studying in Chinese universities”, Murtaza Solangi stated.

As a result of the cooperation between Radio Pakistan and China Radio International, Pakistan’s professionals went to China and brought back the pleasant experiences of working with their Chinese brothers, the minister said.

Saying that CPEC projects have had a positive impact on the lives of local people, Murtaza Solangi urged the media to highlight the positive impact on people’s lives.

Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers for NA-130 challenged ISLAMABAD

StAff RePoRt

PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers for NA-130 were challenged on Monday after a petition was submitted before the appellate tribunal.

Ishtiaq Chaudhry, the chief of Pakistan Awami Mahaz (PAM), submitted an appeal and asserted that Nawaz has been disqualified for life by the Supreme Court, rendering him ineligible to contest the elections scheduled for February 8.

Chaudhry claimed that the returning officer (RO) approved Nawaz’s nomination papers contrary to the facts, hence, he prayed that Nawaz be declared ineligible and his nomination papers be rejected.

Recently, the three-time prime minister returned to Pakistan’s political landscape with aspirations to participate

in the 2024 general election. On December 26, RO Asghar Joya of NA-130 Lahore accepted Nawaz’s nomination papers after thorough scrutiny, with no objections raised.

The former premier will contest against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwart Dr Yasmin Rashid and 22 other candidates for NA-130 if his nomination papers clear the latest legal challenge.

The former premier was disqualified in the Panama Papers case in July 2017 by the Supreme Court (SC).

The judges of the apex court had ruled that Nawaz had been dishonest to the parliament and the courts in not disclosing his employment in a Dubaibased company in his 2013 nomination papers, and thus, could not be deemed fit for his office.

Later, an accountability court awarded him 10 years imprisonment in the Avenfield apartments and seven years in Al-Azizia references. However, he has been acquitted in both cases by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

However, before the general elections in 2024, the SC will resolve the contradiction between the judicial decision and the parliamentary legislation on whether a disqualification under Article 62 of the Constitution means for life or five years.

‘Lyari gang war operative’ arrested in police encounter KARACHI

StAff RePoRt

A culprit – affiliated with the Lyari gang war – was arrested after an encounter with police in the early hours of Monday in the vicinity of Kalri police station.

The Kalri police officials revealed that the arrested accused identified as Farhad Ahmed – an operative of the Lyari gang war’s Badshah group – is allegedly involved in several criminal activities including target killing, kidnapping, and extortion.

Upon receiving four complaints of extortion, Kalri police officials took action and arrested the key suspect accused of criminal activities in the metropolis.

The police further revealed that the alleged gang war operative was using a vehicle with a ‘fake’ govt number plate for kidnapping while writing several extortion letters to the traders.

Last year in June, the superhighway police claimed to apprehend another

key member of the ‘Lyari gang war’.

According to details, another member of the Lyari gang war, identified as Fahim, also known as Bahari has been arrested, by the Site Super Highway Police.

Senior Superintendent of Police

Health Ministry confirms poliovirus in environmental samples ISLAMABAD APP

(SSP) Zubair Nazir stated that a hand grenade was also recovered from the possession of the suspect Fahim Bahari.

He further added that the culprit was involved in serious crimes and had extorted money from several businessmen on behalf of the Lyari gang war.

Dense fog to persist in plain areas of Punjab: PMD ISLAMABAD APP

The Ministry of Health has confirmed the presence of the polio virus in environmental samples from four districts of the country. According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, the poliovirus was found in four environmental samples from Karachi Kemari, Hyderabad, Chaman, and Peshawar. He said that Pakistan has the most extensive and sensitive polio surveillance system in the world. He added that polio surveillance systems lead to rapid virus confirmation. He said that poliovirus quickly and easily targets children with weakened immune systems. He said that polio vaccination is the only way to protect children from the virus and disability.

He said that parents must administer polio drops to children under five years of age during every campaign.

Dense fog/smog is likely to persist in plain areas of Punjab during the next 24 hours, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Fog/smog is likely in plain areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh during morning and night hours. During the next 24 hours, mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very cold in northern parts and north Balochistan. According to the synoptic situation, continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country. During the last 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while very cold in northern areas and northern Balochistan.

Dense fog/smog prevailed over plain areas of Punjab.

RO provides copies of objections on Sheikh Rashid nomination RAWALPINDI

StAff RePoRt

The returning officer has provided copies of the objections to Sheikh Rashid on his nomination papers on Monday.

The RO had rejected nomination papers of Sheikh Rashid for Rawalpindi National Assembly constituency NA-56 and his nephew Rashid Shafique’s nomination papers for NA-57.

RO Rawalpindi Nazarat Ali has provided copies of objections on his nomination papers to Rashid.

“Sheikh Rashid has failed to provide complete details of his assets,” RO objected. “The value of his declared assets not matching his investment,” RO said.

“He didn’t declare his income from year 2021 to 2023 in assets papers,” RO further said.

He is defaulter of the forest department’s Murree rest house bill and stayed at the rest house from September 4 to 9 in Year 2022 without paying charges, according to an objection.

“There are 3,22,000 arrears payable against him in respect of a

government,” another objection read.

Sheikh Rashid Shafique has failed to submit tax return of his wife.

He also failed to file complete details of his assets, according to objections.

Sheikh Rashid after rejection of his nomintion papers said that the RO had promised to issue confirmed copies of objections by 4:30pm but didn’t issue the copies.

“My lawyers were waiting till 11:00 in night for the copies, which were not issued to them,” he said.

He asked for issuance of the copies of the ROs decision, so they could challenge the matter in high court.

He said a better LPG policy should be made so that cheap, quality and abundant LPG can be provided to the poor people in this inflationary situation. He said the natural gas crisis has intensified across the country, even cooking two meals a day has become difficult in most areas of the country while LPG is the only cheap fuel that is capable of meeting the shortage of natural gas. At present, there is a daily production of 2000 metric tons of LPG across the country while the local consumption has crossed 5000 tons, said Irfan Khokhar. He added that 60% of domestic demand is dependent on imported LPG. Irfan Khokhar also said that poor policies and high taxes have adversely affected the LPG industry. He said LPG distributors pay billions of rupees in taxes while if LPG is made tax-free like LNG and unnecessary taxes on LPG is abolished then they will be able to provide LPG to every house at a lower price. All LPG industry is requested to ensure purchase and sale of LPG at OGRA fixed price, Irfan Khokar requested to LPG producers, distributors, and dealers of the country.

Baloch families’ protest being projected ‘against ground realities’: PM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The meeting was attended by Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akthar, Caretaker Minister for Trade Ejaz Gohar, senior officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, representatives of the sensitive departments and other relevant officials, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

Try watching this video on www.youtube.com, or enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser. Addressing the participants, the prime minister said that one of the major reasons affecting the country’s economy was smuggling and the illegal movement of goods.

Taking notice of negligence over the smuggling issue, he directed the chief secretary Balochistan to completely change the administrative machinery of District Chaghi.

He directed for initiation of criminal proceedings against any personnel found involved in smuggling leading to exemplary punishment besides, advising intelligence clearance of any officer before his or her deployment on sensitive posts of customs. The caretaker prime minister further directed that checking system should be further strengthened at the Chaman, Torkham, Ghulam Khan check posts besides, at the border areas of Balochistan. Cargo checking should be improved and the number of customs staff at Chaman border be increased, he added. He opined that the people in Balochistan province should work for the enhancement of businesses and employment. A briefing over a progress report compiled by an inquiry committee on Afghan Transit Trade was also given to the prime minister. Appreciating the performance of the committee so far, he directed it to earnestly compile its recommendations. The meeting was informed that due to the steps of the government, the smuggling of petroleum products from Iran had been reduced to a huge extent whereas cargo tracking system started functioning from Taftan to Quetta.

SC bench to take up Nawaz Sharif’s lifetime disqualification case today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

When a five-member larger bench of the Supreme Court disqualified PML-N supremo and former premier Nawaz Sharif in the Panama Papers case under Article 62(1)(f) for failing to declare unclaimed wages earned as an executive of a Dubai-based company owned by his son, the question arose as to how long the period of his ineligibility to contest the polls would last. Then a larger bench, in its judgment authored by former Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, ruled that the disqualification period under Article 62(1)(f) would be for life. Similar to the one that decided the Panama Papers case, Justice Ijazul Ahsan was also a member of the bench that set the term of disqualification for life. An SC judge, Justice (retd) Azmat Saeed Sheikh, who was a member of the same bench, wrote in his opinion that the top court had the authority to interpret the Constitution but not to amend it.

Legal experts have termed the disqualification of a politician under Article 62(1)(f) as equivalent to life imprisonment.

04 COMMENT

Epistemologists

Rejection Commission of Pakistan

T

Nominations, doubts about elections: rejected

And the art of making life more difficult than it needs to be

HE nation’s electoral watchdog rejected nomination papers of candidates belonging to the down-on-its-luck PTI at an industrial speed. If there were any doubts about the nature of the upcoming elections, they have been removed in as rapid a speed as the ECP’s.

The papers of all of the heavyweights of the PTI were rejected, whereas those of the members of the PDM, and also ‘software updated’ former members of the PTI, sailed right through.

That the PTI’s (former) chairman would not allowed to be run in a concerted ‘minus one’ effort was clear to all, but few expected a nigh-blanket rejection of the party’s second and third-tier leadership as well.

Some of the members of the Grand Democratic Alliance in Sindh also faced rejections, while the BNP’s chief Akhtar Mengal was also rejected.

This is pre-poll rigging. It is unacceptable, yet, accepted it will be. Because it is certainly not the first time this is happening. The PPP has faced this many times over. The PML(N) has faced it, first before the 2002 elections, and then before the 2018 elections that yielded the PTI government. And the ANP, in its various forms, has been facing this since the days of the British Raj. But the depressing thing is that despite clearly knowing better all the political parties, across the political class, are playing ball, knowing quite well what is going to transpire in the future. The reason could be the lack of trust between them, particularly between them and the PTI, whose apparent about-turn in principles regarding civil supremacy are being viewed as merely circumstantial; that the party will revert to being the creature of unrepresentative forces that it was in 2018 and earlier.

Perhaps this level of despondency has been seen very few times in our hapless republic’s history, where principled supporters of democracy have absolutely no idea who to root for.

