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PTI WINS BACK ‘BAT’ SYMBOL AS PHC DECLARES ECP ORDER ‘ILLEGAL’ thursday, 11 January, 2024 i 28 Jamada al-Sani, 1445

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Court argues why ECP didn’t issue show-cause if PTI’s intra-party election was against constitution?

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PTI should be given bat as its electoral symbol; says verdict PESHAWAR

Staff RepoRt

N a significant development in favour of the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday nullified the ruling by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and returned the electoral symbol of ‘bat’ to the PTI. On December 22, the electoral watchdog invalidated PTI’s intra-party elections, declaring withdrawal of the party’s iconic ‘cricket bat’ symbol.

However, on December 26, the PHC, presided over by a single judge Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel, suspended the commission’s decision to nullify the PTI’s intra-party polls and revoke its ‘cricket bat’ symbol. The court in its order had directed the commission to publish the PTI’s certificate on its website and restore the electoral symbol of the party.

The ECP held a meeting following the PHC’s decision. The commission then decided to challenge the PHC decision through an intra-court appeal filed on December 30, 2023.

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Ejaz Anwar and Justice Syed Arshad Ali, of the high court resumed the hearing on PTI’s intra-party election and election symbol case today with counsels representing the party and the Election

Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in attendance. In its verdict, the PHC directed the ECP to upload PTI’s certificate of intraparty polls on its website.

“The PTI is entitled to the ‘bat’ symbol should be given the same as its electoral symbol,” said the PHC ruling.

The verdict, which was reserved earlier in the day, was announced by a twomember bench of the high court comprising Justice Ejaz Anwar and Justice Syed Arshad Ali. The petition was filed by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali and other party leaders requesting the court to declare the ECP order illegal and

SC upholds ex-military dictator Musharraf’s death sentence in treason case ISLAMABAD

sans jurisdiction.

As the hearing commenced, Justice Anwar remarked that the ‘ladla‘ (blue-eyed boy) title keeps switching from person to person. Advocate Qazi Javed stated that his client and PTI’s former district general secretary came to know about the intra-party polls from the media, mentioning that Javed wanted to participate in the party polls; but was not given the opportunity.

Advocate Javed stated that he also approached the ECP in this regard.

Upon Justice Anwar’s inquiry on whether all members or just provincial representatives were elected in the polls,

Javed remarked that the representatives of the entire country were elected.

The counsel maintained that if PTI is demanding a level playing field, then it should provide the same to its party workers as well. The lawyer for petitioner Jahangir from Charsadda, Naveed Akhtar, stated that his client was the PTI’s district president and was dismissed from the party over a statement. Naveed claimed that PTI did not elect officials as per the constitution, maintaining that every party should abide by its constitution.

Justice Ali inquired whether there could be a penalty for intra-party elections or was any action taken by the electoral watchdog, to which the lawyer replied that no action was taken by the election commission.

The counsel for the complainant argued that the ECP should have ensured that the intra-party polls were held under Section 208. PTI lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar, while presenting his arguments, said he wanted to clarify the principle of jurisdiction in the case. He said that under Article 199, the PHC is empowered to hear the party’s plea as the intra-polls were held in Peshawar – which falls under the jurisdiction of the PHC. He further said that the party’s chairman also belongs to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province and when asked about the general secretary, he replied it is Umar Ayub. Justice Anwar remarked that if the intra-party election was against the constitution, ECP neither issued the party a show-cause notice nor any punishment and added that the election body only nullified PTI’s intra-party polls.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the death sentence of late former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, awarded by a Special Court in the high treason case. Announcing the short order, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa said, “The impugned passed on January 13, 2020 by the Lahore High Court (LHC) […] is not sustainable and accordingly set aside.” The order comes as a fourjudge SC bench took up a set of appeals pertaining to the Jan 13, 2020 LHC order declaring unconstitutional the death sentence awarded to Musharraf on Dec 17, 2019. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minallah were other bench members hearing the appeals. In December 2019, a special court in Islamabad found Musharraf guilty of high treason and handed him a death sentence under Article 6 (high treason) of the Constitution. It marked the first time in Pakistan’s history that a military chief had been declared guilty of high treason and handed a death sentence.

The verdict was split 2-1. In January 2020, the LHC had declared unconstitutional all actions taken by the government against Musharraf, including the filing of a complaint on high treason charge and the formation of a special court as well as its proceedings, leading to the abolition of the death penalty handed down to him.

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Jan Achakzai, Mahrang Baloch trade barbs again ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Staff RepoRt

Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 193 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition

As protests for the recovery of Baloch missing persons continue in Islamabad, caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai and Baloch activist Dr Mahrang Baloch have traded barbs.

It was Jan Achakzai who accused Dr Mahrang Baloch, a human rights activist who is leading Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s (BYC) camp in the federal capital, of planning to move abroad on asylum.

The minister’s remark came during a press conference in Quetta on Wednesday, where he shared the Baloch Enforced Disappearance Commission’s report on the missing persons. This report may shut the propaganda mills, he added.

The interim minister said that the issue of Baloch missing persons has been used as an organised campaign and some people’s motivation can also be used in election campaigns and other interests.

“Everyone knows Dr Mahrang’s motivation. She wants to get asylum in any foreign embassy or settle in any foreign country by getting a visa.

She has a dream to become Malala II,” Achakzai said.

The minister said that the activist would keep selling this narrative but this “is a fact that the entire data has been received”.

He disregarded the authenticity of any statistics part of the “propaganda” which are circulating in the private sector or media.

Achakzai said that the commission’s report has been presented before the Supreme Court. He said that allegations were levelled regarding

the people’s arrests in Tonsa and other areas. “Banned outfits give the people names to be added to missing persons’ lists,” the minister said, adding that Pakistan is being defamed in the name of missing persons.

He went on to say that more than 200 attacks took place in Balochistan last year. “Someone is involved in these attacks. Innocent people can’t be involved in terror attacks,” Achakzai stated. He said that people affiliated with banned outfits carry out attacks after getting training in camps.

In response to the provincial minister’s remarks, Dr Mahrang told media that Achakzai and his government have been involved in “propaganda against us for a long time now”. “All they want to do is character assassination of the victims’ families,” she claimed, adding, “I am not leaving Pakistan, I’m sitting here in Islamabad and I’ll be here in this country.”

The human rights activist added: “Why would I fly to somewhere else?

Are we demanding anything unconstitutional? I want to tell the world that the issue is not about me.

Why caretaker govt offering free money to Pakistani startups?

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Unlike VC funds, PSF is an equity-free grant, aimed at bolstering tech ecosystem in country, but can it do so?

PROFIT

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Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif launching 'Pakistan Startup Fund' in Islamabad.

Early on Tuesday afternoon every person imaginable from the Ministry of Information and Technology congregated in Islamabad to launch the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF). What followed was a typical “launch ceremony” organised by the government.

The minister gave a speech to a packed audience. The protocol flunkies nodded vigorously, the ministry lackeys clapped loudly, and the scoundrels of the press (including two of Profit’s own correspondents) took notes diligently. There was talk of revolutionising Pakistan’s IT landscape and uplifting the youth was mentioned for good measure.

It was as typical as it gets. So much so that we won’t even question why a caretaker minister is launching funds and making policies and plans that will have far-reaching effects well beyond his constitutionally

mandated time in office.

But what exactly is the Pakistan Startup Fund? To hear Dr Umar Saif and his very important ministerial entourage speak of it, the government wants to use the Rs 2 billion fund to annually help Pakistan’s nascent startup ecosystem.

But what exactly does “helping” startups mean in this context? The Rs 2 billion up for grabs here are being offered equity free which makes this, for all intents and purposes, a subsidy. Except the money isn’t being given directly by the government but is rather being managed by Ignite — which is a non-profit company run by the Ministry of Information and Technology. So how will this fund work, and is it the best idea in the world?

WHY CREATE THE FUND? This part is simple. Over the course of the past year startup funding has tanked all over the world. Pakistan, which since 2018 has been home to a steadily growing startup industry, has been adversely affected with many large startups having to shut shop.

The government (not seemingly bothered about the pesky “caretaker” title that precedes

it) clearly believes in the potential of Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. That is why they have introduced the Pakistan Startup Fund.

The Rs 2 billion are meant to act as a cover for underwriting risks for startups. What that means is if a startup needs to raise, for example, $700,000 in a particular year to stay on track but only end up raising $500,000 they can approach the fund to bridge the gap.

In that way the fund acts as a kind of foil for startups. As funding has dipped in Pakistan potential founders might be becoming more risk-averse. Startups are already a risky business with 90% of startups likely to fail from the get-go. So in an environment where investment is rare and business risks are high, the appetite to create a startup might be significantly lower. The PSF, at least as envisioned by Dr Umar Saif, would offer an encouraging cushion for startups.

WHAT ARE THE TERMS OF THE FUND? Now this is where things get interesting.

For starters the fund has been created in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) which means it has

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Supreme Court Justice Mazahir Naqvi resigns amid pending reference ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Supreme Court Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi on Wednesday tendered his resignation to the President, citing the decision as a result of the challenging circumstances surrounding his position. Justice Naqvi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in both the Lahore High Court and the Supreme Court but stated that continuing his duties under the current conditions had become “untenable”. The resignation, once approved by the President, will leave two vacancies in the Supreme Court vacant. It is noteworthy that a reference against Justice Mazahir Naqvi is awaiting consideration by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).

Recently, a 3-member Supreme Court bench dismissed a request for an injunction on the council’s proceedings. Justice Naqvi had previously submitted a detailed response to the show cause issued by the Supreme Judicial Council, denying the allegations against him. He emphasized that while the council can receive information, it lacks the authority to act on any complaint against a judge. In his comprehensive reply, Justice Naqvi had argued that the council’s orders were in violation of established rules, contending that individuals providing information to the council should not play a role in the proceedings as per the rules.

Sharif family gets clean chit to contest polls LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The election appellate tribunals on Wednesday gave a clean chit to members of the Sharif family to contest the upcoming general elections, scheduled to be held on February 8, after dismissing appeals filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) challenging the acceptance of the nomination papers for Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz. The election tribunals, comprising of 12 judges of the Lahore High Court (LHC), adjudicated appeals filed by candidates challenging the decisions of the respective Returning Officers regarding the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers. The appeals against the Sharif family centred around the acceptance of nomination papers for Nawaz Sharif from NA-130, Shehbaz Sharif from NA-132, and Maryam Nawaz from NA-119. The petitioner had objected to how the papers of Nawaz Sharif could be accepted, considering his lifetime disqualification. The appellant raised various questions before the election tribunal, seeking clarification on whether the nomination papers of an individual disqualified for a lifetime by the Supreme Court of Pakistan could be accepted.

The appellant had also contested the Returning Officer’s decision to accept the nomination papers of Shehbaz Sharif, asserting that he had been identified as the mastermind behind the alleged criminal attack on the Supreme Court on November 28, 1997. Furthermore, the appellant contested the Returning Officer’s decision to accept the nomination papers of Maryam Nawaz, arguing that she did not meet the criteria of being “Sadiq and Ameen” (truthful and trustworthy). However, the tribunals dismissed the petitions against the Returning Officers’ decisions to accept these nominations. A tribunal also gave a clean chit to PTI’s Dr Yasmeen Rashid from NA130, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed from PP-169, and other candidates from different constituencies by dismissing the Returning Officer’s decisions wherein their nomination papers had been rejected. The tribunals also upheld the Returning Officers’ decisions against PTI leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, his wife Qaisara Elahi, and their son Moonis Elahi for NA-64, NA-69, PP-32, and PP-34 respectively.

the backing of state institutions. This makes the fund a serious investment pool that startups can look towards.

The only problem is that this fund has been created entirely equity free. Profit was informed that this fund will essentially function as the last cheque of equity free money in a round, whereby startups can access this government grant after they have raised 70% of the initial amount from VC funds. The government would be facilitating rounds by underwriting the last cheque for 25% to 30% of the round, without claiming equity and helping VCs by sharing some burden and helping startups finish the round.

This means the government will be giving the startups this money and not taking any equity in exchange. Essentially, they are offering the startups money for free. If the startup still ends up failing the money has been burnt. If it does succeed, the government does not get any returns.

The fund will be fueled by revenue from Ignite, a program funded by a portion of the federal government’s telecom receipts. This is the earlier mentioned company which also looks after and funds the network of eight National Incubation Centres (NICs) established in major cities of the country.

During the same time, the minister had told Profit that the government already gives

quite hefty grants, which majority of the time go to waste. However, in this case they would tie this money to a VC round, or a private risk capital, essentially giving these grants to a company with a promising idea and commitment.

WHAT DO THE CARETAKERS HOPE THIS WILL DO? At the launch of PSF, attended by Secretary IT Mr. Hasan Nasir Jamy, Additional Secretary Ms. Ayesha Humera Chaudhry, and representatives from prominent investment firms and foreign diplomats, Dr. Umar Saif, the caretaker minister of IT & Telecom, and Science & Technology, emphasised that the PSF is particularly tailored to assist startups in securing their initial external investments, as the fund’s grants will be essentially underwriting risks for investors and venture capitalists.

Dr Saif, confident in Pakistan’s potential, said, “Pakistan is the fifth-largest country, and with smartphones in every household, there is no reason why we won’t see unicorns.” He highlighted that Pakistani startups had received over $800 million in investments in recent years, with some poised to become unicorns.

And this isn’t a new plan. In October last year, Dr Saif told Profit that we need to keep encouraging venture capital growth in Pakistan and to assist with that, the government will be introducing the Pakistan Startup Fund, with a billion rupee value each year. However, the value of the fund was revised and bumped up by another billion rupees.

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02 NEWS

PC APPROVES SALE OF 51PC STAKE IN PIA, ADVANCES LEGAL SEGREGATION PLAN

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DISCUSSIONS WITHIN PRIVATISATION COMMISSION BOARD ALSO COVERED PROPOSALS RELATED TO RETAINING EMPLOYEES AND ADDRESSING RS281 BILLION COMMERCIAL BANKS' DEBT PROFIT

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HE Privatisation Commission (PC) in its recent board meeting, chaired

by Privatisation Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad, has given the goahead for the transaction structure to sell a minimum of 51 percent stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as reported by Express Tribune.

