Profit MASTERMIND OF MAY 9 ‘EPISODE’ MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE: PM In partnership with
Monday, 8 January, 2024 I 25 Jamada Al-Sani, 1445
g
Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 190 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
ASSERTS ECP TO ENSURE NOBODY GET g SAYS HIS GOVT WOULD CARRY OUT A IMPRESSION ANY ONE MADE TARGET PEACEFUL TRANSFER OF POWER TO PUBLIC FOR POLITICAL AFFILIATION REPRESENTATIVES TO BE ELECTED ON FEB 8
P
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Sunday said the incidents of May 9 were still being investigated and action should be taken against those involved in them. Speaking in a private television channel program, he said those who perpetrated the incidents on May 9 were facing the judicial process. “Many persons are still avoiding the courts and are in hiding,” he said, adding they should have surrendered before the law to avail their legal rights but now they would face obstacles in carrying out their political activities related to the elections. He said the Election Commission would ensure that nobody should get the impression that any person was made a target for his political affiliation. To a question, he said the leader of the house and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly agreed to his name and he was appointed as the caretaker prime minister. He said he was supported by many people including his teachers to
reach the level of attainment in his life. The prime minister said the people of Pakistan would elect their representatives on February 8 and his government would carry out a peaceful transfer of power to them. By the morning of February 9, it would be known whom the people had elected, he observed. He said the government of Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) failed to resolve problems of
Omar Hamid Khan is on medical leave, ECP rebuffs resignation reports ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rebuffed reports about the resignation of its Secretary Omar Hamid Khan, informing the secretary was on medical leave. In a clarification statement on Sunday, the spokesman to the electoral watchdog said that Omar Hamid was currently on medical leave due to health issues and will resume duties after his condition gets better. Responding to rumors of resignation of the ECP Secretary, he said that the ECP’s work was being efficiently handled by the two Special Secretaries during the Secretary’s absence. “Secretary Omar Hamid Khan was an intelligent and hardworking officer who has fulfilled his responsibilities admirably,” the spokesman added. He further stated that the ECP was operating seamlessly, ensuring continuous functioning even on holidays, with its offices diligently engaged in their tasks. The response came after sources claimed that Omar Hamid has resigned as Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) secretary, citing health issues. Sources said Omar Hamid was hospitalized for new days in the recent past and he is currently being treated at his home. The sources revealed that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan has not yet accepted Khan’s resignation as the electoral body’s secretary. Omar Hamid has over 30 years of experience in socio-economic analysis both on international and domestic issues. He is specialized in the political economies of developing countries. Omar Hamid is well-versed in the dynamics of building a successful interactive relationship between the government and the development partners. Omar Khan was posted ECP secretary in July 2021. A career bureaucrat, he has served as secretary of Ministry of National Food Security & Research, Ministry of Finance and Benazir Income Support Programme.
governance during its tenure as it lacked political maturity and got involved in confrontation with the institutions. Talking about the issues of Balochistan, he said once militants realized that they would have to lay down their arms, the problems would be settled. PM Kakar was of the view that the sanctity of the state should be observed as it was above any individual. He said Pakistan lost
90,000 of its citizens in the war against terrorism but not even nine persons were convicted in courts for the deaths. The issue of terrorism could not be addressed, he said adding that horrific incident like an attack on the Army Public School occurred and personnel of law enforcement agencies, citizens and politicians had been martyred since 2008. “The criminal justice system is not working and it is a fact,” he said adding reforms in the system could not be made by the last three parliaments. He said democracy would move forward gradually and would bring its fruits to the people as happened in Europe. He said he believed in pure democracy but the democratic government should improve governance and perform to gain moral strength from the people of Pakistan. The military institutions were supporting the government in disaster management, economic issues, database management, education, health and space technology, he noted. He said the Special Investment Facilitation Council was formed to help the prime minister in taking informed decisions about the economy with the support of institutional input.
KP governor urges ECP to address political parties concerns about polls PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Ghulam Ali on Sunday urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to address concerns raised by political parties regarding the February 8 general elections. “It would be better if the election commission calls a high-level meeting of these political parties before the elections or a few days after them, and takes action after hearing their concerns,” Governor Ghulam Ali said during an interview with a private TV Channel. Governor Ghulam Ali stated that it was the provincial government’s duty to “improve the law and order situation and protect the people”. He said the federal government and state institutions were also responsible for the same, adding that the army had also agreed to deploy troops and provide the requisite support. His statement comes amid reservations voiced by certain political circles on holding general elections on Feb 8, as sched-
Pakistan Navy deploys ships in Arabian Sea to enhance maritime security KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Amid recent maritime security incidents, the Pakistan Navy has taken proactive measures by deploying ships in the Arabian Sea, as reported by Radio Pakistan on Sunday, quoting a Pakistan Navy spokesperson. “The primary objective is to safeguard Pakistan’s trade routes, with continuous patrolling of the Arabian Sea and aerial surveillance of commercial passages,” the Pakistan Navy spokesperson, reiterating the commitment to upholding maritime peace and order in the region. This response follows the Indian navy’s rescue of 21 crew members from a hijacked vessel in the Arabian Sea, underscoring the persistent challenges to maritime security in the area. The deployment of ships by the Pakistan Navy demonstrates a concerted effort to address the growing concerns regarding maritime security, the spokesperson asserted. With the recent hijacking distress call and the rerouting of vessels from the Red Sea due to attacks, it is evident that the safety of commercial shipping in the region is under threat. The resurgence of hijacking and attempted hijacking of commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea also highlights the need for coordinated efforts among regional navies to counter these security challenges effectively. The Pakistan Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety of trade routes and maintaining maritime peace is crucial, not only for Pakistan but also for international merchant ships navigating the Arabian Sea. As such, the proactive measures taken by the Pakistan Navy are a significant step towards addressing the complex maritime security issues in the region.
Users face nationwide disruption of social media platforms ahead of PTI’s fundraiser ISLAMABAD
uled by the election commission, due to security concerns. On Friday, the Senate passed a resolution, moved by independent Senator Dilawar Khan with only 15 lawmakers in attendance, seeking to delay the polls due to security concerns. However, the passage of the resolution was roundly criticised by various political parties, while the caretaker information minister had insisted that there was no directive of the prime minister or the federal cabinet for a delay. The Supreme Court was also subsequently approached to declare
the resolution illegal and act against its backers. The next day, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Senator Mushtaq Ahmed submitted a fresh resolution in the upper house, emphasising the need to ensure the timely conduct of the polls. The KP governor mentioned the issues of “law and order, 18-hour-long loadshedding, and toughest winter”. He said the reason why people were questioning whether the polls would take place or not was that a “tempo is not being created”.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
STAFF REPORT
Pakistani users faced a nationwide disruption of social media platforms on Sunday evening, with Internet monitor Netblocks and Downdetector reporting that the social media platforms, especially the website versions were down shortly after 5pm local time. The disruption of social media platforms and internet slowdown occurred hours before the PTI was scheduled to hold a virtual fundraising telethon and launch its election manifesto. The users reported difficulties in accessing popular social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube on Sunday, Internet Monitor Downdetector said. According to Downdetector, Users in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad began experiencing difficulties in accessing social media sites shortly after 4pm. Additionally, users also complained about sluggish internet services.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
02 NEWS
PLATFORMS LIKE PAYPAL WILL NOW BE ACCESSIBLE IN PAKISTAN: DR SAIF
C
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
ARETAKER IT Minister Dr. Umar Saif has revealed an innovative strategy to establish a payment gateway for freelancers, enabling them to receive payments from foreign countries. Addressing a growing demand among freelancers, Dr. Saif announced that platforms like PayPal will now be accessible in Pakistan, providing a streamlined method for freelancers to receive their earnings.
Nationwide anti-polio campaign of varied duration to start from today ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
A nation-wide anti-Polio drive of varied duration begins tomorrow to administer vaccine drops to children under five years age. During the campaign, Polio teams of health department will go door to door in all 159 districts of the country. In Punjab, during a week-long polio campaign over twenty three million children will be administered polio drops. The health department has declared Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as most sensitive cities in this regard. In Sindh, nearly 10.03 million children up to the five years of age will be administered with anti-polio vaccine drops during a week-long campaign. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, over seven point four million children up to five years of age will be administered anti-polio drops during fiveday drive. In Balochistan, over 2.5 million children up to five years of age would be administered anti-polio drops during weeklong polio drive. In Gilgit-Baltistan, over two hundred fifty thousand children will be vaccinated during five day campaign. In case a polio team does not visit any home, the parents can access to helpline 1166.
Forget election for next five years if not held on Feb 08: Gabol HYDERABAD
Staff RepoRt
In a recent statement, senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Nabil Gabol, issued a stern warning, stating that if the elections scheduled for February 8 are not held, the country can forget about elections for the next five years. Gabol, while expressing worry about the safety of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, underscored that such life threats were common to all political figures. During an interview with a private TV channel program, Gabol questioned the reasons behind a potential delay in the elections, stating, “Tell me why the election will not be held on February 8? Is Maulana Fazlur Rehman getting cold, so it will not be held?” He urged that elections worldwide take place during winter and suggested that if Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s life is at risk, his party should conduct election campaigns on his behalf, rather than postponing the elections. Gabol dismissed the idea of giving special protection to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, revealing alleged meetings between Maulana and the leadership of Muslim LeagueN. According to Gabol, Maulana had expressed his desire to be made the President of the country during these meetings. Gabol cautioned against trusting the promises of the Sharif family, asserting, “Sharifs do not take any time to renege on the promises they make; these people are just using them.” Responding to concerns about the functioning of the country’s system in the absence of February elections, Gabol stated, “If the elections were not held in February, and the country will not see elections for the next five years, the system will continue to run by those who currently hold power.” As political tensions rise and the nation awaits the upcoming elections, Gabol’s remarks shed light on the potential consequences of any delays in the electoral process.
In a video message, Dr. Umar Saif explained that the program has been designed to simplify the process, eliminating the need for freelancers to open a PayPal account. Under the new system, individuals abroad can directly transfer funds to the freelancer’s bank account, bypassing the traditional requirement of a PayPal account. Dr. Saif highlighted the global advancements in communication technology, specifically mentioning the in-orbit satellite communication technology. He noted that services like Starlink can now leverage this technology to offer Internet services
M.a. Niazi HE quiet passing of Sartaj Aziz was not marked by any major political disturbances, but no one seems to have noticed that Pakistan has lost two former Foreign Ministers in him and Gohar Ayub Khan. Unlike Gohar, Sartaj was never one for the hurly-burly of parliamentary politics, and only served in the Senate, where he was also a Finance Minister. Unlike Ishaq Dar, the other Finance Minister of the Nawaz years, he didn’t really get deeply involved in the Senate, and indeed, technically he was never Foreign Minister, having been PM’s Advisor, no longer being in the Senate. He started out as an agricultural economist, taking a degree in Harvard in the subject. Gohar had come to the office in a different way, having been Speaker of the National Assembly in 1993, when it was dissolved and then restored.
T
Pakistan and aligning with global advancements in technology. The Minister claimed that the caretaker government will initiate iPhone installment plan from January 12, 2024, saying the decision was taken in response to the persistent demand from freelancers. He emphasized that this initiative aims to empower freelancers to facilitate remittances through the international gateway PayPal. Furthermore, Dr. Saif disclosed plans for the launch of 5G technology in July of the upcoming year, with an accompanying auction of 300 MHz of spectrum. The move is
anticipated to usher in a new era of highspeed connectivity for the country. Addressing the issue of responsible financial behavior, Dr. Saif detailed a collaboration with telecom stakeholders for the launch of an initiative on January 12, 2024. This program will enable consumers to acquire the latest model phones through easy installment plans. Notably, iPhones will be included in this offering. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will implement the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking Systems (DIRBS) to block handsets in case of installment payment failure. Dr Saif clarified that the overarching goal of this policy is to promote responsible financial behavior and ensure the continuous expansion of smartphone penetration in the country. Telecom companies are poised to play a pivotal role by providing smartphones directly to consumers through installment plans, thereby extending the benefits of mobile broadband, especially to low-income segments.
Foolproof traffic plan devised for tourists visiting Murree RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
The traffic police has devised a comprehensive plan to regulate traffic and facilitate the tourists during snowfall season in Murree. Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi Syed Khurram Ali and Rawalpindi City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani directed the Chief Traffic Officer, Rawalpindi Taimoor Khan and City Traffic Police Officers deployed in Murree to make best arrangements to regulate traffic during snowfall season. According to a CTP spokesman, 163 traffic wardens and officers of traffic police had been deployed at all important points of Murree to regulate traffic and facilitate the tourists. Traffic police had devised a comprehensive plan for Murree for the snowfall season according to which entry of heavy vehicles in the city would be banned, he added. He said an emergency Help Line 0519269200, had also been introduced for fa-
cilitating the tourists. The citizens, having complaints, could contact police round the clock, he said. Help Line center was also serving as control room from where all possible facilities were being provided to the tourists and all out efforts were being made to cope with any untoward situation. He told that several points had also been reserved for car parking. Different main roads including Kashmir Point, Mall Road, Guldana Road and other roads had been closed for two way traffic, he said adding the tourists should cooperate with traffic police so that traffic mess particularly during snowfall season could be avoided. He said, though the snow falling makes the ‘Queen of Mountains’ even more beautiful which attracts the citizens but due to massive influx of the tourists, problems are also faced at some points. Traffic remains slow as the wet roads got slippery. He informed that two traffic control rooms at Jinnah Hall Murree and Suni Bank Traffic choki, had been established to facilitate the tourists.