A

HAsAn AFTAb sAEEd

T the entrance of an establishment, there was a long queue of men and women desirous of getting in. One by one they went past an idle and indifferent-looking attendant, and disappeared into the building.

One man suddenly stopped and asked the attendant if he may pass as well. The attendant replied that he may not. The dismayed man respectfully asked why he had not stopped the other individuals. ‘Because none of them asked me,’ the attendant explained.

The above is usually narrated (and heard) as an amusing story. It ceases to be funny when one realizes the (all too real) identities of the various characters involved. The individuals who were carrying on with their business without asking for the permission of the attendant were ordinary folks, the man who decided to ask the attendant’s permission, and to defer to his judgment, was your self-proclaimed intellectual, while the attendant was an epistemologist.

What with the numerous challenges it throws your way at every juncture, life is plenty difficult as it is. But in case you want to make it any more difficult, you need not look any farther than the nearest epistemologist. The epistemologist represents the very summit of intellect among his species – the significance of which can only be fully appreciated by recalling that ‘homo sapiens’ literally means ‘wise man’. Philosophers with an epistemological bent have an impressive track record of unfailingly

making matters more difficult than they need to be.

Consider the following examples: There is an implicit agreement (always has been) among all but the diabolical or moronic elements in every society that man is responsible for how he chooses to act. The whole world works based on this consensus. Free will (within reasonable limits) is therefore a given, which forms the basis for praise and disapproval, and promotion and demotion in schools, universities, the workplace and the society in general.

The agreement also happens to be the premise behind the law enforcement and the judicial systems in place everywhere. This is the case while we are still in the practical or the common-sense domain, or until somebody asks an epistemologist – whichever comes first. For an epistemologist will likely tell you that when you choose to run a red light, it is not of your own volition but that evolution and forces beyond your control have conspired to force your hand, absolving you of all moral responsibility. If the epistemologist happens to be Hume, he will not only dismiss responsibility, but will also throw out of the window the very notion of ‘self’ as a unique identity of a permanent agent responsible for the thoughts and actions of an individual.

There are certain things in life that no sensible individual ever doubts. That is why men do not keep getting in the way of speeding cars and eating poisonous substances. Every language has an equivalent to the expression ‘plain as day’ for such obvious facts of life. Arabic and Urdu replace ‘day’, with ‘sun’; in Japanese, it is ‘fire’ instead. What could be more indisputable than the sun, fire or a bright day in plain sight? And yet, if you are reckless enough to ask an epistemologist, he is sure to find a way to cast serious doubts on such facts even if he does not outright reject them.

Why, if epistemologists have their say (in other words, if they are taken seriously enough) they will render a man’s own existence in serious doubt – even for himself! A man’s first-hand experience of his own existence is as unmistakable as his experience of the sun, or fire – probably even more so. Unless he happens to be an epistemologist. In that case, he may

There are certain things in life that no sensible individual ever doubts.

That is why men do not keep getting in the way of speeding cars and eating poisonous substances. Every language has an equivalent to the expression Âplain as dayÊ for such obvious facts of life. Arabic and Urdu replace ÂdayÊ, with ÂsunÊ; in Japanese, it is ÂfireÊ instead. What could be more indisputable than the sun, fire or a bright day in plain sight? And yet, if you are reckless enough to ask an epistemologist

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami

‘Empowering tomorrow: Libraries in the Digital Age’ Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi Joint Editor

Executive Editor

‘Unlocking Knowledge, Connecting Communities’

K

Tuesday, 2 January, 2024

Abid HussAin

EEPING in mind the evolving needs of the users, library services have grown significantly in the changing landscape of technology. Libraries of today’s era are experimenting with new and innovative services that abreast faculty, staff, and students, and a diverse society.

Libraries in advanced countries are rich with resources and services; however, developing countries like Pakistan are doing more with fewer resources. One prominent service offered by libraries in Pakistan is the Online Public Access Catalogue; the purpose of this service is to allow users to search and access material remotely. Users have been granted access to check the availability of books, reserve materials, and manage their accounts online via the Internet. The other service offered by Pakistani libraries is Online Digital collection.

The most prominent services offered by Pakistani libraries are rich resources of Higher Education Commission Digital Library services; under these services, Librarians provide access to users via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) wherefrom users can access these rich resources using the VPN services from Home at anywhere and anytime basis.

In the age of information technology, librarians provide access to a vast array of digital resources like e-books, magazines, academic journals, and audiobooks to quench their research thirst. People can access these resources via login and password from anywhere, anytime, via the Internet.

The most prominent services offered by Pakistani libraries are rich resources of Higher Education Commission Digital Library services; under these services, Librarians provide access to users via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) wherefrom users can access these rich resources using the VPN services from Home at anywhere and anytime basis. Some prominent databases are Taylor & Francis, JSTOR, Emerald Database, Science Direct, Project Muse, and much more.

Libraries subscribe to these electronic databases and provide users with access to scholarly articles, journals, and other academic resources.

Multimedia resources are yet another opportunity offered by academic libraries; these include streaming services, online video collections, and other sources of audiovisual materials. Similarly, the present-day library offers virtual reference services (VRS), which allow users to get assistance from library staff via email, video conferencing, chat, and other social networking websites like Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.

The most incredible services offered by today’s libraries are Interlibrary Loan services.

The library that lacks current resources sends requests to other libraries to provide their help for short periods; these services are called Interlibrary Loan services. As information increases in a wide range, it has become difficult for libraries in advanced countries even to purchase every document; in this case, libraries borrow material from other libraries to fulfill the needs of their patrons. It is an injustice to forget the role of information literacy programs offered by libraries in contemporary society; under these programs, librarians in

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still acknowledge self-existence (‘I am’), but not before introducing the (totally unnecessary, but impressive sounding) proviso ‘because I think’.

Nobody who has lived long enough and who is not totally brain-dead can entertain the slightest doubt about the death, sooner or later, of any given individual S howsoever hale and hearty. This conclusion, whether or not one puts it in so many words, is arrived at by a direct and simple application of induction from the experience that nobody has ever known a man who lived forever. Trust an epistemologist, however, to deem it necessary to introduce a fancy major premise (‘all men are mortal’) and a minor premise (about S) in order to coin a syllogism so as to arrive at the very same conclusion about S. If the motive behind these mental gymnastics happens to be the preference on the part of the epistemologist for deduction over induction, the whole exercise is hardly worth the effort. For the aforementioned major premise itself has been inferred from a large (but finite) number of specific cases, and is therefore inductive in nature. Besides, what is the utility of the syllogism (and the minor premise) when the major premise (which declares all men to be mortal) already includes S, if it is not meant merely to be a parade of logic? In fact, (if I am allowed the use of some logic of my own) it is blatant circular thinking to first state (without first ascertaining that S is mortal) that all men are mortal, and then using that very premise to declare that S must be mortal too.

The above is by no means an exhaustive survey.

Examples could be multiplied indefinitely; but time and space do not permit that kind of luxury. In summary, while the epistemologists pride themselves on their facility for logic, they usually end up being too clever for their own good by not seeing the forest for the trees. With their obscure thinking and convoluted arguments, they do a great disservice to themselves and to their followers by making matters unnecessarily complicated. By discouraging the use of common sense, they often end up subscribing to and advocating extremely absurd and impractical ideas. Aiming for extraordinary perception, they typically end up being blind to the most indisputable facts of life.

Whom the gods would destroy, they first make epistemologists. Or self-styled intellectuals, who look up to those epistemologists for guidance, and who defer to their judgments. May God save us from either fate, amen!

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academic settings organize training programs to enhance the information literacy skills of their patrons. The users are trained to critically evaluate and use information effectively.

The prime purpose of libraries in the current era is to provide users with computer workstations, software to support their research activities, and internet access in order to explore academic resources that exist in libraries and beyond. Many libraries in advanced, as well as developing countries, offer the services of collaborative spaces; the purpose of these spaces is to provide a hall, room, or discussion forum where people from diverse communities share their information through meetings, events, workshops, and seminars. Libraries are hubs of collaborative space. Many libraries charge very nominal amounts for external users, and the majority of libraries offer these opportunities free of cost to their registered members. Libraries of today’s age provide online courses, seminars, workshops, and webinars on various topics that are useful for the academic and personal development of the patrons. Libraries of contemporary society offer community engagement programs like book clubs; author talks com, community outreach initiatives, etc. These forums bring together intellectuals from different spheres. Libraries also provide specialized services to individuals in the surrounding area, like traffic awareness programs, health literacy programs, scholarship opportunities in foreign countries, and children’s programs, in order to enhance their awareness about issues of concern.

In the changing information landscape of technology, the library offers a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of the community. Libraries play a crucial role in fostering education, literacy, and community engagement. The community as a whole must utilize these services for maximal benefits.

I

Whom the gods would destroy, they first make epistemologists.

Or self-styled intellectuals, who look up to those epistemologists for guidance, and who defer to their judgments. May God save us from either fate, amen!

I

Maturity of media

I am expressing growing concern about using social media wisely, as it has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. While it is a major tool for instant communication and global awareness, the risks associated with its growing popularity also increase.

For a peaceful and safer society in both the physical and digital worlds, we must follow ethical and moral principles. Social media, as a digital realm, requires responsible use from us as digital citizens. Social media can be highly beneficial if used wisely. First and foremost, think before posting to avoid negative impacts on young minds. Check facts to prevent the spread of misinformation. Refrain from consuming negative news to avoid anxiety and depression. Encourage healthy discussions and debates on social media for positive personal growth. Avoid sharing negative comments as they can hurt sentiments, even behind the screen. If unsure, refrain from immediate reactions and seek advice first. Lastly, stop comparing yourself to social influencers, as their curated content may lead to social comparison, dissatisfaction, and mental health issues.

MADIHA FARHAT RAWALPINDI

Digital division

IN Pakistan, many economically disadvantaged students turn to government schools due to financial constraints. However, these schools often lack basic infrastructure, with some even being used for unrelated purposes like parking donkey-carts. Unfortunately, the quality of education in these government schools is subpar, and many lack digital facilities. The teachers in these schools often lack computer literacy. In contrast, private schools boast excellent infrastructure and provide students with comprehensive digital education, creating a stark disparity in digital literacy among students. This divide can lead to significant consequences in the professional realm. It is the government’s responsibility to address this issue by improving the infrastructure of government schools, including the provision of digital tools for effective learning environments. Additionally, there should be focused training programs for government-school teachers to ensure they can effectively impart computer education to students. This approach will contribute to the growth of the country and the development of future leaders.