This move comes after the strategic division of PIA’s balance sheet, transferring a substantial portion of its Rs825 billion liabilities to a newly formed entity.

The legal segregation, which entails cat-

Pakistan records $2.4b remittances in December, up 5.4% MoM, 13.4% YoY

egorizing PIA into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ segments, was part of the discussions. However, the valuation report from financial advisors, led by the Ernst and Young consortium, remains pending. Notably, the PC chose not to issue a post-meeting statement, breaking from its usual transparency practices.

A crucial aspect of the stake sale involves foreign buyers potentially facing legal obstacles due to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority Act, Air Service Agreements, and National Aviation Policy. To navigate this, the board has endorsed the recommendation to sell a minimum of 51% stakes, with the condition that foreign buyers must collaborate with a local partner.

The financial advisors had initially proposed selling shares along with management control, but the legal complexities necessitated this adjustment. The ongoing discussions also involve resolving disagreements between the finance and privatisation ministries regarding the fate of the Rs281 billion debt and the associated interest rates in case payments are frozen for five years.

The PC is navigating extraordinary circumstances to complete the PIA transaction, with the interim government facilitating the process through a Presidential

PROFIT

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PROFIT

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Pakistan received $2.4 billion in remittances from overseas workers in December 2023, marking a 5.4% monthon-month and a 13.4% year-on-year increase, according to the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). As per SBP data, workers’ remittances were recorded at $2.25 billion in November and $2.1 billion in December 2022. However, despite the rise in December, remittances declined by 6.8% year-on-year to $13.43 billion in the first half of the fiscal year 2023-24 (July-December), compared to $14.42 billion in the same period last year.

A country-wise breakdown indicates that Saudi Arabia remained the largest source of remittances, sending $577.6 million in December, up 6% month-on-month and 9% year-on-year. The UAE followed with $419.2 million, a 2% monthly and 27% yearly increase. The UK sent $368 million, a 7.5% monthly and 19% yearly increase.

The EU contributed $284.9 million, a 6% monthly and 19% yearly increase. The US also showed an 8.5% yearly increase, sending $263.9 million in December. The World Bank has projected that remittances to Pakistan will drop to $24 billion in 2023 and further to below $22 billion in 2024, due to the economic crisis and the loss of public confidence in the formal channels of money transfer.

Govt grants SAZEW first license for electric rickshaw manufacturing PROFIT

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Sazgar Engineering Works Limited ( SAZEW) received the first license for electric rickshaw manufacturing at a special event hosted by the Punjab Transport Department in Lahore on Tuesday.

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, present at the ceremony, expressed optimism about a future dominated by allelectric vehicles in Pakistan. On this occasion, Mohsin Naqvi acknowledged the hurdles faced by the transport department, including the implementation of axle load restrictions and reforms in driving license procedures. On the other hand, SAZEW reported a notable decline in Auto Rickshaw sales, registering only 275 units sold in December 2023. This figure reflects a 64.42% month-on-month decrease compared to the 773 units sold in the previous month, according to the company’s filing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). In terms of production, SAZEW manufactured 1,004 units of Auto Rickshaws in December, surpassing the 848 units produced in November. However, the company faced a significant drop in the sales of four-wheel off-road and passenger vehicles, amounting to 29 units in December compared to the 269 units sold in the previous month.

On the production front, the company experienced robust growth, with the manufacture of four-wheel off-road and passenger vehicles increasing by 23.98% month-on-month to reach 424 units in December 2023. Notably, despite facing a decline in sales, SAZEW recently achieved positive developments. The Board of Directors approved the acquisition of land valued at approximately Rs847 million adjacent to the four-wheeler project, covering nearly 110 kanals. The final value is contingent on the actual measurement of the land.

In a recent meeting, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet sanctioned a pricing mechanism for urea, endorsing a weighted average price approach.

This directive tasks the National Fertiliser Marketing Ltd (NFML) with ensuring a reasonable price for urea, with the Ministry of Industries & Production providing oversight throughout the process. The approved mechanism is expected to impact the minimum retail price (MRP) of a 50kg urea bag, raising it from the current range of Rs3,600 to Rs3,980 to a new range of Rs3,770 to Rs4,100.

This adjustment reflects an Rs160170 increase per bag and is aimed at maintaining economic viability within the fertiliser sector.

The Ministry of Industries, NFML, and local urea manufacturers will collaborate to determine the final sale price, considering a mix of local production and imported fertiliser, alongside other associated expenses.

This decision comes against the backdrop of securing a ‘reasonable price’ for 220,000 tonnes of urea from Azerbaijan’s Socar Trading through a

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APPROVED MECHANISM IS EXPECTED TO IMPACT MINIMUM RETAIL PRICE OF A 50KG UREA BAG

Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangement.

Furthermore, the ECC acknowledged the subsidy on imported urea and determined that provinces would bear the associated costs. The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) reported the total subsidy cost at approximately Rs27.5 billion, with the landed cost of imported urea at about Rs6,250 per 50kg bag.

and liabilities, with a holding company retaining non-core elements, such as the Rs281 billion debt from commercial banks.

Core assets, including basic engineering services and international routes, are proposed for sale to investors.

The board discussions also included proposals about employee retention and the treatment of the Rs281 billion commercial banks’ debt. The ongoing negotiations aim to strike a balance between attracting investors and addressing the financial challenges within the scope of the PIA transaction.

The fate of PIA, with its extensive liabilities and assets, remains a focal point in the larger context of the government’s privatisation strategy, and further developments are expected as discussions progress.

Ordinance and new rules. Despite these efforts, there remains uncertainty about how to handle the significant debt and interest rates associated with the banks.

After receiving board approval, the matter will move to the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP), also chaired by Fawad Hasan Fawad, before reaching the caretaker cabinet. The financial advisors are expected to submit a comprehensive report on PIA’s valuation by the third week of January.

The complex structure involves segregating core and non-core assets

Economic Coordination Committee approves urea pricing mechanism

Provinces, particularly Punjab and Sindh, have expressed their stance on sharing or bearing the full cost of subsidies. These economic decisions aim to strike a balance between facilitating the urea market and addressing budgetary considerations. The ECC’s actions reflect the government’s commitment to managing economic challenges effectively and ensuring sustainable growth.

Thursday, 11 January, 2024 | KARACHI

SBP sells MTBs worth Rs283bn at lower yields PROFIT

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The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday announced the auction result of Market Treasury Bills (MTBs) worth Rs 283.24 billion, far exceeding its target of Rs 100 billion. The auction saw a high demand for the short-term government securities, as the SBP received bids worth Rs2.755 trillion, nearly 10 times the amount it accepted. The cut-off yields for the 3, 6, and 12-month MTBs were 20.9996%, 20.9601%, and 20.8449%, declining by 45, 44, and 59 basis points respectively. The SBP accepted Rs5.71 billion for the 3-month MTBs, Rs6.5 million for the 6-month MTBs, and Rs211.08 billion for the 12-month MTBs. It also picked up Rs66.44 billion from the noncompetitive auction, bringing the total amount accepted to Rs 283 billion. In the previous auction, the SBP sold MTBs worth Rs2 trillion at 21.448%, 21.3999%, and 21.43% for the 3, 6, and 12-month tenors, exceeding its target by almost four times.

Qureshi moves LHC against rejection of nomination papers

Two soldiers martyred, as many terrorists killed in Lakki Marwat

Sepoy Muhammad Afzal, 29, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom.

RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Two soldiers embraced martyrdom and as many terrorists were killed in a gun battle in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday, the

Sepoy Ibrar Hussain, 27, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom.

military said.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the fire exchange took place between security forces and terrorists, in which army troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, resulting in the successful neutralisa-

tion of two terrorists, Aftab alias Malang and Masood Shah.

Both of these individuals were actively involved in various terrorist activities against security forces and were implicated in the targeted killings of innocent civilians. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from them.

The brave soldiers involved in the operation, Sepoy Muhammad Afzal (29 years old, resident of district Bhimber, Azad Kashmir) and Sepoy Ibrar Hussain (27 years old, resident of district Mansehra), fought gallantly but tragically embraced Shahadat during the intense exchange of fire, the ISPR said.

The military’s media wing said sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area.

“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it maintained.

Reko Diq’s logistical challenges cast shadows on promised wealth CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

The problem is more than just the branch railway line. The Secretary of the Railway Board unravelled that there are further complexities on ML1 and ML-3, where a mix of trains, including passengers and freight, congest the ML1. Operational hurdles on ML-3, marked by step gradients limiting load capacity to 300 tons per train, necessitate a piecemeal transport approach, extending turnaround time by over 10 days and hiking operational costs.

Adding to the intrigue, the use of Banking Locomotives, as planned by RMDC, further elevates costs, while the 400-km Noukandi section requires substantial upgrades, with lingering challenges even post-rehabilitation.

The mere distances to Karachi and Gwadar ports from Noukandi, hint at very high potential operating costs if Port Qasim is favoured. The balancing act between existing limitations and long-term aspirations becomes pivotal in finalising the medium and long-term routes. It also does not help that the road options for

Reko Diq are deemed unviable due to an overloaded Quetta-Karachi section. The pragmatic alternative points towards utilising the existing railway network, albeit with a hefty $200 million upgrade.

Discussions around road connectivity reveal ongoing progress in the NoukandiMashkel section’s construction. The future hinges on the processing of PC-1 for Mashkel-Panjgur and upgrading Panjgur to Gwadar sections, waiting for increased volumes to trigger action.

The debate between Port Qasim and Gwadar Port intensifies, considering the operating cost implications over the next 45 years. The direct route from Noukandi to Gwadar Port is significantly shorter than the route to Port Qasim, potentially minimising operational costs.

It is important to remember here that a similar problem prevailed in the case of the Saindak silver mine located in Chaghai. The silver ore extracted from the mine has to be transported 1,127 km from the site to the port in Karachi by trucks.

The costs associated with using trucks had an adverse effect on the bottom line and

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday challenged the decision of rejection of nomination papers by the appellate tribunals in the Lahore high Court (LHC) while the party founder’s legal team is preparing to move the court. The PTI founder’s team announced that it would appeal against the decision of returning officer who rejected his papers from National Assembly constituency NA-122 which was dismissed by the appellate tribunal.

Justice Tariq Nadeem announced his decision reserved on Tuesday and upheld the verdict of the returning officer. Meanwhile, PTI vice chairman and former foreign minister Qureshi on Wednesday challenged rejection of his nomination papers from three constituencies by a tribunal. A three-member bench headed

by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi will hear the plea.

It may be recalled that Qureshi’s papers from Punjab Assembly constituency PP-218, and National Assembly constituencies NA-150 and -151 were rejected.

overall feasibility of the project.

In a bid to address these challenges, a Sub working group for railway connectivity, having representatives from each stakeholder, has been formed to meet every two weeks, reviewing progress and resolving bottlenecks.

WATER AND ELECTRICITY WOES Another historical concern, water supply, continues to be a critical issue. The Risk Assessment Report from 2007 highlighted water as the project’s “most critical” challenge, emphasising the need for a sustainable water source for the next 45 years in the remote mining location. Developing infrastructure and ensuring a consistent water supply remain formidable tasks. Something that is yet to be revealed by the RMDC. The supply of electricity to the region has also emerged to be another grave concern. Initially requiring 150 MW by 2028, the appetite is set to double by 2031, reaching an impressive 300 MW. Studies present three potential transmission routes to plug into the National Grid. The options range from the DaduKhuzdar-Panjgur-Reko Diq line (880 km

at $385 million) to the China HubAwaran-Panjgur-Reko Diq line (820 km at $405 million) and the Mustang-DalbidinReko Diq line (530 km at $320 million).

All these come at a significant cost that has to be borne by the stakeholders.

After an animated debate, the meeting decided to unbox the technical requirements. The Country Director of the Provincial Disaster Management Committee (PDMC) is greenlit to share the intricate details, from initial and peak transportation volumes to power, gas, and water needs.

THE WAY FORWARD As Pakistan delves into the complexities of Reko Diq’s logistical challenges, it is essential to keep in mind Pakistan’s chequered past with poorly executed projects, corruption, and inefficiencies. The transparency and efficiency in handling such a colossal venture will be critical in determining whether Reko Diq becomes the economic boon or encounters obstacles that impede its transformative potential.

As of now the Railway division will share its feasibility of the Panjgur-Gwadar Railway and the Power division will share its details on the proposed transmission lines to the Reko Diq project site.

The next steps, including resolving logistical challenges and addressing infrastructure needs, will play a decisive role in shaping the narrative of Reko Diq’s contribution to Pakistan’s economic landscape

IHC SUMMONS DEFENCE, INTERIOR MINISTRY OFFICIALS AS PTI CANDIDATE ‘GOES MISSING’ Thursday, 11 January, 2024 | KARACHI

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ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

HE Islamabad High Court (IHC) has summoned the joint secretaries of the interior and defence ministries after Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) candidate Barrister Abdullah Mumtaz Kahloon went “missing” from outside the Islamabad International Airport.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard a protective bail plea filed by the PTI candidate who had filed his nomination papers from PP-76 Sargodha.

Barrister Abdullah was allegedly picked up from outside the airport soon after he arrived in Islamabad from abroad.

Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal appeared in the hearing on behalf of the government.

He apprised the high court that Abdullah could be seen on CCTV cameras while

coming outside the airport and he then departed for an unknown location with three to four persons without resisting them.

CJ Farooq questioned whether the faces of those people could be seen or not.

SC upholds ex-military dictator Musharraf’s death sentence in treason case CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The bench — headed by Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and also comprising Justice Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Justice Mohammad Masood Jahangir — had also set aside Section 9 of Criminal Law Amendment (Special Court) Act, 1976 for being violative to fundamental rights and ruled against retrospective effect given to an amendment in Article 6 of the Constitution, which deals with high treason.