According to a Commissioner office spokesperson, Murree district administration on the directives of the Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Liaquat Ali Chatta had set up 13 centers at different places in Murree at Satara Meel, Lower Topa, Jika Gali, GPO, Kashmir Point, Kuldana, Kali Matti, Masiyari, Sindhan, Sunny Bank, Bhorban, Thanda Jungle and Saharbagla to facilitate the tourists. The Commissioner Rawalpindi Division had directed the authorities concerned to provide all possible facilities to the tourists during snowfall season. The biggest problem of Murree is traffic jam, he said adding, the role of police and traffic wardens is the most important. The administration was directed to complete all the arrangements for the snowfall season. 13 SMDs had been made functional within Murree city and public service messages were being displayed on the SMDs to inform the tourists, he added. A 24/7 helpline had also been arranged by the Tourism Department for guidance of the tourists and to update them about
More flights cancelled as fog persists KARACHI
Staff RepoRt
Air operations remained disrupted on Sunday due to the prevalence of heavy fog in various parts of the country. A total of 22 flights more were cancelled. In first seven days of 2024 year, a total of 250 flights were cancelled and more than 200 domestic and international flights were delayed. Meanwhile, the met department has forecast cold and dry spell for most parts of the country and the hilly areas will experience intense cold on Sunday. According to the Met Office, the ongoing spell will continue in most parts of the country. The weather in the upper districts of KP, north-western districts of Balochistan, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will be cloudy and cold. The plains of Punjab, Islamabad, Punjab, Upper Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be in the grip of heavy fog/smog. The Met Office
pointed out a possibility of heavy fog in Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, Peshawar, Lucky Marwat, Bannu and DIK districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Punjab, fog/smog will blanket Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Okara, Kasur, Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Mangala, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Toba Tek Singh, Khanewal, Multan, Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hafizabad, Bhakkar, Leh and Dera Ghazi Khan. In Sindh, heavy fog/smog is likely to prevail over Jacobabad, Sukkur,
HARIPUR
Shah Mehmood Qureshi, one of their successors, should remember that the Foreign Ministry seems to have been treated as a sort of consolation prize, Sartaj was given Foreign Affairs after being dropped from Finance, while Gohar had been Speaker. Apart from the fact that they were both from KP, both Gohar and Sartaj missed their birthdays. Gohar died in late November, while his birthday was on January 8. Sartaj died on January 2, while his birthday was on February 2. Their great age, 85 and 94 respectively, would be consolation to Shah Mahmood, who is now 67. He should look forward to the passing of his birthday in June. Going by that standard, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari should not be worrying for many years, being now 35, with a September birthday to watch. The caretaker, Jalil Abbas Bilani, should be safe, being 68. But with his birthday coming up on February 2, his friends and wellwishers should hope he crosses that hurdle successfully. Shah Mehmood is not only alive, but has had his nomination papers rejected. He needs them accepted, so that he ends up in the National Assembly, but Imran Khan
QWP’s Sherpao says elections must be held without any delay PESHAWAR
Staff RepoRt
At least six persons died and eight others were injured when a passenger van was struck by construction machinery working on the Hazara motorway for maintenance work near the Shah Maqsood interchange, at the same time, another passenger coaster hit the van. According to the details, a devastating accident unfolded on the Hazara Motorway near Shah Maqsood, two vehicles from Manshera en route to Lahore. The collision involved a flying coach, a speeding passenger van, and construction machinery, resulting in the loss of six lives and leaving eight individuals injured. The Rescue 1122 Haripur conducted a one-hour operation, successfully extricating individuals trapped in the vehicles following the collision.
weather and traffic conditions. The vehicles entering the city were being monitored through digital counting at the Satra Meel Toll Plaza. 26 CCTV cameras had also been installed on all the main roads to monitor the traffic situation, he informed. According to Deputy Commissioner Murree, Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, all the departments were put on high alert in view of the forecast of snowfall in the coming days. Traffic Police Murree had acquired the frequency of FM 88.6, the DC Murree said adding, a special website would also be activated soon for the convenience and awareness of the tourists. The DC further said that the website would help update the tourists and they would be able to get latest information about the weather, traffic conditions at various intersections, hotels and other necessary updates before coming to Murree. Information, warning boards and upto-date status were being displayed at various places for the convenience of tourists within the city, he added.
Staff RepoRt
Larkana, Dadu, Ghotki, Khairpur, Kashmore and surroundings during morning and night hours. The weather in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will remain very cold and cloudy. Meanwhile, the Elementary and Secondary Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has extended Primary schools vacations in summer zones upto January 13 due to fog and cold weather. Timing of middle, High and Higher Secondary Schools has been rescheduled from 9:30am to 3:30pm, said a notification issued here on Sunday.
Six dead in collision on Hazara Motorway, eight injured
Strangers in a strange land City NoteS
worldwide. To support such initiatives, Pakistan has formulated a cutting-edge space policy, positioning itself as one of the few countries with such an advanced framework. This policy allows private companies to enter the Pakistani market and deliver modern communication services to users, regardless of their location. With the implementation of this policy, Dr. Saif emphasized that private entities can now provide internet facilities to users through contemporary communication solutions. This move marks a progressive step towards expanding communication services in
Monday, 8 January, 2024 | LAHORE
Medical teams on the scene provided initial aid to the injured before shifting them to the Trauma Center Haripur. Three severely injured victims were subsequently transferred to Abbottabad for further medical attention. The Frontier Works Organization (FWO), Edhi, and Motorway Police played an active role in the rescue operation, working tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the tragic incident. The dead passengers were identi-
does not. Then he might find himself heading the PTI parliamentary party, and possibly Prime Minister. It’s important that he becomes PM, because local rival Yousaf Reza Gilani has held the job. One must remember that it was less important for Pakistan to go nuclear once India did, than for Shah Mehmood to become PM once Yousaf Reza had. Understand, Shah Mehmood didn’t have more than the usual incentive of any politician to become PM, but his universe changed after Yousaf Reza had held the job. Of course, that would depend on two things. First, the PTI would have to win a majority. Then Imran would have to stay disqualified. Shah Mahmood would have to qualify somehow, Somehow, I don’t think any pleas that he had won the 1992 World Cup, or had built a cancer hospital will impress the election tribunal. Even if the PTI candidates manage to jump over the obstacle represented by the rejection of their papers, they might not get the majority they seek. In fact, everyone thinks they won’t. Of course, that might well mean that the playing field is uneven, but was it level when the PTI won? Well, perhaps if nothing else, the PTI can take heart from the Pakistani defeat by Australia. Of course, the danger still exists
fied as Sultan, 25 years old hails from Batgram, Faisal, 42 years old, from Havelian, Shakil, son of Khalil, from Abbottabad, Abdul Qayyum, son of Mir Zaman from Manshera, daughter of Shakil from Abbottabad and Toor Gul, 74 years old, from Abbottabad. The injured were identified as Israr 60 years old, from Kohat, Sami 27 years old, from Abbottabad, Hussain, 21 years old from Abbottabad, Abdullah son of Shahid, from Abbottabad, Alam Khan 40 years old, from Manshera, Alam Khan 24 years old from Jhangi, Usman, son of Shakil, from Abbottabad and an unidentified person. Prompt medical assistance was provided to the injured, and efforts are underway to determine the identity of the eighth injured individual. The tragic incident underscores the crucial importance of road safety, emphasizing the ongoing need for concerted efforts to prevent such accidents.
that it might be decided to take Shaheen Shah Afridi onto the same page. But Imran would probably have liked Australia to have lost this match. It would have shown that Pakistan loses with Shaheen in the team, and wins without. As it is, his being in the team didn’t make any difference. He played two matches. We lost. He was rested in the third. We still lost. Well, maybe it shouldn’t. Imran himself has not exactly covered himself in glory in Australia, with his captaincy tour in 1989-
Rejecting the Senate resolution seeking the postponement of the February 8 polls, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Sunday demanded that the general election must be held on its scheduled date without any delay. Speaking at a press conference in Shabqadar tehsil in Charsadda district, he said the Senate resolution demanding delay in holding the elections was meaningless. Aftab Sherpao said that the election must be held in order to enable the people to elect their representatives. Criticizing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership, the QWP leader said that its popularity graph had started falling, but it was using the so-called regime change theory in a face-saving effort. He urged the people to use their right to vote in order to send their representatives to the assemblies so that they could work for the uplift of their areas. “We will spare no effort to serve the people,” he vowed. He said that his party had always served the people as it believed in working for the development of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. About the denial of level playing field, he said that the nomination papers of the PTI candidates had been accepted so this complaint was not based on reality. He said the PTI was getting unprecedented relief from the courts. Aftab Sherpao said Imran Khan was now looking to the US to help him bring to power by writing the article in a foreign magazine. “He is now asking the US to provide him level playing field after accusing it of regime change,” he said. Aftab Sherpao said the voters must not fall for catchy slogans as these were meant to hoodwink them. He advised the voters to check the track record of the candidates before casting their ballots. He said that nobody cared to raise voice for the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa facing financial crunch. He said all uplift projects in KP were placed on the backburner. The QWP leader said the PTI ruled KP for almost a decade, but left the province in dire financial straits. He said the province was buried under huge loan.
90 ending in a 1-0 defeat, though admittedly his 136 not out in the Second Test was a little higher than the captain’s knock of a duck by Shan Masood, whose chances of getting on the same page were greatly reduced. Of course, Imran is above these things now, now that he is writing for The Economist. The Information Minister doesn’t know how he could get the piece out. Maybe he mailed it. Anyhow, I suppose all is according to the Jail Manual, including this. Maybe the Jail Superintendent should be worried.
NEWS 03
FORCED MARRIAGES: 53 CASES REPORTED IN PESHAWAR LAST YEAR, BUT ACTUAL NUMBERS ARE MUCH HIGHER
Monday, 8 January, 2024 | LAHORE
A
LAHORE/PESHAWAR Staff RepoRt
total of 53 forced marriage cases involving women and underage girls were reported in Peshawar during the last year, shows official figures, as the inhuman cultural practices mostly remain unchecked amid a strong support for anti-women sentiments in the society. Forced marriages unfortunately remain a part of society as the practice is followed religiously in Pakistan in name of family honour despite various legislations introduced to arrest domestic violence and extend
ANF seized 618 metric tons drugs worth billions in 2023 RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
The Anti-Narcotics Forces was committed and leaving no stone unturned to eradicate scourge of drugs from the country. During 2023, the ANF seized 618 metric tons of drugs and prohibited chemicals valuing billions of rupees by conducting over 1900 operations in various cities across country. Meanwhile, 1860 people involved in drugs smuggling, including 64 foreign nationals were arrested during different operations. Besides, over 15 thousand events were arranged for spreading awareness regarding menace of drugs. The ANF also participated in 32 international events for counter-narcotics during the last year.
Man strangles wife to death, sets body on fire GUJRANWALA
Staff RepoRt
A man strangled his wife to death and set her body on fire in jurisdiction of Ladhewala police station in Gujranwala, police said on Sunday. According to details, accused Sajid strangled his wife Marriyum by wrapping electric wire around her roll neck. After killing wife, the culprit set her body on fire by sprinkling petrol and fled the scene. The deceased had married the accused six months earlier after taking divorce from her first husband. The police registered a case against murderer of wife and started raids for his arrest.
Ghulam Ali counts on graduates role in healthcare uplift PESHAWAR
Staff RepoRt
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali on Sunday recognized the important role of graduates in the ongoing development of healthcare and emphasized the importance of their contribution to the wider healthcare landscape. He said this while addressing as chief guest at the first annual convocation 2024 of Khyber Medical University (KMU)IMS and Kohat Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS). Governor Ghulam Ali said that the role of medical and dental graduates play in shaping the wider health landscape is commendable. He congratulated the graduates of Medical and Dental Colleges and Gold Medalists. He appreciated their unwavering dedication to medical knowledge and their outstanding efforts. Highlighting the importance of the convocation, the Governor thanked VC KMU Prof. Dr. Ziaul Haq, Principals and all the attendees for making the event a memorable gathering for teachers, proud graduates, parents and distinguished guests. During the ceremony, Governor Haji Ghulam Ali announced that 286 students were awarded MBBS and BDS degrees. The Governor KP termed awarding gold medals to 200 students as a great honor for colleges, KMU, and their parents. He praised the important role of KIMS, KIDS, and KMU in shaping the future healthcare workforce. Ghulan Ali said that these graduates will use their tireless efforts and ability to raise the quality of healthcare not only in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but in the whole of Pakistan. Vice Chancellor KMU Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq, in his welcome speech, described the participation of Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other distinguished guests in this convocation ceremony as wonderful.
women rights across the country without any discrimination based upon caste and creed as well social status. The reason behind the state failure to provide protection to more than half of our population is twofold: lack of will and absence of resources. Lack of will means that the state isn’t ready to open support neither the girls nor the women in their quest for basic human rights and independence, fearing a social backlash. The only solid state intervention to deal the serious issue was the Violence against Women Centre established by the PML-N government in 2017 in Multan – a facility that provides refuge and assistance to the victims under one roof.