ARSALAN ALI SAHITO SUKKUR

Division of classes

STUDENTS in all educational institutions, including public and private universities, colleges, and schools, face various forms of stress. The most concerning type of stress arises from the disparity between the affluent and less privileged students. Children from wealthier families often display their affluence by arriving in large vehicles, well-dressed, and bringing expensive food in lavish tiffins, accompanied by servants carrying their bags. This ostentatious display fosters an environment of inequality, leading to an inferiority complex and a sense of deprivation among less privileged students.

Compounding this issue, the teaching community often exhibits a preferential attitude towards affluent students, exacerbating the feelings of inequality. Private schools, in particular, worsen the situation by offering a different syllabus and providing a plethora of extracurricular activities that are not available in public schools. The stark contrast in the treatment and opportunities between students in private and public schools creates a significant void, resulting in poor academic performance among children from less affluent families. It is evident that if these economically disadvantaged children are given a similar environment and resources, they have the potential to perform exceptionally well.

SOHA SAEED ISLAMABAD

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

Occupied Kashmir: A cry for justice amidst atrocities Tuesday, 2 January, 2024

Human Rights abuses, International concern, and the urgency for action

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aBDul Basit alvi

HE Jammu and Kashmir region has long been a focal point of geopolitical tension between India and Pakistan, especially concerning the situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The concerns primarily revolve around allegations of human rights abuses. The dispute over Jammu and Kashmir traces back to the partition of British India in 1947, resulting in the creation of India and Pakistan. The accession of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir to India has been a contentious issue, leading to conflicts and three Indo-Pakistani wars. This territory remains a flashpoint, significantly affecting the lives of its inhabitants.

Human rights organizations and international observers have raised alarms about reported atrocities in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, and restrictions on freedom of speech by India. Indian Security forces have been accused of excessive use of force, causing civilian casualties and displacement. The Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, granting broad powers to Indian armed forces, has been a significant source of concern, contributing to a culture of impunity.

Communication blockades and internet shutdowns in Occupied Jammu & Kashmir have been frequent, impeding the flow of information, restricting freedom of expression, and making it challenging for the international community to assess the situation. Such restrictions are considered a violation of basic human rights in the modern age.

The international community has expressed varying degrees of concern.

Human rights organizations, including

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for independent investigations into alleged abuses. India contends that the situation is an internal matter and emphasizes its sovereign right to address security challenges, citing the need to counter terrorism and insurgency.

However, critics argue that India is using excessive force to suppress the voice of Kashmiris, contrary to its claims.

The situation worsened after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Indian government rescinded the special autonomous status granted to Jammu and Kashmir, triggering extensive debates and discussions. Article 370, which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was viewed as a means to honor the region’s cultural, religious, and political diversity. The abrogation was presented as a step towards integration, but it faced opposition within India and globally, seen as a violation of the region’s distinctive identity.

The Supreme Court of India later affirmed the decision to abrogate Article 370, dismissing petitions advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The court clarified that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that Article 370 was temporary. The judgment upheld the government’s decision, stating that the President has the authority to abrogate any constitutional provision.

While Israel engages in the killing of Palestinians, another distressing situation unfolds in occupied Kashmir following a decision by the Modi government. Recently, the Indian Army apprehended over eight Kashmiris from their homes in the Bafliaz area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently, three of them, Safir Hussain, Muhammad Shaukat, and Shabbir Ahmed, were reported dead in a military camp. Ahmad Noor, the elder brother of one of the deceased, expressed his dismay, stating, “I served in the Indian Army for 32 years, and my loyalty has been repaid with my brother’s death.” Noor, disillusioned, emphasized that his decades of service and received awards now hold little value in his eyes.

Those injured in the military violence are currently undergoing treatment. One victim, speaking from the hospital, revealed that he and others were subjected to inhumane

treatment, including being stripped naked, beaten with sticks and iron rods, and having chili powder sprinkled on their wounds.

Mohammad Ashraf, a 52-year-old resident of Hasblot Thana Mandi in Rajouri district, recounted being part of a group arrested by Indian forces. He detailed the brutal treatment they endured, with a video circulating on social media capturing the harrowing incident.

Ashraf, a lineman in power development since 2007, supports his three children with a monthly salary of Rs 9330. His wife passed away earlier this year. Other victims admitted to Rajouri hospital include Farooq Ahmed (45), Fazl Hussain (50), Muhammad Betab (25), and a 15-year-old boy. Betab, married on December 15th, found his Walima ceremony transformed into a nightmare due to the brutality he endured.

The heinous incident has sparked intense protests in Srinagar. Internet services are completely shut down in Poonch district, and sieges and searches have been intensified. It’s important to note that after five Indian soldiers were killed in an attack on December 21 in Poonch district of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army appears to have unleashed a wave of inhumane atrocities on innocent citizens. The situation suggests that Indian occupation forces feel empowered to carry out mass atrocities against Kashmiris.

It was expected that a strong condemnation would be voiced against the atrocities committed by India. However, a specific faction in Azad Kashmir is actively involved in propagating negative campaigns against the Pakistan Army to achieve its malicious objectives, disregarding the services and sacrifices of the army. An individual with a particular mindset attempted to tarnish the reputation of the Pakistan Army deployed in the Neelum Valley by spreading false claims that soldiers had brandished weapons and threatened him. Contrary to these allegations, sources reveal that on the morning of December 20, a lawyer named Fazal Mehmood was stopped for a routine check at a joint check post. Rather than complying, he drove away and was subsequently halted at the next check post at Tejiyan. After an ID card check, he was allowed to proceed. Feeling insulted, Fazal Mehmood made accusations against the Pakistan Army on social media. It is reported that this individual has a history of spreading lies against the army and security

agencies and has been exposed on multiple occasions. The local community and the Bar Council are urged to identify and eliminate such disruptive elements.

Individuals who mislead the public through false propaganda against security agencies, thereby advancing the enemy’s cause, should be singled out to prevent the defamation of the noble and responsible profession of law. Barely a day passes without news of an officer or soldier of the Pakistan Army sacrificing themselves for the security of the country and its people while combating terrorists in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and across Pakistan. Enemy elements have persistently engaged in antiarmy propaganda to demoralize the Pakistan Army, despite its remarkable and unforgettable services and sacrifices for the nation.

A small faction in our country has opposed the Pakistan Army since the partition of India, displaying relentless animosity.

Initially aligned with Lenin and Marx, they opposed the Pakistan Army and supported Greater Pakhtoonstan in opposition to the two-nation theory. They were even prepared to take up arms against the Pakistan Army.

Today, these same elements are pursuing the enemy’s agenda by drawing comparisons between free Kashmir and occupied Kashmir in the name of freedom and human rights.

Addressing this, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir emphasized unity and solidarity to counter the efforts of the enemies using religious, ethnic, and political vulnerabilities.

To emerge as a determined and strong nation, unity is paramount.

The armed forces of a country are intrinsically linked to its history, security, and prosperity. Recognizing the services of the army is not merely a ceremonial gesture; it is a fundamental necessity for fostering national unity, safeguarding sovereignty, and ensuring the well-being of citizens. Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a self-governing administrative region under Pakistan’s jurisdiction, has garnered attention due to its strategic location and historical significance.

The Pakistan Army has played a pivotal role in securing the region’s development, welfare, and security. Beyond its defense functions, the army has been actively engaged in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance efforts in AJK. The region, prone to natural disasters, has witnessed the army mobilizing resources for timely aid, medical assistance, and relief efforts during crises. This underscores the army’s commitment to the welfare of the local

population. The Pakistan Army has actively participated in infrastructure development projects in AJK, contributing to the construction of roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. These initiatives aim to improve the overall quality of life in the region, fostering economic development and connectivity. Additionally, the army has been involved in community-oriented projects, including healthcare camps, educational programs, and vocational training, addressing immediate needs and contributing to longterm socio-economic development. The provision of healthcare facilities to areas with restricted winter access and helicopter support for critical patients exemplify the army’s dedication to the well-being of AJK residents.

The demanding topography and vulnerability to natural disasters in AJK often necessitate specialized search and rescue operations. The Pakistan Army, with its proficient personnel and resources, has played a crucial role in executing successful operations during emergencies, ensuring the safety of the local population. Moreover, the presence of the Pakistan Army in AJK contributes significantly to fostering national integration. Through active engagement with the local population, the army works to bridge cultural and regional gaps, promoting unity and a shared national identity.

The contributions of Pakistan and Pak Army in Azad Jammu and Kashmir go beyond conventional defense responsibilities. Pak Army’s multifaceted involvement in security, disaster relief, infrastructure development, and community welfare reflects a comprehensive commitment to the well-being of the people in AJK. As the region continues to confront challenges, the Pakistan Army remains resolute in its dedication to ensuring a secure and prosperous future for Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It is crucial to recognize the services of the Pak Army for the entire country and, specifically, for AJK. Presently, it is imperative to draw attention to the situation in Occupied Kashmir, condemning the atrocities committed by the Indian Army against innocent Kashmiris. Loyalty to Pakistan and the Pak Army is paramount, utilizing all available forces and resources to advocate for the right of self-determination for Kashmiris.

Additionally, it is essential to vigilantly monitor elements that align with our adversaries, and stringent action should be taken against anti-state entities.

OIC and Arab League must Things we think will back South Africa’s ICJ happen in 2024 How 2024 will shake out, according to the Future Perfect team case on Israel The OIC and the Arab League have an opportunity to join a historic process that could redefine how international law works and uphold justice

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MIDDLE EAST EYE tayaB ali

HE ongoing war in Gaza has opened a window for Muslim-majority nations to lead by example in upholding the rule of law and justice. This moment presents a chance to respond to their citizens’ calls for action and to pursue legal avenues in response to alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Beyond material progress and architectural marvels that rival ancient wonders, a truly progressive state is marked by its commitment to accountability and justice - a domain where some established democracies have faltered.

After enduring a harrowing 85 days of bombardment resulting in nearly 22,000 killed, including more than 8,000 children and 6,000 women, 1.9 million displaced and the collapse of the health infrastructure, South Africa, a signatory of the Genocide Convention has finally called upon the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to examine the crisis. This long-awaited step reflects a crucial recognition of the international community’s role in conflict resolution and human rights protection.