In November, the top court had fixed for hearing a set of appeals, including one filed by the late military dictator. Days later, it had also admitted for hearing appeals against the ex-president’s acquittal. The counsels in this matter including Vice Chairman of Pakistan Bar Council Haroon ur Rashid, senior counsel Hamid Khan, Rashid A. Rizvi and others had primarily challenged the LHC’s decision for having “no legal or territorial jurisdiction, corum non judice (not before a judge), the high court’s exercise of SC’s powers and the maintainability of Gen Musharraf’s petition filed before the LHC”.

While presiding over the case in November, CJP Isa had assailed the LHC for knowingly overlooking earlier decisions of the apex court through its 2020 judgment. In a subsequent hearing, the top court had poked holes in the LHC decision, observing that it addressed issues beyond the scope of the initial petition.In another hearing, Justice Minallah had remarked that the judges who granted legal cover to Musharraf’s martial law should be tried in court. During the proceedings on Wednesday, petitioner Hamid Khan and Musharraf’s counsel Salman Safdar appeared before the court.

The court dismissed the set of appeals, noting that “despite attempting to do so, Musharraf’s legal heirs could not be contacted”. At the outset of the hearing, Hamid said that the appeal filed by Musharraf against his sentence was a “criminal appeal” while his request before the SC was to set aside the LHC order, which he said was a “constitutional matter”. He urged the top court to hear both appeals separately.

CJP Isa then noted, “In the current case, the Lahore High Court’s jurisdiction and appeal are separate matters”. The chief justice then said the court wanted to hear Safdar’s arguments first. Here, Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman, the state counsel, opposed the appeal filed against the former president’s sentence. Upon the top judge confirming whether he was opposing Musharraf’s appeal or was in favour of it, the lawyer said he was against it.

He also inquired about any CCTV cameras in the airport’s parking area. To this, Duggal replied that the faces of other people coming with Abdullah were not visible in the footage.

The IHC chief justice asked the additional attorney general how the authorities would handle this matter. Duggal replied that they would write to the sensitive institutions to trace Abdullah out.

CJ Farooq reprimanded authorities for violating the court orders. He remarked how he would implement his orders after a clear violation was committed. The judge added that he was going to summon the joint secretaries of the defence and interior ministries. It is noteworthy to mention here that the ‘missing’ candidate from the former ruling party had already secured protective bail in a case registered against him in Sargodha before arriving in Pakistan.

The hearing was adjourned till January 15. The Imran Khan-led party’s leadership is facing a plethora of cases — especially pertaining to the May 9 riots — with senior leaders, including its founder, Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and others, behind bars.

Govt looking to hand Discos over to army. It isn’t the first time though CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

Why HESCO? Pakistan’s DISCOs fall into two categories: the dishearteningly dismal and the downright dreadful. Each is marked by a degree of incompetence, yet they vary in the extent of their inefficiency.

The dismal cadre includes the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), and the Tribal Electric Supply Company (TESCO). The dreadful assembly, on the other hand, comprises the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO), Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), and Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO).

It’s crucial to acknowledge that the aforementioned ten DISCOs were part of the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee system in 2022. KElectric operates under its unique dynamics, while the performance of the nascent Hazara Electric Supply Company (HAZECO) remains under evaluation.

Over the years, successive governments have endeavoured to remedy the issues plaguing the dreadful DISCOs before addressing the dismal ones. This strategy stems from the belief that the dismal DISCOs, despite their shortcomings, are likely to find a buyer and can be privatised, whereas the dreadful ones are seemingly beyond redemption.

“There’s a need to scrutinise the Punjab DISCOs vs QESCO, PESCO, HESCO, and SEPCO. The Punjab DISCOs account for nearly 10% of losses due to theft and short recoveries, with the remainder attributed to other

ISLAMABAD

Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, on Wednesday warned that with a renewed determination and defence capability, Pakistan would befittingly respond if India resorted to any 2019-like aggression, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The prime minister in a podcast with a digital media chan-

provinces. It’s high time we identify the true culprits rather than unjustly vilifying the entire power sector.,” asserts Shahid Iqbal Chaudhry, a former Chief Executive of IESCO. How does HESCO fit into all this as a testing ground for the new operating model? It held the unenviable honour of being the second-worst for accumulated losses and the third-worst for combined technical and commercial losses among the ten DISCOs at the close of the fiscal year 2022. These dubious distinctions have been retained, primarily due to the absence of any fresh data post the fiscal year of 2022 for the DISCOs.Consequently, although it doesn’t hold the unenviable title of the poorest performer, it precariously teeters towards the lower end of the spectrum — rendering it both a potential phoenix poised for a resounding resurgence, and a desperate entity in the throes of a dire need for a solution.

nel said, “Pakistan will exactly do the same as it did in 2019.

We will hit their planes. We will respond in the same coin…

Neither our bullets nor determination are old. Our bullets are new and our determination is quite renewed and fresh.” Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that no one should be delusional about Pakistan’s response as it had an entire defence mechanism in place to protect its people. He maintained that till the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, the potential for conflict would continue to exist and anything could trigger any sort of exchange.

PTI’s Yasmin Rashid, others allowed to contest elections LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The election appellate tribunal of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday accepted the appeal of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Yasmin Rashid and allowed her to contest the upcoming elections against Nawaz Sharif from NA-130 Lahore.

Following today’s deadline for filing appeals against the decisions of the returning officers, election tribunals across the country are hearing pleas against rejections. The tribunal overturned the decision of the RO and gave the green light to Rashid to contest from the constituency against the PML-N supremo.

Appeals of Azam Khan Niazi and PTI’s Mian Mehmoodur Rashid from

Lahore were also accepted, hence clearing their path to contest in upcoming general polls. In Islamabad, the election tribunal of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) approved the nomination papers of Nayab Ali, a transgender and human rights activist, and declared her eligible.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PLM-N) former member of provincial assembly (MPA) Shaukat Bhatti was

PTI wins back ‘bat’ symbol as PHC declares ECP order ‘illegal’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

A day earlier, the electoral watchdog sent details of election symbols of political parties to the returning officers (ROs), according to which, the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians has been allotted the ‘arrow’ symbol, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Nazaryati ‘ballay baz’ (batsman), and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz ‘tiger’. The electoral body sent the election symbols of 145 political parties to the ROs, however, the PTI was missing from the list of election symbols. The ROs were directed to allot the Istehkam-ePakistan Party the election symbol of an ‘eagle’, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement ‘kite’, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam ‘book’ and the Jamaat-e-Islami ‘scale’. The names of various political parties, including the PTI, were not included in the list of electoral symbols.

Jan Achakzai, Mahrang Baloch trade barbs again CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

PM Kakar vows befitting response in case of aggression from India Staff RepoRt

NEWS 03

cleared by the tribunal to contest the election. Bhatti, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2018 in a fake degree case, was given the go-ahead by Election Tribunal Judge Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf to contest polls from PP-9 Gujar Khan.

The election tribunals will today announce decisions on all the appeals filed against earlier decisions by ROs. The chief justices of the high courts have constituted larger benches and will receive appeals against plea rejection by the election tribunal from today onwards. However, any final appeal against the decision of the larger bench will then be entertained in the Supreme Court. The returning officers will release the new list of candidates tomorrow, January 11.

It’s about missing persons.” People like Achakzai, she further said, are “merely pawns” who speak what they are told.

In its report, the inquiry commission said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 3,485 cases of missing persons, making it the highest number in the country. Causalities in drone attacks and the spike in militancy were the key reasons behind the disappearances, read the report. In Balochistan, 2,752 cases related to enforced disappearance were lodged, the commission said, adding that besides other reasons, fleeing abroad without informing their families, due to the prevailing situation in the province, was among the causes of these cases. “In exercise of the aforementioned powers, the commission has issued 744 production orders out of which 52 have been implemented by the addresses, while the remaining 692 production orders are yet to the executed by the quarters concerned.”

The commission also received 182 petitions from the quarters concerned requesting for review of the production orders in these cases, the report added.

Four martyred as police come under attack in Kohat KOHAT

Staff RepoRt

Policemen among four persons were martyred late-night attack on Tuesday after terrorists carried out an attack in the Lachi area of Kohat, as law enforcers remain the prime target of banned outfits in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to details, more than armed men targeted a check post near Lachi Toll Plaza – some 28 kilometres south of Kohat, resulting in martyrdom of three policemen and a civilian.

The attack triggered a gunfight that lasted for a while after which the terrorists were forced to flee. A large contingent of police was later rushed to the area where a search operation has been launched. Head Constable Amjad, Head Constable Junaid, Constable Waqar and Noor Muhammad – a citizen – have been identified as victims. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been experiencing a new wave of terrorism ever since the PTI government decided to hold so-called peace talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – a move that has proved to a disaster. As admitted by the PTI founding chairman, he as prime minister opted for relocating the TTP terrorists and their families to the erstwhile tribal region, which enabled them gain a foothold and launch attacks across the province. Meanwhile, the terrorist groups are not only attacking the security forces but also have made the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police their prime target as they want to damage the morale of law enforcers who have lost hundreds of lives in large-scale terror attacks as well as targeted killings.

Why is caretaker govt offering free money to Pakistani startups?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The fund’s equity-free capital is expected to encourage more foreign VC funding in the country. Dr Saif highlighted its role by stating, “If a foreign VC is considering a $1 million investment in your Pakistani startup, they only need to invest $700,000 — the Pakistan Startup Fund will provide a $300,000 grant to facilitate closing the round.”

“We will refrain from seeking any equity, shares, or board positions in your startup. The PSF is strategically crafted to mitigate the risks for international investors venturing into Pakistani startups. Once we have issued a check, we commit to a hands-off approach, placing our trust in you and your VC investors to drive your success,” he asserted.

The government’s objective with this fund is to generate a value of at least Rs 50 billion annually in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.

NOT A NEW IDEA NOT THE SAME FUND Not only is this an old idea that Dr Umar Saif has pitched, it was floated before by the previous government as well. It is pertinent to note that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had also announced a Rs1 billion fund for startups in Pakistan, which was reportedly going to be managed by the National Investment Trust Limited (NITL). The said fund was never formally launched.

When asked if the new fund was the continuation of the earlier fund announced by PTI, a representative from the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications expressed shock and dismay at the question, insisting that the idea was completely from the mind of Dr Umar Saif in all

his ministerial glory.

In a conversation with Profit, Dr Saif said “Markets are largely for service provision, whereby no serious risk is involved and steady returns are generated when you invest in a good IT company. It takes a while for startups to reach a level where they can turn to financial markets and unlock more value and potential. However, we need to warm up markets to mobilise resources because a lot of IT companies are still sole proprietorships.”

POSSIBLE CONCERNS Despite the benefits of such initiatives being undertaken by the caretaker government, many have expressed concern over two main things. Firstly, the PSF has been launched without sufficiently transparent and inclusive debate. Secondly, eyebrows were raised over how a temporary government is starting new projects and initiatives instead of overseeing existing ones. The government’s representatives eluded this particular question.

Dr Ali Hasnain, the head of the Economics Department at LUMS, told Profit, “In the last 18 months, the Pakistani state has rapidly redrawn the rules governing it, throwing out long-standing structures and replacing them with a concentration of unchecked and ad hoc power. A caretaker government’s normal mandate per the Elections Act is to attend to day-to-day matters of the government and it must restrict itself to activities that are routine, non-controversial, urgent, and in the public interest. Reading narrowly or in principle, it is hard to understand how a caretaker government can launch a new and multi-year program like the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF).”

Dr Hasnain explained how this may have been le-

gitimised and continued to add, “However, the recent Board of Investment (Amendment) Act which established the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) empowered that body with practically unlimited and unaccountable powers to raise new investments, including the ability to issue binding advice to other ministries. These powers can presumably be used to provide legal cover to the IT Ministry’s new program, notwithstanding concerns of principle and legitimacy.”

It is a fact that caretakers’ authority is usually limited to overseeing elections, however the current interim setup is the most empowered one in Pakistan’s history. This is largely due to recent legislation and mandates that allow it to make policy decisions on economic matters, so that measures could be taken to keep a nine-month $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout on track. So, this particular caretaker government is dissimilar to the orthodox understanding of the term.

When asked whether it is advisable for the government to invest in startups as a means of encouraging digitization and tech integration in Pakistan, Dr Hasnain postulated, “Supporters of public investment into private firms argue that the potential upside is high.

Since its first Unicorn – or company valued above $1 Billion – in 2011, India has established more than one hundred such companies. Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam all have three or more. If Pakistan can create even one, the investments into PSF will have been worthwhile.”

Meanwhile, he also highlighted that detractors point to the lack of capacity within the government to manage such a fund and question whether this money couldn’t have been better spent elsewhere – e.g. on improving our derelict schools or expanding child nutrition pro-

grams. “They argue that the recent slowdown in IT sector investments in Pakistan have more to do with country risk, repatriation challenges, and the substantial skilled labour brain drain that has resulted from the political and economic upheavals of the past two years, than with valuation concerns. Sporadic and unexplained internet outages and the throttling of websites adds to the overall negative picture we are portraying to the world.

Systematic improvements in our institutional credibility may have benefited the sector more, they argue,” he explained, moving onto say, “I am cautiously pessimistic about the PSF: I see some arguments in favour of it, but I am concerned about the lack of capacity in the IT ministry and elsewhere in government to run such a program productively and on merit. At a minimum, the ministry should put the program’s feasibility studies and other background documents in the public domain and invite debate. It should also lay out program targets and clarify how these will be evaluated in the future.”

04 COMMENT

The USA and the quest for global order

Symbolic victory

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HE Peshawar High Court has finally allowed the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf to get back its bat symbol, by striking down the Election Commission of Pakistan decision against its intraparty polls. The PHC, while accepting the PTI appeal, had earlier passed an interim order restoring the symbol, but that successfully appealed against. However, now that the main petition as been decided, the bat is back.

The stage is now set for the ECP to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, or to let things slide, leaving the PTI to award tickets to its candidates., because the last date for allocation of symbols is just two days away.