This ground-breaking initiative was supposed to expand across Punjab, but got stalled like other initiatives – mass transit and heath projects – taken by the then government, as the PTI shifted its focus to things like relocating the Taliban in the erstwhile tribal areas of Pakistan. Another aspect that must be not forgotten that these social evils were here even before the rise of extremism, which didn’t introduce the norms aimed at the curbing the women freedom and restricting their movement. However, extremism has certainly fuelled the support for harsh treatment towards women and girls at a time when they are trying their best to be an independent and productive
member of society by joining the workforce. On the other hand, the existing state apparatus – including police and judiciary [at least the lower level] – also misses the required human resources and mindset that treat the women as equal humans, meaning that a victim may end up generating more problems, if she decides to “rebel”. In fact, mental torture isn’t even considered torture. At the same time, many believe physical torture is a n inherent right of parents and husbands. Police in Peshawar say action has been taken in 50 cases out of the total of 53, resulting in 53 arrests. Meanwhile, 35 of the victims were women and 18 underage girls. At the same time, 16 women and 11 un-
Govt not using available legal, political options for Aafia release: Dr Fowzia ISLAMABAD
derage girls were shifted to shelter homes. However, domestic violence, forced marriages and underage marriages are so rampant in Pakistan that only a few victims even attempt to report. Same is the case with honour killings as many are declared mere accidents or suicides. The only way to protect the women from violence is to establish hotlines like we have in the developed world and a system which extend complete assistance to the victims. But we already have a successful model in the shape of the centre established in Multan. The governments at the federal and provincial levels only need to show courage and extend the service across their respective jurisdictions.
Masood Usmani’s murder case registered against unidentified assailants ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Staff RepoRt
There are many political and legal options for seeking early release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui from the US prison, but sadly the government of Pakistan is simply not utilizing these options for the reasons better known to it. This was stated by Aafia Movement leader and noted neurophysician of the country Dr Fowzia Siddiqui while addressing Aafia Siddiqui Conference here, organized by Team Aafia Pakistan. She said she said that the nations that don’t respect their daughters would never grow and prosper. She said Pakistan is facing problems because our rulers the daughters of the nation. She said that the lawyer of Aafia Clive Smith was shocked to known about torture and sexual abuse meted out to Aafia. She asked the Pakistani youth would they remain silent over these atrocities. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) KP chapter ameer Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said that Aafia is the most oppressed woman of this century. She is innocent and never ever involved in terrorism or money laundering. He said due to the laudable role of the Islamabad High Court there is some developments in Aafia Siddiqui case. JI Azad Kashmir chapter ameer Dr Mushtaq Ahmed said that the illegal detention of Aafia Siddiqui is a great test
for the Pakistani nation, as well as, the Ummah. He said all political parties should adopt a joint stance on the issue of Dr Aafia. Defense of Human Right Pakistan chairperson Amina Masood Janjua said that we fully support the struggle for release of Aafia. She asked the government of Pakistan to think about the options floated by Dr Fowzia to secure the release of Dr Aafia. The lawyer of Dr Aafia, Clive Stafford Smith said that Dr Aafia’s release is possible if the government of Pakistan takes this issue with the US administration on official basis. He said Aafia is braving torture and abuse in the US prison and this matter also need to be taken with the US administration by the Pakistani government. Aafia Foundation South Africa
chapter leader Inayat Wadi said that Aafia Siddiqui is the victim of the war against terrorism. She is innocent but still suffering worst torture and abuse. He criticized the rulers of Pakistan over their apathy to Aafia. Aafia Foundation USA founder Mauri Saalakhan said that we should study the fact sheet of Aafia Foundation to know who really Aafia Siddiqui is. He said it is necessary to know the correct fact for securing her release. He said the international reaction against the genocide in Gaza should also be used to promote the cause of Aafia Siddiqui release. He said the Gaza genocide has unveiled the ugly face of America. Justice for Aafia Norway chapter leader Zamran Ahmed, Team Aafia Pakistan central president Dr Hamza Siddiqui, Advocate Imran Shafique and others also spoke.
Users face nationwide disruption of social media platforms ahead of PTI’s fundraiser would hold a virtual fundraising telethon and manifesto launch at 9pm. However, around 6pm users reported being unable to access social media platforms in several areas of the country. They also complained about internet services being slow. When asked for a comment, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) told Dawn.com that all social media networks were active and the authority had not received any complaints. ‘SHUTDOWN AIMS AT STOPPING FUNDRAISER’: Meanwhile, PTI’s Zulfi Bukhari said the internet shutdown was aimed at stopping the party’s fundraiser. The party itself called the internet shutdown “absolutely shameful” and demanded that the IT minister resign “for this continuing damage to Pakistanis”.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
A sharp rise in connection outages on YouTube, X and Facebook was seen in downdetector’s graphs. The reason behind the widespread disruption is yet not clear as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has not issued any statement. “Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to social media platforms across Pakistan, including X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube,” the internet tracking agency Netblocks said. It added that the incident comes as “persecuted former prime minister Imran Khan’s party, PTI, launches its election fundraising telethon”. In a similar incident last month, internet outages were also reported during a PTI virtual power show. The PTI had announced earlier on Sunday that it
“Another PTI online event. Another internet shutdown,” said party leader Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra. According to a report by Surfshark, a virtual private network company headquartered in Lithuania, a half-year analysis of internet shutdown based on the Internet Shutdown Tracker revealed that Pakistan was responsible for three of the 42 new restrictions worldwide, which were imposed following Imran’s arrest. At the time, access to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube was restricted in the country. At the same time, several temporary cellular network disruptions were also witnessed across the country for several days afterwards. The Surfshark report ranked Pakistan behind Iran and India as the countries leading the list of regimes that imposed internet restrictions during the first half of 2023 with Asia being the focal point of most internet shutdowns.
Murder case of Sunni Ulema Council (SUC) leader Maulana Masood ur Rehman Usmani was registered by Islamabad Police on Sunday against unidentified assailants. The case was registered in Khanna police station in Islamabad. The FIR includes serious provisions including murder charges. Sunni Ulema Council (SUC) leader Maulana Masood ur Rehman Usmani was shot dead by unknown assailants in Islamabad on January 6. According to police, unknown armed men opened fire on the vehicle of Deputy General Secretary Sunni Ulema Council Masood Usmani. He was rushed to hospital where doctors pronounced him dead, police say. Soon after the incident, police personnel reached the crime scene and cordoned off the area. “An investigation has been launched to arrest the suspects,” said police. They further said that the suspects were being traced with the help of CCTV cameras, adding that one person was also injured in the firing incident.
BISP mobile registration centers to be operational soon ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The Mobile Registration Vehicle Centers to facilitate the registration process for the intending beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), belonging to the remote areas of the country, are likely to be operational soon. The Mobile Registration Centers will enable the deserving women residing in the far-flung areas to access the registration facilities through mobile vehicles. According to an official source, the process of induction of Mobile Vans, which started in August, has entered into its last stages. A total of 25 Mobile Vans is being included to serve as Mobile Registration Centers of the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) which will facilitate those who were unable to access the registration facility. The source revealed that as many as 19 Mobile Registration Centers are being established in the remote areas of Balochistan, five in Sindh and one in Islamabad in this phase. The Mobile Registration service is likely to be operational soon to facilitate the registration process of the beneficiaries residing in the far-off areas of the country. It is pertinent to mention here that the BISP identifies the deserving beneficiaries through NSER and enroll them in the programme while it is for the first time in the country’s history that people with special abilities and Transgender have been included in the programme and can register.
KP governor urges ECP to address political parties concerns about polls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
“Other areas where there is winter as well as snow — including Naran, Kalam, Swat and Chitral — people there say how will we encourage our votes to come out [and vote],” Governor Ali said, adding that there were reports forecasting snowfall in Peshawar as well. He added that he heard these concerns and told people that the date for the polls had been officially announced now. Ali further stated that none of the parties he had talked to “wanted the elections to not take place” but their “demand was for peace and protection”. Ali said it was his “respectful request
and suggestion” to the ECP to sit with the political parties and “convince” them how it could provide them protection. He stated that the constitutional timeframe of polls being held within 90 days of the National Assembly’s dissolution had passed “so elections should take place” but the reservations should be considered. FAZL ‘BACKS’ DELAY IN GENERAL ELECTIONS: Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman extended support to a resolution adopted by Senate, seeking a delay in February 8 general elections. Speaking to a private news channel, the JUI-F chief said that it won’t
make any difference if elections were delayed in the wake of country’s security situation. The Upper House of Parliament adopted a resolution, which was moved by independent Senator Dilawar Khan during a session with only 15 lawmakers in attendance. It sought delay in general elections in the light of extreme weather in hilly areas and the deteriorating security situation. However, the passage of the resolution was strongly criticised by major political parties – including PPP, PML-N and PTI. Moreover, PPP and PTI served notices to their senators, Gurdeep Singh and Bahramand Tangi, who remained ab-
stained from voting. Extending support to the resolution, Fazlur Rehman said that it reflects the party’s stance as the election environment wasn’t visible, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan amid terror attacks. The politician, time by time, had expressed grave concern over the peace and security situation in the country after his party came under attack thrice in the last six months. “The authorities should realize the seriousness of the situation and an environment should be made so that we can conduct our election campaign easily,” he added. However, he said, if the elections are held on time, the JUI-F will participate and won’t not run away.
ITP to facilitate citizens via enhancing licensing mechanism ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has chalked out plan to enhance the licensing system at traffic headquarters Faizabad for providing maximum facilities to citizens who have been aspiring to get different types of driving license as per prescribed procedure, said a Spokesperson on Sunday. As a result of drastic measures taken by ITP authorities for public convenience, the number of applicants was increased significantly. The ITP licensing department is processing around 3000 license applications on a daily basis which has been tricked from around 500 applications.
Earlier, the ITP had fixed criteria to entertain around 500 daily on a first come first get basis which was now changed. The ITP spokesperson recalled, “Now there is no binding for citizens. If any applicant will visit the traffic office within office timing, he/she will be accommodated for license.” As per statistics shared by ITP spokesperson, the traffic police has issued 48,347 new driving licenses, renewed 20,375 licenses upon expiry, and issued 95,333 learner permits. Furthermore, 10,930 duties were performed by traffic police officers and officials in various national and international delegations, assemblies, and public order situations. However,
32 officers were injured while performing their duties. Idea of the establishment of additional desks for processing at headquarters was also under consideration which, according to an official, will be implemented soon. The Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Muhammad Sarfraz Virk also held a meeting with the licensing department at his office on Sunday to assess the measures implemented for enhancing citizen convenience. The CTO focuses on providing comprehensive facilities and equal treatment to all applicants for licensing. The CTO Virk categorically instructed the meeting’s participants that the criteria of equal treatment to the applicants should not
be compromised, which, he reaffirmed, is also necessary for building confidence among citizens on ITP. He also directed them to keep implementing a merit-based assessment system for driving tests. Moreover, some instructions were given to the education team to raise awareness about traffic laws and road safety among driving learners and citizens. These collective efforts aim to transform Islamabad into an accident-free city, prioritizing the wellbeing of its residents. During the meeting, the outstanding performance of the police officials was recognized and special instructions were issued to further enhance their services. With a commitment to providing professional expertise,
the Islamabad Capital Police aims to prioritize the welfare of the public. The meeting, directed by Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, emphasized the Islamabad Capital Police’s reputation as a model force nationwide and to continue the hard work to uphold its image. Earlier, the ITP achieved a milestone as it has taken 8, 87,849 actions against traffic rules violation of various kinds during the year 2023. The ITP official data stated that overall actions have been taken against 8, 86,698 vehicles and motorcycles for traffic violations while legal actions were also taken against 1,151 individuals for severe traffic violations.
04 COMMENT
The potential of waste redemption
Monday, 8 January, 2024
Politics in the Internet Age
T
Net breakdown during PTI virtual rally as ineffective as it is undemocratic
Transforming trash into treasure
HE breakdown of the Internet during the PTI’’s second virtual rally on Sunday has once again prevented a vast host of people going about their lawful occasions on the Internet. As the slowdown of the Internet, which more or less prevented social media sites from opening, may have impacted those engaged in the digital economy and earning precious foreign exchange, it has caused an uncalculated damage to the economy. It might be remembered that the same thing happened three weeks ago, at the previous PTI virtual rally. It might be remembered that party chief Imran Khan addressed the rally through an Artificial Intelligence-generated doppelganger, as his being in jail prevented a personal appearance. That the PTI is forced to hold virtual rallies reflects the reality that it cannot hold rallies normally, even though it is in the midst of an election campaign. With polls a month away, the PTI has got to find some means of overcoming the media ban on Mr Khan, who is the party’s most effective campaigning asset. The ban, which does not discriminate between PTI supporters and ordinary users, is not as useful as it seems to those using it. It also reflects a rather archaic mode of thinking, which takes a scorched-earth approach to the media, and which only worked before the advent of social media. Social media is such that if one hole is closed, others open. Even countries like China, which has tried to develop local internet ecosystems, has found that determined netizens get onto banned platforms. Even if the government tries to explain this away as a genuine breakdown which only coincided with the virtual rally, it will not believe itself. In the words of James Bond (in the speech given to him by his creator, Ian Fleming): “Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, thrice is enemy action.” We have reached the level of coincidence. Next time will be enemy action. Those thinking that this will stop the PTI getting its message out should realize that they are merely driving a tech-savvy party to find other solutions, and thus will fail to achieve their purpose. The whole episode also throws doubt on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, which should have found out why the first breakdown occurred, and have implemented measures to prevent this recurrence.