Members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League stand at a pivotal crossroads, where the decision to support South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the ICJ could mark a significant step towards upholding international law and justice.

A PIVOTAL CROSSROADS: The Arab League and OIC should urgently make it clear that as organisations they unequivocally support South Africa’s application to the ICJ in the same way as the OIC supported Gambia’s case against Myanmar’s alleged genocide of the Rohingya Muslims.

South Africa’s meticulous and legally grounded application to the ICJ presents a profound opportunity for these influential states to endorse a process that seeks to clarify and address serious allegations in a legally constituted forum, free from political interference.

South Africa’s application to the ICJ is not a mere accusation; it is a comprehensive, 84-page document publicly available on the ICJ’s website, grounded in detailed factual and legal analysis.

This move by South Africa is not, as Israel claims, a form of cooperation with any terrorist organisation or an act of defamation or antisemitism; it is a fulfilment of obligations under the Genocide Convention.

It is an unimpeachable act of responsibility to the international community and the principles of justice and human rights. And it could prevent further loss of life through the ICJ issuing urgent provisional measures to Israel.

Accusing Israel of genocide is a serious claim, one that the ICJ is uniquely qualified to assess without political bias. It is crucial to understand that holding a state accountable in international law, as sought by South Africa, is not an act of defamation but a pursuit of justice.

Israel’s claim that such legal actions are akin to “blood libel” is a purposeful and dangerous misrepresentation. No state, including Israel, is above international law.

The British court’s decision in 2009 to issue an arrest warrant for an Israeli politician on allegations of war crimes during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza is a testament to the necessity of legal scrutiny over political immunity.

Israeli politicians’ recent statements, some with potentially genocidal implications, should also be subject to judicial examination. This is not about targeting a nation or a people but ensuring that actions and words are held against the rigour of international law.

BEYOND RHETORIC: The issue of Hamas and its accountability under international law should also be addressed in a legal setting. Collective punishment of the Palestinian people is not an acceptable response to the actions of a particular group. Both parties should be subject to legal scrutiny when there is evidence of violating international law.

For the OIC and the Arab League states, supporting South Africa’s initiative at the ICJ is a chance to contribute to a process that upholds justice, due process, and international law. It is an opportunity to move beyond rhetoric and towards a structured legal examination of serious allegations.

No doubt leaders of the OIC and Arab League states condemn Israel’s alleged actions in their hearts. It is better still that they speak out against alleged violations that we see on our screens daily and even better still that they take action and join South Africa at the ICJ in the first step to break Israel’s gifted impunity and hold it accountable for alleged international law violations. The ICJ operates independently, free from external pressures. Any objections to South Africa’s application should be presented through legal submissions to the court. Attempts to influence the court outside of its legal processes undermine the very principles of justice and impartiality that the court stands for.

The OIC and the Arab League have the opportunity to be part of a historic process that could redefine the application of international law in conflict resolution and uphold the principles of justice and accountability on the global stage.

Tayab Ali is the Director of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians and a Partner & the Head of International Law at leading London law firm Bindmans LLP.

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VOX

Bryan Walsh, Dylan MattheWs anD sigal saMuel

E don’t just make blind predictions. In keeping with the best practices of forecasters, we attach probabilities to each of our predictions. Pay attention to the probabilities! 80 percent, or even 90 percent, does not mean we are certain an event will definitely happen. (If we were, we would say 100 percent.)

DONALD TRUMP WILL RETURN TO THE WHITE HOUSE (55 PERCENT): Predicting a presidential race a year out is tough. As political scientists Robert Erikson and Christopher Wlezien have noted, “polls from the beginning of the election year have virtually no predictive power” when it comes to calling presidential races. People still respond to the state of the economy the year the election is held and the new facts they learn about the candidates as campaigns progress.

A better approach than using polling is to reference some of the forecasting models political scientists have developed for predicting elections in advance. But many of these rely on data that’s only available mid-year, like presidential approval ratings or economic growth in the first half of the year.

The one exception is a model from political scientist Jay DeSart, which does state-by-state predictions of outcomes based on prior voting habits of the state and the national polling average in October of the year prior to the election.

I plugged October 2023’s head-to-head Biden/Trump polls into the model and found that it predicts a healthy Trump victory (297 electoral votes to 241), with the median forecast seeing Biden lose Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin but hang on to Michigan. But it’s a narrow advantage. The polls I relied on showed an average Trump lead of 0.2 points. A swing of less than 2 points in the polls would lead to a prediction of a Biden victory. So while I think the public’s lackluster mood toward the economy and Biden’s relative unpopularity put him at a disadvantage going into 2024, it’ll be a nail-biter for sure.

This, of course, assumes Trump will be on the ballot, and the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling disqualifying him puts that in some doubt. But I don’t think much doubt; as Andrew Prokop explained for Vox, the likely outcome here is that the Supreme Court rules on whether Trump’s participation in the January 6, 2021, insurrection disqualifies him from the ballot, and I cannot envision the Court ruling against Trump, both because of its partisan leanings and out of fear of Trump supporter backlash delegitimizing the Court. —Dylan Matthews

NETANYAHU WILL BE UNSEATED AS ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER (75 PERCENT): Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel was an unprecedented calamity for the country, and many analysts think it will finally be the end of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Though he’s tried to place the blame elsewhere for the failure to protect Israelis, the people aren’t buying it: Polls keep showing that voters want him out — by a wide margin.

In fact, the outrage being directed against him is so intense that some will find it weird that I’m only giving it 75 percent odds that he’ll be unseated in 2024. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my years living in and reporting on Israel, it’s that you should never underestimate Bibi’s canny campaigning and his ability to rise from the political ashes. We’ve seen it happen before. It is conceivable that he manages to cling to power for yet another term. Still, I think if ever there was a time when he could be pushed out, it’s now. —Sigal Samuel

THE WORLD WILL BE HOTTER IN 2024 THAN IT WAS IN 2023 (80 PERCENT): Future Perfect has repeatedly predicted that the coming year will be warmer than the previous one, giving it 80 percent odds. As my colleague Kelsey Piper has noted, “This is based on looking at the last 25 years of atmospheric temperature data: On average, in four out of five years, this prediction would be right.”

The writer is a freelance columnist

With the continued burning of fossil fuels that cause climate change, it should come as no surprise that 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded. And 2024 will probably be even hotter, in part because of El Niño, the warm phase of the Pacific Ocean’s temperature pattern. In fact, experts predict that 2024 may be the first year that the average global surface temperature tops 1.5 degrees Celsius above what it was in the pre-industrial period. —SS

NARENDRA MODI WILL REMAIN AS PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA AFTER THE COUNTRY’S 2024 ELECTIONS (85 PERCENT): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could reasonably claim to be the most popular democratically elected leader in the world. According to Morning Consult’s weekly approval ratings of more than 20 democratic leaders, Modi’s net approval was a sky-high +60 among Indian voters as of late November, twice as high as the next most popular leader. And while other politicians around the world have seen their fortunes ebb and flow, Modi’s popularity has barely changed since the polls first became available in August 2019.

That personal popularity has translated to electoral wins, most recently in state elections in December, where Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a sweeping victory in three heavily populated northern states.

Beginning in April, hundreds of millions of Indian voters will go to the polls to pick their next government in the world’s largest election. Could Modi, who has been in power since 2014, lose? It’s possible — more than 20 opposition parties, including the BJP’s main opponent the Congress Party, formed the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance in July in an effort to present a unified opposition. But this election is easier to call than just about any other in 2024. I would be shocked if Modi doesn’t stay in power — and tighten his grip on it.

In fact, the real question isn’t so much who will win the 2024 Indian elections, but whether we’ll see free and fair ones in the future. As my colleague Zack Beauchamp wrote in June, Modi has “systematically taken a hammer to the core institutions of Indian democracy.” From manipulating judges to controlling the press to undermining the machinery of elections, Modi is pushing the boundaries on how authoritarian a leader can become while still being “democratically elected.” Add in the allegations that Indian intelligence ordered the assassination of a Canadian citizen in Canada, and tried to do the same in the US, and 2024 is set to be a watershed year for India and its democracy — whatever the outcome of the spring’s election.

— Bryan Walsh (BW)

OPENAI WILL RELEASE CHATGPT-5 BY THE END OF NOVEMBER 2024 (75 PERCENT): A company that fires its CEO, promotes an interim CEO, then hires a new CEO, then experiences a total company rebellion, then brings back the original CEO, all within a week, is a company that is inherently hard to predict. And that’s especially true given that divisions over AI safety and the rate at which OpenAI was commercializing its products played at least some role in that internal division. It might make sense for OpenAI to take a beat and get its stuff together before unleashing the next full version of ChatGPT upon the world. But the former and future OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is nothing if not ambitious, and we know the company has been working on ChatGPT-5. (For the purposes of this prediction, OpenAI will need to release a product called “ChatGPT-5” — no “ChatGPT-4.5 Turbo” or whatever.) If anything, 75 percent might be a bit low. The good people at Metaculus currently have September 2024 as their median forecast for when ChatGPT-5 will be released.

My hesitancy largely stems from the possibility that in the aftermath of the management implosion, OpenAI might take the opportunity to be more deliberate with its commercial rollouts. That said, given the increasing competition in the large language model arena — and the need to generate revenue to cover the crippling cost of all that computing — OpenAI will probably continue its evolution into an actual tech company and just keep shipping. —BW

06 NEWS

GAZA WAR WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT 2024, WARNS ISRAEL

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TEL AVIV

AGENCIES

SRAEL on Monday warned that the Gaza war will continue throughout 2024 as unrelenting strikes killed dozens in the Palestinian territory and Hamas fired a rocket barrage at the stroke of midnight.

A total of 21,978 Palestinians have been killed and 56,697 have been wounded in Israeli strikes in Gaza since October 7, the health ministry in Gaza said on Monday.

The figures include 156 Palestinians killed and 246 injured in the past 24 hours, the ministry added.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said that some of the 300,000 army reservists would get a break from the war, in order to prepare for the “prolonged fighting” ahead.

The army “must plan ahead, understanding that we will be required for additional tasks and warfare throughout this year,” Hagari said as the conflict sparked by the October 7 Hamas attacks raged on.