Also of relevance is the last date for withdrawal of candidature, which is just a day away, on which covering candidates are supposed to pull out. Though their names may remain on the ballot, they usually do not draw away more than a few score votes. However, if a party does not have the all-important symbol, there will be greater problems if a covering candidate remains on the ballet.

While the PHC verdict was certainly good news for PTI supporters, other reports from the courts have not been so encouraging. The drive to get party exchief Imran Khan, still its main votegetter, convicted under the Official Secrets Act, seems to have fizzled out after he got bail in the case fromm the Supreme Court, but his arrest by the Rawalpindi police for the May 9 attacks, particularly the one on GHQ, immediately succeeded, ensuring that he would continue to remain in Adiala Jail. There are also two NAB cases. One was the Toshakhana reference, in which he and his wife Bushra Bibi were indicted by the Anti-Corruption court sitting inside the jail. The other was the £190 million Al-Qadir reference, another case in which he can be kept locked up, in which co-accused Zulfi Bukhari and Shehzad Akbar had their properties and accounts seized.

Mr Khan’s nomination papers have been rejected, but it seems that he is not be allowed to come on to the campaign trail. It is not to be ignored that his main opponent, Mian Nawaz Sharif of the PML(N), is not on the campaign trail either, being busy with ticket disputes. The PTI’s dire straits can be seen from the fact that with its leader disqualified and its organization shattered by May 9 desertions, it will see the retention of its symbol, which other parties regard as a given, as a victory.

The biggest threat to the world order is the USA itself

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dr MuhaMMad akraM Zaheer

GOZI Okonjo-Iweala, the leader of the World Trade Organization, has said that rich countries are being very hypocritical.

They used to tell developing countries to open up their economies and not be protectionist, but now they are not following their own advice. They got rich and powerful by following certain rules, but now they want to change the rules in their favour. Okonjo-Iweala also thinks they no longer want fair competition and prefer a system based on power instead of rules.

The US officials often talk about the importance of following international rules. These rules were established after World War II to promote open trade and prevent countries from being too nationalistic and protective. The leaders back then wanted to avoid the problems caused by nationalism and protectionism.

They successfully created a peaceful and prosperous world through a system of free trade. This system helped poor countries become rich and strong, making it less tempting for countries to go to war or try to conquer new lands.

The way countries work together involves more than just trading goods. It includes agreements, ways of doing things, and shared ideas about how the world should be fair. The USA has been better at talking about these ideas than actually following them. For example, the war in Iraq went against the principles of the United Nations, which say you shouldn’t attack another country without a good reason. The USA also picks and chooses which international rules it follows and criticizes other countries for doing the same. When the USA pulled out of a deal with Iran, even though Iran was keeping its promises, it made it harder for the world to work together on important issues. The USA also uses its power to control the use of the dollar to force other countries to do what it wants.

In the past, the USA was seen as a good country because it wasn’t an empire like the United Kingdom or France. It was once a colony itself and didn’t try to take over other countries. But lately, the USA is acting more like a bully, and even its friends are looking for ways to deal with it. The USA used to help make the

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami

world a better place for everyone, not just itself. That used to be its greatest strength. People might like the money and help they get from China, but they think China is mostly interested in making itself powerful.

The USA, on the other hand, used to show it cared about everyone’s interests, not just its own.

If the USA gives up on its big, open, and generous view of the world because of fear and pessimism, it will lose a lot of its natural advantages. For a long time, the USA has justified actions that go against its stated principles as exceptions needed to protect itself and support the overall order. It sometimes breaks the rules to get quick results, but you can’t save a system by destroying its rules. Other countries are already watching and learning from this. They are in a race to protect their own economies by giving special benefits and creating barriers. Some countries break international rules and point to the USA’s hypocrisy as an excuse. This behaviour even extends to the former president not respecting democratic norms. The biggest threat to the international order with rules doesn’t come from China, Russia, or Iran. It comes from the USA. If the USA, driven by exaggerated fears of de-

Joint Editor

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Executive Editor

A landmark in the country’s journey towards embracing diversity MuhaMMad ahMed hayat tarar

N a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and equality, Pakistan witnessed the renormalisation of equal rights for the Khwaja Sira community in 2023.

This progressive move marked a turning point in the country’s journey towards embracing diversity and ensuring that every citizen is treated with respect and dignity.

The term Khwaja Sira is used to refer to individuals who identify themselves as transgender, intersex, or eunuchs, in Pakistan.

Historically, this community has faced marginalization and discrimination, leading to a lack of recognition and denial of basic rights. However, with the renormalisation of equal rights, Pakistan took a major stride towards rectifying these injustices.One of the key aspects of this renormalisation was the legal recognition of Khwaja Sira as a distinct gender identity. Previously, individuals belonging to this community were often forced to choose between male or female genders when it came to official documentation. This posed numerous challenges as it did not accurately reflect their gender identity.

With the new legislation, Khwaja Sira individuals could now identify as a third gender on their official documents, such as national ID cards and passports. This change not only acknowledged their identity but also enabled them to access various government services and benefits that were previously inaccessible to them.

The recognition of Khwaja Siras as a distinct gender was not just a symbolic gesture. It had practical implications for their daily lives.

For instance, in the past, many Khwaja Sira individuals faced difficulties when seeking employment or accessing healthcare services.

Employers and medical professionals often failed to understand their unique needs, leading to discrimination and exclusion. However, with the legal recognition of their gender identity, these individuals now had legal protection against such discrimination, and society at large became more aware of their rights and needs.

The renormalisation of equal rights for Khwaja Siras also extended to education. Prior to this change, Khwaja Sira individuals often faced discrimination and bullying in educational institutions. Many were forced to drop out of school due to the hostile environment. With the new legal framework in place, educational institutions were required to create a safe and inclusive environment for Khwaja Sira students.

This not only encouraged more of them to pursue education but also allowed them to thrive academically without the fear of harassment.

In addition to education, healthcare services also witnessed a significant transformation.

Khwaja Sira individuals had long struggled to access appropriate healthcare due to stigma and discrimination from medical professionals.

With the recognition of their gender identity, healthcare providers were mandated to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care. This change made it easier for Khwaja Sira individuals to seek medical attention when needed and improved their overall health and well-being.

The renormalisation of equal rights also paved the way for the Khwaja Sira community to actively participate in politics and public life.

In the past, they were often excluded from political processes and decision-making, despite being an integral part of the society. With the legal recognition of their rights, Khwaja Sira individuals could now run for political office and participate in the democratic process, contributing to a more representative and diverse political landscape in Pakistan.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this transformative period was the increased awareness and acceptance of the Khwaja Sira community within Pakistani society. Through advocacy and education, misconceptions and prejudices that had long plagued the community began to dissipate.

Families and communities started to understand and accept their Khwaja Sira members, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Religious institutions also played a role in this shift. Some religious leaders and scholars began to reinterpret religious texts to show that Islam does not inherently discriminate against the Khwaja Sira community. This reinterpretation helped bridge the gap between faith and social acceptance, making it easier for Khwaja Sira individuals to practice their religion without fear of condemnation.

While the renormalisation of equal rights for Khwaja Sira was a significant milestone, it was not without its challenges. There were individuals and groups who resisted these

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changes, citing cultural or religious reasons.

However, the government and civil society organizations worked together to address these concerns through dialogue and education. Gradually, more people came to accept the idea that inclusivity and equality were not contrary to cultural or religious values but, in fact, aligned with the principles of justice and fairness.

One of the crucial elements in the successful implementation of these rights was the involvement of Khwaja Sira activists and organizations. They played a pivotal role in advocating for their community’s rights, raising awareness, and pushing for legal changes. Many Khwaja Sira individuals who had previously lived in the shadows began to take a more prominent and active role in society, becoming inspirational figures for others who aspired to live authentically.

The international community also praised Pakistan for its progressive stance on Khwaja Sira rights. This recognition led to increased cooperation and exchange of ideas with other countries working towards similar goals. It became a model for how societies could progress towards inclusivity and equality, even in the face of deeply entrenched prejudices.

The renormalisation of equal rights for Khwaja Sira in 2023 marked a historic moment in Pakistan’s journey towards inclusivity and equality. It encompassed legal recognition, access to education and healthcare, political participation, and increased societal acceptance.

While challenges remained, the progress made was a testament to the power of collective action and a commitment to human rights. It served as an inspiration not only for Pakistan but for the world, showing that positive change is possible, even in the face of adversity. As the nation moved forward, it did so with a renewed commitment to building a more just and equitable society for all its citizens, regardless of their gender identity.

The writer is a freelance columnist

While challenges remained, the progress made was a testament to the power of collective action and a commitment to human rights. It served as an inspiration not only for Pakistan but for the world, showing that positive change is possible, even in the face of adversity. As the nation moved forward, it did so with a renewed commitment to building a more just and equitable society for all its citizens, regardless of their gender identity.

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cline, steps back from its leading role in world affairs, it will leave empty spaces of power worldwide. This will encourage various powers and players to try to take advantage of the chaos. We’ve seen what happens in the Middle East without strong US involvement. Imagine something similar in Europe and Asia, but with major powers causing disruption and significant global consequences.

It’s concerning to see parts of the Republican Party returning to isolationism, similar to the 1930s when it opposed US intervention even as Europe and Asia faced crises. Since 1945, the USA has debated how to engage with the world, but not whether it should be engaged at all. If the USA truly turns inward, it would be a setback for order and progress. However, the USA still has the ability to lead, build alliances, solve global problems, and prevent aggression with fewer resources than during the Cold War. The cost would be much higher if the order collapsed, rogue powers rose, and the open global economy fractured.

The USA has played a crucial role in creating a new kind of international relations since 1945, benefiting most countries, including itself. While facing new challenges, many powerful countries also gain from peace, prosperity, and a world of rules and norms. Those challenging the current system don’t have an alternative vision that could unite the world; they just want narrow advantages for themselves. Despite its internal issues, the USA is uniquely capable and positioned to maintain the central role in sustaining this international system. As long as the USA stays committed to its project, the current international order can thrive for many years. .

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

The USA has played a crucial role in creating a new kind of international relations since 1945, benefiting most countries, including itself. While facing new challenges, many powerful countries also gain from peace, prosperity, and a world of rules and norms. Those challenging the current system donÊt have an alternative vision that could unite the world; they just want narrow advantages for themselves.

The renormalisation of equal rights for Khwaja Siras Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi

Thursday, 11 January, 2024

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Insane loadshedding

THE period of loadshedding in parts of Lyari has gone up to over 15 hours per day. This is insane. There can be no justification at all. The situation is affecting the mental and physical health of the residents. The value of their properties has dropped significantly due to this very issue, which means the residents are now bound to stay because they cannot plan to sell their houses and move to some other area in search of mental peace. Several complaints have been lodged with all the relevant authorities, but nothing has brought about any positive change in the situation. The only reason cited constantly by K-Electric (KE) is line losses. By KE’s own account, the recovery rate from the area is 70pc. Now, how are people supposed to act against line losses?

KISHEN HARIDAS KARACHI

Tentative schedule

THE Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC) had announced the positions of Tehsildar and Naib-Tehsildar back in 2022. After facing some legal challenges, the commission advertised them again a couple of months ago. Many aspiring candidates have been preparing for the said exams for more than a year now. The BPSC has kept them in a state of confusion which is causing depression and stress among them. This incomprehensible strategy is a source of pain and sleepless nights among the unem- ployed youth. The commission should at least announce a tentative schedule for the exams so that the aspirants may have some idea about what lies ahead.

ENGR MUHAMMAD ABID KHAN ZHOB

Water pollution

“LIFE without liberty is like a body without spirit.” If there is no water, then there is no life. Water is essential for every single thing in this world.

Life is impossible without water, but water pollution has been a paramount problem for a very long time. Water pollution occurs worldwide and causes deaths and many kinds of diseases. Water pollution is the main problem affecting human lives in many ways. It has become a significant challenge for survival, with harmful effects on human beings, animals, trees, and more.

The things present in the world today exist because of water. Regrettably, people are using it unnecessarily. The entire water supply is being polluted through many sources, such as urban runoffs. Water is a precious gift from nature. Without water, we can’t survive. Water is used in many ways, for example, bathing, cooking, drinking, washing, and cleaning. All over the world, water is the most important thing. If there is water, then there is life.

JIHAND SABIR LAHORE

Rabies vaccine shortage

IN Sindh, people are facing several challenges, but the most disheartening is the shortage of the life-saving anti-rabies vaccine. In Sindh, patients are forced to go to Hyderabad for treatment. According to the total number, 423 in October and 1226 in November, patients were brought to Hyderabad for treatment.

Moreover, Sindh is not the only province where health facilities are unavailable, but unlike the rest of the country, people are facing these problems. A report occurred of severe shortage in Peshawar earlier this year. The health authorities blame the unavailability of the vaccine. Furthermore, rabies is one of the worst problems in Pakistan, that is underreported and undersigned.

The lack of vaccine makes the issue worse. So, the higher authorities must take immediate action, and health facilities must be given to every place.

ESSIYAN DAD SINGABAD

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COMMENT 05

Wars and Civilians Thursday, 11 January, 2024

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Wars take a heavy toll on civilians KhadiJa asghar ali

arS are particularly described as conflicts which take place between nations or groups that highly involve the use of armed forces and violence. Wars are devastating actions which can have devastating impacts on societies and result in loss of lives, destruction and as well as political changes.

Wars can be caused by a variety of factors and involve multiple parties. these are often complex and not attributed to a single group or individual. Wars have a bundle of faws behind it but the flaws like political conflicts, territorial disputes, ideological differences and power struggles can contribute to the outbreak of wars. On the other hand, civilians are regular people who are not part of the military or armed forces. they are common citizens who are not involved in fighting or warfare. they play important and crucial roles in society and are often affected by very dangerous consequences of wars. Wars can have a significant and dangerous impact on civilians. “they may experience displacement, loss of lives, depression, loss of homes, factories, school, work places,” said a political science teacher. She also mentions that wars can also result in worsening the situation of the affected country. a hard working and effective student, she strongly advocates against wars and stated, “Wars always result in health problems for the civilians as the wars are full of destruction and distractions.”