T
DR MuhaMMaD Bilal TahiR
HE age-old saying, “Waste not, want not,” has never rung truer than in today’s world, where our planet is grappling with the consequences of rampant waste disposal. In Pakistan, a nation pulsating with vitality and resilience, there lies an incredible opportunity to redefine our relationship with waste. “Waste is Not Waste Unless We Waste It”— a simple yet profound mantra that beckons us to explore innovative ways to reutilize and rejuvenate the discarded items that often clutter our surroundings. The global community is increasingly recognizing the importance of converting waste into treasure as a sustainable approach to resource management. This paradigm shift involves turning waste materials into valuable resources through recycling, upcycling, and innovative technologies. Several initiatives, policies, and technologies are being implemented worldwide to address the challenges of waste management and promote a circular economy. Pakistan, like many countries, faces the adverse effects of improper waste management. Overflowing landfills, plastic pollution, and environmental degradation have become pressing concerns. However, within this seemingly dire scenario, there exists a wealth of untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. It’s time for a paradigm shift— a collective realization that waste is not merely a burden but an opportunity for positive transformation. One of the most effective ways to address the waste issue is through creative reuse. In Pakistan, where craftsmanship and creativity are deeply ingrained in the culture, the possibilities are endless. From repurposing old textiles into vibrant rugs to transforming discarded containers into innovative planters, creative reuse not only minimizes waste but also adds a touch of uniqueness to our surroundings. The waste transformation industry can create employment opportunities in various stages of the waste management process, from collection and sorting to processing and manufacturing. The transformation of waste into valuable resources can also lead to the production of new and innovative products, contributing to economic growth and diversification. Communities play a pivotal role in the waste redemption journey. Initiatives such as community clean-up drives and waste sorting programmes empower individuals to actively contribute to a cleaner
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi
environment. Pakistan has witnessed the rise of inspiring community projects where citizens come together to collect, sort, and creatively repurpose waste. These initiatives not only mitigate the environmental impact but also foster a sense of shared responsibility. Embracing innovative technologies is another key avenue for waste reutilization in Pakistan. From converting organic waste into compost through efficient composting methods to exploring advanced recycling techniques for plastics, technology can be a powerful ally in our quest for sustainability. Collaborative efforts between government bodies, private enterprises, and research institutions can drive the development and implementation of these technologies on a larger scale. Education serves as the cornerstone of any sustainable initiative. Schools, colleges, and community centres in Pakistan can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the environmental impact of waste. Integrating waste management education into the curriculum, organizing workshops, and promoting sustainable practices can instil a sense of responsibility in the younger generation, creating a ripple effect of positive change. The public awareness on transformation of waste into valuable resources provides opportunities for public education on waste reduction, recycling, and the importance of sustainable consumption. Governments play a crucial role in steering the nation towards sustainable practices. Pakistan has already taken strides in formulating waste management policies, but a continuous and rigorous implementation is essential. Providing incentives for businesses adopting eco-friendly practices, imposing stricter regulations on single-use plastics, and investing in waste-to-energy projects can further catalyze the shift towards responsible waste management. Creating partnerships between government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, and local communities is vital. Collaborative efforts can harness the collective expertise, resources, and enthusiasm needed to tackle the waste challenge comprehensively. Public-private partnerships can foster innovation, enabling the develop-
C
Executive Editor
Money is needed
Rafi Khan
LIMATE change is a growing phenomenon that has far-reaching implications for the world. The devastation it has caused is beyond measure and curtailing it is becoming a fairy tale with each passing day. Similarly, Pakistan, which produces less than one percent of the world’s carbon footprint, has been affected the worst in recent years. According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan is the fifth climate-vulnerable country globally and has suffered almost $3.8 billion in economic losses since 1999. Moreover, climate action requires a lot of financial investments to withstand the impacts of climate change. Therefore, climate finance is a vital area to talk about as it helps countries to mitigate the devastation caused by climate change by renewable energies, such as wind and solar. The current climate scenario in Pakistan has a grim status. The global warming causing/ significant climate change has placed Pakistan in a very vulnerable place. The country faces a significant change in the average temperature rise of 1.3°C to 4.9°C by the 2090s. This makes Pakistan the 18th country out of 191 countries in the world to have the highest disaster risk level. It has led to rising sea levels along the Karachi coast to 1.1 mm each year. Such an increase in temperature is causing extreme climate events such as droughts, heavy rains, and floods. Considering the overall scenario of Pakistan in terms of climate change the role of climate finance becomes more important than ever before. It is a means of providing financial resources and tools to combat climate change. Although there is no agreed definition of climate finance, it is a much-needed aspect of mitigating climate change as it brings largescale investments crucially required to reduce emissions. Additionally, the financial resources
The writer is Director, Institute of Physics, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
The transformation of waste into a valuable resource is not just a possibility but a necessity for PakistanÊs sustainable future. By redefining waste as an opportunity and embracing creative, community-driven, and innovative approaches, we can build a greener, cleaner, and more prosperous nation. The journey begins with a shared commitment to the belief that „Waste is not waste unless we waste it.‰ LetÊs embark on this transformative voyage, turning trash into treasure for a brighter tomorrow
Pakistan’s climate resilience and the imperative of adequate climate finance Joint Editor
ment and implementation of sustainable waste management practices. The transformation of waste into a valuable resource in Pakistan can bring about various benefits for the country including environmental sustainability, resource conservation, economic opportunities, reduced pollution, community health and well-being and compliance with international standards. It will also bring long-term cost savings. By efficiently transforming waste into valuable resources, the long-term costs associated with waste disposal and environmental remediation may decrease. Effective waste management practices can prevent the spread of diseases caused by the improper disposal of waste, benefiting public health. A cleaner environment and improved waste management contribute to better living conditions, which can positively impact the well-being of communities. The transformation of waste into a valuable resource is not just a possibility but a necessity for Pakistan’s sustainable future. By redefining waste as an opportunity and embracing creative, communitydriven, and innovative approaches, we can build a greener, cleaner, and more prosperous nation. The journey begins with a shared commitment to the belief that “Waste is not waste unless we waste it.” Let’s embark on this transformative voyage, turning trash into treasure for a brighter tomorrow.
Editor’s mail
Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively
No free pilgrimage
HAJJ is a conditional obligation and it is not obligatory for those who cannot afford the expenses. Therefore, due to the poor economic conditions of the country, the government should consider putting a complete ban on free Haj being offered by different state-owned departments. KH TAJAMMUL HUSSAIN KARACHI
Made in Pakistan
are devoted to developing countries in assisting them in addressing climate change. The financial resources are stipulated to be $100 billion a year as agreed upon in the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. However, the commitment to providing financial assistance to vulnerable and low-income countries has not been met. Similarly, Pakistan is also affected by the discrepancies in the overall process of climate financing. Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, “Helping Pakistan in the climate crisis is not a charity from Western countries; the people of Pakistan are paying the price for the industrialization of richer nations.” In return, the international donors recognized the need to support Pakistan in economic and technical needs resulting in strategically oriented documents, such as the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework (4RF) in the aftermath of the 2022 floods. However, such commitments and implementation of the projects face many challenges. The first is the lack of coordination among different implementing institutions and a pressing
The case of Pakistan is as clear as a day, it has been highly impacted by climate and has proven its commitment towards climate actions. This is clearly shown by having a separate climate change ministry and a Ten Billion Tree Tsunami program. Therefore, the debt-for-climate swap must be opted by Pakistan to relieve its economic burden Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
I
Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9
need for financing. Secondly, Pakistan needs $80 billion in flood protection plans outlined in the 4RF strategy. Unfortunately, the track record of Pakistan in terms of benefiting from international climate finance is poor due to its institutional and capacity challenges. Therefore, Pakistan must address such issues by initiating programs discussing climate at a lower level that is easily understood by the general masses. The focus should be more on the tehsil and district administrations to produce localized climate action plans best suited for the specific region. Even more, Pakistan is an agrarian country that should focus on farmers and vulnerable communities with climate-related disaster insurance by creating bonds between them and the government. It should also encourage climate entrepreneurship amongst the youth of the country. The main goal should be to facilitate collaborations between private, public, and international organizations for the smooth transition of initiation and completion of climate-resilient projects. On the part of international governments and organizations, Pakistan should be given the option of concessional finance. Pakistan can meet the goals of climate action if finance is provided by financial institutions such as development banks and multilateral funds. For instance, a debt-for-climate swap is a mechanism that allows a portion of the foreign debt of a developing country to be forgiven in exchange for the commitment to investing in biodiversity and environmental policies. The case of Pakistan is as clear as a day, it has been highly impacted by climate and has proven its commitment towards climate actions. This is clearly shown by having a separate climate change ministry and a Ten Billion Tree Tsunami program. Therefore, the debt-for-climate swap must be opted by Pakistan to relieve its economic burden. I
The writer is a freelance columnist
Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
I
THE government has decided to use LED bulbs for saving electricity. At present, billions of rupees are spent on their imports. Local assembly and manufacturing services should be encouraged through tax and other incentives for such essential and valuable items to achieve some level of self-reliance and save some foreign currency. Besides, a functional industry would naturally lead to more and better employment opportunities for the locals. M AKRAM NIAZI RAWALPINDI
Rising terrorism
THE recent martyrdom of 23 soldiers in an attack on the security checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan has once again left the nation shocked. In the wake of the Army Public School (APS) massacre in Peshawar back in 2014, the moratorium on death penalty was lifted and, later on, the 21st Amendment was passed by parliament, allowing military courts for speedy trials of civilians involved in terrorism with a sunset clause of two years. It is imperative to initiate trials for terrorism-related cases in military courts, for attacks by the insurgents are increasing with every passing day. An all-party conference is needed along with representation from the military establishment to find a way out of this critical situation. MALIK UL QUDDOOS KARACHI
Meaningless conflict
NO country has ever used brutal force to defend itself the way Israel has been doing for months now. It is occupying territories, destroying infrastructure and bombing civilians constantly and blatantly. Certainly, there is no such example in the civilised world. Are the Israelis living a life in peace while being in a constant state of war for over 70 years? Or is the Zionist Israel not worried about the Israelis as well? They must understand that if nothing has changed in the last 70 years, then nothing will change in the next 100. The cycle of hate will keep repeating itself. The ‘Free Palestine’ voices around the world will only get louder and stronger. AFFAN KHATTAK ISLAMABAD
Airline downfall
MY siblings were flying to Dubai from Islamabad a while ago via a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight. After they had boarded, a technical problem occurred in the plane and all the passengers were offloaded. In the middle of the night, they were left stranded at the airport. Some spent the night there, while others spent their own money and stayed in hotels. It is no wonder that PIA is where it is today. NOMAN WAHEED MANSEHRA
Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
I
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
The resurgence of terrorism Monday, 8 January, 2024
A
COMMENT 05
In recent years, ISKP activities in PakIn the wake of the turbulent withdrawal of emerged as the principal epicentres of viA case study of Dera Ismail Khan KP olence, with approximately 84 percent of as- US forces from Afghanistan in 2021, a wealth istan have expanded significantly. 72 people
MuhaMMad Khalid haider
S the USA seemed preparing to withdraw from Afghanistan, political and security officials from Pakistan discussed probable consequences. Earlier, the TTP faced challenges to its operations from limited financial resources and incapacity to execute large-scale assaults, both exacerbated by the Pakistan Army’s Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which compelled it to withdraw from North Waziristan. In 2020, the TTP was on the verge of extinction; however, its capacity for reestablishment were significantly bolstered by its spiritual ties to the Islamic Emirate. The Taliban’s return to power in Kabul on 15 August 2021, seems to have given the TTP both ideological and practical influence. Subsequently, it reinvented itself, progressing from a ragtag militia to a fully operational insurgency. This reached its pinnacle in January 2023 when the group implemented a novel administrative and operational framework, mirroring the Afghan Taliban’s hierarchical structure. The Afghan Taliban utilised the TTP as a means to expand their administrative structure into tribal regions. The TTP, having declared allegiance to the Islamic Emirate, offers it strategic and ideological influence within Pakistan. The TTP unveiled a novel organisational framework in February of this year, which comprised nine operational and administrative entities (wilayahs or shadow provinces) organised into two zones—north and south. Each province is supervised by an intelligence officer and governed by a shadow governor and a minimum of one deputy, like the Afghan Taliban. In a video in December 2021, TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud claimed the organisation was a continuation of the Afghan Taliban’s presence in Pakistan. Their primary funding comes from extortion, smuggling, and hostile foreign intelligence agencies. Pakistan suffered 1,524 fatalities and 1,463 injuries in 2023, from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. An estimated 1,000 civilians and security services personnel were also slain. Balochistan and
saults and 90 percent of documented fatalities, encompassing both terrorism and operations by security forces. Militant attacks were up 69 percent and violence 56 percent in 2023, with 1,524 fatalities, up from 980 in the preceding year, 2022. security forces conducted a total of 197 operations to apprehend terrorists, which claimed 545 lives. Pakistan has experienced its greatest number of suicide attacks since 2014. Inhabitants of KP, especially those in the former FATA districts, remained pessimistic about the eradication of militancy in the area.Their doubt stemmed from the persistent fatalities all over the province. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the frequency of attacks in the southern region of KP, specifically the districts of Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Bannu, Karak, and Lakki Marwat. From 18 June 2022 to 18 June 2023, 665 insurgent attacks were reported by the KP police. The highest number was reported in DI Khan at 81, followed by Peshawar at 56 and Bajaur at 51. So why does DI Khan stand out when it comes to militancy? The varied terrain of southern KP, including DI Khan, consists of deserts, mountains, forests, and plains. Its resilient citizens are renowned for their capacity to persist in pursuit of economic success. Nevertheless, these individuals have endured decades of neglect and maltreatment by Islamabad and Peshawar. Decades of neglect in all spheres of life, along with extreme poverty and a lack of employment opportunities have all contributed to the ability of radicals to entice the so-called “lost youth.” Before each election, senior politicians and government officials visit different regions of the province for public dialogue. The activities are documented by their media teams, which portray the visit as if they were extraterrestrial expeditions. “Blind adhocism” is a significant issue in Pakistan. We opt for band-aid solutions that fail to tackle root causes, rather than systematically devising courses of action and, as judicious decision-makers ought, predicting and equipping ourselves for the repercussions.