Heavy artillery fire again pounded Hamas-run Gaza, killing at least 24 people, health ministry officials there said,

with attacks reported across the length of the territory.

In the besieged Gaza Strip, where the UN says 85 percent of the population has been displaced, 20-year-old Hamdan Abu Arab said he hoped “2024 will be better”.

“We used to go out and enjoy our time on the last day of the year,” he recalled.

“But this New Year’s Eve, there are only missiles and the remains of people.”

QASSAM BRIGADES CLAIM TO ATTACK ISRAELI SOLDIERS IN

BUREIJ: The armed wing of Hamas, known as the Qassam Brigades, has stated that its members ambushed Israeli forces in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, killing an unspecified number of occupation forces and wounding others.

Israel’s airstrike on a residential block in the Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip has left at least three people dead and numerous others injured, according to Al Jazeera’s team on the ground.

Furthermore, in response to Israel’s

death last week of a top commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Syria, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has asked that the UN Security Council take action.

HAMAS COMMANDER ADIL MISMAH KILLED, ISRAELI ARMY CLAIMS: The Israeli army has claimed to have killed Adil Mismah, a Hamas commander in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, whom it said took part in the October 7 attack, Al Jazeera reported.

It also said it struck Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in Shejaiya and “located large amounts of weapons”. It said a Palestinian cell that attacked Israeli troops with mortar shells was destroyed, and a Hamas fighter launching rockets in Khan Yunis was killed.

It said its attacks continued overnight, with naval troops providing support fire for ground troops, who are pushing further south.

OFFICIALS ‘CONCERNED’ ICJ COULD CHARGE ISRAEL WITH GENOCIDE: ISRAELI MEDIA: According to a Monday article in Haaretz, Israeli authorities fear that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) may accuse their country of committing genocide in Gaza.

Sales of Indian SUVs soar, smaller cars skid in December PROFIT

REUTERS

Kim tells army to ‘annihilate’ South Korea, US if they initiate conflict PYONGYANG AGENCIES

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told his top military officers to use maximum force against South Korea and the United States if they initiate a military confrontation, state media reported Monday.

Seoul and Washington have ramped up defence cooperation in the face of a record-breaking series of weapons tests by Pyongyang over the past year.

At a meeting with North Korea’s major commanding officers in Pyongyang on New Year’s Eve, Kim said his military should “annihilate” the enemy if provoked, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

“If the enemy opt for military confrontation and provocation against the DPRK, our army should deal a deadly blow to thoroughly annihilate them by mobilizing all the toughest means and potentialities without moment’s hesitation,” Kim said.

Kim’s comments echo his threats made during year-end party meetings of a nuclear attack on Seoul and orders for a military arsenal build-up to prepare for a war that he said could “break out any time” on the peninsula.

During the meetings to set the policy agenda for 2024, the North Korean leader accused the United States of posing “various forms of military threat”.

He also called on armed forces to “suppress the whole territory of south Korea mobilizing all physical means… including nuclear forces” in case of a “great event”, referring to an armed conflict.

Kim told the meeting he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, noting the “uncontrollable crisis” that he said was triggered by Seoul and Washington.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Monday to keep Pyongyang’s military provocations at bay with a joint extended deterrence system with Washington, scheduled for the first half of 2024.

The deterrence system will “fundamentally deter any North Korean nuclear and missile threat”, Yoon said in his New Year’s Day address.

In 2023, Pyongyang successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite, enshrined its status as a nuclear power in its constitution and test-fired the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile in its arsenal.

Sales of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) rose in December, while small car sales fell despite high discounts, data from Indian automakers showed on Monday.

While sales of entry-level vehicles remain slow due to inflation, automakers have benefited from the sales of premium vehicles, catering to a more well-off demographic largely unaffected by higher prices.

Maruti Suzuki (MRTI.NS) and Mahindra & Mahindra (MAHM.NS) reported domestic SUV sales growth of 24% and 39% year-on-year, respectively.

Indian carmakers’ SUV seg-

ment has benefitted from strong demand through the last year.

Mahindra, which makes SUVs such as the Thar, Scorpio and XUV, had multiple months of record sales in the category in 2023. It has seen 20%-57% sales growth each month this financial year so far. Sales of SUVs have formed 36% of Maruti’s domestic passenger vehicle (PV) so far this fiscal year, compared with 22% last fiscal, while accounting for almost all of Mahindra’s PV sales.

The year-end, where automakers usually provide larger discounts, coupled with low demand for entry-level vehicles, prompted Maruti to increase discounts on its lesser-priced models by 40% to 45%.

However, sales of its small cars like the Alto and Baleno were down 29%. That was also, in part, due to Maruti’s moderation of wholesales.

Tata Motors (TAMO.NS) reported an 8% growth in domestic PV sales, without specifying the growth rates of different categories of cars.

Among two-wheelers, Bajaj Auto’s (BAJA.NS) and TVS Motor’s (TVSM.NS) domestic sales jumped 26% and 27% respectively, while Eicher Motors’ (EICH.NS) Royal Enfield motorcycle sales fell 7%.

Bajaj and other two-wheeler makers benefited from the wedding season that took place during the first half of the month, analysts have said.

IAF crash history: 534 incidents, 152 pilots lost in 30 years: report NEW DELHI

AGENCIES

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grappled with a concerning trend of air accidents, totalling 534 incidents, resulting in the tragic loss of 152 Indian pilots in the last three decades, says a report.

Over the past five years alone, 45 accidents claimed the lives of 42 pilots, shedding light on the persistent challenges faced by India’s aviation sector.

Preliminary investigations point towards a combination of factors contributing to these incidents, with pilot negligence and concerns over the quality of machinery emerging as significant issues.

Back in 2012, the then Indian defence minister informed parliament about the alarming situation, revealing that more than half of India’s MiG-21 fleet had been lost to accidents.

The gravity of the situation came to the forefront in December 2021, when an Indian helicopter crashed, resulting in killing of 13 military officers, including general Bipin Rawat.

The incident underscored the urgency for a thorough review of safety protocols and equipment maintenance within the defense forces.

More recent incidents include the collision and destruction of US 300 and Mirage 2000 in Madhya Pradesh in January 2023.

Additionally, on March 8, 2023, an Indian Navy helicopter met a tragic fate as it sank in the Arabian Sea, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive meas-

ures to enhance safety and prevent such calamities.

As the Indian Air Force contends with its position at the forefront of air accidents, calls for heightened scrutiny, training reforms, and technological upgrades resonate within defense circles.

The nation mourned the loss of skilled pilots and military personnel while urging authorities to address the root causes behind these distressing incidents.

Tuesday, 2 January, 2024 | KARACHI

Two years on, RCEP boosts trade amid protectionism, set to bring greater opportunities CHINA

AGENCIES

Chinese experts hail the significant role of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in promoting regional trade and investment cooperation despite rising protectionism, as the agreement celebrates its second anniversary on January 1, 2024.

The expected forthcoming upgrade of the world’s largest free trade agreement in its new phase of comprehensive implementation should avoid geopolitical interferences and will unlock even greater opportunities for all involved economies, experts said.

The RCEP officially took effect on January 1, 2022.

With the RCEP taking effect in the Philippines on June 2, 2023, the trade pact has come into full effect for all 15 signatory economies, entering a new phase of comprehensive implementation.

There have been greater dividends from the RCEP agreement since it took effect, Zhang Xin, a spokesperson for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), said on Wednesday.

In November, CCPIT branches nationwide issued 19,834 RCEP Certificates of Origin, up 20.83 percent year-on-year. The certificates will mean companies are eligible for tariff reductions.

The trade pact of 15 Asia-Pacific countries is expected to lead to the gradual elimination of tariffs on over 90 percent of goods traded within the region, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

China’s total imports and exports with the other 14 members of RCEP reached 6.1 trillion yuan ($860 billion), a year-on-year increase of 1.5 percent in the first half of 2023. It contributed over 20 percent to the growth of China’s foreign trade, Lü Daliang, a spokesperson for the General Administration of Customs, said at a press conference on July 13.

According to Chinese customs data, over the first 11 months of 2023, ASEAN was China’s largest trading partner. The total trade between China and ASEAN was 5.8 trillion yuan, with a growth of 0.1 percent, accounting for 15.3 percent of China’s total foreign trade.

The implementation of the RCEP has played a significant positive role in promoting regional trade cooperation since it took effect on January 1, 2022, despite the impact of geopolitical interference and the US’ interest hikes, according to experts.

RCEP cooperation needs to consolidate its achievements and further eliminate geopolitical influences. In particular, if the potential for trade and investment cooperation between China, Japan and South Korea is further realized, the benefits of the RCEP will be even more pronounced, said Huo Jianguo, a vice chairman of the China Society for World Trade Organization Studies in Beijing.

Further upgrading the RCEP is expected to bring greater opportunities for regional economic and trade cooperation, Huo said.

As the comprehensive implementation of the RCEP enters a new stage, the agreement is poised for an upgrade that will unlock new development opportunities in investment and service trade, among other key areas, Chinese experts noted.

It is crucial for all member economies to continue to drive the effective implementation of the relevant provisions of the RCEP in the future, Sang Baichuan, dean of the Institute of International Economy at the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times.

The RCEP is upgrading, and it is necessary to further enhance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, Sang noted.

While the US is setting political barriers for global free trade, China, along with other economies, is pushing for the full implementation and upgrade of the RCEP, which helps promote the global free trade process.

When anti-globalization sentiments are on the rise, the steady implementation of the RCEP is a significant boon for global trade and peace. China’s efforts in promoting the RCEP and other trade processes demonstrates its foresight and sense of responsibility, Mei Xinyu, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Xi delivers 2024 New Year message, says ultimate goal is ‘a better life for people’ BEIJING

AGENCIES

For many Chinese people, sitting in front of the TV at 7 pm on December 31 every year has become a unique tradition. They tune in to listen to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s New Year address. His warm and resolute voice has been encouraging the Chinese people to stride toward a brighter future and

overcome challenges, as they bid farewell to the old year and welcome a new year brimming with hope.

At this year’s New Year address, Xi said China has forged ahead with resolve and tenacity in 2023.

“The people are the ones we look to when we fight to prevail over all difficulties or challenges,” Xi said, noting that the Chinese people have gone through the test of winds and rains, and have made plenty real achievements.