My mother, who was a governmental teacher, echoes my political-science teacher’s words by strongly saying that wars highly result in high depression which creates a fearful environment for the civilians. She always says, “Wars are incredibly awful activities that always have devastating consequences and long-lasting trauma.” “However, in the list of these consequences poverty, diseases and economical issues are the most terrifying ones which created bad situations for the civilians of the affected country,” says my elder sister who is a nursing student. additionally, in the past, all wars eventually brought sufferings for the civilians as here are some of the wars that had significant and severe impacts on the civilians; World

War two, Syrian civil War, Vietnam War, rwandan Genocide War, afghanistan War, Israel-Palestine war and many others. these are the examples of those wars which were severely destructive and had dangerous impacts on the civilians of the affected countries.

WORLD WAR TWO: It started on 1 September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. the war lasted for six years until 2 September 1945, with the surrender of Japan. the invasion of Poland by Germany in 1939 was a major trigger event that led to the outbreak of the war. It was highly terrifying which resulted in significant loss of lives, displacement, and destruction. It was a tragic and complex situation that had impacted many lives within the country.

SYRIAN CIVIL WAR: It began in 2011 and is still on-going. It started as a result of various factors which include political unrest, social and economic grievances and the desire for political reform. this ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, destruction and loss of lives. It is a highly terrible and tragic conflict which has resulted in devastating consequences for many people who were involved.

VIETNAM WAR: It began in 1955 and ended in 1975. It started as a result of the cold War tensions between the USa and the USSr. the conflict arose from a desire to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast asia. the war had significant political, economic and social ramifications for both Vietnam and the USa. It resulted in the loss of countless lives, the displacement of many people and destruction of infrastructure. the

consequences of the war had far-reaching impacts and it was a tragic situation with long-lasting effects.

RWANDAN GENOCIDE: It occurred in 1994 and lasted approximately for about 100 days. It started as a result of long-standing ethnic tensions between the Hutu and tutsi population in rwanda. the assassination of the rwandan President sparked widespread violence and led to the systematic killing of around 800,000 people, mostly tutsis as compared to Hutu. the reasons behind the genocide are complex and intertwined with historical, political and social factors. It led to the loss of many lives, displacement of people and damage to infrastructure. It was a tragic event with devastating consequences for the people.

AFGHANISTAN WAR: It began in 2001 and is still ongoing. It started in response to the September 11 attacks on the USa. the USa and its allies invaded afghanistan to re-

The goal behind the US interference in, and repeatedly putting pressure on, the Bangladesh elections is to compel the Hasina government to align itself with the US Indo-Pacific Strategy

O

liu Zongyi

N January 7, the 12th National Parliament elections in Bangladesh came to a peaceful end. as expected, the awami League, led by the incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, achieved an overwhelming victory. this will give Prime Minister Hasina a fourth straight term. the victory was achieved despite continuous pressure and criticism from the West. this victory not only reflects Prime Minister Hasina’s determination as an experienced politician who is not afraid of external forces, but also her insistence on her chosen political direction and development path. It also reflects the strong desire of many countries in the Global South, represented by Bangladesh, to seek political stability, economic growth and social development in their own countries while avoiding involvement in the geopolitical competition provoked by the West.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Bangladesh’s economy has continued to develop and become one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. the significant achievements in Bangladesh’s economic and social development can be attributed to three main factors. First, political stability: Despite intense party struggles, all political parties have reached a consensus on economic development. Second, leveraging its comparative advantage in labor, Bangladesh has become the world’s second-largest apparel exporter after china. third, in terms of diplomacy, the Hasina government pursues a policy of balancing major powers. after china proposed the Belt and road Initiative (BrI), Prime Minister Hasina expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with china in the process of building a “Golden Bangladesh,” actively participate in the construction of the BrI, and promote the development of Bangladesh. as of October 2023, china was implementing 21 bridges and 27 power projects in Bangladesh. the close economic cooperation between china and Bangladesh, as well as the appreciation of the Bangladeshi government and society for china’s develop-

RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE: the conflict started when russia got the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk to secede from Ukraine. However, it was not until February 2022 that russia invaded Ukraine.

While the war itself has become a battle of attrition between the two armies, not only have civilians been killed, but Ukrainian refugees have fled the country.

ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN WAR: the recent Israeli-Palestinian War has a long and complicated history that dates back many decades. the roots of the war can be traced to the early 20th century, with various events

Overall, stopping wars is a complex task that requires diplomatic efforts, dialogue, and understanding between conflicting parties. It often involves negotiations, peace agreements and international mediation. Additionally, addressing the root causes of conflicts, promoting tolerance and fostering economic development can contribute to long-lasting peace. It is a challenging process, but by collective efforts peace can be achieved

Hasina’s reelection shows Bangladesh’s determination to rid US interference

GLOBAL TIMES

move the taliban regime, which was harboring al-Qaeda. the war aimed to promote stability and democracy in afghanistan. the war in afghanistan has been a devastating and tragic conflict with significant consequences. It has caused immense sufferings for the people of afghanistan and has had far- reaching effects on the region.

ment experience, has aroused vigilance and resentment from some countries.

Due to its relatively singular economic structure and weak resilience, in the past few years, Bangladesh’s economic development has been impacted by various factors including the cOVID-19 pandemic, the Federal reserve’s interest rate hikes and the russiaUkraine conflict. the deteriorating economic situation and the widening wealth gap resulting from unequal distribution are important factors affecting social stability and the election situation in Bangladesh. However, the opposition party’s lack of governing experience, weak leadership, and years of being in opposition make it difficult for them to pose a substantial threat to the awami League led

by Prime Minister Hasina.

In the recent elections, the main pressure faced by Hasina and her awami League has come from external forces, primarily the US and its european allies. the US has sent high-level delegations to Bangladesh on multiple occasions, and the US State Department has issued several statements regarding the Bangladesh elections, urging the country to conduct “free, fair and peaceful” elections. the goal behind the US interference in, and repeatedly putting pressure on, the Bangladesh elections is to compel the Hasina government to align itself with the US Indo-Pacific Strategy. additionally, the US hopes that the Hasina government will allow Bangladesh to be used as a springboard for intervening in Myanmar’s internal affairs. the Bangladesh elections proceeded smoothly as scheduled, indicating that the Hasina government ultimately resisted pressure from the US and the West. this is a result of the proactive diplomatic efforts of the Hasina government, as well as the final choice made by the people of Bangladesh.

Hasina’s reelection signifies that Bangladesh is on a path of development with its own characteristics, representing the choice of the majority of the Global South. they seek the development of their own economies and societies, regional peace and stability, and are not willing to get involved in geopolitical conflicts among major powers, nor do they want to follow the development path dictated by the West. the reelection of Hasina also indicates the continuity of Bangladesh’s foreign policy, maintaining a balance among major powers.

However, whether the US will accept the failure of its policy toward Bangladesh remains to be seen. If the US continues to interfere in Bangladesh’s internal affairs or even instigate a so-called “color revolution,” its international credibility will inevitably suffer once again.

The author is a researcher and director of the Research Center for China-South Asia Cooperation at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies.

and circumstances contributing to the ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. It originated from a complex mix of historical, political, and religious factors. It involves competing claims to the same land, disagreements over borders, settlements and the status of Jerusalem. It is indeed a complex and heartbreaking situation. It is causing immense suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians and it has a profound impact on the lives of people in the region. It is a devastating and heartbreaking conflict.

Ultimately, wars have a profound impact on civilians, caught in the midst of conflict.

Innocent people including children, adults, and the old often bear the brunt of violence, displacement and loss. they may face the risk of injury or death, lack of access to basic necessities like food, water and healthcare and the destruction of their homes and communities, and now Israel and Palestine is the clean example, Palestine needs access to the basic facilities. the effects can be long-lasting which cause physical and emotional trauma that takes many years to heal. It is highly heartbreaking to see the suffering of civilians in war-torn areas.

Overall, stopping wars is a complex task that requires diplomatic efforts, dialogue, and understanding between conflicting parties. It often involves negotiations, peace agreements and international mediation. additionally, addressing the root causes of conflicts, promoting tolerance and fostering economic development can contribute to long-lasting peace. It is a challenging process, but by collective efforts peace can be achieved.

Bangladesh’s phoney election: A bad day for democracy

The writer is a freelance columnist

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An autocratic crackdown saw the main opposition party boycott the poll, rendering the victory hollow for the current prime minister GUARDIAN editorial

HeIKH Hasina Wazed has brought the best of times and the worst of times to Bangladesh. In her 15 years of consecutive rule as prime minister, extreme poverty rates have halved and per-capita GDP has grown by more than 300%. this impressive performance has been undermined by the emergence of a one‑party state, a process accelerated by anti‑government protests against escalating prices last year. Human rights Watch warned in November that opposition leaders and supporters were being jailed, and even killed, ahead of the general elections that took place last weekend.

With the main opposition party – the Bangladesh Nationalist party (BNP) – boycotting the poll, Sheikh Hasina’s awami League party swept back into power. It was a hollow victory as just four in 10 voters turned out. Democracy lost out at the beginning of the year when 80 nations are scheduled to go to the polls. the election was neither free nor fair, as London and Washington pointed out. yet Dhaka has friends in both India and china,

which welcomed Sheikh Hasina’s win.

Bangladesh broke free of military rule in the 1990s to become an electoral democracy. Its manufacturing and textile sectors have flourished, while it has better life expectancy and female employment than its larger neighbour India. yet this success has come despite its politics.

Both Bangladesh’s main parties act not like a government and a loyal opposition, but as warring ideological heirs of the independence movement that gave birth to the nation. Khaleda Zia, the BNP leader and former prime minister, is ailing and under house arrest. Her allies are either jailed or in exile. Sheikh Hasina took power in 2008 after a stint behind bars. the prime minister’s authoritarian turn, worryingly, may have gone beyond traditional political rivalries and into the realm of civil society, which many experts see as the reason behind Bangladesh’s success. In a nation born in crisis – cyclone, civil war, famine – it was non-governmental organiations (NGOs), more than fractious politicians, that engaged with the acute issues of poverty, hunger and jobs. the country is home to the largest NGO in the world, Brac, with a global footprint and an annual income of more than $1bn.

alarm bells rang loudly just ahead of the elections when Nobel peace laureate Muhammad yunus was convicted of violating Bangladesh’s labour laws. Last summer 170 world figures – including Barack Obama – had called for an end to Mr yunus’s “continuous judicial harassment” saying that any “thorough” legal review would lead to his acquittal. However the 83-year-old, credited with lifting millions out of poverty with his microfinance bank, Grameen, has been a marked man ever since the prime minister accused him of “sucking blood from the poor”. a “winner takes all” mentality doesn’t work in a parliamentary democracy. there must be mutual respect between government and opposition, so that the latter can hold the former to account without taking to the streets. Sheikh Hasina is 76. the BNP’s Ms Zia is 78.

Both must realise their country will suffer if it continues in the direction it is going.

Better surely for both to start reaching out. the government must lift its climate of fear and the opposition re-engage constructively. In a society as complex as Bangladesh, where competing demands need to be reconciled peacefully, it would be foolish to prize autocracy over long‑term democratic stability.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin must resign

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NEWSWEEK

John ‘Wolf’ Wagner

ecretary of Defense Lloyd austin’s recent hospitalization, shrouded in secrecy and punctuated by questionable decisions, has laid bare a stark reality: america lacks competent leadership at the helm of its armed forces. this is not merely a matter of optics or personal health; it speaks to a systemic dysfunction that jeopardizes national security and demands austin’s immediate resignation.

Firstly, austin’s prolonged absence from public view speaks volumes about his leadership style. a secretary of defense is not a figurehead cloaked in shadows. they are the embodiment of military might, a constant presence reassuring allies and deterring adversaries. yet, during a critical juncture, austin vanished, leaving a void filled with whispers and speculation. this is not wartime leadership; it is a dereliction of duty.

Secondly, the decision to withhold information about austin’s hospitalization smacks of arrogance and a misplaced sense of entitlement. the american people, especially those serving under his command, deserve transparency regarding the health of their secretary of defense.

Furthermore, the revelation that both Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks and General c.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint chiefs of Staff, were deliberately kept out of the loop until later in his absence raises troubling questions about the chain of command. Both the deputy and chairman should have been immediately informed. this disregard for established protocol underscores a deeper issue: a lack of confidence in their leadership or, worse, a culture of complacency within the Pentagon.

Finally, the failure of austin’s security detail to effectively communicate his condition demonstrates a stunning lapse in situational awareness. In a world where threats lurk around every corner, a secretary of defense’s health is a matter of national security. the breakdown of communication in this instance is simply unacceptable. these missteps are not isolated incidents; they point to a pattern of poor judgment and a leadership vacuum at the Defense Department. america cannot afford to gamble with its national security. We need a secretary of defense who inspires confidence, not confusion; who prioritizes transparency and accountability; and who fosters a culture of competence within the Pentagon. austin has demonstrably failed to meet these criteria. His resignation is not just a political necessity; it is a national imperative.

I worked for austin while austin commanded ceNtcOM, briefing him every morning on events around the globe. I also reported to Major General Pat ryder, his spokesman, and I know him well. I am surprised that ryder has apparently allowed his integrity to lapse so far as to prevent him from properly informing superiors of what is really going on. the american people deserve better.

We deserve a leader who stands tall, both in body and spirit, to safeguard our nation and its men and women in uniform.

Lloyd austin is not that leader. His time in the office must end now.

John “Wolf” Wagner is a former White House SES appointee to the VA and HHS; retired Army officer and Iraq veteran. He served a combined 35 years in the military, including USCENTCOM and USNORTHCOM.