of weaponry and military equipment remained behind. As US troops withdrew from Afghanistan, Pentagon officials provided evidence to the US Congress indicating that an estimated $7 billion worth of equipment, including firearms, ammunition, and other military supplies, was abandoned. NATO-issue M16, M-4, and sniper rifles are carried by terrorists. All of these cutting-edge weapons are being employed to launch attacks against the LEAs. The police force is more vulnerable and inadequately outfitted than the TTP. A senior security official stationed in a critical district of southern KP conveyed apprehension regarding the insufficiency of essential resources required to effectively confront the proficiently trained and equipped Pakistani Taliban militants from a tactical standpoint. The officer voiced apprehension regarding a scarcity of resources for material escort missions, despite the regular provision of up-to-date counterterrorism equipment and technology. Amidst an open debate on the threat posed by the diversion, illicit trafficking, and misuse of small arms and light weapons in the United Nations Security Council, Deputy Permanent Representative Usman Jadoon said that such weapons are obtained by terrorist organisations such as the TTP “from illicit arms markets or by entities seeking to destabilise a particular region or country.” The two most lethal attacks in KP this year— the suicide assault on the Police Lines mosque in Peshawar in January 2023 and the one that occurred recently in Daraban, DI Khan— brought to light an essential element occasionally disregarded in discussions about militancy. The Peshawar attack, which killed over 80 policemen, was classified as “Istishadi” because it was executed using a body-borne improvised explosive device (BBIED). Conversely, the Daraban attack, which was executed using a vehicleborne improvised explosive device (VBIED), was classified as “Inghimasi” because it killed 23 military personnel. ISKP, or the Islamic State of Khorasan Province, is another key player. An extremist terrorist organisation founded in 2015, operating primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan and to affiliated to ISIS, it seeks to establish strict Islamic authority in the Khorasan region.
were killed in August 2016, when the ISKP blew up a Quetta hospital, their initial act of aggression. Balochistan and Sindh were subsequently targeted. It extended its reach to additional provinces after 2018. ISKP attacks increased in frequency from 28 in 2021 to 47 in 2022. A Shia mosque was targeted by it in Peshawar on 4 March 2022. The long-term resident of Pakistan from Afghanistan, who carried out the suicide bombing, killed 63 people and injured 196.The ISKP has reported 17 attacks thus far in 2023. At least 54 were killed when it attacked the JUI(F) workers’ convention in Bajaur 30 July 2023. ISKP collects donations online using cryptocurrency funds through fraudulent activities, gofundme websites featuring fabricated narratives, and freelance work. Their territorial existence has ceased, and their Khilafat has transitioned to the digital realm. They have finance, health, and education ministries. Online physicians from around the globe are available. These E-clinics are staffed with exceptionally qualified physicians, including those of Turkish, Egyptian, American, and British Muslim descent. Additionally, educated and universityeducated individuals are recruited.They employ PUBG, Ludo Star, and Telegram to communicate, employing these platforms to coordinate attacks, issue orders, and orchestrate assaults. ISKP, which operates not only in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but also in Iran and Central Asia, is a global menace. Muslims from the Indian state of Kerala are being sought. They are recruiting young educated individuals; for instance, a 19-yearold from a renowned institution in Islamabad was engaged in Instagram misinformation dissemination. Additionally, individuals residing in Hungary, Italy, and the USA oversee these accounts. The nation unified following the APS atrocity and swore, “Never again.” Pakistan expeditiously formulated a National Action Plan for terrorism. After nearly nine years, we are once again confronted with identical circumstances. How shall we proceed? Let us not adopt the erroneous belief everything is fine. When policy is being formulated, those who offer critical and independent analyses
and perspectives are frequently ignored rather than consulted. To safeguard professional reputations, officials minimise adverse occurrences in their jurisdictions. Despite years of tremendous sacrifices, militancy has returned, this time with cuttingedge tactics and armaments. These cannot be resolved with superficial measures like holding jirgas in DCs’ offices; the country requires a comprehensive national dialogue, not just local ones. We must strengthen our cyber security capabilities and cooperate with Afghanistan and Central Asian nations to counter the threat from the TTP and ISKP. Although politicians have numerous shortcomings, they remain the most actively involved individuals with firsthand knowledge of the actual situation. They should therefore be entrusted with leadership positions in both military operations and peace negotiations. Confronting the imminent battle necessitates the people, political parties, and governmental institutions to unite. The persistence of religious militancy as a hazard is improbable in the near future. Predicting the resolution of a two-decade-old conflict through initiatives lasting weeks or months is naive. In the so-called Islamic Emirate, Pakistani terrorist organisations have discovered a model to emulate as they pursue jihadist objectives against Pakistan. Furthermore, the country’s internal dynamics are conducive to the growth of these organisations, given that insurgencies thrive on disorder and uncertainty, exacerbated by political, economic, and social unpredictability. Eliminating the prevailing political and economic instability and resolving internal strife will be essential measures. This hinders these organisations in recruiting members, propagating their grievances, and constructing narratives against the state. Over the past two decades, a one-dimensional strategy that ignores the political drivers of the insurgency in favour of kinetic measures have failed to produce any lasting results; if this strategy is continued, it will likely fail even more. Now it seems Pakistan is looking towards Washington to help it counter terrorism, and Washington’s declaration of Pakistan as an ally shows its willingness to help. The top military brass’s meetings with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and other important officials seems to have particularly planned to seek Washington’s support in its fight against terrorism.
Britons joining Israel’s genocide We cannot quit coal in Gaza must face justice Coal is humanity’s biggest greenhouse gas polluter, churning out 40% of all energy-related emissions. After dipping during the pandemic, coal emissions surged to a record high of 15.5 gigatons in 2022. That was more than the entire energy emissions of China and three times as much as the US
I
SEATTLE TIMES
MarK GoNGloff
T’S nearly impossible to get every country in the world to agree on anything. But at the latest United Nations climate talks, leaders representing all the people of Earth held hands and sang in perfect harmony of their shared belief that coal is the absolute worst. And yet too many of them still can’t seem to get enough of the one fossil fuel that makes oil look like a slacker when it comes to ruining the atmosphere for human habitation. It’s a grim reminder that transitioning the global economy to clean energy will be hard, and exorbitantly expensive, and that wealthier nations must share much more of the burden than they have so far. It took decades of climate talks for the world to publicly admit, at the COP28 confab in Dubai, that fossil fuels generally are the main culprit behind the greenhouse-gas emissions heating the planet. But a consensus of scorn for coal formed a bit earlier: The world vowed to do away with “unabated” coal power at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, a pledge it repeated in Dubai without debate. (More on that “unabated” qualifier in a minute.) That’s not working out so great. Global coal consumption has surged more than 5% since that Glasgow agreement, based on International Energy Agency estimates. The IEA this month optimistically suggested global coal demand peaked this year at a record 8.5 gigatons and would gently ebb to 8.3 gigatons by 2026. If this sounds like marginal progress, I guess you could argue it’s still better than nothing. But a year ago, the IEA suggested coal demand had already essentially peaked at around 8 gigatons and would be barely higher in 2025. In its latest report, it revised its estimate of 2022 demand up significantly, from 8 gigatons to 8.4 gigatons. Last year’s peak-and-plateau turned out to be a false summit. The IEA’s new claim of marginal progress masks what has actually been a lurch in the wrong direction. Coal is humanity’s biggest greenhouse gas polluter, churning out 40% of all energy-related emissions. After dipping during the pandemic, coal emissions surged to a record high of 15.5 gigatons in 2022. That was more than the entire energy emissions of China and three times as much as the U.S. Not only is this terrible for the climate in the long term, but coal pollution has immediate effects on public health. We won’t be able to stop
global heating without first stopping the burning of coal. Coal is in rapid, welcome decline in the U.S. and the EU, tumbling 21% and 23%, respectively, in just the past year, according to the IEA — and this despite the war in Ukraine triggering worries that Europe would be forced to make up for a lack of natural gas by burning the dirtier stuff. In the U.S., renewables now produce more electricity than coal. Even Japan, which has been much more leisurely about ditching coal, burned 8% less this year. The story is much different beyond the developed world. China, India and fast-growing Southeast Asian economies have all been ramping up coal use lately. All have joined the global pledges to phase out coal — or at least the “unabated” kind, meaning that which doesn’t rely on dodgy carbon-capture technology to negate its greenhouse gas effects. But it’s still a cheap, reliable source of power when renewables aren’t available, a common problem for developing economies. The best solution is to bolster renewable capacity to take its place. But that takes money — lots and lots of money. China has been throwing wads of cash at clean energy, and coal’s demise seems inevitable there, my Bloomberg Opinion colleague David Fickling has written. But poorer developing nations will need a hand. In 2021, the Group of Seven leading industrial nations set up the Just Energy Transition Partnership to help some of the world’s most dedicated burners of coal to switch to cleaner energy. The results have been underwhelming. Indonesia recently announced a plan to spend $20 billion in JETP funding that left untouched “captive” coal-power plants — which industrial users keep handy to provide reliable energy as needed — and envisioned retiring just two of the nation’s grid-connected coal plants. Vietnam announced a $15.5 billion JETP plan at COP28 that envisioned raising coal power capacity to 30 gigawatts from 25 by 2030. One big hurdle is the deep inadequacy of the sums the G-7 is offering. The Indonesian government has estimated it will need $600 billion to transition to renewable energy, of which $20 billion is a poor down payment. Most of the pittance offered to Vietnam is in the form of commercial loans rather than grants. At COP28, even as they finally vowed to ditch fossil fuels (slowly, and not until 2050-ish), global leaders conveniently omitted the details of who will pay for that monumental change. The world’s struggle to kick its coal habit is a striking example of why it behooves well-to-do countries to get much more serious about helping their poorer cousins hurry their transitions. That could involve committing to end coal burning much more quickly, as the International Institute for Sustainable Development has proposed. Whatever the means, the key is to remember that the coal burned in Vietnam profoundly affects the climate in Vermont and Vienna.
Mark Gongloff is a Bloomberg Opinion editor and columnist covering climate change. He previously worked for Fortune.com, the Huffington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
The writer is a freelance columnist
The glorification of British soldiers joining the Israeli army and committing war crimes in Gaza reveals Islamophobic double standards
O
NEW ARAB
NadeiNe asbali
VER the past three months, hundreds of British citizens have rushed to the Middle East to take part in a genocidal military campaign far from home. These Britons have willingly participated in heinous acts of terror, including carpet bombing hospitals, schools and refugee camps, deliberately murdering journalists and their families, extrajudicial killings, and parading innocent civilians through the streets naked. Now, assuming that mainstream Western media has succeeded in normalising Islamophobia, it’s likely that you have a certain kind of person in mind when you imagine Britons fleeing to the Middle East: young, impressionable Muslims going off to join Islamist movements. However, unlike previous moments in recent history, there has been no public panic, no institutional outrage at this exodus of Britons abroad. There is no increased police presence at the border or in places of worship to root out those intent on killing civilians. No haphazard policies hurried through parliament to ensure those that go can never return without facing justice for their war crimes. No tabloid papers postulating: Where were they radicalised? Where did they learn to hate? Why can’t they integrate? Because this time, the Britons flocking to the Middle East are not kids from Tower Hamlets and Bradford named Mohammad and Shamima. These are British Israelis and British Jews who have rushed to join Israel’s war on Gaza. NHS doctors, army veterans and university chaplains have all signed up to join the Israeli army, which masquerades behind the misnomer Israeli Defence Force. These British citizens are complicit in an ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people of Gaza, one that has killed more than 22,400 people so far, including over 9,000 children. But where there should be shock, outrage and even condemnation at this phenomenon, there is nothing but silence at best and glorification at worst. It is impossible to miss the glaring double standards between the treatment of these young British Jews running to Israel to fight with Israel’s occupation forces (IOF) versus young British Muslims who joined the Islamic State (IS) in the 2010s in media, government and society alike. When a 15-year-old British child called Shamima Begum was groomed in her east London bedroom by a grown man, who just happened to be a Western intelligence asset, to go join IS in Syria, she was immediately outcast by the only nation she had called home. Begum became the ultimate symbol of Islam’s threat to the West. She became a harbinger of social decline, a mascot for the right-wing conviction that multiculturalism never worked anyway. It didn’t matter that Begum was British. It didn’t matter that she was a child, or that she had been a victim of human trafficking. It didn’t matter because she was Muslim. Her face was plastered on the front page of every tabloid newspaper and her name became part racial slur, part sick joke. Her British citizenship was immediately revoked, rendering her stateless, her babies dying as she languished in a Syrian refugee camp.