Xi said China’s ultimate goal is about delivering a better life for the people.

“Our children should be well taken care of and receive good education. Our young people should have the opportunities to pursue their careers and succeed. And our elderly people should have adequate access to medical services and elderly care,” Xi said.

These issues matter to every family, and they are also a top priority of the gov-

ernment, the Chinese president stressed.

As the country achieved a smooth transition in COVID-19 response efforts, China’s economy has sustained the momentum of recovery, weathered the storm and became “more resilient and dynamic than before,” Xi said in his address.

Xi also hailed the country’s modernized industrial system as well as innovation-driven development, citing the C919 large passenger airliner, the Chinese-built large cruise ship, the Shenzhou spaceships and the deepsea manned submersible Fendouzhe as examples. The inspiring words of Xi soon became trending on various social media platforms including Chinese X-like Sina Weibo and Xiaohongshu, as they touched countless Chinese people’s hearts.

“His words are warm and empowering,” commented one netizen on Sina Weibo.

Recalling the year 2023, China has made remarkable achievements in various aspects.

The successful convening of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation highlighted the significant global recognition of this international public project.

China’s status and reputation in international affairs have also garnered widespread acknowledgment, while the economy has sus-

tained stable and resilient growth overall, analysts said.

Social harmony has seen a general improvement, alongside an unprecedented strengthening of national cohesion, experts reached by the Global Times said.

“Managing a major country like China requires exceptional wisdom and mature policies. Looking at other major nations today, the management of the US is in disarray, with many scholars warning of impending internal conflicts; meanwhile, European countries are deeply embroiled in internal troubles. In today’s world, China’s governance and performance has stood out as one of the best among major powers,” Li Haidong, a professor from the Institute of International Relations from the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Another highlight for this year’s speech was an emphasis on peace and stability.

While noting that conflicts are still raging in some parts of the world, Xi said in his New Year speech that peace and development remain the underlying trend, no matter how the global landscape may evolve, and only cooperation for mutual benefit can deliver.

China, which has fulfilled its responsi-

bility as a major country, will work closely with the international community to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and make the world a better place, Xi said.

The Chinese leader also pointed out that China will “surely be reunified,” and all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Straits should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Tuesday, 2 January, 2024 | KARACHI

CORPORATE CORNER Zong 4G and Pakistan Baitul-Mal join hands to revolutionize Digital Education in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading telecom operator has initiated the setup of a stateof-the-art Digital Laboratory at the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal’s ‘Women Empowerment Centre’ in Islamabad.Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal is a social welfare organization formulated by the Government of Pakistan in 1992 to provide financial assistance to the underprivileged.This partnership is aimed at fostering Zong 4G’s Sustainability Program which was introduced as an act of promoting welfare within the society. Zong 4G’s proactiveness is an effort to transform digital education in Pakistan and make it accessible for all. With Digital Inclusion as its prime objective, this collaboration will help around 100 women access unimpeded opportunities for digital education.While promoting the sponsorship, the official spokesperson for Zong 4G stated, ‘We are pleased to initiate another successful partnership that will help promote digital education for women in Pakistan. Zong 4G considers providing access to digital education as its responsibility and wants to help revolutionize digital inclusion in Pakistan. PR

Super Asia, UET sign MoU for fostering collaboration between industry and academia

Super Asia, a renowned Home Appliances brand and exporter, takes a great initiative towards fostering collaboration between industry and academia by signing an MOU with the University of Engineering & Technology (UET). It is an excellent step that opens the door for many opportunities and growth for UET students by participating in joint R&D in Products and Processes developments supporting indigenous technology development and developing customized products for Exports: A way forward for enhancing the exports. Appreciated and honored by all the stakeholders, where the Vice Chancellor of UET, Prof. Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman and CEO of Super Asia Muhammad Faisal Afzal, signed the MOU. The initiative was taken by Hammad Khalid, an Industry specialist and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz, Coordinator, Narowal Campus. PR

District East organizes grand walk to promote vaccination against deadly diseases

PSX STARTS NEW YEAR WITH STRONG RALLY, GAINS OVER 2,200 POINTS

NEWS

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RALLY WAS DRIVEN BY HIGH DEMAND FOR SHARES IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTORS PROFIT

NEWS DESK

HE Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) began the new year with a strong rally, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index soared by 2210.74 points on Monday.

The index, which tracks the performance of the top 100 companies listed on the PSX, settled at 64,661.78 points, or a rise of 3.54% from the previous close of 62,451.04 points.

The rally was driven by high demand for shares in the oil and gas sector, which saw some of the biggest gains.

OGDC, PPL, PSO, and SNGP were among the top performers, with their share prices increasing by 5-7%.

Other sectors that contributed to the bullish trend were automobile assemblers, cement, chemical, and commercial banks.

The PSX had also ended 2023 on a positive note, as the KSE-100 Index closed at 62,451.04 points on Friday, an increase of 0.64% from the previous session.

The index had recorded a remarkable growth of nearly 55% in 2023, giving a return of nearly 24% to investors in US dollars.

CDA to facilitate citizens via state-of-the-art fast-track services ISLAMABAD INP

The Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) Building Control Directorate has introduced state-of-the-art fast-track service by modernizing the system of providing amenities to the citizens.

In this context, CDA started to ensure the approval of the building plan in the facilitation centre on the fast track. Under this modern and fastest system, residential buildings of 356 yards will now be approved with an additional fee of Rs 20,000

thousand with required documents within two days, while residential buildings larger than 356 yards will be approved with a fee of Rs 30,000 thousand.

Meanwhile, commercial buildings up to 10000 square yards will also be approved within three days.

A separate desk has also been established for all these matters. It should be noted that the citizens coming to this place will not have to wait in the line of one window separately. Similarly, arrangements have been made to set a good environment for the citizens who will visit here.

After receiving the token, the citizens who come to the fast track service will be able to go to the relevant desk on their number and will get their case processed by the relevant desk.

It should be noted that with the establishment of fast-track service, the citizens coming to the CDA Facilitation Center will neither have to wait for a long time nor they will have to stand in lines. Similarly, after the paper documents are completed, the citizens will not have to wait unnecessarily and their case will be approved immediately.

Sanjrani refers 22 private members’ bills to relevant committees ISLAMABAD INP

Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjran on Monday referred 22 private members’ bills to the relevant committees for further deliberation and consultation. The Chairman Senate’s referred bills included, “The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill,

2023”, “The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024”, “The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Fatal Accidents (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The National Excellence Institute Bill, 2024”, “The Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Guardians and Wards (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The

Service Tribunals (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The General Clauses (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2023”, “The Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Islamabad Capital Territory Watersides Safety Bill, 2023”, “The Higher Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Bill, 2023”.

Minister lays foundation stone of Shah Alla Ditta Caves preservation & development project ISLAMABAD APP

KARACHI: District East, under the leadership of Dr. Shakeel Qureshi, District Health Officer (DHO), organized a grand walk from the Tomb of Quaid-e-Azam towards MA Jinnah Road in Karachi. The primary objective of the walk was to promote Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) against 12 diseases, including polio vaccination, in the city. The initiative received significant support from various stakeholders, including Provincial EPI Sindh, and collaborative efforts from renowned organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, Dr. Essa Lab, IRD, TKF, Vital Pakistan, and Greenstar. Expressing his hopes for the new year, Dr. Muhammad Naeem, Project Director EPI Sindh, emphasized the importance of ensuring children are vaccinated and protected from life-threatening diseases like Polio, Measles, Diphtheria, and Pneumonia. PR

Jumbo Jump, site for world’s largest inflatable park, unveiled at a grand launch in Karachi

KARACHI: Jumbo Jump, the adventure park that features the world’s largest inflatable castle, opened its doors to Karachi on Friday, the 29th of December in a special launch event. The Guinness Book of World Records has certified Jumbo Jump as the largest inflatable in the world.

Jumbo Jump boasts an array of exhilarating attractions that promise to captivate thrill-seekers of all ages. These include the Jumbo Drop, a towering 40ft slide that promises to deliver an adrenaline rush like no other. The Toon Town, where a variety of sports activities await for the younger audience, will ensure a day filled with laughter and camaraderie. The Titan Trail is a challenging 1000 ft obstacle course designed to test your agility, endurance, and determination. And last but definitely not the least, the Jumbo Castle, the largest inflatable castle in the world, promises boundless fun for all those who will set foot inside this behemoth of an adventure site.

Jumbo Jump will be the ultimate inflatable adventure park that is set to redefine family entertainment in the country. The team has come together to put up a spectacle that is unlike anything that has ever been done before. The brains behind the park, Safeer Khan, said at the occasion, “The idea of Jumbo Jump is simple: creating an entertainment opportunity for the people of Pakistan that the entire family can enjoy and participate in. It is more than an adventure park.

Think of it as a playground in your backyard where you can create beautiful memories. PR

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Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Syed Jamal Shah on Monday laid the foundation stone of Shah Alla Ditta Caves development, conservation, preservation and restoration.

Federal Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Division Humaira Ahmed, Director General Department of Archaeology & Museums (DOAM) Dr Abdul Azeem and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the Department of Archaeology & Museums (DOAM) Islamabad has declared the site a “Protected Antiquity” under the Antiquities Act 1975 on 13-08-2016.

He said that DOAM, National Heritage & Culture Division, has started conservation, preservation, restoration & development of the caves during the current financial year.

He said that the work includes

Archaeological excavation, complete documentation of the site, geotechnical study of binding materials, construction of drainage works as well as Soft and hard landscaping.

Shah Allah Ditta caves are situated on the southern side of the Margalla hills in a small picturesque valley, 14 kilometers northwest of the capital city of Islamabad. Caves consist of two natural rock shelters of Kanjur stone situated on either side of a natural spring of hot water.

The front side of the eastern cave is covered with a wall of undressed kanjur stone laid in mud mortar. The facade of the cave is covered with mud plaster having many coatings of red color.

On the smooth surface of the wall, some paintings are executed in black color but in the later period, the paintings are covered with a layer of whitewash. The paintings are of Hindu origin, probably of god Vishnu (the savior).

Interior of the cave is divided into upper and lower halves. Walls

are treated with mud plaster having many coatings of white wash but now the color of the walls become blackish due to the smoke of the fire used by the dwellers.

In front of the cave are the remains of a paved channel and a square water tank constructed in limestone blocks laid in lime mortar.

Many Hindu families were living in Shah Allah Ditta village before partition and the caves were used by them for their daily worship and remained in occupation till 1947.

It may be mentioned here that Jamal Shah, Interim Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture recently inaugurated the preservation and development of Mai Qamro Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb located in a small village ‘Bagh Jogian’ in the vicinity of Islamabad.

The minister has ordered the Department of Archaeology and Museum to expedite the pace of work to restore the Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb in its original form besides enhancing its outlook.

Message of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on exercise Barracuda - Xii KARACHI PR

Oceans play a vital role in providing sustenance, livelihoods, regulating climate patterns and nurturing unparalleled biodiversity.

As a responsible member of global maritime fraternity, Pakistan has fostered collaboration with regional countries and engaged in global partnerships to safeguard marine conservation initiatives. As part of its commitment to international maritime regulatory framework, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMS), being sole maritime law enforcement agency in the country ensures safety of life at sea and preserves nation's marine resources.

Pakistan Navy being the premier stakeholder of national maritime defence extends all out support to PMSA and augments Maritime Domain Awareness for preservation of sea-based resources and enduring ecological balance.

In the mix of contemporary maritime challenges, environmental complexities have added another layer to maritime security.

These challenges not only jeopardize marine biodiversity but also have cascading effects on global climate patterns and livelihood of coastal communities. Among these environmental challenges, the looming specter of oil spills pose a

critical concern and necessitate coordinated response by international and national stakeholders. In pursuit of these objectives, Pakistan Navy & PMSA have embarked on conducting international series of exercises code named 'BARRACUDA' under the overall ambit of National Marine Disaster Contingency Plan. The aim of these exercises is to crystallize national response mechanism against oil spill disasters and contingent SAR requirements in collaboration with international partners.

Exercise BARRACUDA-XII will provide opportunity to review and align our response procedures to attain shared objective of pristine marine environment and safety of life at sea. The Exercise will also provide a forum in the shape of maritime seminar to deliberate on contemporary technological advancements and global best practices in the field of marine pollution control.

Minister for Privatisation meets Chinese delegation

A delegation of Chinese Companies and Investors called on the Caretaker Federal Minister for Privatisation, Mr. Fawad Hasan Fawad today at Privatisation Division. The Federal Minister appreciated the interest of the Chinese companies and briefed them regarding investment opportunities in Pakistan. He observed that the true potential of the partnership between the two countries in trade and investment is not being realised. Pakistan can be a very suitable country for relocation of industry from China given availability of both skilled and unskilled labour, basic raw materials for a wide range of industries as well as fast growing local market. The minister articulated that investing in renewable energy sector and in EV manufacturing can be of good interest for Chinese investors. The Minister offered all cooperation to investors on behalf of the government and informed the delegation that a one window investment facilitation arrangement under SIFC is fast addressing the issues in investor facilitation and implementation at various tiers of the government. The Secretary, Privatisation Division, Mr. Jawad Paul was also present in the meeting. PR

iESCO's measures to get rid of scourge of electricity theft continuing with success

In the light of the orders of the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Energy, best results of operations are being achieved in all the operation circles including Islamabad, Rawalpindi City, Rawalpindi Cantt, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal to clean the IESCO region from electricity theft. As a result of the ongoing operations, electricity thieves are facing heavy fines and arrests. In the month of December 2023, IESCO detection teams checked 183862, electricity was stolen from 3806 meters, for illegal use of 2.52 million units IESCO has imposed fines of 114.4 million to concerned consumers. 54 people were arrested by the police after registering 96 FIRs against electricity thieves. During the antielectricity theft campaign that has been ongoing since September 7, 2023, a total of 528883 meters have been checked so far, out of which electricity was stolen from 9789 meters, fines of 426.02 million has been imposed to concerned consumers by charging 9.37 million units. In total, 751 FIRs have been registered and 613 electricity thieves have been arrested by the police. Consumers are requested to support IESCO in this national campaign and report electricity thieves to IESCO Helpline Number 118 or CCMC number 0519252933-34. PR

Mobilink Bank closes 2023 with 41% increase in MSME disbursements

ISLAMABAD: Mobilink Bank stood out for its commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), constituting a significant 36% of its total loan portfolio and a noteworthy MSME Growth (YoY) of 41% in 2023.

The Bank strongly advocates for social mobility, especially in empowering MSMEs and women across remote rural regions, offering tailored financial products and services. Mobilink Bank's inclusive loan offerings are pivotal in bringing about positive transformations within communities nationwide. In a dedicated effort to address the gender-specific impacts of natural disasters driven by climate change, the Bank has allocated PKR 1.7 billion to climate financing. Additionally, the Bank's strong commitment to environmentally sustainable practices is evident, with 10% of its branches successfully transitioning to solar power, underscoring its dedication to green initiatives. Also contributing to the Bank's growth is its flagship program, Women Inspirational Network (WIN), which propelled Mobilink Bank to the top of State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) 'Banking on Equality' Index. The Bank allocated over PKR 12 billion in subsidized financing to 66,000 female borrowers, with plans to increase its female borrowers' portfolio by 50% in the next three years. Mobilink Bank is part of the VEON group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers in six dynamic markets that are home to 7% of the world's population. PR

KINNOW INDUSTRY FACES CRISIS, 50% EXPORT DECLINE LIKELY NEWS

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PROFIT

GHULAM ABBAS

UALITY issues plague Pakistan’s kinnow export, putting $ 22 million at risk. The usual 5-month season has shrunk to 1.5 months, causing a 50% shutdown of kinnow processing plants.

Orders plummet, raising concerns over the Rs.300 billion invested and employment for 400,000 people.

Historically earning $ 220 million from 450,000 tons, this year’s projection hovers between 1.5 to 2.5 million tons, yielding just $ 100 million. Sar-

godha and Bhalwal regions, renowned for kinnow, face economic strain as the industry, from farming to processing, employs 400,000 and bears a significant investment.

The 60-year-old kinnow variety, susceptible to diseases and climate change, results in reduced yield and quality. Despite six years of warnings from the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, government attention remains lacking, pushing the industry to the brink.

Waheed Ahmed, Chief of All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, urges emergency measures to

Faizabad sit-in commission summons Shehbaz on Jan 3 ISLAMABAD

The Faizabad sit-in commission on Monday summoned former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif on January 3 to record his statement in the case.

According to sources, the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) president has been called as he was the chief minister of Punjab during the sit-in.

In November last year, the federal government announced a three-member commission to identify those who planned, financed, and supported the sit-in at Islamabad’s Faizabad area in 2017.

The commission would further recommend legal action against the planners and executors of the protest which disrupted lives in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad between November 6 and November 27, 2017.

The TLP, then led by Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi, had staged the sit-in in protest against the changes made in the lawmakers’ oath, affirming their belief that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last messenger of God. The 21-day-long sit-in by religious protesters at Islamabad’s Faizabad Interchange had forced the government to accept Tehreek-e-Labbaik’s demands after an operation to break up the sit-in went awry and sparked violent protests across the country.

As a result of the protest, the then PML-N government had to sack its law minister Zahid Hamid.

The Supreme Court (SC) had taken a suo motu notice of the sit-in on November 21, 2017.

Later, a division bench led by Justice Qazi Faez Isa on February 6, 2019, unveiled its verdict in the sit-in case, criticizing the role of intelligence agencies in the saga. Soon after assuming office as the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) in September this year, Justice Isa listed for hearing the petitions that had been filed against the SC’s February 2019 verdict.

The verdict had directed the intelligence agencies not to exceed their constitutional mandates.

It should be noted that in April 2019, an intelligence agency challenged the SC’s verdict in the Faizabad sit-in case, saying that it would adversely affect the morale of the armed forces.

Separately, on December 30, the probe panel also called former director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed for the second time to record his statement this week.

ECP accepts 22,711, rejects 3,240 nomination papers ISLAMABAD

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued initial list of the candidates of national and all the four provincial assemblies, whose nomination papers for the general elections 2024 have been accepted or rejected. A press release issued by the ECP on Monday stated that the nomination papers of 22,711 candidates have been accepted on general seats of the national and four provincial assemblies’ seats.

According to details, a total 25,951 candidates had filed their nomination papers to contest the elections.

Out of them, 3,240 nomination papers were rejected by the Election Commission. According to the Election Commission, 7,473 nomination papers were filed on the national assembly seats. Out of them, 6,449 were accepted while 1,024 were rejected.

Similarly, 18,478 nomination papers were filed by the candidates on all the four provincial assembly seats.

Out of which, 6,262 were accepted while 2,216 were rejected by the Election Commission.

tional markets reduce orders due to quality and shelf-life concerns. PFVA has long warned the government, but the response remains inadequate. Despite committee formation, proposals linger, leaving the kinnow industry’s survival hanging in the balance.

PFVA presses for immediate action—developing new citrus varieties, establishing nurseries, and learning from successful global models. China, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, and the United States serve as examples for citrus industry recovery. The fate of Pakistan’s kinnow industry hinges on swift and strategic intervention.

PTI Chief seeks immediate intervention of SC to ensure free polls ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

STAFF REPORT

STAFF REPORT

salvage the kinnow industry. Without the development of new varieties, he fears a complete halt in Pakistan’s kinnow export within two years.

Ahmed emphasizes the urgency for new citrus fruit varieties, citing the current kinnow as outdated. With proper development, he believes the export of fresh citrus fruits could generate up to $ 1 billion over the next decade.

As kinnow orchards become disease-ridden hubs, export rejection rises, causing financial losses. Ahmed urges immediate work on new citrus varieties with better climate resilience.

Export challenges intensify as tradi-

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan urged the Supreme Court (SC) to immediately intervene and take notice of the unjust step of en mass rejection of nomination papers of the PTI’s candidates on false and flimsy grounds by Returning Officers (ROs) to ensure holding fair, free and transparent elections in order to save democracy in the country.

During his informal conversation with journalists here on Monday, PTI Chairman highlighted that PTI and its leaders, workers as well as affiliates were being subjected to the worst reprisals and coercive actions.

He said that in the first phase of election, the nomination papers of more or less all the top PTI’s candidates were rejected in an unbelievable manner, opening a door of unnecessary legal proceedings aimed at entangling the party and its candidates in needless legal battle so as to keep them away from the masses.

However, he expressed opti-

mism that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) would prompt action to reverse the unjust and unlawful decisions. PTI Chairman pointed out that the manner in which PTI and its candidates were being subjected to worst oppression and suppression in order to oust the party from the electoral battle had neither any place in the constitution nor in democracy.

Barrister Gohar Khan reiterated that PTI fully believed in democracy and was in favor of providing equal and fair opportunities to all political parties to participate freely in the elections.

He made it clear that despite the launch of the election process, PTI’s workers and supporters were not safe from oppression and fascism, adding that all basic constitutional and legal rights as a party were being usurped and taken away.

PTI Chairman vowed that they believed in the supremacy of constitution and upholding the rule of law in the country and wanted to see the country strong and prosperous. Barrister Gohar Khan underlined that constitutionally, the Election Commission was bound

to conduct free, impartial, fair and transparent elections in the country, adding that the state could be strengthened only through free and transparent elections.

However, PTI Chairman went on to say that the electoral watchdog has completely failed in performing its constitutional duty, which was evident from the non-implementation of the SC’s ruling pertaining to the providing level playing fields to all political parties due to which the electoral body was fast losing its credibility and effectiveness.

He stated that the international observers and organizations working on the transparency of elections were also closely and keenly mentoring the election process.

PTI Chairman lamented that the judges of Peshawar High Court (PHC) were being openly and blatantly threatened for their meritbased decisions regarding PTI. Barrister Gohar Khan expressed his apprehensions that if the top court did not immediately intervene, democratic system would be wrapped up from the country.

Maulana Fazl ‘doesn’t see’ general elections on February 8 DERA ISMAIL KHAN STAFF REPORT

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that he does not see the February 8 elections being staged as the country’s security situation is not suitable for polls — almost 24 hours after vehicles, part of his convoy in Dera Ismail Khan, came under attack.

The veteran politician’s convoy was fired upon from multiple sides at Yarik interchange, the party said, but also added that fortunately, the JUI-F emir was not present in the vehicles at the time.

Fazl has been constantly calling on the interim government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure the law and

order situation and also stressed that it wasn’t the right time to be holding the polls.

“The incident yesterday [Sunday] raises questions on the security situation,” the former parliamentarian told a press conference in DI Khan on Monday, adding, “It won’t be a big issue If elections are delayed for a few days.”

In response to Fazl’s repeated demands of pushing the elections forward, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) spokesperson Faisal Karim Kundi had said that the JUI-F chief was seeking to “run away” from the polls.

Fazl, during the press conference, said that his party’s leadership had also come under attack in Waziristan and Tank, adding that he has raised concerns about the

security in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Pakistan remained a theatre of terrorism and violence in the year 2023 amid internal political conflicts, socioeconomic disparities, regional instability and rising tensions with the militant groups operating in border areas adjacent to Afghanistan.

“How can we run our election campaign in such conditions? I’ve asked the election commissioner to consider my request [of delaying polls], but he says that he’s praying,” the JUI-F emir said.

No major political party has been calling for the delay of elections, except for the JUI-F. The PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have been holding rallies and are set to announce their manifestos as well.

Pakistan expects to get new Covid vaccine from US as new variant spreading fast ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan expects to receive Pfizer’s new Covid-19 vaccine from America in a few days.

Reportedly, the arrival of 200,000 doses of Covid vaccine from the US is expected in a few

days and another 300,000 doses of the new Pfizer Covid vaccine will also be received in the same month.

Pfizer’s new vaccine is also effective against a new variant of Covid-19 i.e. JN1 which is currently spreading rapidly in America, Britain, India, and other

countries.

However, no case of the new variant JN1 has been reported in Pakistan so far and the positivity ratio of Covid-19 cases in Pakistan is less than one percent.

The new Covid-19 vaccine will be administered to pilgrims and high-risk people.

Tuesday, 2 January, 2024

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

6:20

1:30

4:00

Hammad, Murad among 51 PTI leaders to have properties confiscated 7:00

5:10

6:45

GUJRANWALA

STAFF REPORT

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Gujranwala on Monday ordered the confiscation of property of 51 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders including Hammad Azhar, Murad Saeed, Zartaj Gul and others in case related to May 9 riots.

The court took the step under Section 88 to seize the properties and also initiated the process to declare the accused as absconders. Notices announcing the legal action have been displayed at their residences and key locations associated with the accused.

Furthermore, the court also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the accused. The list includes Farrukh Habib, Omar Ayub, Ali Amin Gandapur, Zubair Niazi, General (retd) Akram Sahi, Shaukat Bhatti, Mian Tariq, Rana Sajid Shaukat and Lala Asadullah. Additionally, PTI candidates Ahmed Chatha, Bilal Ijaz, and Zafarullah Cheema are also included in the list.

Previously, on December 18, the government blocked the Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) of 18 PTI leaders, including former ministers Hammad Azhar and Murad Saeed.

The list included Ali Amin Gandapur, Muhammad Aslam Iqbal, Malik Karamat Khokhar, Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Zubair Khan Niazi, Malik Nadeem Abbas, and Ghulam Mohiuddin Dewan.

Authorities said the CNICs were blocked at the request of police and would remain blocked till the investigation concludes.

The authorities added that the party leaders would be deprived of legal rights if they did not appear before the anti-terrorism court (ATC).

Senate resolution calls for ‘severe punishment’ for anti-army propaganda ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Senate on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to impose stringent penalties on those propagating negative and malicious narratives against the Pakistan Army and the security forces.

During the Senate session, chaired by Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, several bills were tabled.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi sponsored a resolution which recommended the government to take necessary steps to award severe punishment as per law to those involved in malicious propaganda against the armed forces and other security agencies, which gained unanimous approval.

“Cognisant of the huge sacrifices of armed forces and other security agencies in the war against terror and for the defence and protection of the country’s borders; Acknowledging the fact that strong army and other security agencies is indispensable for the defence of the country, especially in view of the hostile neighbourhood; Expressing deep concern on the negative and malicious propaganda against the armed forces and other security agencies on various social media platforms; The Senate of Pakistan, therefore, recommends to the government to take necessary steps to award severe punishment as per law,” said the text of the resolution.

The resolution outlined that in the relentless fight against terrorism and in the defence and protection of national borders, the armed forces and defence agencies have made countless sacrifices.

It called for severe punishment for those engaging in negative and malicious propaganda against the military and security forces.

The resolution emphasised the indispensability of strong military and security agencies in the face of neighbouring adversaries. It expressed concern over the propagation of derogatory content against the Pakistan Army on social media platforms and urged the government to take strict action against those involved in spreading anti-military propaganda.

Meanwhile, BAP Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri moved another resolution recommending the government to take immediate steps to cater needs of all students with diverse cultural backgrounds and to reform the higher education curriculum to apprise students of the consequences and risks of drug usage.

It also demanded to devise a monitoring mechanism in all the universities for enforcement of the “Policy on Drug and Tobacco Abuse in Higher Education Institutions 2021” in letter and spirit.

Another resolution of PTI Senator Seemee Ezdi was not taken up due to the absence of lawmakers who recommended the government to prioritise climate change projects in its development budget and allocate sufficient funds for climate change adaptation.

Country faces severe power load shedding amid extreme cold weather ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Reduced hydel generation, tripping in multiple grid stations of power distribution companies (DISCOs) and shortage of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) amid chilling weather season have triggered widespread load shedding across the country.

The root cause of demand and supply disruption was attributed to the adverse weather conditions, primarily dense fog, reduced hydel generation, tripping in multiple grid stations of DISCOs and the less availability of LNG for the power generation.

With the power deficit persisting, concerns loom over potential disruptions in commercial and industrial activities in the coming days, reflecting the dire impact of this energy crisis on everyday life.

According to power division, in an unexpected turn of events on the 25th and 26th

of December, the Multan region, along with other Distribution Companies (DISCOs), experienced a series of grid station trippings that triggered widespread load shedding. The root cause of this disruption was attributed to the adverse weather conditions, primarily dense fog, which led to the tripping of crucial grid stations operating at 132kv, 220kv, and 500kv.

During same time the hydel generation plummeted creating constraints to balance the system. The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) system is facing a challenging time due to these extreme weather conditions and low hydel generation. Current shortfall in generation is mitigated by load management to keep the system working, said the power division.

Shortfall due to hydel is around 1600MW due to canal closure and 700MW is due to less LNG availability, power division added.

Power Division is trying to minimise this shortfall and furnace oil is being used to mitigate the LNG shortage and to generate 800MW, said power division, adding, that the load shedding was due to system constraints and efforts are in place to manage the system.

According to sources, all parts of the country are bearing the brunt of 10 to 14 hours power load shedding as electricity shortfall has increased to 3000 MW to 5000MW amid extreme weather conditions coupled with dense fog in major parts of the country.

It is relevant to note that the power division, despite repeated efforts, has not shared the facts and figures pertain to the country’s total actual electricity generation with different sources, and the figures related to total power demand, supply and shortfall of the electricity during the cold weather season till the filing of this story.

As per details, the extreme weather conditions not only hampered the stability of the

grid but also had a significant impact on hydel generation. During this critical period, hydel generation plummeted, adding further strain to an already challenged system. The National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) found itself grappling with the dual challenges of grid instability and reduced hydel generation, creating a precarious situation for the power supply.

A major factor contributing to the current power deficit is the closure of canals, resulting in a shortfall of approximately 1600MW in hydel generation. This unforeseen consequence of canal closures has compounded the challenges faced by the power sector. Additionally, a decrease in the availability of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) further exacerbated the power crisis, accounting for a deficit of 700MW. To counter the impact of these challenges, the Power Division has initiated strategic measures. In a bid to minimize the

hydel shortfall, efforts are underway to explore alternative means and swiftly address the canal closure issue. Simultaneously, the shortage in LNG availability is being mitigated by utilizing furnace oil to generate an additional 800MW. Load shedding, a consequence of the overarching system constraints, has become an unfortunate reality amid cold weather season across the country. However, the Power Division is actively engaged in load management strategies to ensure the system remains operational.

Energy experts said that the on-going power situation has been calling for a comprehensive and coordinated effort to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the weather conditions, hydel generation constraints, the availability of essential resources for power generation, and the smooth operation of the entire power system of the country.

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