06 NEWS

Thursday, 11 January, 2024 | KARACHI

CHINA EMPHASIZES TAIWAN QUESTION, SOUTH CHINA SEA ISSUE IN RESUMED DEFENSE POLICY COORDINATION TALKS WITH US BEIJING

Staff CorreSpondent

China and the US resumed the previously suspended defense policy coordination talks with a meeting this week, in which the Chinese side stressed its positions on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue, as well as maritime and air security issues.

Although differences remain and cannot be resolved anytime soon, such talks can lower the risks of misjudgments which will prevent escalating accidents into conflicts, experts said on Wednesday.

The 17th China-US Defense Policy Coordination Talks was held in Washington from Monday to Tuesday, China’s Ministry of National Defense (MOD) said in a press release on Wednesday.

It marks the first meeting of the Defense Policy Coordination Talks since the annual talks were suspended after then-US house speaker Nancy Pelosi provocatively visited the island of Taiwan in August 2022, observers said.

The Chinese side said that China is ready to develop healthy and stable military ties with the US side on the basis of equality and respect, and work together to implement the important consensus related to military affairs reached by the two heads of state during their meeting in San Francisco in 2023, the MOD press release reads.

Zhuo Hua, an international affairs expert

at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the latest meeting is a reflection of smooth progress in China and the US’ gradual resumption of military exchanges.

The defense policy coordination talks came after senior officials of the two militaries’ joint staff departments had a virtual meeting in December 2023. It is an indication that other military communication channels, including Military Maritime Consultative Agreement meetings, telephone conversations between theater commanders and meetings between defense ministers could also resume soon, marking the complete resumption of the two militaries’ ex-

Hezbollah targets Israeli base to avenge Lebanon killings BEIRUT

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Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group said it targeted a command base in northern Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for the killings of one of its commanders and a Hamas leader. Hezbollah said the attack was part of its response to the killings of top field commander Wissam Tawil on Monday and Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri on January 2. The Shiite Muslim movement, a Hamas ally, said in a statement that it had targeted the “enemy’s northern command centre” in the Israeli city of Safed with “several suicide drones”. The Israeli military confirmed that a “hostile aircraft” had crashed at one of its bases in the north, and said that “no injuries or damage were reported”.

Hezbollah and its arch-foe Israel have been exchanging near-daily fire across the border since the IsraelHamas war broke out on October 7. Tawil — the highest-ranking Hezbollah member was killed since October 7 — was buried in his south Lebanon home village of Khirbit Silm on Tuesday. Hundreds of Hezbollah supporters attended the funeral procession in which the group’s yellow flag was draped over his coffin. The Hezbollah statement said Tawil was involved in the abduction of Israeli soldiers which triggered its war with Israel in 2006, and that he also took part in noteworthy operations in Syria. He had also “directed numerous operations” against Israeli forces since the Gaza war began, Hezbollah said. The group’s number two Naim Qassem, in a speech on Tuesday, described Tawil as a member of Hezbollah’s elite al-Radwan Brigade who had fought on several fronts. He warned that Israel’s wave of targeted killings “cannot lead to a phase of retreat but rather to a push forward for the resistance”. Earlier on Tuesday, an Israeli strike targeted a car in the south Lebanon village of Ghandouria, the country’s National News Agency (NNA) said.

changes at all levels, Zhuo said.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Wednesday that direct communication between the two countries’ militaries are conducive to preventing misjudgments, which could cause unpredictable conflicts and frictions that bring tremendous harm not only to the two countries, but also to peace and stability in the region.

As long as the US aims to maintain its global hegemony, it is unrealistic to expect the US to make fundamental changes, and China needs to maintain high vigilance in safeguarding its own national security, Song said. This means it is vital that the two militaries manage differences and defuse crises

should they arise, Song said.

In the meeting, the Chinese side urged the US side to take seriously China’s concerns and take more actions that are conducive to the development of the two countries’ military relations, according to the MOD press release. The Chinese side stressed that China will not make any concessions or compromises on the Taiwan question, and demanded that the US side abide by the one-China principle, implement relevant commitments, stop arming the island of Taiwan, and not support “Taiwan independence.” The Chinese side urged the US side to reduce military deployments and provocations in the South China Sea, and stop supporting infringing, provocative actions by a certain country.

The US side should fully recognize the root cause of maritime and air security issues, strictly discipline its frontline troops, and stop sensationalizing and hyping relevant issues, the Chinese side said.

The Chinese side also elaborated China’s stern positions and major concerns on issues concerning China’s core interests and international hotspot issues.

According to a readout on the talks published by the US Department of Defense, the US side highlighted the importance of maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication “in order to prevent competition from veering into conflict.”

While the US side reiterated the US’

Blinken tells Abbas US backs ‘tangible steps’ for Palestinian state GAZA afp

US top diplomat Antony Blinken told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Wednesday that Washington supports “tangible steps” towards the creation of a Palestinian state.

Abbas is later set to discuss a “push for an immediate ceasefire” in talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the Red Sea port city of Aqaba.

As the US secretary of state arrived under tight security in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, protesters held up signs that read “Stop the genocide”, “Free Palestine” and “Blinken out”.

Blinken reiterated Washington’s longstanding position that a Palestinian state must stand alongside Israel, “with both living in peace and security”, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Palestinian statehood was anticipated following the Oslo Accords of the 1990s but talks have been moribund for years.

The Israeli government has shown no interest in reviving negotiations and the Palestinian leadership remains split between the Palestinian Authority, headed

by Abbas, and Hamas which rules Gaza.

In talks with Abbas in the occupied West Bank, Blinken mentioned “increased volatility” in the territory, where hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in raids by the Israeli military or attacks

by Jewish settlers in recent months.

As part of efforts to stabilise the territory, Blinken called on Israel to hand over revenues owed to the Palestinians in full. Blinken “underscored the United States’ position that all Palestinian tax revenues collected by Israel should be consistently conveyed to the Palestinian Authority in accordance with prior agreements,” Miller said.

Israel has for years withheld part of the funds, over issues including payments to Palestinian prisoners and more recently the Gaza war.

Global concern has flared over the spiralling humanitarian crisis, and Blinken — while voicing continued US political and military support for top regional ally Israel — has urged steps to reduce the surging civilian death toll.

Dire shortages brought by an Israeli siege mean the “daily toll on civilians in

Gaza, particularly children, is far too high,” Blinken said on Tuesday at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Amid the latest round of US crisis diplomacy, the Gaza war raged on unabated. The Israeli army said it had killed dozens of “terrorists” and hit another 150 targets in Gaza’s central Maghazi and southern Khan Yunis areas.

Israeli troops claimed to have found 15 tunnel shafts as well as rocket launchers, missiles, drones and explosives in AlMaghazi and destroyed machinery for producing the rockets that have been fired at Israel.

The Gaza health ministry confirmed on Wednesday that at least 23,357 people have been killed in Israel’s relentless military campaign in more than three months of war between Palestinian resistance

China steps up exchange with US; urges ‘caution on core question’ BEIJING

Staff CorreSpondent

China and the US have recently engaged in a series of interactions across various levels, including inter-party and military exchanges. This extensive communication between the world’s two largest economies signifies China’s genuine efforts to stabilize relations, especially during a year when bilateral ties are expected to face challenges.

Experts pointed out that through these interactions, the Chinese side also expressed the necessity to the US to maintain a consistent and stable China policy during US presidential election year; as US inconsistent policy will not only harm the bilateral relationship but will also impact the whole world.

Chinese officials have also strongly cautioned the US against interfering in the Taiwan question during the exchanges, said the experts.

It is important for the US to understand China’s strong message against colluding with Taiwan secessionists, particularly in the lead-up to Taiwan’s regional leader election. If these secessionist forces push their agenda too far, they will face harsh measures from Chinese mainland, and the US will also be put in dilemma, the experts said.

On Tuesday, Xie Feng, Chinese Ambassador to the US, delivered a speech at the Carter Center Forum commemorating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-US diplomatic relations. Xie said China has recently taken a series of positive measures to further open up and facilitate China-US exchanges and cooperation. “We have authorized Master-

card NUCC to conduct bank card clearing operations in China, and approved Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware. All Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in China are back in service.”

The ambassador noted that it is hoped that the US side will also take real actions in the same spirit to address China’s concerns. It is important to start with small steps which can go a long way, pursue reciprocity and mutual benefit, both give and take, fully utilize the restored and new mechanisms in foreign policy, economy, finance, commerce, agriculture and other fields, expand the list of cooperation and shorten the negative list, and solve rather than create problems.

China’s Ministry of National Defense announced on Wednesday that the 17th China-US Defense Policy Coordination Talks were held in Washington DC from January 8th to 9th.

While addressing the opening ceremony of a symposium on the international situation and China’s diplomacy in 2023 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee highlighted the strategic achievements of the Chinese diplomacy during 2023 which was dominated by modernization, openness, inclusiveness, economic globalization, international cooperation, trans-regional connectivity and above all positive, productive, participatory and progressive. His emphasis on innovation and peaceful persuasions of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development through dialogue, diplomacy and development is commendable.

It seems that the Chinese unique headof-state diplomacy remained cooperative

and collaborative and created a new monument for major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Hosting of two major diplomatic events, attending three multilateral summits, carrying out four important overseas visits and holding more than 100 meetings and phone calls undoubtedly have promoted the holy connection between China and the world.

The building of a global community of shared future solidly advanced during 2023.

It remained bacons of hope for the countries and communities living around the globe.

The BRI Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation was successfully held and has further extended from the Eurasian continent to Africa and Latin America, and built the world’s most extensive and largest international cooperation platform, became a road of cooperation, opportunity and prosperity for partner countries which

should be appreciated.

The strategic expansion of BRICS was a strategic milestone which has opened a new era for the Global South to unite further for achieving the common goals of socio-economic development and integration. The China-Central Asia Summit was also successfully held which further strengthened spirits of equality, respect, openness, inclusiveness and mutual support between two parties and partners and injected positive energy and stability into the region and the world.

The historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran was one the biggest diplomatic achievement of the Chinese diplomacy which vividly reflected victory of dialogue over destruction and peace over persecution. In summary, Chinese diplomacy has always stood on the right side of history and on the side of the progress of the

group Hamas and Israel.

The toll includes 147 deaths over the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, while 59,410 people have been wounded across the Palestinian territory since war erupted on October 7, 2023.

Thousands of Gazans are reported to be missing as Israel’s relentless bombardment has reduced much of the city to rubble. The war started when Hamas launched its unprecedented October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel. Militants also took around 250 hostages, of whom Israel says 132 remain in Gaza including at least 25 believed to have been killed.

The Israeli army says 186 of its soldiers have been killed inside Gaza.

The United Nations estimates 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced inside the besieged territory that had already endured years of blockade and poverty before the war.

One of them, Hassan Kaskin 55, told AFP: “We have lost our money, our houses, our jobs. We are losing our youths as well.

“We’ve sacrificed our children for our homeland.”

Blinken is on his fourth tour of the Middle East since the outbreak of the war, with earlier stops in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Washington has floated a post-war scenario in which a reformed Palestinian Authority governs Gaza as well as towns and cities in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967.

BJP govt failed to hold elections in IIOJK due to fear of defeat: Congress JAMMU

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Indian National Congress leader Ravinder Sharma has said that the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has failed to hold Panchayat elections in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir due to fear of defeat. According to Kashmir Media Service, Ravinder Sharma in a statement issued in Jammu said the Panchayat Raj system has collapsed in occupied Kashmir due to the expiring of the term of Panchayats in territory. He said the BJP has deliberately delayed the Panchayat elections due to fear of defeat. The term of Panchayat Raj in the occupied territory expired on Tuesday. “BJP allowed Panchayat Raj system to die its own death as it was not confident of winning. People’s aspirations and rights do not matter to the ruling BJP, which is now evidently clear,” Sharma said. The Congress leader said that the BJP wanted to give the powers in the hands of a few bureaucrats to easily run through remote control from New Delhi to carry out the propaganda and publicity of the BJP government through the administrative machinery, for the upcoming elections in India.

Chinese Diplomacy 2023-2024: An Overview DR MEHMOOD UL HASSAN KHAN

commitment to its one-China policy and reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, it also claimed that the US will “continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows,” and accused China of repeatedly harassing Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. Analysts said that China repeatedly made its core interests and red lines clear in communicating with the US, and the US will have to understand that if it insists on making provocations in those aspects, China will have to take resolute measures to resolve the questions.

A Beijing-based military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Wednesday that the remarks from the Chinese side and the US side show that there are still many differences, which is normal given that the military serves politics, and as long as the US is determined to strategically contain China, military exchanges between the two countries will only have limited effects.

This is to avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment as much as possible, and prevent potential accidents and their escalation into conflicts, analysts said.

China-US military relations still face uncertainties, and there might be frictions from time to time, but the two major countries must shoulder their responsibilities in managing differences to safeguard peace and stability, the expert said.

times, making decisions that can stand the test of practice and time which is laudable.

It is good omen that the Chinese diplomacy acted a balancing act between cooperation and confrontation, unity and division,

as well as openness and closure, and firmly preferred cooperation, unity and openness and promoted peace, multilateralism and justice, instead of war, unilateralism and power politics. Chinese diplomacy created favorable conditions for domestic development, and built bridges to promote international cooperation, making unremitting efforts to enhance people’s well-being.

It was total sum of self-confidence, selfreliance, openness and inclusiveness to promote the development and progress of human civilization. It rightly advocated building an equal and orderly multi-polar world through win-win cooperation to actively promote inclusive economic globalization.

The author is Executive Director of the Center for South & International Studies (CSAIS) Islamabad.

Thursday, 11 January, 2024 | KARACHI

CORPORATE CORNER

SHEIKHUPURA: Nestlé’s senior leadership, including Pakistan CEO Jason Avancena and Regional Managers Zone Asia Oceania Africa Angelo Giardini and Fabrice Cavallin inaugurating a 2.6MW Solar Power Plant at Nestlé’s Sheikhupura Factory near Lahore. Completed with an investment of PKR 500 million, it will save 1857 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The power plant is part of Nestlé’s PKR 2 billion investment in renewable energy in Pakistan.

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Dubai has secured the coveted No.1 global destination ranking in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations Awards for an unprecedented third successive year – becoming the first city to achieve the milestone. pr

Homegrown Walee upends media giants

In a seismic shift for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), digital upstart Walee has dethroned international media giants, securing the streaming rights for the next two seasons. This victory goes beyond mere cricket – it raises crucial questions about the future of sports media, the power of hyperlocal content, and the trust equity of new-age content creators. "Patriotic data-literate advertisers are the reason we are in a position to make an investment of this magnitude," said Ahsan Tahir, co-founder & CEO of Walee, the largest creator economy ecosystem in the MENAPT region. "They recognized that Walee is the only platform with the highest trust media touchpoints that attracts Gen Z and Gen Alpha customer segments. We're a Pakistan-born content ecosystem, democratizing storytelling beyond pedigrees and empowering creators across social strata. Out of necessity, we provided creators with credit and intend to invest again in Pakistan to assist the entire spectrum of creators - digital or analog - mitigate issues faced due to the media supply chain."

FTO resolves 8,128 tax complaints, provides relief of Rs 17.74b ISLAMABAD

staff report

The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has resolved 8,128 complaints against the maladministration of tax and customs authorities during the year 2023 as compared to 6,106 complaints in 2022. Furthermore, the registration of complaints increased by almost 24% as 8,076 complaints were filed in 2023 compared to 6,480 in 2022. FTO has also provided a relief of Rs 17.74 billion to taxpayers in 2023 as compared to Rs 7 billion in 2022. This was highlighted during a briefing given to President Dr Arif Alvi, who visited the FTO Office in Islamabad, today. Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), Dr Asif Mahmood Jah, Advisors to the FTO, regional heads, and senior officials of the FTO attended the meeting. Dr Asif Mahmood Jah briefed the President about the FTO's overall performance, outreach and initiatives taken for the facilitation of taxpayers.

YouTube: What did we watch in Pakistan during 2023 KARACHI

staff report

Pakistan, January 10, 2024: Today, YouTube unveiled lists ranking the top trending videos, music videos, Shorts, creators, and breakout creators in Pakistan. This year’s lists are reflective of the most important moments to unfold in 2023 on and offline. In order to respond to the demand for more active content, the arrival of YouTube Shorts became a fresh breath on the platform, both for creators and users. The latter are looking for information or entertainment material that is much faster and more accurate, so a format that takes a few seconds is ideal for audiences such as millennials and Generation Z. YouTube announced that YouTube Shorts is now averaging over 70 billion daily views. Last year, the number of channels uploaded to Shorts daily grew by over 80%, and YouTube Shorts are being watched by over 2B logged-in users every month. The long-form content also resonates well with Pakistani audiences, indicating that despite the varying patterns of users’ consumption behavior, both formats continue to enjoy the dominance of video-form content in Pakistan.

CHEHLUM

LAHORE

staff report

The Chehlum ceremony of late Malik Muhammad Afzal Awan founder Chairman of Awan Welfare Society Pakistan will be held on January 11, 2024 (Thursday) at 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in Noor Marriage Hall, Darughawala Chowk, Lahore.

07

GLOBAL UNEMPLOYMENT TO RISE IN 2024 AMID LABOUR MARKET FRAGILITY, ILO REPORT WARNS NEwS

5

ANOTHER TWO MILLION LIKELY TO BE JOBLESS, UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TO RISE FROM 5.1% IN 2023 TO 5.2% IN 2024, SAYS REPORT PROFIT

News Desk

.6m Pakistanis are expected to be unemployed this year, marking a concerning increase of 1.5 million since 2021. The global labour market is facing a bleak outlook for 2024, as an extra two million workers are expected to join the ranks of the unemployed, according to a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The report, titled World Employment and Social Outlook Trends: 2024 (WESO Trends), projects that the global unemployment rate will increase from 5.1 per cent in 2023 to 5.2 per cent in 2024, reversing the modest improvement seen in the previous year.

The report also finds that the labour market recovery from the pandemic has been uneven and fragile, with significant disparities between higher and lower income countries, as well as between different groups of workers.

While both the unemployment rate and the jobs gap rate – which measures the number of persons without employment who are interested in finding a job – have fallen below pre-pandemic levels, the report warns that these indicators mask the underlying weaknesses of the labour market. One of these weaknesses is the decline of disposable incomes in the majority of G20 countries, which has eroded the living standards of workers and consumers. The report notes that the inflationary pressures caused by the pandemic are unlikely to be compensated

quickly, and that this bodes ill for aggregate demand and a more sustained economic recovery.

Another weakness is the persistence of working poverty, especially in low-income countries. The report estimates that the number of workers living in extreme poverty (earning less than $2.15 per person per day in purchasing power parity terms) grew by about 1 million in 2023, while the number of workers living in moderate poverty (earning less than $3.65 per day per person in PPP terms) increased by 8.4 million.

The report also highlights the widening income inequality, both within and between countries, as a result of the pandemic. It points out that the jobs gap rate in 2023 was 8.2 per cent in high-income countries, but 20.5 per cent in the low-

Faysal Bank joins forces for State-of-the-Art consumer-credit decision engine KARACHI

staff report

Faysal Bank (FBL) one of the premier Islamic banks in Pakistan has partnered with DataCheck; forming the industry’s first collaboration for “Hosted Decision Engine”, licensed by Qarar. Through this initiative the Bank aims to enhance process efficiency in the consumer digital lending space through advanced creditscoring techniques, for the enablement of instant decision-making.

The signing ceremony took place at Faysal Bank Head Office, attended by Mr. Yousaf Hussain-President and CEO Faysal Bank, Mr. Raheel Ijaz- Chief Operating Officer Faysal Bank, Mr. Tariq Jan-CEO DataCheck, Mr. Zaid Kamhawi-CEO Qarar, along with other senior management representatives from Faysal Bank, DataCheck and Qarar.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Yousaf Hussain, President & CEO, FBL said, “We feel privileged to collaborate with DataCheck and Qarar for this pioneering initiative. By harnessing the collective strength of our industry peers, we aim to deliver superior customer experiences, leveraging the latest advancements in ‘Automated Credit Decisioning’ technology. At Faysal Bank we strive to offer an inclusive and dynamic Banking experience. We are optimistic that this collab-

oration will play a key role in the expansion of the digital lending ecosystem in Pakistan.”

Reiterating the importance of data driven decision making, Tariq Jan, CEO, DataCheck said, “We are delighted to partner with Qarar to host a much-needed credit decisioning solution for the industry, with Faysal Bank being the first to go. There is immense value in it for the lender since the end-to-end solution is managed by DataCheck and Qarar’s teams, hence enabling automated decision for Faysal Bank’s customer.”

Commending the efforts of Faysal Bank, Zaid Kamhawi, CEO, Qarar said, “We’re excited to welcome and onboard Faysal Bank as our first hosted-decisioning customer in Pakistan. Qarar’s proven expertise and deployment of DecisionSmart in other markets has created a robust platform whereby our hosted solutions can quickly and easily streamline the credit lifecycle and we look forward to creating a success story with Faysal Bank as our esteemed partner.”

Faysal Bank stands dedicated to fostering a digitally empowered and accessible financial environment.

‘Automated Credit Decisioning,’ powered by sophisticated algorithms and data analysis, is set to redefine the speed and accuracy of the traditional lending model, thereby expediting the approval process for customers while maintaining stringent risk management protocols.

NCHR signs MoUs with universities to promote human rights education ISLAMABAD

staff report

Wednesday, January 9, 2023: In order to promote human rights education among university students, the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) with a number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The recent MoUs was signed with Shifa Tameere-Millat University in Islamabad and the Fatima Jinnah Women’s University, Rawalpindi. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both entities to empower individuals, foster a culture of respect, equality, and justice amongst students, and prevent human rights violations through education.

This collaborative initiative is aligned with the crucial role of education and awareness in the protection and promotion of human rights. “By engaging with

universities and educational institutes, the NCHR aims to create a lasting impact, fostering a society that values and upholds the principles of human rights. We look forward to creating a more just and inclusive society through widespread human rights literacy,” said Chairperson NCHR Rabiya Javeri Agha.

She said that the NCHR recognizes the pivotal role of human rights institutions in contributing to the formulation and execution of human rights education programs. “In line with this objective, the Commission has been actively engaged in forging partnerships with esteemed universities and educational institutes across the country. This partnership, in accordance with its mandate under Section 9 (h) of its Act, is crucial to NCHR’s program on human rights education, building knowledge about human rights, changing attitudes and behaviors and promoting a culture of tolerance and peace.”

income group. Similarly, the unemployment rate in 2023 was 4.5 per cent in high-income countries, but 5.7 per cent in low-income countries.

The report further reveals that the rates of informal work, which are typically associated with lower wages, lower social protection and lower labour rights, are expected to remain static, accounting for around 58 per cent of the global workforce in 2024. The report also analyses the trends in labour productivity, which is a key driver of economic growth and social development. It finds that after a brief post-pandemic boost, labour productivity has returned to the low level seen in the previous decade.

“This report looks behind the headline labour market figures and what it reveals must give great cause for concern.

It is starting to look as if these imbalances are not simply part of pandemic recovery but structural,” said ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo.

KMC to organize annual Marigold Festival: says Murtaza Wahab KARACHI

staff report

Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that KMC is going to organize the annual Marigold Festival from Friday at the Frere Hall Lawn which will continue for three days. A large number of citizens will enjoy this festival in winter season. The entry of citizens to the flower exhibition will be free. This was said by him while inspecting the arrangements of the Marigold Festival on Wednesday on a visit to Frere Hall. Director General Parks and Horticulture Junaidullah Khan, Senior Director Information and Printing and Media Management Ali Hassan Sajid and other officers were also with him. Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that organizing the Marigold Festival is a tradition of KMC, Marigold is a winter flower and it continued its existence for two months. It is popular among the people in Karachi, after six months of continuous hard work in Pakistan, this flower shows its bloom. This year again, thousands of colorful Marigold flowers are being decorated on the lawn of Frere Hall in an attractive manner for the citizens and it is expected that a large number of citizens of Karachi along with their families will enjoy this three-day festival. Mayor Karachi said that besides developing the basic infrastructure of Karachi, small and big parks of the city are also being improved, arrangements will be made to keep all the fountains in good condition on the Frere Hall lawn.

NBP Digital launches new mobile app donation feature

KARACHI: The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has embarked on a new initiative with the NBP Digital App to streamline and improve the digital customer experience for account holders, including both conventional and Aitemaad Islamic banking. This innovative feature in NBP Digital app allows users to make donations effortlessly with just a single tap, anytime and anywhere. NBP customers can now donate to leading NGOs including Edhi Foundation, Saylani Welfare Trust, Chippa Welfare Association, Indus Hospital, and others. This innovation reflects NBP’s commitment to providing a simplified customer experience with the help of digital technology, enabling the Nation’s bank to further accelerate its technological innovation. staff report

PEC unveils final year design project, other initiatives TEXILA

staff report

PEC Pakistan Development Committee (PPDC) conducted a ceremony regarding briefing of its initiatives, which was attended by Engr. Muhammad Najeeb Haroon, Chairman, Pakistan Engineering Council as Chief Guest, Engr. Prof. Dr. Kamran Afaq, Vice Chancellor, HITEC university, Taxila, project advisors & students from seven (07) eminent other universities. In the ceremony following initiatives were discussed: STEM Education Day Trip Learning Financing of Final Year Design Projects (FYDP) Engineering Capstone Expo Graduate Internship Training E-Gateway E-Library UNSDGs Engineers Parliamentarians Caucus

At first, Engr. Prof. Dr. Kamran Afaq, Vice Chancellor HITEC University, Taxila thanked Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) for conduction of briefing ceremony at HITEC university, Taxila. Further, he appreciated all the initiative taken by Pakistan Engineering Council for the development & encouragement of engineering community and thanked Chairman, PEC & Engr. Mir Masood Rashid, Advisor to Charman, PEC for such activities.

Engr. Mir Masood Rashid, Convener, PPDC/ Advisor to Chairman, PEC briefed the participants about these initiatives and explained them about the importance and encouragement for the engineering community. He also briefed that PEC has funded 593 project of 102 HEIs to encourage innovation & research in the country. He also conveyed the audience that in today event cheques to seven (07)HEIs will be given, whose 55 projects have been funded by PEC. He also appreciates its team working in PEC HQ, Islamabad. He further

mentioned that a total 2600 interns have gone through the scheme of PEC-GIT Program and more than 300 have got job from this program Engr. Muhammad Najeeb Haroon, Chairman, PEC briefed audience that to encourage the engineering graduates and to provide graduates with the real time world exposure above mentioned projects have been initiated.

He also mentioned that PEC has funded 593 Projects of 102 HEIs to tilt the engineering environment towards innovation, research & Industrialization.

He then presented FYDP financing cheques to representatives of seven(07) HEIs and STEM cards to STEM ambassadors. Which will deliver talks tin their school to opt science in Class-VII. He also gave internship completion certificate to those interns which have completed their internship period under PECGIT Program.

eShifa and Federal Directorate of Education collaborate to enhance healthcare for students in Islamabad schools ISLAMABAD

staff report

In a significant step toward enhancing healthcare accessibility for students in public sector, eShifa, a leading Digital Home healthcare company and outreach partner of Shifa International Hospital Islamabad has officially signed Understanding with the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE). The Understanding signed on January 9, 2024, establishes a collaborative framework aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare services to students under the umbrella of continuity of care. eShifa commits to providing free teleconsultation services to students through dedicated telemedicine kiosks. Initially launching services at five schools under the Federal Directorate of

Education in Islamabad.

Through its partner, Shifa International Hospital, eShifa will conduct inperson medical screenings, including visits from specialized doctors. Taimoor Shah, Chief Operating Officer of Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, expressed that eShifa aims to extend its medical services to more schools and establish collaborative agreements to offer healthcare facilities to the faculty and schools. The primary objective of this endeavor is to broaden the reach of high-quality health services to a larger student population, thereby improving their educational effectiveness and laying the groundwork for a healthier youth in Pakistan.

Dr. Malik Muhammad Adil, Chief Executive Officer- eShifa said, we are

committed to deliver healthcare services of the highest quality, aligning with international standards. We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with the Federal Directorate of Education. Our aim is to provide accessible and highquality healthcare services to students, ensuring their well-being and fostering a healthy learning environment."

Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training said this collaboration signifies a commitment to the health and welfare of students. The teleconsultation services and in-person screenings will contribute to a holistic approach to student healthcare, setting a new standard for educational institutions

BAJWA OFFERED ‘TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY’ FOR ENDING PROTESTS IN AUG 2022: IMRAN newS

A

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

LEEMA Khan, the sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, revealed on Wednesday that her brother had received a message from the then Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, offering a twothirds majority in the National Assembly to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) if Imran ended his protest that had commenced after his ouster from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Imran had launched a nationwide protest following his removal in April last year, becoming the only prime minister in the history of Pakistan to be removed via a no-trust vote.

Khan’s party, which governed the country for over three-and-a-half years, had been struggling to stay in power as its allies betrayed and joined hands with the

then-opposition parties that had joined forces against the PTI government.

The former PTI chief had claimed that the conspiracy to topple his government was hatched in Pakistan, a contradiction from his earlier stance in which he blamed the United States for his ouster.

“Former army chief General Qamar

Javed Bajwa conspired against an elected government in collaboration with the PDM [Pakistan Democratic Movement] parties when all economic indicators were showing positive trends,” he had said.

After a meeting with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, Aleema Khan, while talking

PCB sells HBL PSL broadcasting rights to ARY for over Rs 7bn g

Board’s interim chairman Zaka Ashraf without disclosing a figure said the rights had sold for Rs3b more than last deal PROFIT

By aBDullah niazi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sold the broadcasting rights to the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) reportedly for close to Rs 8 billion.

The bid for the broadcasting rights were sold to ARY Sports, which had also grabbed the rights two years ago in 2021 during the previous auction cycle. The increased price of the broadcasting rights will be good news for the franchise owners of the HBL PSL, since the money from broadcasting is put into the central revenue pool of the tournament that is then divided equally between the teams.

HOW THE BIDDING WORKS The parties that want to make the bids submit a technical and a financial proposition each. On the day of the ac-

tual bid both sides sit at the same table.

Both sides hand over their proposals in closed packets. After the packets have been handed over, the side receiving the bids, in this case the PCB, announces a reserve price – which is the price that the side receiving the bids is willing to get.

Once this reserve price has been announced, the proposals are opened in front of everyone.

If both bids are above the reserve price, then the higher bid automatically gets the contract. However, if both bids are below the reserve price, the bidders are asked to revise their bids and the higher bid in a second round of bidding gets the contract.

Say if the reserve price is Rs 50, and Side A’s bid turns out to be Rs 55 while Side B’s bid turns out to be Rs 58, then Side B will get the contract. In the same

way, if only one side bids higher than the reserve price and the other does not even meet that, the side with the higher bid gets it.

However, if both bids are below the reserve price then the bidders are asked to revise their offers. They then have the option of either going above the bid price or staying below. For example, if the reserve price is Rs 50, but the bid from Side A is Rs 45 and the bid from Side B is Rs 48, they will revise their offers. If Side A has a higher bid in this revised offer, they will get the contract.

HOTLY CONTESTED Last year, this process underwent a few rounds that were hotly contested between different parties. As one of the most watched annual events in the country, the rights to broadcast the HBL PSL are always hotly contested. The auction

to the media said, “Imran Khan conveyed a message to me, stating, ‘In August 2022, General Bajwa approached me with an offer that if PTI ceased protests against regime-change, a two-thirds majority for the party will be ensured in the National Assembly.'”

According to Aleema Khan, Imran Khan asserted, “Our parents were born in a slave country; we are free, and I will not bow before anyone except God. It is better for us to face death than to accept slavery in a free country.”

Aleema Khan further highlighted the challenges faced, stating that every day permission is granted to only three to four journalists in jail.

“There is no open trial [happening in Adiala jail]. The cases against Imran have no weight,” she added.

She further said that Imran is entangled in a new case whenever he gets bail in an old case, saying that it was a ploy to keep the former prime minister in prison.

in 2021 saw some high drama between ARY, PTV, and Geo Sports. The way bidding works for these auctions is that the PCB makes a public tender announcement inviting bids for the broadcasting rights.

READ MORE: WHAT IN THE WORLD HAPPENED WITH THE PSL MEDIA RIGHTS BID? After a Mexican Stand-off between Geo Sports and a consortium of ARY and PTV Sports, the latter won the bid at a price of Rs 4.4 billion. This year, however, ARY has made the highest bid on its own without any consortium.

HOW BIG IS THE BID? During the press conference where the bid was announced, Zaka Ashraf and HBL PSL Commissioner Naila Bhatti remained tight-lipped about the exact amount of the bid. Naila Bhatti said that the sale of domestic broadcast rights for HBL PSL within the Pakistani territory took place on Tuesday. “It was a positive day for the PCB yesterday as we successfully concluded the domestic broadcast rights deal for PSL season nine in Pakistan,” she added.“ARY elevated its bid by 47-48 per cent compared to the last bidding cycle.”

Zaka Ashraf also said that the new bid was Rs 3 billion more than the previous one in 2021, which would indicate that it is at least Rs 7.4 billion.

Reko Diq’s logistical challenges cast shadows on promised wealth g

RMDC reluctant to use Gwadar port for shipping ores; alternate routes prove to be no better PROFIT

Shahnawaz ali

As the Reko Diq saga unfolds, the latest developments shed light on intricate logistical challenges, questioning the feasibility of the “gold mine”. In a recent twist, as reported by media reports, a federal government panel has urged Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) to reveal its technical requirements, stirring concerns about the project’s ambitious transportation plans.

The recent developments suggest that the road to Reko Diq’s success may not be as smooth as anticipated. RDMC’s reluctance to use Gwadar Port introduces a new layer of complexity, raising questions about the feasibility and efficiency of the chosen transportation methods.

THE POTENTIAL OF REKO DIQ After navigating the labyrinth of legal challenges over ownership of the mine, an agreement was reached in December 2022. The project was divided into two phases, with a total projected capex cost of $7 billion, with the first

phase requiring $4 billion and the second phase requiring $3 billion. In addition, the project’s total entry amount is $2.2 billion, bringing the entire project size to $9-10 billion.

Annual copper output was predicted to be between 650 and 700 million pounds per annum for the first ten years, increasing to 800 to 850 million pounds per annum when phase 2 is completed. Furthermore, gold production was estimated to be 300,000 to 350,000 ounces on yearly basis for the first ten years (first phase) before increasing to 450,000 to 500,000 oz. following the planned expansion.

By the end of 2022, the closing of the Reko Diq deal seemed like a monumental triumph for Pakistan. The legal hurdles were cleared, and Barrick Gold Corporation enthusiastically declared its commitment to transforming Reko Diq into a world-class mine, anticipating significant economic benefits for both the company and Pakistan Barrick President and Chief Executive Mark Bristow’s vision of a worldclass, long-life mine generating

substantial economic gains and benefiting Pakistani stakeholders appeared promising. The touted benefits included increased copper production, employment opportunities, regional economic growth, and investments in Balochistan’s development. Scrutiny Over Transport Plans; Choosing Between Operating Costs and Feasibility. Come 2024, the project, once again seems to be marred by logistical and infrastructural shortcomings, a concern that has always been there. The project site is fairly remote and access to shipping is extremely difficult.

Sources within the Planning Commission revealed to Business Recorder that a Sub Committee meeting, chaired

by General Zahir Shah, was held on December 27, 2023. All stakeholders, including RDMC’s Country Director and their Railway connectivity consultant, Eric Peiffer, attended the meeting.

RDMC expressed support for transporting the load via Railway lines (ML1 & ML3) and exporting it from Port Qasim after studying facilities available there.

The country Director RMDC in-

formed that as per project timelines, the project will have financial close by March 2025. As of now, neither does the Gwadar port have a bulk container terminal nor does it have the optimal amount of ship traffic. Under the present circumstances it would not be feasible for them to use this port, whereas in the long-term plan they would prefer using Gwadar port when the situation improves.

Member Planning Commission informed that the commission, under the guidance of the SIFC, was already working on the connectivity to Gwadar Port to Chaghi District for shipping purposes.

However, the proposed route to Karachi is also not easy. Major logistical intricacies become apparent as RDMC plans a branch railway line from Noukandi to the project site (almost 80 kms). This would allow them to use the existing railway infrastructure of Noukandi-Rohri-Karachi. The branch railway also requires RMDC to substantially invest in a dedicated rolling stock (locomotives and wagons) and containers. Foreseeing two trains of twenty wagons each per day, increasing to five trains a day, the feasibility study requests crucial data from Pakistan Railway.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 02

Thursday, 11 January, 2024

pRayeR timingS

11 family members found dead in KP’s Lakki Marwat FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

6:35

1:30

4:15

7:15

5:30

7:15

LAKKI MARWAT Staff RepoRt

A total of 11 bodies, including children and women have been found in a house located in the town of Takhti Khel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday. According to police statements, the discovery was made by the brother of the deceased household’s head upon his return. The initial investigations by the local police suggested that the unfortunate incident is believed to happened two days ago from the consumption of a toxic substance mixed in the food. The police officials claimed that the relative of the deceased family allegedly bought food from Waziristan two days ago.

However, the local police team arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area to collect evidence related to the case. In a separate incident in Tuesday, the bodies of three members of a family were found with throats slit in Kotri, Sindh. As per details, the bodies of the husband and wife and their child were found in a rented house in the Sikandarabad Colony of Kotri Site area.

The bodies have been moved to the hospital for legal formalities, while an investigation launched to determine the cause behind the gruesome murders.

Agency personnel should be prosecuted to address enforced disappearances: IHC ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Hearing the plea pertaining to enforced disappearances of Baloch students, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) observed on Wednesday that agency personnel should be prosecuted if the matter has to be addressed. The remarks by Justice Kayani came during the hearing on a petition submitted

by Imaan Mazari. He elaborated that the state protects the institutions and if the state wants, it can do anything. He also maintained that state institutions should have confidence in the rule of law, highlighting that the lack of trust in courts contributes to public dissatisfaction. Attorney General Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan informed the court that Mazari submitted a list of missing Baloch students, out of whom nine have been recovered and efforts are going to locate the remaining 15 students. Justice Kayani called for the state’s highest office to issue a sworn statement promising an end to forced disappearances. AGP Awan responded, mentioning that the federal government has already assured the Supreme Court that there will be no forced disappearances in the future. In response to Justice Kayani’s inquiry about the federal government’s implication in forced disappearances, the AGP clarified that the government’s statement applies to the present and future, emphasising trust in the judicial system. In the previous hearing, Justice Kayani expressed his extreme anger and frustration over cases of enforced disappearances in the country and warned that if the missing people were not found, the court would order the registration of a first information report (FIR) against the interim prime minister and interior minister. In his hard-hitting observations, the judge noted that the cases were blamed on the state agencies, adding that it appeared that it had become a free-for-all society. The judge had also observed that it was a matter of basic human rights but it seemed that there was no law and order in the country.

PTI founder Imran Khan out of election race LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Justice Tariq Nadeem of the appellate tribunal of the Lahore High Court (LHC) Wednesday upheld the returning officer’s verdict rejecting PTI founding chairman Imran Khan’s nomination papers for constituency NA-122. Imran’s nomination papers were rejected from NA-122 (Lahore) and NA-89 (Mianwali) on December 30. The verdict issued by the RO for NA-122 stated that the papers were rejected on “moral” and other grounds. In the detailed decision, the election officer quoted the judgment of the additional session judge (Islamabad) that established the conviction of the respondent related to the offense of moral turpitude. Similarly, Imran Khan’s appeal against the RO verdict rejecting his nomination papers from NA-89 Mianwali has also been rejected.

Govt looking to hand Discos over to army. It isn’t the first time though g

HESCO set to be first of five DISCOs to be handed to Army and Power Division led management units PROFIT

Daniyal ahmaD

The Federal Cabinet is poised to sanction the inception of Performance Management Units (PMUs) within five beleaguered power Distribution Companies (DISCOs). This move will place these entities under the oversight of a currently commissioned Brigadier of the Pakistan Army. Consequently, a significant portion of Pakistan’s DISCOs will once again find themselves under the Army’s stewardship once more.

The inaugural PMU is slated

for installation within the confines of the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO). This unit will be an amalgamation of officers hailing from the Pakistan Administrative Service, the Federal Intelligence Agency, and the Intelligence Bureau. The reins of the PMU will be held by a onestar general from the Pakistan Army — a Brigadier. This unit will maintain a direct line of communication with the Federal Secretary of the Power Division at the Ministry of Energy.

The decision comes in the wake of the Government of Pak-

istan’s Federal Footprint, StateOwned Enterprises (SOE) for fiscal year 2020-2022, which identified Pakistan’s power sector as the single biggest fiscal drain in the country, with losses of Rs 321 billion. The government-owned DISCOs contributed Rs 376 billion to the figure, thus single-handedly wiping out the profits made by the entire remaining power sector.

READ MORE: DISCOS LEAD THE WAY FOR POWER SECTOR’S RS321BN IN LOSSES The Power Division projects that the fiscal year 2023-2024

will witness the DISCOs’ losses surpassing those delineated in the aforementioned report, with the new losses escalating to an alarming Rs 589 billion.

While the uninitiated might construe this as the Government of Pakistan adopting an innovative solution to staunch the fiscal haemorrhaging of the power sector — it is not.

This marks the second instance within a span of 25 years where the Pakistan Army will be entrusted with the stewardship of Pakistan’s DISCOs. However, before we delve into the depths of this decision, let us first explore the rationale behind the selection of HESCO amongst all DISCOs.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

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