Indeed, such a preoccupation did her case become in the minds of the government that it paved the way for the Nationality and Borders Bill 2022, which now means any of us with even tenuous ties to another country can be stripped of our British citizenship. Even if this is the only country we have ever known. In contrast, this recent spate of British IOF volunteer recruits (who are not only grown adults with full agency but also actively joining battle rather than simply choosing to participate in society) have invariably been portrayed as heroes by the press. Words like ‘bravery’ and ‘sacrifice’ adorn headlines next to carefully chosen photos of them embracing their grandma or doing volunteer work in Africa, hugging their childhood pet or graduating from a top university. Their justifications for travelling to a foreign country to engage in genocide are framed as ‘protecting’ and ‘defending’ rather than engaging in the calculated mass eradication of an entire population. Their aims are painted as legitimate and moral and their own trepidations or anxieties are centred while obscuring the mass suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who bear the brunt of their genocidal endeavours. Whereas British Jews joining the IDF are selfless and heroic, young Muslims radicalised online saw their humanity stripped from them as soon as they left British soil. Teenage girls groomed online became ‘Jihadi brides’. Young British men were given sensationalist nicknames like ‘Jihadi John’ and depicted by the media not as Britons cast astray who need to be returned home, but as barbarians wielding knives with faces obscured by ominous-looking flags with Arabic writing. By valorising the British citizens choosing to take up arms against a civilian population in Gaza, the British media is not only complicit in the ongoing genocide of Palestinians but is also actively manufacturing a dangerous narrative that has real implications for Muslims in Britain. The reality of the situation on the ground in Gaza is readily visible to everyone with a smartphone. Parents cradling their children’s corpses. Babies blown to pieces. Elderly slowly decomposing under rubble. Women giving birth in bombed out refugee camps. Children reciting Qur’an to themselves whilst having their limbs amputated with no anaesthetic. None of this is hidden from us. At the same time, only the most precursory glance at Israeli soldiers’ own TikTok feeds is required to see the glee and hubris with which these acts of genocide are orchestrated. The marriage proposals taking place in obliterated schools. Writing love messages to their children on bombs that will kill or dismember Palestinian children. The jokes about nobody answering the door in a shelled out home. In one video currently going viral, British-born Israeli soldier Levi Simon records himself shamelessly rummaging through the lingerie drawer in an abandoned Gaza home, captioning it “kinky terrorism”. When it was IS enacting heinous crimes against civilians, there was rightful outrage. Why, then, is this kind of violence okay? Why is ethnic cleansing of Palestine acceptable when it is being enacted by those with proximity to whiteness and when the victims are those racialised exclusively as Muslims? Of course, the answer is already there, staring us right in the face. Some lives don’t matter. Some lives are denied the right to be victims, considered acceptable collateral damage to broader political aims. The West is desperately clinging onto its last colonial outpost. And yet, the realities of truth and falsehood, of occupier and occupied, of right and wrong, has never been clearer. By glorifying the Britons choosing to partake in the genocide of Palestinians as brave heroes, the British establishment has chosen its side. And it’s the side it has always been on, after all. Nadeine Asbali is a secondary school teacher in London.
06 NEWS Bangladesh’s ‘opposition-less, low turnout’ polls set to give pM hasina fourth straight terM
B
DHAKA
AGENCIES
ANGLADESHIS largely stayed away from the polls in a general election on Sunday set to give Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a fourth straight term, after a vote boycotted by the main opposition party and marred by violence. Rights groups have warned of virtual one-party rule by Hasina’s Awami League in the South Asian country of 170 million people after the boycott by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and some smaller allies. The United States and Western nations, key customers of Bangladesh’s garment industry, have called for a free and fair election, the 12th since independence from Pakistan in 1971. Turnout was about 40% when polls closed, said chief election commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, compared with over 80% in the last election in 2018. Initial results are expected early on Monday. Voting was cancelled at seven cen-
tres due to irregularities while the candidature of an Awami League contestant was cancelled for threatening security officials, said Jahangir Alam, secretary of the commission. The BNP, boycotting the second of the past three elections, says Hasina’s party is trying to legitimise a sham vote. She refused BNP demands to resign and allow a neutral authority to
us grounds some Boeing MaX planes for safety checks NEW YORK
AGENCIES
US regulators on Saturday temporarily grounded 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 jetliners for safety checks following a cabin panel blowout that forced a new Alaska Airlines jet carrying passengers to make an emergency landing. A piece of fuselage tore off the left side of the jet as it climbed following takeoff from Portland, Oregon, en route to Ontario, California, on Friday, forcing pilots to turn back and land safely with all 171 passengers and six crew on board. Several passengers suffered injuries. The plane had been in service for just eight weeks. Late on Saturday, both Alaska Air and United Airlines (UAL.O) said they would halt use of some MAX 9 planes they had resumed using that day after inspections they believed would answer the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s concerns. Alaska said it was in talks “to determine what, if any, further work is required before these aircraft are returned to service.” The FAA decision is well short of the global grounding of Boeing (BA.N) MAX jets almost five years ago after two crashes that killed nearly 350 people. Still, it is a blow to Boeing as it tries to recover from back-to-back crises over safety and the pandemic under heavy debt. The FAA did not rule out further action as a probe began into the apparent structural failure, which left a rectangular hole in an area of fuselage reserved for an optional extra door but which is deactivated on Alaska’s aircraft. The Boeing 737 MAX 9s fitted with a special door replacement “plug” cannot fly until they are inspected and repaired if necessary, the FAA said. “The FAA is requiring immediate inspections of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes before they can return to flight,” FAA chief Mike Whitaker said. Social media posts of the Alaska Airlines jet showed oxygen masks deployed and a portion of the aircraft’s side wall missing. A section of the fuselage reserved for the optional door had vanished, leaving a neat door-shaped gap. The seat next to the panel, which contained an ordinary window, had been unoccupied.
run the election, accusing the opposition of instigating anti-government protests that have rocked Dhaka since late October and killed at least 14 people. The BNP called a two-day strike nationwide through Sunday, asking people to shun the election. “The people of the country boycotted the government by not going to
the polling booths,” said BNP leader Abdul Moyeen Khan, adding the opposition’s boycott call was a success. In her latest 15 years in power, Hasina, 76, has been credited with turning around Bangladesh’s economy and the key garment industry. But critics accuse her of authoritarianism, human rights violations, crackdowns on free speech and suppression of dissent. At least four people were killed on Friday in a passenger train fire that the government called arson. Several polling booths, schools and a Buddhist monastery were set ablaze days before the poll. A person in Munshiganj, south of the capital Dhaka, was hacked to death on Sunday morning, district police chief Mohammad Aslam Khan said, adding it was unclear if the killing was related to political violence. Police in Chandpur district about 110 km (70 miles) from Dhaka fired tear gas to disperse BNP supporters who had blocked roads to disrupt voting and threw stones at security forces, said district police chief Saiful Islam.
Monday, 8 January, 2024 | LAHORE
uK announces europe’s first high-tech uranium fuel plant LONDON
AGENCIES
Britain intends to become the first European country to produce an advanced uranium fuel that is currently commercially available only from Russia, the government announced Sunday. The UK government said it would invest £300 million ($382 million) building a high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) programme that would help “displace” Moscow from global energy markets. “We stood up to (Vladimir) Putin on oil and gas and financial markets. We won’t let him hold us to ransom on nuclear fuel,” energy secretary Claire Coutinho said in a statement. “This will be critical for energy security at home and abroad and builds on Britain’s historic competitive advantages,” she added. HALEU fuel is needed to power many of the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors, including so-called small modular versions that the UK intends to use. The fuel has a uranium-235 content of between five and twenty percent, above the five percent level that powers most nuclear plants currently in operation. HALEU production has recently begun in the United States, but only a Russian facility manufactures the uranium on a commercial scale, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Japan premier vows Israel claims part of Hamas ‘dismantled’ “ceaseless” aid as snow as war enters fourth month hampers quake relief TEL AVIV/GAZA AGENCIES
Israel said it had “dismantled” Hamas’s military leadership in northern Gaza as its war against the Palestinian group entered a fourth month Sunday, with fears mounting that the conflict could spread into neighbouring Lebanon. Six people were killed early Sunday during an Israeli raid in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said, with witnesses reporting that Israel had also carried out air strikes in Gaza’s main southern city of Khan Yunis. Israel’s army said late Saturday it had “completed the dismantling of the Hamas military framework in the northern Gaza Strip” and its forces would now focus on central and southern areas of the territory. The prospect of a wider regional war loomed with army spokesman Daniel Hagari warning that Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group was “dragging Lebanon into an unnecessary war”. The group fired more than 60 rockets at an Israeli military base on Saturday in response to this week’s killing in Beirut of Hamas’s deputy leader. The war in Gaza was triggered by an unprecedented attack on Israel launched by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,140 people, most of them civilians. The militants also took around 250 hostages, 132 of whom remain in captivity, according to Israel. At least 24 are believed to have been killed. In response, Israel is carrying out a relentless bombardment and ground invasion that have killed at least 22,722 people, most of them women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel would continue its campaign to “eliminate Hamas, return our hostages and ensure that Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel”. Netanyahu was under growing pressure on Saturday with demonstrators gathering in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square to call for early elections and the resignation of his government. “Bibi Netanyahu and all the rest of his idiots are ruining Israel and they are destroying everything we hoped and dreamed of,” Shachaf Netzer, 54. “Everybody here wants an election.” Israeli strikes on Saturday in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of people have sought shelter from the fighting. Victims of the bom-
bardment were brought to the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, where relatives and mourners gathered. One of them, Mohamed Awad, wept over the body of a 12-year-old boy and counted the deaths in his family. “My brother, his wife, his children, his relatives and the brothers of his wife — there are more than 20 martyrs,” Awad, a journalist said. Civilians in the Hamasruled Gaza Strip have borne the brunt of the conflict as the scale of the destruction has triggered mass displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis. With swathes of the territory reduced to rubble, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths on Friday said “Gaza has simply become uninhabitable”. The World Health Organization says most of Gaza’s 36 hospitals have been put out of action by the fighting, while remaining medical facilities face dire shortages. International aid group Doctors Without Borders said it had evacuated its staff from Al-Aqsa hospital in central Gaza after a bullet penetrated a wall in the intensive care unit. “The situation became so dangerous that some staff living in the neighbouring areas were not able to leave their houses because of the constant threats of drones and snipers,” said Carolina Lopez, the group’s emergency coordinator at the hospital. Top Western diplomats were in the region over the weekend as part of a fresh push to boost the flow of aid into Gaza and address mounting fears of a wider conflict. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Jordan on Sunday during a Middle East tour that will take him to Israel and the occupied West Bank next week. “One of the real concerns is the border between Israel and Lebanon, and we want to do everything possible to make sure we see no escalation,” he told reporters in Greece, where he stopped before continuing to Jordan. Blinken was due to hold talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II before heading to Qatar and Abu Dhabi later in the day. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Saturday visited Beirut, where he met a senior figure in Hezbollah’s political wing as part of efforts to avoid Lebanon being drawn into the war, an EU source confirmed.
JAPAN
AGENCIES
Japan’s prime minister vowed to provide “ceaseless” support to areas devastated by the New Year’s Day earthquake as snow and sleet hampered rescue and relief efforts and local media reported that the disaster had now claimed at least 126 lives. The adverse weather on the Noto peninsula continued to vex survivors at the epicenter of the magnitude 7.6 quake that left more than 30,000 homeless and cut power to tens of thousands of residences and businesses. At least 222 people are still reported missing and more heavy snow or rain is forecast overnight for the region. Footage on national broadcaster NHK showed construction trucks digging through piles of dirt three meters (almost 10 ft)tall to unearth houses buried by landslides. “Rescuing people trapped under the rubble and responding to isolated areas are issues that must be tackled with the highest priority,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on an NHK program on Sunday. “As we move forward with ceaseless reconstruction and recovery efforts, we must not hesitate in responding due to budget constraints in the disasteraffected areas,” he added. Kishida had said on Friday that his government would tap 4.74 billion yen ($32.77 million) of budget reserves for reconstruction efforts. The governor of Ishikawa Prefecture, where the Noto peninsula is located, declared a state of emergency on Saturday, calling the quake “an unprecedented disaster” for the region, NHK reported.
Monday, 8 January, 2024 | LAHORE
CORPORATE CORNER TİKA-funded schools for Veraval Turk Jamaat inaugurated
KARACHI: The inauguration ceremony of primary and secondary schools, which belong to the Veraval Turk Jamaat, renewed by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), was held with the participation of Sindh Province Caretaker Minister of Education Raana Hussain, Consul General of Türkiye to Karachi Cemal Sangu, TİKA Karachi Programme Coordinator Halil İbrahim Başaran and other guests. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Caretaker Sindh Education Minister Raana Hussain said that the classrooms of these newly renovated schools were very attractive and interactive. Such an environment helps students grow. She also thanked TİKA and Türkiye for their support. Consul General of Türkiye to Karachi Cemal Sangu conveyed his wishes and said, "We, as Turkiye, always support and give important education. In thiregardds, 28 Pak Turk MaariSchoolsol are active in Pakistan. We are extremely glad to inaugurate these 2 schools belonging to the o Veraval Turk Community furnished by TİKA.” PR
707 students appear in KU Evening Entry Test 2024
KARACHI: As many as 707 candidates appeared in the entry test for BS first year of BSCS and BSSE (Computer Science) Evening Program 2024 at the University of Karachi on Sunday. The KU has received 855 online forms for the available 220 seats in both BS programs of the department of computer science. A 100-minute long entry test was started at 11 am and 20 examination classrooms were established in the political science and computer science departments. According to the in-charge KU Directorate of Admissions Dr Saima Akhtar, 75 candidates appeared and cleared the morning program entry test and also submitted their online admission forms for the evening program. She added that as they had already cleared their entry test, they did not need to appear in today’s entry test and their marks (score) would be considered while preparing the final result of today’s entry test. The KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, Director of the Evening Program Professor Dr Imran Ahmad Siddiqui, Professor Dr Anila Amber Malik, in-charge Directorate of Admissions Dr Saima Akhtar, Medical Officer Dr Muhammad Hassan Auj, Medical Consultant Dr Akmal Waheed, Campus Security Advisor Dr Salman Zubair and others monitored the admission test proceedings. PR
Shia-Sunni scholars pay Gen Qasim Soleimani glowing tribute at Iranian Consulate
L
LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
AHORE Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Kashif Anwar has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for SRO 1842(1) 2023 Amendment, saying that retailers seek tax relief amidst recent policy changes. The LCCI spokesman told media here Sunday that in a bid to address the concerns raised by the LCCI members, President Kashif Anwar has penned a letter to FBR Chairman Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana, urging for amendments to SRO 1842(1)2023 dated 21-12-2023. The focal point of contention revolves around a recent notification amending rule 150ZEA of the sales tax rules, 2006, specifically targeting Tier-1 retailers under section 2(43A) (g) of the sales tax
act, 1990. Under the revised rule, retailers with a deductible withholding tax under section 236 H of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 exceeding Rs100,000/- in the last 12 months are now obligated to integrate with the point of sale (POS) system. Kashif Anwar pointed out that this amendment would affect retailers across 21 different sectors/products, citing their lack of expertise, technical know-how, and financial resources. The crux of the matter lies in the additional burdens on retailers. He said that in the previous budget, the condition of 1000 sq ft was withdrawn because of the hard work of the business community and now this 236 H has been imposed instead of enhancing the turnover of retailers and reducing the tax rate by facilitating more and more unregistered persons to come into tax net.
President LCCI highlighted that compliance with the new regulations would necessitate hiring professional accountants for record maintenance, filing statements, reporting to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Moreover, the installation of POS systems would further escalate costs for these already economically challenged retailers. He said that it is not feasible to come into sales tax regime overnight as this will create problems for withholding retailers. He noted that this could negatively impact those who are already tax-compliant and documented, potentially discouraging the documented sector, and these overnight changes may result in refrain the unregistered retailers to come into the tax net. The LCCI President expressed deep concern over the potential ramifications, asserting that these burdens could lead to
Second UEC-SAARC International Symposium held at UEC in Tokyo
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Club at Eighteen, a private members’ club that plans to offer worldclass golf and other amenities, has opened its doors for pioneer members after a star-studded inauguration. The club, located within the Eighteen community on Srinagar Highway, will be fully operational seven days a week from January 2024. Marzena Mocko, General Manager of The Club at Eighteen, said in an interview that the club curates a personalized experience that surpasses expectations with limited memberships and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service. “The club’s membership is a special privilege extended through invitation, joining an international family of friends that share a passion for world-class golf and the pursuit of the finer things in life,” she said. The club offers tiers of membership, designed mostly for residents of the Eighteen community, with only 18% of its membership available to non-residents. It also boasts an extravagant array of amenities, including an extraordinary dining experience, a wellness corner and gym, a swimming pool and a pro shop adorned with top-ofthe-line equipment. Mocko said that the club is designed to cater to varied interests and members can also enjoy exclu-
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The salaried class has outpaced wealthy exporters in tax payments during the first half of the current fiscal year. Reports indicate that the salaried class has contributed a staggering 158 billion rupees in taxes, marking a substantial 38 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Notably, this amount is 243 percent more than the taxes deposited by exporters. During this period, exporters earned a substantial Rs 4.3 trillion but only contributed a mere one percent, totaling Rs 46 billion in taxes. This stark difference places the salaried class as the fourthlargest tax-paying segment, trailing behind contractors, bank deposi-
Marzena Mocko, General Manager Club at Eighteen
sive access to the Academy, which includes a range of outstanding indoor and outdoor amenities, such as cutting-edge Trackman 4 golf simulator rooms, an exceptional fitness studio equipped with Allegro Pilates Reformers, tennis, padel tennis and a futsal ground. She added that the club will organize sports, social and international golf events annually. “For families, golfers and sports enthusiasts with a taste for cultured lifestyle, membership of the club unlocks access to privacy, exquisite hospitality and a haven situated in the natural beauty of Pakistan,” she said. The club features an 18-hole golf course, designed by leading architects IDG and meticulously sculpted over the past four years.
The course expands over 7,000 yards, incorporating the natural beauty of the rolling terrain and featuring panoramic views. It is currently offering nine playable holes, fully operational with bunkers, lakes and catch basins. “The Club at Eighteen is developing the remaining 10 to 18 holes, which shall be playable in due time. Members also enjoy a unique experience with access to the Academy, an innovative indoor golf experience. This exceptional facility has five Trackman 4 simulator rooms, an inviting café, and sun-soaked Reformer Pilates and Yoga studios designed to enhance the workout experience,” Mocko said. She also said that golf has seen significant growth in Pakistan, with heightened participation and an increased fondness for the game. “We presume that the positive trajectory will continue in the future, with The Club at Eighteen spearheading this journey. The evolution of golf in Pakistan seems destined for greatness, promising new courses in cities such as Multan, Lahore and Karachi and a flourishing community of enthusiasts,” she said. The club’s strategic location offers easy access to its residents and members traveling from M2/M1 highways, coming from Lahore and Peshawar respectively. It is also only 10 minutes away from the Islamabad International Airport and 20 minutes away from downtown Islamabad.
tors, and importers. Income tax collections from the salaried class have witnessed a remarkable 38 percent growth from July to December compared to the previous year. Sindh province alone has contributed 66 billion rupees, with registered employees in Karachi leading the way by depositing 57 billion rupees, constituting 36 percent of the total tax. Punjab follows closely with 59.4 billion rupees, accounting for 38 percent, while Lahore contributed 33 billion rupees. Additionally, Islamabad, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have contributed 19 billion, 4.2 billion, and 9 billion rupees, respectively. Experts anticipate that the salaried class will surpass the Rs 300 billion mark in tax contribu-
tions by the end of the financial year. It is worth noting that during the first half of the year, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected a total of Rs 1.25 billion in withholding tax, representing 57 percent of the total income tax collected. Tax collections from contractors and service providers increased by 31 percent, reaching 228 billion rupees, while tax on loan profits surged by 58 percent, totaling 220 billion rupees. Importers also made substantial contributions, paying 189 billion rupees in income tax. This shift in tax dynamics highlights the significant role played by the salaried class in bolstering the country’s revenue, surpassing even the traditionally high contributors in the export sector.
Inflation continues to hurt economic growth, rises above 40pc: PIAF ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD: “UEC-SAARC Symposium on Emerging Technologies (USSET2023)” was held at the University of Electro-Communications (UEC), Tokyo, Japan. The symposium was carried out under the framework of Sakura Science Program and administered by Japan Science and Technology Agency. Prof. Dr. Farhan Saif (SI, POP) from the department of Electronics, Quaid-i-Azam University, a member of the organizing committee, led a delegation of Pakistani researchers and students which represented Pakistan at USSET2023. Symposium covered all areas of emerging technologies with a focus on Quantum technologies, Quantum computing, Quantum simulation, New light sources and applications, New approaches to metrology, sensing, imaging, Artificial intelligence & machine learning. Large number of eminent
severe challenges for retailers. Compliance difficulties may result in penalties, exacerbating their financial strain. Kashif Anwar stressed the urgency of the matter, calling for immediate intervention by Chairman FBR to address the predicament. Kashif Anwar proposed a concrete solution in his letter. He urged Chairman FBR to consider amending the said SRO by substantially raising the prescribed threshold of deductible withholding tax for POS system integration. Specifically, he proposed an increase of deductible threshold from Rs. 100,000/- to Rs. 500,000/-. This adjustment would be a great favour to the retailers and will enable them to work smoothly. He said the outcome of this appeal could potentially shape the landscape for retailers, determining the ease of compliance with evolving tax regulations.
Islamabad gets another private members golf club
Salaried class pay 243% more tax than wealthy exporters KARACHI: A seminar was held at the Iranian Consulate in Karachi on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of General Qasim Soleimani. Consul General Hasan Nooryan, caretaker Minister of Information and Minority Affairs Muhammad Ahmad Shah, head of National Unity Council Sahibzada Abul Khair Zubair, Maulana Haider Ali Javadi, Dr Sabir Abu Mariam, Maulana Sheikh Salahuddin, Secretary General of Muttahida Ulema Mahaz Maulana Amin Ansari and others addressed the event. The seminar was held in connection with the International Day of Resistance and the fourth anniversary of the leader of Islamic resistance and the martyr of Al-Quds, Shaheed Haj Qasim Soleimani, in which Shia-Sunni scholars, and political and religious leaders participated. Other prominent personalities, media persons, professors and students of various universities and academic centers, and also Iranian citizens residing in Karachi participated and paid tribute to Shaheed Qasim Soleimani by paying attention to various aspects of his life. PR
07
LCCI CHIEF WRITES TO FBR BOSS, SEEKING TAX RELIEF FOR RETAILER AMIDST POLICY CHANGES NEWS
Chairman Pakistan Industrial & Traders Associations Front (PIAF), Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol has warned the authorities that rising inflation continued to hurt economic growth, demanding a careful policy to keep it in control, as the prices of essential commodities continued to stay away from the
reach of the financially vulnerable segments, with data showing the annual short-term inflation well above 40 percent. In a statement issued on Sunday, he said that the government computes the Sensitive Price Indicator on a weekly basis to evaluate the price fluctuation of necessary commodities by evaluating the rates of 51 items collected from 50 markets in 17 cities of the country.
The SPI report for the week ending on January 4 reflected an increase in the rates of 19 commodities, decrease in nine and stability in 23. Quoting the data, PIAF Chairman Faheemur Rehman Saigol observed that trade and industry have suffered from the double-edged sword of food and energy prices with transport inflation peaking to a record 65% while the annual inflation rate increased to 24.9% in
Tessori vows take solid measures to develop Pakistani art, culture KARACHI: Sindh Governor Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori has reiterated for taking solid measures for development of art and culture. He said, “The art and culture of Pakistan is unique and prominent throughout the world.” The Governor Sindh was talking to Chairman Crescent Art Gallery, Nasir Javed
and CEO Sameer Nasir who called on him at Governor House Karachi on Sunday and discussed various issues with him including art and culture. Kamran Tessori said that Crescent Art Gallery was playing effective role for promoting art and culture and all possible cooperation will be provided in exhibition and other matters. PR
Provision of basic rights to transgender community top priority: Mushaal ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushaal Hussain Mullick has said that provision of all basic rights to the transgender community across the country at gross root level was top priority of the government. Addressing the concluding ceremony of a workshop on wellness and communication development for non-binary and transgender persons, organized by AQ Khan Foundation here on Sunday, she said that over 0.3 million transgender were registered with concerned government department and the government was planning to a mass campaign with the name of “Dukhtar” rest of the country for the protection, jobs and skilled programs for trans community. Mushaal said, “Transgender persons are guaranteed all fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. In addition, the Act recognizes transgender persons’ right to property inheritance, voting, education, employment, healthcare, assembly, access to public places and to hold public office.” Transgender community was playing its vital role for the development of the country and they were contributing at every level with their sincere efforts and hard working, she acknowledged. The SAPM said that the government would constitute committees at district level for collecting the proper data of transgenders, to provide the education, health care, jobs, social security, social media trainings, vocational trainings and other opportunities to make them productive and economically independent citizens. “We all are human beings and have the rights to do every positive act for the development and promotion of the society and state”, she added. Mushaal also appreciated the best efforts of Dareecha organization for the development of trans community. Ms Jameela, Sheela, Usman and Aksh also address the ceremony and highlighted the problems of transgender community.
Winter festival set to showcase GB’s stunning landscapes from Jan 15
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
The government, along with private partners, is set to host a seven-day winter festival, to boost tourism and showcase the stunning landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan, from January 15, 2024. The event, organized by the Department of Tourism, Sports, and Culture, aimed to highlight the region’s potential as a year-round destination, starting with winter sports events in all ten districts with an emphasis on promoting national ice hockey championships and local cultural activities, the festival is a significant step toward putting GilgitBaltistan on the global tourism map, Director Tourism GB Sajid Khan said while talking to APP on Sunday.
Monday, 8 January, 2024
Caretaker Balochistan IF VOTED TO POWER, PPP WILL CONSTRUCT minister claims 2,000 ‘3MLN HOUSES’ FOR POOR PEOPLE: BILAWAL ‘ghost’ teachers PRAYER TIMINGS
NEWS
P g
EXPRESSES HIS OPTIMISM ABOUT PPP’S VICTORY IN ELECTION 2024 LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
AKISTAN People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday declared that if voted to power, his party will construct three million houses for the poor people, expressing his optimism that people would vote the PPP to power in the upcoming general elections. Addressing a workers convention in Lahore on Sunday, Bilawal reiterated his pledge to fulfill the ten promises outlined in the party’s manifesto, ensuring free electricity for up to three hundred units. Earlier, Bilawal Bhutto said that the party will contest elections 2024 from every constituency and it is contesting the elections to win. Bilawal said “we do not believe in the politics of hatred and division, and will take our manifesto to the people, and contest the elections based on that, as done by “our ancestors, Quaid-e-Awam
Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.” The former foreign minister stated that PPP’s 10-point agenda and the economic plan it contains will be conveyed
Two security personnel, woman among four killed in Kurram attack KURRAM
STAFF REPORT
Four people including two security personnel and a woman were killed, while three others sustained wounded in firing on a passenger coach and a vehicle near Sadda Bazaar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district on Sunday, police said. District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Imran confirmed the incident, saying the vehicles were targeted by gunmen with automated weapons. The district police officer informed the incident happened near Sadda Bazaar where the assailants opened indiscriminate fire at a passenger coach and a car, killing two security personnel, a driver and a woman. He added that both the vehicles were travelling from Parachinar to Peshawar. The DPO claimed that efforts were underway to arrest the culprits behind the attack and that security in the area had been increased. Dr Qaiser Abbas, the deputy medical superintendent of Parachinar district headquarters hospital, also confirmed the incident and said the wounded were currently receiving treatment at the hospital. Local tribes of Turi Bangash have called for an emergency jirga (meeting) to decide on a plan of action about the attacks. In a similar incident last week on December 31, a man was injured in yet another terrorist attack on a passenger coach in the Hangu district of KP. However, the terrorists were forced to flee when a passenger opened fire on them with his handgun. The police said that terrorists had ambushed a Parachinar-bound coach and fired at its tyres, forcing it to stop. Last month, nine people were killed and 25 injured in a “terrorist” attack on a passenger bus in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chilas.
Tribunal clears way for Nawaz, Shehbaz, Maryam to contest polls
to the people saying that “we have to make the people of Raiwand understand that if they wish to form a government of the people, labourers, farmers and students, then PPP is the sole option, not the
PML-N or PTI.” Bilawal promised to provide free of cost, quality healthcare as they have done in different districts of Sindh, including NICVD, Gambat, SIUT etc as these are not mere claims, like the PML-N and PTI. The PPP chairman said that Bhutto was actual possessor of Lahore rather any businessman or sportsperson. Bilawal Bhutto said, “We do not need any Patwari or anyone else but to serve people. We are asked why have we come to Lahore instead they are imposed on Lahore by General Zia.” My struggle was against inflation, unemployment and poverty and would continue to safeguard the interests of common man, he added. Bilawal said that he would distribute cards among labours and farmers, BISP stipend would be increased, eradicating hunger during the difficult economic conditions. The PPP chairman further stated his party should be the only choice on Feb 8.
JUI-F chief holds meeting with Afghan deputy PM after reaching Kabul g
11-MEMBER PAKISTANI DELEGATION REACHES AFGHAN CAPITAL ON INVITATION OF HAIBATULLAH AKHUND ISLAMABAD
along with other members of the delegation joined them on Sunday. According to sources, Fazl would also meet with Haqqani Network chief Sirajuddin Haqqani and Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob to discuss the Islamabad agenda with them. The two sides are expected to discuss the TTP and other issues, including bringing them to the negotiating table, ensuring the security of the elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the merged districts, pushing them away from border areas, border
management, trade relations and also the visa-free movement at Chaman border points. The two sides already made promises on security affairs when Mullah Shirin, the governor of Kandahar province, had landed last week in Islamabad while Maulana Fazl’s visit would give further push on all topics concerned, the source added. Besides Maulana Fazl, Maulana Mehsud who has influence over the TTP groups in South Waziristan could also bring the TTP Mehsud and Wazir groups to the negotiating table for talks.
Four cases of new corona variant JN1 reported in Pakistan: Ministry
STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Four cases of a new variant of Corona, JN1, which is an Omicron sub-variant, have been reported in Pakistan. According to the spokesperson
ASR MAGHRIB ISHA
1:30
4:00
RAWALPINDI
The Lahore High Court's Rawalpindi Bench on Sunday reserved its decision on the rejections of nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Election tribunal proceedings were presided over Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz while Barrister Ali Zafar represented the former premier. Imran's counsel prayed to the tribunal to annul the decision made by the returning officer on Imran's nomination papers. Zafar argued that the RO lacks the authority to determine moral turpitude or eligibility without proper evidence. He also referred to a similar case of PML-N's Khawaja Asif before the 2018 general elections. The tribunal stated that in the case of the
PML-N leader, contention was on the issue of salary. The judge then asked if the items taken from the Toshakhana were mentioned or not. Justice Aziz then stated that they were not debating the merits of the Toshakhana case, however, the court was trying to determine if the funds from the sale of Toshakhana items were declared or not. The director-general law, who was also present, asserted that the RO was obligated to conduct a summary hearing. He maintained that if an accused is convicted, the individual is disqualified from contesting the polls. He further added that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has disqualified Imran and it remains in effect. The senior law officer further stated that the RO rejected the papers in accordance with the law, and therefore, it is requested that Imran's appeal be dismissed. Imran's nomination papers were rejected
7:00
drawing salaries QUETTA PPI
About two thousand teachers of provincial Education Department have been drawing salaries while sitting abroad. These teachers have neither obtained no objection certificate no applied of Ex-Pakistan Leave. This revelation was made by caretaker Minister for Education, Qadir Bakhsh while talking to PPI here on Sunday. He said that strict disciplinary action against ghost teachers of the provincial education department, including two thousand teachers sitting abroad, would be taken. PPI contacted Yousaf Kakar, President, Balochistan Junior Teachers Association to express his views about the absence of two thousand teachers from their duties, he said that the revelation of caretaker Minister for Education Balochistan was correct as most of the teachers of provincial educational department did not perform their duties by using the names of teacher unions. On the other hand, Habibur Rehman Mardanzai, Chairman, Government Teachers Association said that teachers had proceeded abroad after seeking no objection certificate and ex-Pakistan leave from the competent authorities. Refuting the claim of Caretaker Minister for Education, Mardanzai said that caretaker Minister for Education should name 10 teachers who have proceeded abroad.
Pakistan’s sesame export to China registers 117.85pc increase in last year
for the Ministry of Health, all the affected people have mild symptoms of the new coronavirus variant. He said that all four patients have recovered without any complications. The spokesperson said that the WHO designated JN.1 as a variant of interest.
Meanwhile, Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan said the government is closely monitoring the situation. He said that the border health services, national and provincial health authorities labs are fully operational and alert to monitor disease on the instructions of the health minister. He said international airports have an effective screening system at all entrances and exits. He said that the Border Health Services Department is implementing the recommendations of International Health Regulations. He said that the federation and provinces are fully alert. He added 90 per cent of Pakistan’s population have already been vaccinated. He asked citizens to use masks, distance and other precautions to avoid spreading diseases like COVID-19 or flu in winter.
Pakistan registered a remarkable surge of 117.85 percent in Sesame seed export to China last year as sesame seeds amounting to $250 million was shipped to China from January to November 2023. This unprecedented growth has positioned Pakistan as a major player in the global Sesame seed market, with Chinese consumers increasingly embracing the quality and flavor of Pakistani sesame, according to a senior official at Pakistan Embassy Beijing. Pakistan’s export of sesame seeds to China was $250.85 million from January to November 2023, compared to $117.85 million in the same period last year. This marks an increase of more than 112 percent. Overall, Pakistan’s export of sesame seeds to China in 2022 was $128.44 million, while it was $120.44 million in 2021. According to details, Pakistan exported 143,527.875 tons of sesame seeds to China from January to November 2023, whereas in 2022, it was 84,985.321 tons. China imported 92,516.55 tons in 2021 and was one of the key destinations for sesame seeds exports from Pakistan,” he added. The official said that the sesame seed industry continues to thrive and added, experts attribute this remarkable achievement to a combination of favorable climatic conditions, strategic agricultural policies, and adept market positioning.
JI unveils lists of candidates from Karachi KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has unveiled its candidates for national and provincial constituencies of Karachi for general election 2024. As per details, the JI has fielded its Karachi head Hafiz Naeem from two National Assembly seats (NA 246, NA250) and one provincial seat (PS 130). The JI candidates Umar Farooq, Taufeeq Uddin, Jameel Khan, Akhtar Hussain, Mairaj Siddiqui, Dr Usama Razi, Irfan Ikhlas will contest elections from NA229 to NA 237 respectively. It is pertinent to mention here that last week, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released official data, showing 3,240 candidates aspiring to contest elections at national and provincial levels had their nomination papers rejected by returning officers (ROs). As per data released by the ECP, 1,024 candidates were denied eligibility to contest National Assembly elections. Additionally, 2,216 individuals, failed to secure approval for the provincial assembly race. Out of 25,951 submissions, the ROs green-lighted 22,711 candidates. For the National Assembly, 6,449 candidates received approval, while 1,024 faced rejection. The ROs accepted 16,262 nominations for various provincial assembly seats. Punjab witnessed the highest number of rejections (521) for National Assembly nominations, followed by Sindh (166), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (152), Balochistan (92), and Islamabad Capital Territory (93).
Decision reserved on Imran's appeal against rejection of nomination papers STAFF REPORT
5:15
STAFF REPORT
LAHORE
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice-President and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz on Sunday got a green signal to contest elections from NA-119 in Lahore. Election Appellate Tribunal disposed of an appeal against the acceptance of Maryam Nawaz’s nomination papers from NA-119. It may be mentioned here that Maryam Nawaz has submitted nomination papers from six constituencies of National and Punjab Assemblies. Maryam Nawaz’s nomination papers had been submitted from NA-119 and NA-120 in Lahore, and from PP-80, PP-159, PP-160, and PP-165. Also on Saturday, the Election Tribunals had given go-ahead to top members of the Sharif family including Maryam Nawaz to contest general elections from different constituencies. The Election Tribunal in Lahore had dismissed appeal filed against approval of Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers. The Election Appellate Tribunal upheld the returning officer’s decision to accept Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers from NA-130 Lahore.
ZUHR
7:00
BEIJING
STAFF REPORT
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday met with the interim deputy prime minister of Afghanistan Maulana Abdul Kabir after reaching Kabul. According to JUI-F sources, Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Muttaqi, Maulvi Abdul Latif, and others were also present on the occasion. The JUI-F chief reached Kabul on the invitation of the interim Afghan government to discuss Islamabad’s approach to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other issues. Pakistan hopes that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s religious influences on the Afghan Taliban would bring peace and stability with Kabul bowing to Islamabad’s demands. Maulana Fazl is accompanied by an 11-member delegation, including former MNA from South Waziristan Maulana Jamaluddin Mehsud, Mufti Ibrar and members from the Haqqani religious seminary, reached Kabul on the invitation of the Ameerul Momineen Mullah Haibatullah Akhund. Some of the religious scholars had already landed in Kabul on Saturday while the JUI-F chief
FAJR SUNRISE
6:20
for both NA-89 Mianwali and NA-122, Lahore. “The candidate is convicted by the court of law and he has been disqualified under Article 63 (1)(h) of the Constitution … read with section 232 of the Election Act 2017,” the RO in NA-122 said in his order. “The proposer of the candidate is not a registered voter in the constituency of NA122 and hit by section 60(1) of the Election Act 2017,” the RO said, citing the reasons for rejecting the nomination papers. Earlier in a petition to the LHC, Imran contended that recent amendments to the Elections Act 2017 limit the ECP's jurisdiction in deciding the qualification or disqualification of a member based on a court conviction. The PTI founder urged the court to set aside the ECP's notification, which disqualified him for a period of five years and purportedly de-notified him as the returned
candidate from constituency NA-45 Kurram-I. He further requested the court to suspend the operation of the notification until the final disposal of the petition.
He accused the ECP of acting with unlawful zeal and haste to exclude him from the upcoming general elections rather than ensuring fair and free elections.
Published by Asad Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk