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ISRAEL KILLS MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE IN OVERNIGHT ATTACKS AS WAR ON GAZA ENTERS 100TH DAY Monday, 15 January, 2024 I 3 Rajab, 1445

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At least 23,968 Palestinians killed and 60,582 others injured since Oct. 7: Health Ministr y

UN says 85% of Gaza population internally displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water

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SRAELI forces killed more than 100 Palestinians and many others injured in overnight air and land attacks on various parts of the Gaza Strip, official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported on Sunday, as Israel’s war on the besieged Palestinian enclave entered 100th day.

“The bodies of 50 civilians were pulled out from the rubble following the bombardment of a three-story residential building in the densely populated Al-Daraj neighborhood in the heart of Gaza City,” the news agency said.

“The building housed families of AlShobaki, Al-Zoukh, Hassouna, and AlQasim,” it added.

The majority of those killed and injured were transported to Al-Shifa Medical Complex and Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the city, it added.

In a separate attack, five Palestinians were killed, and ten others sustained injuries due to artillery shelling targeting the Sabra and Al-Zeitoun neighborhoods in the city, according to the Wafa news agency.

Israel’s artillery and navy also carried out attacks on the homes of Palestinians living in the Tal Al-Hawa and Sheikh Ajleen areas, southwest of Gaza City.

In the central Gaza Strip, three bodies were pulled out from the rubble after “their home was hit with missiles in the AlSawarha area, along with six more fatalities retrieved from the Al-Maghazi and Al-Bureij refugee camps,” the news agency said.

In Khan Younis, more than 30 Palestinians, including children and women, were killed in an Israeli bombing targeting their houses.

At least 23 people were killed in air strikes on two houses near the Egyptian border and on a vehicle carrying mostly displaced passengers.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group which Tel Aviv claims killed 1,200 people in Israel.

Death toll in Gaza since Oct. 7 rises to 23,968: Health Ministry At least 23,968 Palestinians have been killed and 60,582 others injured in Israeli at-

tacks in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, the Health Ministry in the besieged Palestinian enclave said Sunday.

“The Israeli occupation (forces) committed 11 massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 125 casualties and 265 injuries over the past 24 hours,” a ministry statement said.

According to the UN, 85% of the population of Gaza is already internally displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

In 100 days of Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, the statement said: “The occupation (forces) killed 337 health personnel and arrested 99 others in harsh conditions.”

PM to deliver keynote address, meet important govt and business leaders during submmit

ZURICH/ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Sunday arrived in Zurich to attend the World Economic Forum summit.

According to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), PM Kakar would deliver a keynote address for a session titled: ‘Trade Tech’s Trillion Dollar Promise.’

The World Economic Forum Summit is being held Davos from January 15 to 19, where key business and government leaders are scheduled to meet next week to deliberate on crucial global issues.

Earlier this week the foreign office said that Kakar would visit Davos from January 15-19 for the 54th WEF summit. It said Kakar would attend three key thematic events during the official trip, which include: Preventing An Era of Global Conflict, Restoring Faith in the Global System, and Preventing Economic Fracture.

“Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar arrived here on Sunday to participate in the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to be held from January 15 to 19,” the Prime Minister Office said in a statement.

Kakar was received by Pakistan’s permanent representative to Geneva, the country’s ambassador to Switzerland, and high-level officials upon his arrival.

“During his visit, Prime Minister Kakar would lead a special ‘Invest in Pakistan’ event,” the APP added.

The WEF describes itself as an international organization for public-private cooperation. It engages the foremost political, business, cultural, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.

The forum was established in 1971 as a not-forprofit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Rebuilding Trust.”

Pakistan used last year’s WEF summit to spotlight the immense damages inflicted by the disastrous 2022 floods and seek international economic assistance from world powers.

Abbasi reveals he didn’t seek party ticket, ‘means no more in PML-N’ ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

‘Pakistanis stand by Palestinians’: Thousands demand end to ‘Gaza genocide’ KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

PM Kakar arrives in Zurich as WEF summit begins tomorrow g

Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 197 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said, he didn’t seek the PML-N ticket, which means he is not in the party.

“If a person does not seek the party’s ticket after 35 years of affiliation is extra-ordinary and a clear message,” seasoned politician said in an interview.

“There was no need of a ceremony at joining and neither today, for quitting the party,” he said.

“Some party friends talked with me after, I didn’t apply for the PML-N ticket. I had given the names of some party workers of the constituency and said I will support them,” former PM said.

“These workers were not awarded tickets, now I will not support the PML-N candidate”. “After the PML-N decision, I am free”, he said. Abbasi further revealed that he had been pressured to contest or field his son as an independent candidate, but he remains committed to supporting the workers standing for elections. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of the constitutional right to participate in elections, expressing his disapproval of attempts to deprive a political party of its election symbol.

Abbasi said, “How could you devoid a political party from its electoral symbol, election is the constitu-

tional right”.

In a surprising turn of events, Abbasi hinted at the possibility of forming a new political party, citing the need for a fresh entity with a broader purpose. He highlighted the space for a new political party, distinct from temporary groups formed around election times, and underscored the support he has received from various individuals for this initiative.

“The new party will not be a group of some individuals, which emerges around in election times,” he said.

“All three parties have created a space for a new political party with their performance and attitude. The new party will be for a big cause,” he said.

“I don’t want to be part of a farce like IPP, PML-Q and Patriot,” he said. “I have to do politics and will my line of action after the election,” Abbasi said.

Former prime minister said that several people have contacted with him, “I am agreed that there should be a new political party”.

“This will not be a party, which used to be constituted for a specific purpose.” “Sword was made Arrow and the Cow fielded against Lion and made it to resemble like the Lion”. “The Cow bagged 12,000 votes against me, when no one knew the candidate,” Shahid Khaqan said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

Tens of thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators, a majority of them Jamaat-e-Islami workers, rallied during “Stop Genocide in Gaza March” on Shahrah-eFaisal on Sunday, demanding an end to Israel’s hostilities in battered Gaza Strip, which reached on Sunday a grim 100-day mark.

Protesters marched on different roads, waving tri-color Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyeh scarves, before congregating on Shahrah-e-Faisal, the city’s busiest road.

The rally was organized by Jamaat-eIslami (JI), the country’s mainstream religiopolitical party, and was attended by a large number of women and children, including many of them wearing headbands engraved with pro-Palestine slogans.

“Stop genocide in Gaza,” a huge banner emblazoned with images of Israeli bombing victims read.

“Hats off South Africa,” read another banner carried by protesters in an apparent reference to the country’s filing of a case against Tel Aviv in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), describing Israeli actions

“The Israeli occupation (forces) deliberately targeted 150 health institutions, putting 30 hospitals and 53 health centers out of service, and destroying 121 ambulances,” it added.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Palestinian group

in Gaza as “genocide.”

Protesters chanted slogans such as “Labbaik ya Gaza (Gaza we are here),” “Labbaik ya Aqsa (Aqsa we are here),” and “We Stand with Hamas.”

Local Christian and Hindu leaders were also among the attendees.

Local security officials and observers estimated that 20,000 to 25,000 people attended the rally.

Addressing the rally, Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman condemned the US and Europe for “supporting Palestinians’ genocide” being committed by Israeli forces.

“This is the message for the US and Israel that we will not surrender. The only choice for you is to concede,” Rehman said, adding that Pakistanis will continue to stand alongside Palestinians.

Hailing South Africa for taking the Palestinians’ case to the ICJ, he said the case is a test for the international community, which has failed to stop the ongoing “genocide” in Gaza.

He underscored that South Africa’s actions have left both America and Israel in a state of bewilderment.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 Hamas on Oct. 7.

Authorities claim the attacks by Hamas have killed around 1,200 Israelis.

The Israeli onslaught has left Gaza in ruins, with 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure damaged or destroyed and nearly 2 million residents displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicines.

02 NEWS

CEC RAJA INSTRUCTS KP IGP TO PROVIDE SECURITY TO JUI-F RALLIES

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ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

HIEF Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Raja Sultan has instructed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) to provide security to Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F) election rallies amid threat reports.

The development comes as interior ministry had warned that there were serious

Car of PTI-P PK-103 candidate set on fire, fined on Jirga’s order

threats to the lives of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Aimal Wali Khan.

In a letter to the chief secretaries and inspector general of police of all provinces and circulated by the ANP, the interior ministry had said it had received reports from reliable sources revealing serious threats to the lives of the Maulana and Aimal.

“It is requested that extreme caution and vigilance is exercised and necessary security arrangements are made at Maulana Fazl and

Aimal’s residences and during movement and public gatherings to avert any untoward incident,” it said in a letter.

Meanwhile, JUI-F leader Maulana Hafiz Waqas submitted an application in election commission, seeking security for party workers and rallies ahead of general elections.

Responding to the application, CEC Sikandar Raja Sultan directed the KP IG to make necessary security arrangements at JUI-F election rallies. “Law and order should be maintained in the election cam-

Staff RepoRt

People, on the order of Atmanzai Jirga, set on fire the car of Pervez Khattak-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarians’s (PTI-P) candidate from PK-103 Iqbal Wazir, for ‘violating’ Jirga’s traditions. Atmanzai Jirga in North Waziristan also imposed Rs2 million fine on Iqbal Wazir Iqbal Wazir, a former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa minister who quit the PTI to join Pervez Khattak-founded faction of the party. He is contesting the general elections 2024 from PK-103 on PTI-P’s ticket. The Atmanzai Jirga imposed the fine and ordered to set his car ablaze after finding him ‘guilty’ of violating the traditions of Jirga. Iqbal Wazir is the PTI-P’s candidate from PK-103 (North Waziristan). Earlier in July 2023, former Defense Minister Pervez Khattak launched a new political party under the name of PTI-Parlimentians (PTI-P). Former chief Minister Mahmood Khan along with 57 former PTI lawmakers including former provincial minister, Ishtiaq, Shaukat Ali, Dr. Aasia Aad, Somi Falaknaz, Ziaullah Bangash, Ibrahim Khattak, Ahmed Hussain Shah, Javed Akbar and others are also part of the PTI-P.

Balochistan’s noted politician Rind quits PML-N in protest QUETTA

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Muslim league (PML-N) Balochistan leader and ex-Nazim Quetta Metropolitan Corporation, Mir Aslam Rind on Sunday announced to part ways with PML as a protest and said that he was going to contest election from PB-42-Quetta as an independent candidate.

Addressing a press conference at Quetta Press Club, he said PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif conducted interviews of all candidates of the party on December 06, adding that all companions knew “my interview was the best”.

He said that PML-N’s provincial president had awarded the party ticket of PB-42 to his son in law. He said that the son-in-law of PML-N Balochistan president, who was contesting election from PB-42, remained government employee till October 2023. He said he was parting ways with PML-N as protest, adding, “Now I am contesting election as independent candidate from PB-42”. Quetta city was deprived of all basic facilities, he said adding that medical and engineering seats of Quetta city were being given to the candidates of other districts of the province. Rind said, “Whenever a government employee of Quetta city proceeds on retirement, candidate of other district is appointed against the vacant position of Quetta city”, adding that example of Balochistan WASA, Quetta Development Authority, Quetta Metropolitan Corporation, Agriculture and Cooperative Department, Livestock and Dairy Development Department and Forest and Wildlife Department was in front of all. He said that no compromise would be made on the rights of the citizens of Quetta city.

ISLAMABAD

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released the final lists of candidates for the National and provincial assembly seats in Lahore, with 266 names vying for 14 seats in the Lower House of parliament.

Following are the candidates in the race for all the NA seats from Lahore, as per the ECP list:

NA-117 As per the election commission, 20 candidates are contesting from this constituency: Abdul Aleem Khan from the Istehkam-ePakistan Party Asif Hashmi, PPP Independent candidates Ali Ijaz Buttar on the symbol of a bowl, Akmal Bari on an iron and singer Abrarul Haq on the symbol of a guitar Jahangir Ahmed of the Jamaat-e-Islami

NA-118 Among the 13 candidates in the race for this seat are: Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N Shahid Abbas, PPP-Parliamentarians PTI leader Muhammad Khan Madni contesting as independent candidate on the election symbol of a sheep Aliya Hamza Malik with the symbol of a dice Muhammad Shoukat from the Jamaat-e-Islami

NA-119 There are 18 candidates vying for this seat: PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz PPP-P: Iftikhar Shahid A host of independents, including Nadeem Sherwani on the symbol of cricket stump

M.a. Niazi ET me begin by saying something I never thought I’d need to when I first started out in journalism: these notes are not generated by artificial intelligence. I personally have hammered away at a computer keyboard to generate these notes. Any intelligence behind them (not that I claim there is any) is purely natural, not artificial. True, a computer is involved, but only to faithfully record my thoughts, to which the book title of Jerome K. Jerome, Idle Thoughts of An Idle Fellow, apply. (Jerome K. Jerome, for those who might remember, was the author of ‘The Man Who Was A Hospital’, an essay in the Intermediate English course of a bygone age, an extract from his classic Three Men In A Boat.).

The reason I’ve tried to make this clear is Imran Khan’s piece in The Economist.

That article summarizes the various iniquities visited upon his head. There was the

L

NA-120 Moreover, among the 27 nominees in the running for this constituency: Ayaz Sadiq of PML-N Munir Ahmad of the PPP-P

NA-121 There are 15 candidates for this constituency, including: PML-N Sheikh Rohale Asghar Independent Wasim Qadir on the symbol of cricket stump

NA-122 There are 21 candidates in the race for this seat, including: PML-Nís Khawaja Saad Rafiq Independent candidates Azhar Siddique on the symbol of a medal and Latif Khosa the alphabet ëKí

NA-123 There are 16 candidates in the race for this seat, including: PML-Nís Shehbaz Sharif Afzal Azim Pahat, an independent candidate, on the radio symbol Jamaat-e-Islamiís Liaquat Baloch PPP-Pís Muhammad Ziaul Haq

NA-124 From the 13 candidates in the race for this constituency are: PML-Nís Rana Mubashir Iqbal PTIís Sardar Azimullah and Zameer Ahmed are in the field as independent candidates contesting on the symbols of watch and dolphin, respectively

NA-125 There are 19 contenders for this con-

NA-126 There are 19 candidates contesting from this seat, including: PML-Nís Saiful Mulook Khokhar PPP-Pís Amjad Ali Jamaat-Islamiís Ameerul Azim And a host of independents

NA-127 For this seat of the National Assembly, there are 25 contenders, including: PPP-Pís Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari PML-Nís in Attaullah Tarar PTIís Shabbir Ahmed Gujjar as an independent candidate on the hookah symbol JIís Syed Ehsanullah Waqas Huqooq-e-Khalq Partyís Muhammad Muzammil

NA-128 For this seat of the National Assembly, there are 22 candidates, including: Istehkam-e-Pakistan Partyís Awn Chaudhry PTI’s Salman Akram Raja as an independent candidate on the racket symbol MQM-Pakistanís Agha Muhammad Ali Khan PPP-Pís Adeel Ghulam Mohyuddin JIís Liaquat Baloch NA-129 There are 19 candidates running for this seat, including: PML-Nís Hafiz Nauman PTIís Mian Muhammad Azhar allotted the cricket stumps as an independent candidate

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter has expressed its serious concern over the rise in Indian state terrorism in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, APHC-AJK General Secretary Sheikh Abdul Mateen in a statement issued in Islamabad strongly condemned the ongoing killings, arrests, desecration

problem of how he had written it, being in jail. Of course, he could have written it in a mixture of candle-soot and his own blood on his bedsheet, and then smuggled it out to The Economist. (Scraping it out on his cell wall with a rusty nail would have met two obstacles: getting the rusty nail, and getting the wall to The Economist.)

Imran himself solved the mystery by saying that the article was AI-generated.

This is the same Imran who addressed a (virtual) rally, even though in jail. It was an AIgenerated address. With the AI-generated symbol, we are entering a new area even for a tech-savvy party. Why bother with elections at all? Why not have AI-generated results, and an AI-generated government?

Imran can address the UN through AI, and meet foreign leaders that way. Maybe AI could fix the economy, by generating positive news about prices and so on.

Maybe the PTI could fulfill all its promises

by AI. That way PTI supporters could spend the next five years at their keyboards secure in the knowledge that they had won the election, that Imran was PM, and all was right with the world.

of women and destruction of houses and other properties by Indian troops in the occupied territory.

He said the people of Kashmir are rendering unprecedented sacrifices for their birthright to self-determination and they will continue their struggle till taking it to its logical conclusion. He also denounced the nefarious Indian intentions of converting the Muslim majority of the occupied territory into a minority.

Sheikh Abdul Mateen paid tribute In that perfect world, nobody would have resigned from the Supreme Court. The resignation of Mr Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi was not as surprising as that of Mr Justice Ijazul Ahsan. Mr Justice Naqvi had got as far as he was going to go, but Mr Justice Ijaz was going to become Chief Justice, barring a series of events that would be very complicated. As aged mothers and village elders were wont to repeat, “Beta, Sarkari naukri na chhorheen.” (Never give up a government job). Of course, one of benefits of a government job is a pension, and if Mr Justice Naqvi had resigned soon enough, his would have been secure. Mr Ejaz has, by the way, secured his, for he resigned before the Supreme Judicial Council could take any action against him.

Mr Justice Naqvi was one of the Lahore High Court judges who had overturned the Special Court’s conviction of Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf for high treason. Just before he resigned, that overturning was overturned, and I assume the original order restored.

That not only convicted General Musharraf and sentenced him to hanging, but also sentenced his corpse to be hung at D Chowk, Islamabad. That extreme order recalled how the English treated the corpse of Oliver Cromwell, in 1660, when the monarchy was restored. He had died in

to the Kashmiri martyrs and praised the determination and courage of illegally detained Hurriyat leaders, activists and youth languishing in different jails of India and the occupied territory.

He appealed to the United Nations to play its role in immediate release of All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman Masarat Alam Butt, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Aasiya Andrabi, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Molvi Bashir Ahmad, Bilal Siddiqui, Pir Saifullah, Raja Merajuddin Kalwal, Ayaz Muhammad Akbar, Shahid-ulIslam, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Nahida Nasreen, Fahmida Sufi, Mushtaq-ul-Islam and other Hurriyat leaders and activists.

Meanwhile, other APHC AJK chapter leaders, including Imtiyaz Wani, Sheikh Muhammad Yaqoob, Altaf Ahmed Butt, Chaudhry Shaheen Iqbal, Mushtaq Ahmed Butt, Zahid Safi, Syed Aijaz Rehman, Zahid Ashraf, Advocate Parvaiz Ahmed and Raja Shaheen in their separate statements in Islamabad said killing, harassment and other tactics by the Indian authorities could not suppress the Kashmiris’ indigenous freedom movement. They added that the people of Kashmir would continue their struggle till complete success.

1658, but his corpse was dug up and strung on a gibbet at Tyburn when Charles II came back to England.

He wasn’t hanged for imposing England’s only Martial Law, known as the ‘Rule of the Major-generals’ (because Britain was divided into 11 ‘districts’ each under a major general), but for having killed Charles I. I wonder if the reversal means Musharraf’s body s to be disturbed in his eternal rest and the punishment carried out upon him?

I wouldn’t like to say how much was the judicial earthquake on the Richter scale, but the one that rocked Lahore was 6.3,

ceasefire with the government in November.

Fazl has called on the caretaker government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure the law and order situation, stressing that it wasn’t the right time to be holding the general elections.

JIís Ahmad Jamil Rashid PPP-Pís Aurangzeb Shaafi Burki

stituency, including: PML-Nís Muhammad Afzal Khokhar PPP-Pís Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor Khan PTI leader Jamil Asghar Bhatti as an independent candidate on the drum symbol

APHC-AJK expresses concern over rise in Indian state terrorism in IIOJK

Not Artificial Intelligence City NoteS

paign”, he added. It is pertinent to mention here that the JUI-F’s chief convoy was targeted in a brazen attack at the Yarik Interchange in Dera Ismail Khan.

KP police said vehicles part of Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s convoy went to Yarak area for refuelling when the incident occurred, but the politician was not present on the spot.

Pakistan has seen an uptick in terror activities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, after the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its

Final lists of candidates for all National, Punjab Assembly seats from Lahore Staff RepoRt

NORTH WAZIRISTAN

Monday, 15 January, 2024 | ISLAMABAD

NA-130 There are 18 candidates vying for this seat, including: PML-Nís Nawaz Sharif PTI leader Yasmin Rashid on the laptop symbol as an independent candidate PPP-Pís Iqbal Ahmad Khan MQM-Pís Samia Naz JIís Sufi Khalique Ahmad Butt

Punjab Assembly seats Moreover, 813 candidates are contesting for the 30 seats of the Punjab Assembly from Lahore.

For PP-146, PML-Nís Ghazali Saleem Butt is in the race among 20 candidates; for PP-147, there are 24 candidates, including PML-Nís Hamza Shehbaz and PTI Leader Muhammad Khan Madni as an independent candidate on a ëbedí symbol.

For PP-148, the PML-N has fielded Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman against 15 other candidates, including the PTIís Salman Abbas as an independent candidate on the ëaircraftí symbol.

The PP-149 constituency has 37 candidates in the race, including Istehkam-ePakistan Party President Abdul Aleem Khan, PTIís Nadeem Sherwani and Zubair Niazi as independent candidates on ëparrotí and parachute symbols.

For PP-168, PTIís Nadeem Abbas Bara has been allotted the ëcricket stumpsí symbol, for PP-169 Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed has got the ëracketí symbol,

For PP-171 former Punjab minister Mian Aslam Iqbal has been allotted the ëaircraftí symbol as an independent candidate, Azam Khan Niazi given a ëbrickí symbol and Bajash Niazi ëcricket stumpsí for PP-172 and Dr Yasmin Rashid allotted the ëcoiní symbol for PP-173.

Press clubs central props of freedom of press, says Solangi LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi has said that freedom of press mainly relies on press clubs. While addressing the cheque distribution ceremony among the representatives of press clubs across the Punjab here on Sunday, he said that journalists were an important part of the society. Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Provincial Information Minister Aamir Mir also addressed the check distribution ceremony of the press clubs.

Murtaza Solangi appreciated the Punjab chief minister for approval of Rs 9.45 million grant for press clubs in the province.

He said that Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi always took care of public needs and he was always engaged in public service.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Information and the Government of Pakistan, we thank the Chief Minister of Punjab for taking measures for the welfare of journalists”, he added. Earlier the caretaker federal minister, chief minister Punjab and information minister Punjab distributed cheques among the journalists.

which is less than the 7.6 earthquake in 2005, which shattered Kashmir. That one was also felt over here, and this time I was afraid for upcountry.

And while we wait for our elections, Bangladesh has had its. The BNP had boycotted because there weren’t any caretakers. So naturally, the Awami League won. The US State Department has said the elections weren’t fair, so the government has said it won’t tolerate interference in its internal affairs.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the government here said the same thing. Even at AIgenerated results.

NCHR SIGNS MOUS WITH VARIOUS UNIVERSITIES TO PROMOTE HRS EDUCATION

Monday, 15 January, 2024 | ISLAMABAD

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ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

ATIONAL Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has signed a Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) with a number of higher education institutions (HEIS) to promote human rights education among university students.

The NCHR signed the recent MoUs with Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad and Fatima Jinnah Women’s University, Rawalpindi.

This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both entities to empower individuals, foster a culture of re-

Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional Arfa Karim remembered

spect, equality, and justice amongst students, and prevent human rights violations through education.

This initiative was aligned with the crucial role of education and awareness in the protection and promotion of human rights.

Chairperson NCHR Rabiya Javeri Agha said, “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.”

“NCHR recognizes the pivotal role of human rights institutions in contributing to

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional of the world, Arfa Karim Randhawa was remembered on 12th death anniversary on Sunday. Born on February 2, 1995 in a small village near Faisalabad, she became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) by passing the MCP examination at the age of just nine in 2004. Microsoft owner Bill Gates invited her to visit the company’s headquarter in the United States when she was 10. Arfa Karim won many awards and international recognitions for her brilliance in the world of Information Technology (IT). She was awarded the Fatima Jinnah Gold Medal in the field of Science and Technology in 2005 by the government. She also received the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award the same year. Arfa Karim was also given the Pride of Performance award. A well-equipped software technology park in Lahore has been named after her. Arfa Karim died on January 14, 2012 in Lahore at the age of 16 due to an epileptic attack.

Urdu poet Hafeez Jalandhari’s birth anniversary marked

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,” she added.

The NCHR chairperson said, “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.”

An NCHR team, led by Member Balochistan Prof. Farkhanda Aurangzeb, recently engaged in several meetings with key stakeholders in various universities.

The team recently held two meetings at the Higher Education Commission (HEC), with Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad emphasizing the renewal of an MoU to strengthen collaboration in the realm of human rights education.

Notably, fruitful discussions were held with Professor Dr. Tahir Khalily, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, and Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Dr. Uzaira Rafique. Similar collaborations are under discussion with Bahria University Islamabad, Rawalpindi Women University, QAU, COMSATS and Allama Iqbal Open University.

Maryam Nawaz launches election campaign from Okara today LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

As the electioneering has failed to gain the traditional momentum with the political parties delaying campaign for the reasons not explained, Maryam Nawaz is scheduled to address a rally in Okara tomorrow (Monday) – a move that will certain boost the voters’ mood.

In a post shared on X, the social media platform which was previously known as Twitter, PML-N Spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said Maryam – who is the party’s chief organiser and widely believed as the political scion of three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif – would share the important points of the manifesto to the crowd at Iqbal Stadium, Okara. Describing the public gathering as a part of the PML-N’s election campaign, she said the people would be the winner on February 8 – the day when Pakistan will go for countrywide polling.

The victory, she added, the days of progress and development would return after her party wins the much-awaited general elections. Shehbaz Sharif, the

PML-N president, had spoken to his supporters at Farooqabad, Sheikhupura, on December 30 – in a National Assembly constituency from where the party has nominated Irfan Dogar as its candidate. However, he hasn’t addressed any public gathering since then.

Earlier, Capt Safdar had said that Nawaz would be in Mansehra on January 22 for a rally – the district which has

two National Assembly seats with NA15 chosen by the PML-N supremo for reaching the new legislature.

Although, the PML-N is widely believed to win most number of National Assembly seats, it performance in smaller provinces – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh – would determine its parliamentary size as well as the future of a hung parliament speculations.

Pakistan’s successful Global Health Security Summit commendable: KSA Minister ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Deputy Health Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Dr. Hani Jokhdar has commended Pakistan for successfully holding the two-day Global Health Security Summit.

The appreciations were extended by him during a meeting alongwith the Saudi delegation with Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan on

the sidelines of Global Health Security Summit held in Pakistan.

Expressing gratitude for the invitation to the global forum, the Saudi dignitary appreciated Pakistan for taking the important initiative aimed at making the world a safer place.

Dr. Hani Jokhdar made special mention of the warm, brotherly, historical ties between the two nations, and expressed the desire to work closely with Pakistan and further augmenting

health cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nadeem Jan expressed the desire to take collaboration between the two countries in the field of health to the next level. He made special mention of the rich human resource in health that Pakistan has to offer and cooperation in the area of Plasma. The visiting delegation was informed about the progress of King Salman Hospital in Islamabad being established with the support of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

RDA, PITB sign agreement for E-filing system ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The 124th birth anniversary of renowned Urdu poet, the creator of the country’s national anthem, Abul Asar Hafeez Jalandhari was marked on Sunday. Born in Jalandhar on January 14, 1900, Hafeez Jalandhari migrated to Lahore after the independence of Pakistan in 1947. He wrote the lyrics for the national anthem in 1952. Hafeez Jalandhari actively participated in freedom movement and used his writings to propagate for the cause of Pakistan. Hafeez Jalandhari also wrote the Kashmiri Anthem, “Watan Hamara Azad Kashmir”. He also wrote many patriotic songs during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. For his literary and patriotic services to Pakistan, he was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan.

Hafeez Jalandhari passed away on December 21, 1982 at the age of 82 years .

Sheikh Rashid launches election campaign from NA-56 RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Awami Muslim League chief and former federal minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Sunday started his election campaign from National Assembly constituency NA-56. When Rashid came out of Lal Haveli along with his nephew Raashid Shafiq, a large number of workers greeted him and showered rose petals on him. In his message to the people of Rawalpindi, he said he did not desert anyone in his difficult times. “I am the only politician of Pakistan who did not hold any press conference, have not and will not use unparliamentary and foul language against anyone,” he added. Rashid said he helped set up 60 educational institutions and four universities in the country. He requested his followers to elect him on February 8 “for the completion of Nullah Lai project, Dhok Dalal College and a maternity hospital in Rawalpindi. He expressed the hope that he would be elected and continue to serve the people of Rawalpindi.

RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and Punjab Information Technology board (PITB) on the direction of the Punjab government have signed an agreement for E-Filing and Office Automation System.

According to RDA spokesman, a meeting was held here on Sunday in RDA office for E-Filing and Office Automation System.

Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Liaquat Ali Chatta, Director General (DG) RDA, Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa, representative of PITB, Dr Shaukat Ali and Deputy Director (IT) RDA, Dawood Khalid and others participated in the meeting.

The spokesman said that the purpose of this agreement was to maintain paperless files of the notes, approvals and proposals so that the records could be easily accessible. Sometimes important documents of the offices are damaged during any untoward incident like flood or fire. For example, RDA documents were lost in 2004 due to the flood, he told. He informed that representative of PITB briefed the participants about E-Filing and Office Automation System.

The spokesman further said that EFiling system in RDA would enable the officials in timely and effective management of the daily tasks and the department could proceed towards a paperless office environment.

Schools in KP set to reopen today amid lingering winter chill PESHAWAR

Staff RepoRt

After an extended winter hiatus until January 14 (today), all public and private schools in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are gearing up to reopen their doors tomorrow (Monday). The region has been in the grip of a severe cold wave since the beginning of January, prompting residents to huddle indoors and seek solace in hot beverages like green and black tea.

Inter board Karachi employees take charge of exam papers transportation.

Acknowledging the challenging weather conditions, the provincial government, on January 7, announced a week-long extension to the winter vacations for both public and private schools in non-mountainous districts. \ The decision was made in light of the prevailing cold wave and dense fog that has blanketed the region.

In addition to the extended break, adjustments have been made to the timings

The main objective of this management software would be to ensure that every correspondence would be digitally accessible round-the-clock, he informed. He further said that the digital copies of every official document would be made and uploaded on the system.

These copies would also be stored on a cloud server and archived for future use and reference, he added.

The spokesman said that the application would send an SMS to all the intended participants and notify them about RDA operations against illegal under-construction buildings, illegal housing schemes, meeting timings and location, etc. The system would help increase efficiency of the department, he added.

of middle, high, and higher secondary schools to accommodate the winter season.

This move aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students as the temperature continues to drop, with recent snowfall in mountainous areas contributing to the icy conditions.

Health concerns, particularly for children, have been raised by medical professionals, prompting the government to take proactive measures.

An official from the education department revealed, “Doctors have declared the severe cold dangerous for children, forcing the government to extend the vacations.”

Originally slated to run from December 23 to 31, the winter vacations have now been prolonged to mitigate the impact of the harsh weather on students.

As the academic institutions prepare to resume normal activities, the community remains vigilant, adapting to the persistent winter challenges.

NEWS 03

Abbasi reveals he didn’t seek party ticket, ‘means no more in PML-N’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

It is clear that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s statements indicate a significant departure from the PML-N and a potential shift towards the creation of a new political entity with a distinct vision and purpose.

‘MISINTERPRETING PML-N SUPREMO’ Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Musadik Malik has alleged Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of misinterpreting party supremo Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

Speaking in Alhmra Hall Lahore on Sunday, he said that the conversation of Khaqan Abbasi regarding Nawaz’s tenure was out of context.

Musadik Malik said that Abbasi’s criticism was not against PML-N but against himself as he spent most of his time in the said party. The later should be held accountable for his misdeeds, he added. The PML-N leader said that he could on Supreme Court’s decision regarding ‘bat’ symbol of PTI as he not read the decision till now. He emphasized that every individual should be allowed to do politics in Pakistan. He further stated that Nawaz Sharif will present a new vision about his performance before the nation and masses would decide on February 8, that who was eligible to rule the country. Musadik Malik said that Punjab was ruled most by PML-N and party launched most development projects in the province which couldn’t be compared with other political parties. He opposed disruption in democracy and viewpoint of end to level playing in country’s political with arrival of Nawaz Sharif was not true.

‘Pakistanis stand

by Palestinians’: Thousands demand end to ‘Gaza genocide’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Rehman also expressed regret, lamenting that Pakistan did not take the initiative in bringing Israel to the international court over the Gaza offensive. Yunus Sohan, a Christian leader, in his address to the gathering also urged the UN Security Council to ensure an immediate ceasefire to avoid a “total collapse” in Gaza. Pakistan has seen massive pro-Palestine protests since the launch of the Israeli invasion on Oct.7.

Islamabad does not recognize Israel but supports a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group which Tel Aviv claims killed 1,200 people in Israel. At least 23,968 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and 60,582 injured, according to Palestinian health authorities. According to the UN, 85% of the population of Gaza is already internally displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

Egg prices soar to Rs400 per dozen in Lahore LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The price of eggs on Sunday soared to Rs400 per kg in Punjab’s provincial capital of Lahore.

The local administration has failed to enforce the government rate list as the prices of most commodities are skyrocketing. According to sources, the onions are being sold between Rs230 to Rs250 per kg against the government’s fixed rate of Rs175/kg. The price of per dozen eggs has reached Rs400 in Lahore, while chicken is being sold at Rs615 per kg.

Last month, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) directed the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) to continue regular coordination with the provincial governments for measures to ensure price stability and to check hoarding and profiteering.

04 COMMENT

Economic challenges facing new government after elections

Monday, 15 January, 2024

Symbol denied

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The Supreme Court’s reversal of the Peshawar High Court decision has not solved much

HE Supreme Court’s reversal of the Peshawar High Court’s striking down of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision invalidating the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf’s intraparty election, has left the PTI, less than two years ago the ruling party, without its iconic ‘bat’ symbol. While this decision will be debated for long, with the ECP’s ability to make such a decision discussed, and the maintainability of the petition before the PHC in the presence of another before the Lahore High Court, the decision will have practical consequences. Symbols have been allotted, even as the ECP extended the deadline until Saturday night, and thus a reversal of the decision will entail issuing a revised list of candidates. That would only happen if a review petition was speedily prepared and filed, and then heard. Though PTI lawyers were heard making defiant noises, they were also preparing for candidate to contest as independents.

Even more than the upholding of the rejection of the nomination papers of PTI chief Imran Khan, this was a fatal blow to the existence of the PTI as a party. It seems the tactics which were used against the PML(N) in 2018, and in favour of the PTI, have been repeated, though it does seem that the PTI is being treated even more scurvily. Beginning with Mr Khan’s ouster, there does not seem to have been as much of an attempt to knock the PTI from the election, as after the May 9 attacks on military installations, which not only led to court cases against leaders, but the shattering of the party due to desertions of leaders, and imprisonment of workers. Perhaps nothing better expresses the plight of the party than the fact that two parties were hived off.

The prospects of the independents who win through to the assemblies show that the attempt to crush the PTI will probably not yield the neat excision desired. Unless they are inveigled by shadowy forces into joining other parties, they will remain a thorn in the side of the government, and are likely to provide a fierce opposition to it. While that may be healthy, it does not provide for the sort of cooperation that will be needed by the country if it is to navigate the economic and geopolitical changes ahead.

Without the PTI competing as a party, it is unlikely that the February 8 elections will be memorable for moving forward the development of democracy in the country.

The IMF will be the main problem

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HE new government that comes into office after general elections due to be held next month, would be faced not by only stagflation, and a very difficult debt situation, but will have to make a lot of climate-related expenditure so that the country can meaningfully move towards becoming a climatechange-resilient economy. The central thing in dealing with all of these issues is that the economy grows at a meaningfully high rate, and that such growth is inclusive, and green.

At the same time, the outlook of global economic risks is also quite challenging, as pointed out by the recently released ‘Global risks report 2024’ by World Economic Forum (WEF), which pointed out in this regard ‘‘As we enter 2024, results of the Forum’s Global Risks Perception Survey 2023-2024 (GRPS) highlight a predominantly negative outlook for the world over the short term that is expected to worsen over the long term... Surveyed in September 2023, the majority of respondents (54 percent) anticipate some instability and a moderate risk of global catastrophes, while another 27 percent expect greater turbulence and 3 percent expect global catastrophic risks to materialize in the short term. Only 16 percent expect a stable or calm outlook in the next two years.

The outlook is markedly more negative over the 10year timeframe, with 63 percent of respondents expecting a stormy or turbulent outlook and less than 10 percent expecting a calm or stable situation.’

For one, the climate change crisis is getting worse, while the climate finance needed to deal with it is yet to be made available. A recent article ‘2023 smashes record for world’s hottest year by huge margin’, published by The Guardian pointed out in this regard ‘The planet was 1.48C hotter in 2023 compared with the period before the mass burning of fossil fuels ignited the climate crisis. The figure is very close to the 1.5C temperature target set by countries in Paris in 2015, although the global temperature would need to be consistently above 1.5C for the target to be considered broken. Scientists at the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (CCCS) said it was likely the 1.5C mark will be passed for the first

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi Joint Editor

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Executive Editor

dr. oMer JAved

time in the next 12 months.’

Moreover, over-board monetary austerity policies in general have deepened the debt distress of developing countries including Pakistan. The new government will need to revisit this policy with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), given a significant influence of supply-side factors in determining inflation in the country, and overboard aggregate demand squeeze policies are not only exacerbating the debt crisis, but also adding to cost-push inflation, in addition to causing unnecessary and significant sacrifice of economic growth for achieving at most some temporary relief from high inflation.

The incoming government after the elections will also have to initiate deep economic reforms, which are non-neoliberal, and counter-cyclical in nature.

This is important for both reining-in unnecessarily overboard austerity policy, and also enhancing productivity in the economy, with both likely resulting in boosting economic growth.

In this regard, the government should highlight to the IMF– especially as it moves towards a likely another programme with the IMF in April reportedly– their own research, which calls for adopting counter-cyclical reforms, as indicated in April 2023 World Economic Outlook (WEO) as follows: ‘‘adequately timed (for example, during economic expansions) and appropriately designed (for example, more expenditure- than revenue-based in advanced economies) fiscal consolidations have a high probability of durably reducing debt ratios. The debt-reducing effects of fiscal adjustments are reinforced when accompanied by growth-enhancing structural reforms and strong institutional frameworks. At the same time, because these conditions and accompanying policies may not always be present, and partly because fiscal consolidation tends to slow GDP growth, consolidations on average have negligible effects on debt ratios.’

The march has a wider significance for the country

Ali JAn MAqsood

OLLOWING the extra-judicial killing– something very usual in Balochistan, most likely at the hands of law enforcement agencies– of Balach Mola Bakhsh, along with three others, in Turbat (Balochistan) on November 23, the Baloch activists, including the family members of Balach, began their long March on December 6– after a sit-in of around two weeks at Shaheed Fida Ahmed Chowk– towards Quetta and then the capital city of Islamabad under the banner of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. Apart from all the harassment across the way, they were welcomed with baton-charges, water cannons, arrests, tortures and even illegal detentions– with fake statements rendered before the Islamabad High Court by the IGP Islamabad.

They were new for the people across Pakistan– besides Balochistan– and the world, perhaps. Most of them reacted in favor of the march, while plenty of others, consciously or unconsciously, joined the negative state propaganda by believing the self-rooted narratives of the state institutions against the march and its participants. However, people back in Balochistan have been very loyal toward their people– the marchers– and have been supporting them in one way or the other. In fact, families of abducted Baloch are constantly increasing in the Islamabad camp, ensuring the marchers prove the number of disappeared persons– that too at the hands of the agencies– is even higher than reported.

On the other hand, the marchers have set up a registration camp where they are regularly registering cases of missing persons in Islamabad sit-in. From Turbat to Islamabad, all the way long they sat in different registration

False state narratives like „there are no disappeared persons or they are in Afghanistan and Iran‰ have merely become outdated norms now. Everyone knows they are bearing torture in the state dungeons. This march helps us to convey the BalochÊs message to the rest of Pakistan that Baloch missing persons are nowhere but imprisoned and tortured illegally under state custody.

That is why this march is significant.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

ments. The Baloch march is a hope for the Baloch in particular, and the world in general.

Article II of The Convention On The Prevention And Punishment Of The Crime Of Genocide (1948) describes genocide as: “Genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: a) killing members of the group b) causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group c) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part d) imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group e) forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.”

Glancing at the definition, it becomes clarified that there is a clear genocide taking place of the Baloch nation in Pakistan, and in Iran.

Under a policy named “Kill and Dump” back in 2009 to its changing form from 2016 as “Fake Encounters – of which Balach was the latest victim– the state has always treated the Baloch as a means to release its anger at not making the law and order situation come under control.

Now, with all the challenges Baloch have to face every day, it becomes imperative to voice as loud as possible to bring an end to the state atrocities in the region. And something like the present Baloch march present in Islamabad was perhaps the need of the time.

Despite the fact that the march could not possibly help in ending enforced disappearances, at least it succeeded in giving the message from Balochistan to Punjab in particular, and the rest of Pakistan and the world in general, that the state has been committing human rights crimes in Balochistan.

False state narratives like “there are no disappeared persons or they are in Afghanistan and Iran” have merely become outdated norms now.

Everyone knows they are bearing torture in the state dungeons. This march helps us to convey the Baloch’s message to the rest of Pakistan that Baloch missing persons are nowhere but imprisoned and tortured illegally under state custody.

That is why, this march is significant.

The writer is a lawyer. He tweets on X @Alijanmaqsood12

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The writer holds PhD in Economics degree from the University of Barcelona, and previously worked at International Monetary Fund.Prior to this, he did MSc. in Economics from the University of York (United Kingdom), and worked at the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Statistics (Pakistan), among other places. He is author of Springer published book (2016) ‘The economic impact of International Monetary Fund programmes: institutional quality, macroeconomic stabilization and economic growth’.He tweets @omerjaved7

In this regard, the government should highlight to the IMF– especially as it moves towards a likely another programme with the IMF in April reportedly– their own research, which calls for adopting counter-cyclical reforms, as indicated in April 2023 World Economic Outlook (WEO) as follows: ÂÂadequately timed (for example, during economic expansions) and appropriately designed (for example, more expenditure- than revenue-based in advanced economies) fiscal consolidations have a high probability of durably reducing debt ratios.

Why should we support the Baloch march? camps where not only were the details noted, but also “fingertips” of the families and the pictures of their detained family member(s) were also reserved for records. This march, as a beacon of light, is a ray of hope for families in Islamabad and back in Balochistan.

All back in Balochistan support the Baloch march because it is not a movement solely confined to one family or two: this march represents all the families– whether affected or not– in Balochistan. Because enforced disappearances, followed by the newly-formed state policy of fake encounters, have been largely unceasing. Even after the incident of Balach’s death and despite several protests being underway with international condemnations, the state has not even slightly slowed down at forcibly disappearing the masses back in Balochistan. Apart from the persons going missing from homes at night, the ones who were organizing protests were either made to disappear, or false FIRs have been lodged against them. It directly signals that the state has not learnt from the mistakes it has committed in Balochistan.

This march is mandatory and is supported because the Baloch are a nation with a recorded history of centuries. However, the state policies are dangerous for the people in Balochistan and are likely to cause direct effects on Baloch identity. With Baloch genocide at its peak, the march demands a clear state status on the Baloch issue so that the people respond accordingly. This march is a ray of hope in denouncing the anti-Baloch policies. As a nation, the Baloch are likely to be turned into a minority in their own land. And the only option is resistance. The Baloch march is, in the simplest word, part of the Baloch resistance against the brutal state approach towards them.

This march deserves support because it opposes the violations of human rights which are endorsed worldwide through written agree-

Also, highlighting the same report, renowned economist, Jayati Ghosh, in her article ‘Schizophrenia at the IMF’ published in Project Syndicate (PS) in April 2023, called on the IMF to move away from emphasizing fiscal consolidation (or austerity) policies as follows: ‘It has taken far too long, but it seems that the International Monetary Fund has finally internalized some hard truths about sovereign-debt reduction. Chief among them is that growing economies have an easier time repaying. As such, fiscal consolidation – the organization’s favoured strategy – undermines efforts to reduce debt-to-GDP ratios because it inhibits economic growth. …The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook presents the results of its own investigation into various debt-reduction programmes undertaken by 33 emergingmarket economies and 21 developed economies between 1980 and 2019. “On average,” the authors note, “consolidations do not lead to a statistically significant effect on the debt ratio.” Instead, they find that higher GDP growth– “as captured by positive demand and supply shocks together”– is “an important force” responsible for roughly one-third of the observed debt reduction during that period. The analysis even recognizes that fiscal expansion improved debt ratios in several cases, largely due to its positive effect on GDP growth.’

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Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Beauty of life

LIFE is a precious gift from the Almighty that propels one forward towards the destination. This means nothing is permanent; hence, there should be no reason to stay in dejection. Life is full of objections and frustrations, but above all, one must be optimistic, no matter how bad things get. This is because nothing will stay forever. Every situation, occasion, and event shall pass. Finally, this is certainly the beauty of life.

Many people become very sad because of failures as they always fail to see the bright side. It is something that keeps us from failure. It is said that every failure teaches us a valuable lesson, meaning every failure builds experience. This experience is something that improves the skills and efficiency of life. Probably a huge number of individuals complain, but they never know that life is like a box of chocolates - you never know which one you are going to have.

Many people believe that the word “pain” is synonymous with life.

However, it is pain that makes us stronger. Pain is certainly an excellent way of increasing mental resilience. Above all, pain enriches the mind.

WAHAB ELLAHI LAHORE

Dairy dilemma

THE supply of impure milk all over Pakistan is a serious concern. The milk available for sale is a blend of chemicals that are injurious to health and can lead to diseases such as heart attacks, cancer, and high blood pressure. The food control authorities need to be more effective and proactive.

In our neighbouring country, milk is subject to checks at entry points.

The Punjab Government is doing well, but in the capital, there is no authority to check and control it. I urge the higher authorities to take this matter seriously and be proactive in eliminating this menace.

SHAKIR H SHAMIM ISLAMABAD

Lives at risk

COUNTRIES in the process of development face a higher risk of losing lives as human endeavours for comfort lead to unintended consequences.

The quest for increased convenience has given rise to industries, vehicles, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), but these advancements have become adversaries to human well-being. Nations like Pakistan grapple with severe challenges, as dense smog, a byproduct of industries and vehicles burning fossil fuels, poses a threat to lives. This environmental hazard contributes to mental and physical health disorders, causing thousands of annual deaths from conditions such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

The pursuit of comfort and development significantly impacts the mental health of the masses. The incessant noise from traffic, factories, electrical generators, and various machines leads to ear and head pain, resulting in various illnesses. Even as the advanced world embraces Artificial Intelligence, making life more convenient, the creation of robots to replace human tasks raises concerns about the diminishing value of human roles. Renowned personality Yuval Noah Harari warns that human existence is at risk due to our own creations. While modern inventions bring undeniable benefits, their usage should be moderated. Masses should be discouraged from utilising high concentrations of fossil fuels and vehicles in cities, with a simultaneous exploration of alternative energy sources. Authorities play a crucial role in shaping policies that limit environmental harm. Additionally, it is essential to exercise caution in advancing AI technologies, as unrestrained use of AI robots may pose significant threats to humanity. These potential risks to human lives should be legally addressed and reframed to ensure responsible innovation.

SHAH NAWAZ MEERAN TURBAT

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COMMENT 05

Modi’s India: Pragmatism and Pakistan Monday, 15 January, 2024

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Modi’s foreign policy has been good for India FaiSal Hayat GoNdal

OREIGN policy in international relations refers to the set of strategies, principles, and decisions that a sovereign state adopts to interact with other countries and international actors. It is a comprehensive framework that guides a nation’s approach to dealing with the external world and encompasses a wide range of Fissues, including diplomacy, trade, defense, security, and human rights.

Similarly, from the period of independence until 1991, Indian foreign policy adhered to a closed-economy model influenced

by Nehruvian ideals. This approach underwent a significant transformation in response to the financial crisis of that era. Prime Minister Narasimha Rao played a key role in opening up the Indian economy to global forces, implementing drastic changes through policies such as the New Economic Policy. Subsequently, under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India emerged as a nuclear power, elevating its international identity and status. The following decade, during Manmohan Singh’s tenure as the head of the government, witnessed the launch of a coalition that spanned ten years.

India’s commitment to the Neighbor First Strategy was exemplified by key events such as the 2014 swearing-in ceremony with SAARC leaders and the 2019 BIMSTEC gathering. It emphasizes the establishment of a SAARC satellite and the pursuit of the Act East Strategy. India’s dedication to the Make in India initiative has significantly contributed to trade, foreign direct investment, and economic prosperity. The nation asserts its global supremacy beyond a ‘balancing force,’ positioning itself as a distinct “post” based on inherent strength. India plays a substantial role in military and defence diplomacy, transitioning from a predominant arms buyer to a global supplier. Modi’s international strategy focuses on the three Cs— connectivity, commercial relations, and cultural engagement— with notable growth in relations with other nations. Modi identifies the three Ds— Democracy, Demography, and

Demand— as pillars in India’s global relations. Since 2014, the establishment of a dedicated ‘State Department’ within the Ministry of External Affairs reflects active state involvement in shaping and implementing India’s international strategy.

Prime Minister Modi displayed remarkable enthusiasm for international travel throughout his tenure in the office, surpassing his predecessor Singh’s decade-long foreign visits in a much shorter time frame. He actively participated in high-profile summits and aimed to establish strong relations with leaders from China, Japan, the United States, and South Asia. The government, under Modi’s leadership, revamped key initiatives such as ‘Look East,’ now called ‘Act East,’ and launched ‘Neighbourhood First’ to improve ties with India’s neighbours. The administration pledged to play a significant role in securing the Indian Ocean region, enhancing defence and diplomatic ties from the Middle East to Southeast Asia. Critics argue that Modi’s government has revolutionized and energized foreign policy, boosting national pride and soft power, strengthening key partnerships, and restoring India’s global standing and investor confidence. Modi’s strategic partnership with the USA received praise for its foresight, while his adept handling of an assertive China was commended.

On the global stage, Modi orchestrated significant transformations by giving precedence to alliances with Japan and Western powers.

India pursued a foreign policy grounded in pragmatism and national interests, emphasizing economic self-sufficiency, social stability, and security. Noteworthy achievements encompassed a trilateral agreement with Afghanistan and Iran to counterbalance China’s influence, along with active involvement with 150 countries. Diplomatic successes extended to engagements with Russia, Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar, encompassing domains such as trade, technology, anti-terrorism initiatives, and infrastructure development. Modi’s pragmatic approach yielded positive results in multilateral forums like the United Nations, where India’s global role and soft power, notably through initiatives like yoga, gained prominence.

The Act East policy gathered momen-

tum, and India’s recognition as a nuclear power expanded. In West Asia, a balanced stance on the Palestine issue and a realistic approach enhanced India’s credibility. Cultural diplomacy thrived with Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian countries, underscoring the efficacy of Modi’s strategy in fostering new relationships based on mutual trust. The revitalized Act East policy injected dynamism and vitality, positioning India as a significant factor in Japan’s policy deliberations and securing global approval for Nuclear Suppliers Group membership.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India’s space programme, managed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), continued to advance significantly.

Key highlights include the development and launch of satellites for diverse purposes using launch vehicles like GSLV and PSLV. The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) achieved a historic milestone in 2014 by making India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit on its initial attempt.

The Navigation System, a regional satellite navigation initiative, extended accurate position information services over India and neighbouring regions. India’s lunar exploration programme, Chandrayaan, featured multiple missions, with Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 confirming water molecules on the moon and Chandrayaan-2 in 2019 focusing on exploring the lunar south pole. Prime Minister Modi announced the ambitious Gaganyaan Mission, designed to showcase India’s capabilities in human spaceflight.

The space programme also emphasized

international collaboration, with India partnering with various countries and space agencies for satellite launches, joint missions, and research initiatives. Efforts were made to reform the space sector, encouraging private sector involvement and commercial aspects. The establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (INSpace) in 2020 was a notable step toward achieving these goals. As compared to Indian foreign policy, Pakistan’s foreign policy has been vigorously affected by security concerns, especially its verifiable spotlight on India. The apparent help for aggressor gatherings and the accentuation on military arrangements have drawn analysis. Similarly, the relationship with Afghanistan has been a subject of evaluation. Some contend that Pakistan has upheld certain Afghan assailant gatherings, adding to flimsiness in the locale.

The swaying idea of Pakistan’s relation-

In an era of rapid geopolitical shifts, ModiÊs pragmatic foreign policy stands as a testament to the nationÊs adaptability and its commitment to securing its interests on the world stage. As India continues to navigate the complexities of a dynamic international landscape, the legacy of ModiÊs pragmatic approach will likely shape the countryÊs foreign relations for years to come.

India’s economy is poised to grow rapidly. Will reality match expectations?

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aNil PadMaNabHaN

AST week the Central Statistical Office of India released official projections for gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2023-24. It was a pleasant shock, especially given the grim circumstances facing most of the world. Economic growth, beating all expectations, is forecast at an impressive 7.3%.

A few weeks earlier the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country’s central bank, signaled as much during its credit policy review. Not only did RBI raise its growth forecast for the current fiscal year from 6.5% to 7%, but it also retained its projections for inflation. In other words, the central bank is confident that the acceleration in growth will not stoke another round of inflation.

Independently, Axis Bank, India’s thirdlargest private sector bank in terms of total assets, went a step ahead and claimed that India was transitioning to a higher growth trajectory. One that will mean the economy will expand at a trend rate of growth of 7% – as opposed to the previous average of 6%. This week of good news on the Indian economy was topped off with a year-end report released by Edelweiss Mutual Fund, arguing that this was India’s decade.

Pull all these strands together and it appears that India is on a growth highway. If indeed this rosy forecast does pan out, then it will be a gamechanger. It will, at the least, accelerate the reordering of India and help the economy reach $5 trillion by the 2030 deadline, set by the leadership.

A HAPPY CONVERGENCE: The reason for this remarkable uptick in optimism is the coming together of three key trends: A young demography (with two-thirds of India less than 35 years of age), the initial signs of a revival in private capital expenditure, which has been in the doldrums since 2009, and a government policy conducive to fostering business. Clearly, it is the beginning of the cycle of private capital expenditure that is tilting the scales in the economy’s favour. So far, it is the union and state governments that have been shouldering the burden. At the end of October, their capital expenditure grew by a staggering 36.7% compared to the same period of last year.

It is undoubtedly an impressive number.

However, neither is this outlay sufficient – government capital expenditure as a proportion of GDP is less than 5% – nor is it sustainable given that the exchequer is over-stretched playing defence in the aftermath of the economic shocks that struck the world after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Addressing a press conference following the presentation of the credit policy review last month, RBI defended its upward revision of the growth

Anil Padmanabhan, formerly the managing editor of Mint newspaper, now a freelance journalist.

The writer is a PAS officer and going through training at Civil Services Academy.

What does ‘rules-based international order’ mean when US can bomb Yemen at will?

All the Orwellian nonsense coming from the top of the U.S. government about seeking a “rules-based international order” is nothing more than a brazen PR scam

With the latest official projection of 7.3% GDP growth, the big question is whether the most populous nation’s growth trajectory will match the high expectations

outlook and claimed it could be higher than forecast. Citing high-frequency economic data, the central bank’s deputy governor, Michael Patra, said, “If you look at October, November high-frequency data which we use for our nowcast, they are all very robust right now; if you just take October-November data, you will exceed 7%. So, at present, 7% is a conservative estimate.”

Backing his colleague, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das pointed out at the same press conference that capacity utilization in manufacturing was at 74% – the level at which companies begin to invest in new capacities. “Quite a bit of investment is already taking place in private-sector manufacturing companies. For example, the investment in fixed assets by listed private manufacturing companies has registered a growth of 10.5% in the first half of the current financial year. According to our survey, the manufacturing sector is using internal reserves and surpluses to invest. They are not approaching the bank nor are they opting for any other kind of fund raising,” he added.

THE OPPORTUNITYL India’s legacy of underdevelopment, wherein millions have been denied even basics like water, electricity, banking and housing, is now turning out to be an opportunity. Over the last 15 years, these deficits are being resolved. For instance, between 2005 and 2020 India lifted 415 million people out of poverty – an outcome of targeted social welfare spending delivering better bang for the buck.

Similarly, in the last 10 years, the country provided banking services to 511 million people.

Measures to address these deficits are providing a stronger and deeper foundation to the consumer economy. In turn, this is proving to be a buffer at a time when global demand is shrinking, as countries struggle to stay afloat.

With most of the population playing catchup, the Indian economy has become stratified – growing at different speeds. Analysts see this as an opportunity: pursuing premiumization with the rich and super-rich, while serving the untapped opportunity in basic needs for the largest cohort.

For example, a report by the Edelweiss Mutual Fund estimates that only a fifth of Indian households own a washing machine. With growing access to reliable power, they see increased acquisition of non-essential items such as air conditioners and refrigerators by households, expanding the consumer economy. Simultaneously, India has improved the ease of doing business and tweaked its industrial policy to incentivize manufacturing in 14 sectors using the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

The localization of production is a strategic move to secure supply chains, and also creates the requisite skills and more jobs. Several multinational corporations have been using this route to de-risk their investments in China by creating capacity in India. In the final analysis it is apparent that the all-round optimism among key stakeholders has a basis. The big question is whether the Indian economy will match these expectations. After all it has, on several occasions in the past, flattered to only disappoint.

ship with the USA has confronted analysis.

Some contend that Pakistan’s approaches frequently line up with its momentary vital interests as opposed to a reliable long-haul approach. However, on monetary discretion, pundits feature an absence of accentuation on financial strategy. There’s a discernment that Pakistan’s foreign policy has not focused enough on economic relations. Meanwhile on the Kashmir Question the treatment of the Kashmir debate with India is a continuous subject of hot debate. as Pakistan’s foreign policy has not yielded significant advancement, and there’s a requirement for a more rational and pragmatic approach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy approach, characterized by pragmatism, has undeniably left an indelible mark on India’s global standing. By prioritizing realpolitik considerations over ideological constraints, Modi has adeptly navigated the complex web of international relations, fostering strategic partnerships and economic collaborations. His emphasis on pragmatism has enabled India to engage with a diverse array of nations, transcending traditional alliances and forging new avenues for diplomatic cooperation.

In an era of rapid geopolitical shifts, Modi’s pragmatic foreign policy stands as a testament to the nation’s adaptability and its commitment to securing its interests on the world stage. As India continues to navigate the complexities of a dynamic international landscape, the legacy of Modi’s pragmatic approach will likely shape the country’s foreign relations for years to come.

H

COMMON DREAMS NorMaN SoloMoN

AVE you heard the one about the U.S. government wanting a “rules-based international order”? It’s grimly laughable, but the nation’s media outlets routinely take such claims seriously and credulously. Overall, the default assumption is that top officials in Washington are reluctant to go to war, and do so only as a last resort.

The framing was typical when the New York Times just printed this sentence at the top of the front page: “The United States and a handful of its allies on Thursday carried out military strikes against more than a dozen targets in Yemen controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia, U.S. officials said, in an expansion of the war in the Middle East that the Biden administration had sought to avoid for three months.”

So, from the outset, the coverage portrayed the U.S.-led attack as a reluctant action—taken after exploring all peaceful options had failed—rather than an aggressive act in violation of international law.

On Thursday, President Biden issued a statement that sounded righteous enough, saying “these strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea.” He did not mention that the Houthi attacks have been in response to

Israel’s murderous siege of Gaza. In the words of CNN, they “could be intended to inflict economic pain on Israel’s allies in the hope they will pressure it to cease its bombardment of the enclave.”

In fact, as Common Dreams reported, Houthi forces “began launching missiles and drones toward Israel and attacking shipping traffic in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s Gaza onslaught.” And as Trita Parsi at the Quincy Institute pointed out, “the Houthis have declared that they will stop” attacking ships in the Red Sea “if Israel stops” its mass killing in Gaza.

But that would require genuine diplomacy—not the kind of solution that appeals to President Biden or Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The duo has been enmeshed for decades, with lofty rhetoric masking the tacit precept that might makes right. (The approach was implicit midway through 2002, when then-Senator Biden chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s hearings that promoted support for the U.S. to invade Iraq; at the time, Blinken was the committee’s chief of staff.)

Now, in charge of the State Department, Blinken is fond of touting the need for a “rules-based international order.”

During a 2022 speech in Washington, he proclaimed the necessity “to manage relations between states, to prevent conflict, to uphold the rights of all people.”

Two months ago, he declared that G7 nations were united for “a rules-based international order.”

But for more than three months, Blinken has provided a continuous stream of facile rhetoric to support the ongoing methodical killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Days ago, behind a podium at the U.S. Embassy in Israel, he defended that country despite abundant evidence of genocidal warfare, claiming that “the charge of genocide is meritless.”

The Houthis are avowedly in solidarity with Palestinian people, while the U.S. government continues to massively arm the Israeli military that is massacring

civilians and systematically destroying Gaza. Blinken is so immersed in Orwellian messaging that—several weeks into the slaughter—he tweeted that the United States and its G7 partners “stand united in our condemnation of Russia’s war in Ukraine, in support of Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law, and in maintaining a rules-based international order.”

There’s nothing unusual about extreme doublethink being foisted on the public by the people running U.S. foreign policy. What they perpetrate is a good fit for the description of doublethink in George Orwell’s novel 1984: “To know and not to know, to be conscious of complete truthfulness while telling carefully constructed lies, to hold simultaneously two opinions which cancelled out, knowing them to be contradictory and believing in both of them, to use logic against logic, to repudiate morality while laying claim to it . . .”

After news broke about the attack on Yemen, a number of Democrats and Republicans in the House quickly spoke up against Biden’s end-run around Congress, flagrantly violating the Constitution by going to war on his own sayso. Some of the comments were laudably clear, but perhaps none more so than a statement by candidate Joe Biden on Jan. 6, 2020: “A president should never take this nation to war without the informed consent of the American people.”

Like that disposable platitude, all the Orwellian nonsense coming from the top of the U.S. government about seeking a “rules-based international order” is nothing more than a brazen PR scam.

The vast quantity of official smokeblowing now underway cannot hide the reality that the United States government is the most powerful and dangerous outlaw nation in the world.

cles. The move is also part of the ongoing efforts to decolonise the Indian military. In its year-end review (2023), the MoD had said: ‘Given the global trends and rightsizing initiatives, the Indian Army is attempting to make the Short Service Commission more attractive.’ It seems that greater emphasis is being laid on quality than quantity.

Force restructuring, rationalising and reorganising are a must to optimise manpower. The proposed creation of integrated triservice commands also envisages such interventions to make the defence forces self-reliant and futureready. Finding the right ‘teeth to tail’ ratio is a big challenge, considering the existing heavy deployment of troops along the Line of Actual Control in east-

ern Ladakh. Indian soldiers have been maintaining a ‘very high state’ of operational preparedness along the borders with China and Pakistan.

The right-sizing exercise has to be undertaken cautiously and pragmatically so that there is no compromise on national security. A clear distinction has to be made between what is expendable and what is not. The primary consideration should be to create a leaner and meaner military which can deal more effectively with the enemy. Making tweaks mainly for the sake of reducing expenditure is not advisable. The longdelayed integration of triservices should also be prioritised to make the forces better prepared for contemporary as well as future warfare.

Norman Solomon is the national director of RootsAction.org and executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy.

Right-sizing the army

A

TRIBUNE

Editorial

RMY Chief Gen Manoj Pande has stated that a plan to rightsize the army has been submitted to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). ‘We have a plan to optimise our strength by 2027. We will achieve optimisation by 1 lakh troops,’ he said in the run-up to Army Day, which falls on January 15. The roadmap includes optimising or even phasing out British-era units that are now considered redundant. General Pande has mentioned, for instance, the right-sizing of animal transport units, which are being replaced by drones and all-terrain vehi-

06 NEWS

OUTCOME OF TAIWAN POLLS WILL NOT AFFECT ONE-CHINA PRINCIPLE: CHINA’S TOP DIPLOMAT

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“Regardless of the outcome of the election, it will not change the basic fact that there is only one-China in the world and Taiwan is part of China, nor will it change the general consensus of the international community to adhere to the one-China principle,” said Wang, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.

This was the third statement by Beijing since Lai’s win on Saturday.

He added: “Anyone who violates the one-China principle in the international community is interfering in China’s internal affairs and infringing on China’s sovereignty, and will surely be opposed by the entire Chinese people and even the international community.”

Wang’s comments come after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “We congratulate Dr. Lai Ching-te on his victory in Taiwan’s presidential election. We

BEIJING

Agencies

N the first comments by China’s top diplomat since presidential elections in Taiwan, Wang Yi on Sunday ruled out any chances of independence for the island nation. “Taiwan has never been a country, neither in the past nor in the future. ‘Taiwan independence’ has never been and will never be possible,” Wang told reporters in the Egyptian capital Cairo, where he arrived Saturday on an official trip.

William Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won a threeway presidential election with 40.5% of the vote in what became the unprecedented third consecutive term for a party on the island nation, which China claims as its own.

Wang reiterated that Taiwan election was a “domestic matter for China.”

also congratulate the Taiwan people for participating in free and fair elections and demonstrating the strength of their democratic system.”

However, US President Joe Biden said Saturday that Washington “does not support” the independence of Taiwan, which China considers as its own territory and has not ruled out to use force to unify it with the mainland.

Taipei has insisted on its independence since 1949.

Wang noted that 80 years ago, China, the US, and UK issued the “Cairo Declaration,” which “clearly stipulated that ‘Taiwan, the Chinese territory stolen by Japan, should be returned to China.’

“Anyone on the island of Taiwan who wants to pursue ‘Taiwan independence’ to split China’s territory will be severely punished by history and law,” Wang warned.

He said attempts at Taiwanese independence “seriously threaten the well-being of Taiwan compatriots.”

“It is a dead end and a dead end. China will eventually achieve complete reunification and Taiwan will return to the embrace of the motherland,” said Wang.

Meanwhile, an “unofficial” US delegation including former national security advisor Stephen Hadley has arrived in Taiwan for “post-elections talks.”

TAIWAN TELLS CHINA TO ‘FACE REALITY’ Earlier, Taiwan on Sunday called on China to “face reality” after the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) William Lai Ching-te won the presidential elections on Saturday.

China must face reality and “abandon its efforts to exert pressure on Taiwan,” the island nation’s Foreign Ministry said in a

OIC voices ‘grave concern’ over Red Sea tensions amid Yemen airstrikes ANKARA

sTAFF rePOrT

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Sunday expressed grave concern over growing tensions in the Red Sea amid US and UK airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen.

In a statement, the Jeddah-based grouping said that “it is essential to work towards reducing tension and avoid escalation in the Red Sea region in order to preserve the security and stability in the entire region.”

The US renewed airstrikes Saturday in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, one day after attacks were carried out by Washington and London against targets in areas controlled by the Houthis in Yemen.

After the attacks on Friday, which resulted in five deaths and six injuries among the Houthis, the group vowed that all American and British interests have be-

come “legitimate targets” for its forces in response to their “direct and declared aggression” against Yemen.

The Houthis target in the Red Sea cargo ships owned or operated by Israeli companies or transporting goods to and from Israel, in solidarity with Gaza, which has been under Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7. Pope Francis says war is ‘crime against humanity’ Pope Francis on Sunday called all forms of war “crime against humanity,” stressing that war is “not the way to resolve” conflicts.

“War itself is a crime against humanity.

People need peace. The world needs peace,” Francis said during his Sunday Angelus prayer, according to Vatican News.

“At the beginning of the year, we exchanged wishes for peace, but weapons have continued to kill and destroy,” he lamented.

The pontiff urged “people who have

power over these conflicts” to realize that war is “not the way to resolve them.”

“We must educate for peace,” Francis said. “It seems that we are not yet — all of humanity — with a sufficient education to stop every war. Let us always pray for this grace: to educate for peace.”

RED SEA TENSION ALARMING: UN A UN official voiced concern about tension in the Red Sea that would affect Yemen and the region.

“These developments in the Red Sea and the risk of exacerbating regional tensions are alarming,” Assistant SecretaryGeneral for the Middle East and Asia and the Pacific, Khaled Khiari, told a UN Security Council meeting.

The 15-member Council met one day after the US and the UK, with the support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands, conducted airstrikes against military targets in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

The Houthi group, which said it targets Israeli-linked vessels in solidarity with the people of Gaza, said America and Britain will “pay a heavy price.”

“The Houthis’ attack following the adoption of the Security Council resolution and yesterday’s events, further demonstrate that the region is on a dangerous escalatory trajectory which could potentially impact millions in Yemen, the region and globally,” said Khiari.

The UN reaffirms the importance of ensuring the safety and security of maritime navigation in the region, as emphasized in Resolution 272, which condemned and demanded an immediate halt to attacks by the Houthis on ships in the Red Sea, he said. “We call on this Council to continue its efforts in actively engaging with all concerned parties to prevent further escalation from exacerbating regional tensions or undermining regional peace, security, or international trade,” added Khiari.

North Korea fires missile as tensions rise PYONGYANG

Japan fight back to defeat Vietnam in AFC Asian Cup opener

Agencies

DOHA

Aziz Buneri

Japan came from behind to defeat Vietnam 4-2 in their opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 on Sunday. Takumi Minamino scored twice for the Samurai Blue, while Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda also got on the scoresheet. Vietnam took the lead through goals from Nguyen Dinh Bac and Pham Tuan Hai, but Japan were able to turn the game around in the second half. The result gives Japan a valuable three points in Group D, while Vietnam will be looking to bounce back in their next match against Saudi Arabia.

MATCH SUMMARY Japan started the game brightly and took the lead in the 11th minute through Minamino. However, Vietnam hit back with two goals in quick succession, first through Dinh Bac in the 16th minute and then through Hai in the 28th minute. Japan equalized just before half-time through Minamino, and then took the lead for the first time in the second half through Nakamura in the 50th minute. Ueda sealed the victory for Japan in the 86th minute with a deflected shot. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu was pleased with his team’s performance. “I’m happy with the win,” he said. “It was a difficult game, but we showed great character to come back from behind.”

Vietnam coach Philippe Troussier was disappointed with the result, but he praised his team’s performance.

“We played well,” he said. “We had our chances, but we couldn’t take them. Japan took their chances and that’s the difference.”

WHAT’S NEXT? Japan will play their next match against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, while Vietnam will play Oman on the same day. Japan were the better team on the night and deserved the win.

North Korea fired an apparent intermediate-range missile off its east coast on Sunday, South Korea said, as tensions run high after Pyongyang’s recent launches of an intercontinental ballistic missile and its first military spy satellite.

“North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile towards East Sea,” Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said had it detected the launch but gave no further details. Japan’s coast guard said that an “object, potentially ballistic missile, launched from North Korea,” citing information from the country’s defence ministry, and warning vessels to take care.

North Korea’s last missile test was of a Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, which it fired into the East Sea on December 18.

The apparent test comes days after North Korea conducted a series of rare live-fire drills near the maritime border with the South, prompting counter-exercises and evacuation orders for some South Korean border islands.

Leader Kim Jong Un also earlier this week branded Seoul his “principal enemy” and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate the South, as he toured major weapons factories.

“The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South

Monday, 15 January, 2024 | ISLAMABAD

statement.

Earlier, Beijing said the outcome of weekend polls “cannot represent mainstream opinion in Taiwan,” where Lai received 40.5% of the total 69.24% votes cast, resulting in an unprecedented third consecutive term for a political party.

If the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are to resume positive interactions and crossstrait relations are to get back on track, Beijing must “respect the results of its election,” the official Focus Taiwan daily said, citing the ministry statement.

It added: “Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies and the governments or parliaments of over 50 countries around the world had sent congratulations following the Jan. 13 presidential and legislative elections.”

China considers Taiwan as a “breakaway province,” while Taipei has insisted on independence since 1949.

Man sets self on fire over wife’s ‘fifth marriage’ MUMBAI

Agencies

A 35-year-old man immolated himself in front of his in-law’s place following a dispute with his wife – whom he accused of marrying for a fifth time. The incident took place in Indore city in west-central India, when the man – identified as Sunil Lohani – on Jan 4 poured petrol on himself and started the fire. However, the man succumbed to his burns after battling for around 10 days in a city hospital late on Friday. The entire incident was captured on a CCTV installed near his in-laws’ place. The man who died was the fourth husband of the woman, an official said, adding that police are investigating whether her purported marriage for a fifth time was the trigger behind the suicide. According to the police, the deceased – a resident of Dwarkapuri area – left a suicide note in which he mentioned that he took such an extreme step as he was distressed and mentally tortured by his wife Reena, one Ashok Sachdeva, Reena’s sisters Sonam Kamra and Baji Kamra, her brothers Shankar Kamra and Nanhe Kamra. He stated in the suicide note that his wife had an affair with Ashok and they were pressuring him to give her divorce. Sunil also uploaded his video on social media before taking the extreme step in which he said that he was going to immolate himself in front of his wife’s house in Katju Colony. He also said in the video that he has not divorced his wife yet she has again married Ashok. He went to his wife’s house on January 4 and knocked on the door but she did not come out. Later, he poured petrol on himself and set himself afire.

Local residents extinguished the flames and rushed him to the hospital. Sunil’s brother-inlaw Pradeep said that Reena had married Sunil around 5 years ago and it was her third marriage. She had an affair with Ashok Sachdeva and married him on December 31.

Hezbollah says ready for ‘unrestricted war’ with Israel Korea),” Kim was reported on Wednesday as saying by the official Korean Central News Agency.

Analysts said at the time that the shift was significant, signifying a shift in Pyongyang’s approach to Seoul into “ultra-hawkish mode”.

TIES WOEFUL Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in decades, after Kim enshrined the country’s permanent status as a nuclear power into the constitution and test-fired several advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Pyongyang’s isolated government is forging closer ties with Moscow.

Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui will visit Russia from Monday to Wednesday at the invitation of her counterpart Sergei Lavrov, KCNA news agency said on Sunday.

Last year, Pyongyang also successfully put a reconnaissance satellite into orbit, after receiving what

South Korea claimed was Russian assistance, in exchange for arms shipments for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Kim has also test-fired a string of advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) including a purported solid fuel version.

At Pyongyang’s year-end policy meetings, Kim threatened a nuclear attack on the South and called for a build-up of his country’s military arsenal ahead of armed conflict that he warned could “break out any time”.

Pyongyang declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power in 2022 and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear weapons programme, which the regime views as essential for its survival.

The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since Pyongyang first conducted a nuclear test in 2006.

BEIRUT

Agencies

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah said Sunday that his group is ready for “unrestricted warfare” with Israel amid an exchange of cross-border fire between the two sides. “Israel and its army and settlers are the ones who fear war, not Lebanon,” Nasrallah said in a speech, one week after senior Hezbollah commander Wissam al-Tawil was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. “We have been ready for war in the last 99 days,” Nasrallah said. “We will accept the war and will fight without a ceiling or controls if the war is imposed on us,” he added. The Hezbollah chief said the Israeli army hides its casualties. “When the war stops, the enemy will face a catastrophe as a result of the resistance in Gaza and other resistance fronts,” he added. Tensions have escalated along Lebanon’s border with Israel since the Israeli army launched a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, amid an exchange of cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in the deadliest clashes since the two sides had fought a full-scale war in 2006.

Gazans still hope for ‘international justice’ as Israel’s aggression continues on 100th day GAZA/WEST BANK sTAFF rePOrT

As Israel’s bloody war on the Gaza Strip now reached 100 days, killing nearly 24,000 people, Palestinians are now looking to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to stop Tel Aviv’s brutal onslaught and punish it for genocidal crimes.

Israel launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Palestinian enclave, laying much of the narrow coastal enclave to waste in retaliation for a cross-border attack by Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.

The deadly onslaught has left 85% of Gaza’s population internally displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure was damaged or destroyed, according to the UN. As the international community stood idle to the Israeli assault, South Africa filed a lawsuit with the ICJ accusing Israel of

genocide in the Gaza Strip.

Israel rejected South Africa’s genocide accusations, arguing that its offensive in the Gaza Strip was in “self-defense.”

If the world court issues an order to halt the Israeli offensive and Tel Aviv doesn’t comply, it could face UN sanctions.

MASS DESTRUCTION The Israeli offensive has damaged 69,300 housing units and damaged 290,000 others, according to Gaza’s government media office.

Figures released by the media office showed that 121 ambulances were struck and 30 hospitals, 150 health care institutions and 53 health care centers were forced out of service by the Israeli attacks.

The office said 95 schools were also destroyed, 295 damaged, 145 mosques demolished and 243 others partially damaged by the Israeli onslaught.

Churches were not spared from the Israeli bombing either. The government office

said that three churches in Gaza were severely damaged, while 200 archaeological sites were destroyed.

The ongoing Israeli attacks have forced tens of thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes.

“Around one million people have arrived in Rafah city in southern Gaza since the outbreak of the Israeli war,” municipal chief Ahmed al-Soufi said.

“Municipal authorities are no longer able to control all basic services in the city, particularly waste collection amid the high number of refugees,” he added.

Similar situations were reported in cities in the central and northern Gaza Strip amid severe fuel shortages, causing the outbreak of diseases among residents and displaced people, especially children.

Lack of clean water makes displaced people and residents unable to maintain the hygiene necessary to prevent diseases amid warnings of famine in the Palestinian terri-

tory. Last week, UNICEF warned that over 1.1 million children are threatened by the intensifying conflict, malnutrition and diseases in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza’s health sector also suffers from a scarcity of medicines and medical supplies amid Israel’s blockade on the enclave.

Since Oct. 7, Israel has shut all crossings with Gaza, while the Rafah crossing between the Palestinian territory and Egypt has been partially opened for the entry of limited aid.

Up to 200 trucks have been able to enter Gaza each day, according to the White House. That is a fraction of the roughly 500 shipments that entered daily prior to the start of the war when needs were far less acute.

OVER 5,800 ARRESTED IN 100 DAYS IN WEST BANK Around 5,875 Palestinians have been detained in 100 days of Israeli military raids in the occupied West Bank, a local nongovernmental organization said Sunday.

“The detainees included 335 children and 200 women,” the Palestinian Prisoner Society said in a statement.

More than 2,856 Palestinians have been held without trial or charge under Israel’s notorious policy of administrative detention since Oct. 7, the NGO said.

“This figure takes the number of administrative detainees in Israeli prisons to more than 3,290 Palestinians,” it added.

According to figures released by prisoners’ affairs groups, at least 8,800 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons.

Tension has been running high across the West Bank amid almost daily Israeli raids into Palestinian towns as Tel Aviv continues its deadly offensive on the Gaza Strip, which left nearly 24,000 people dead.

According to the UN, 85% of Gaza’s population is already internally displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

Monday, 15 January, 2024 | ISLAMABAD

FIRST BATCH OF PAKISTANI DRIED CHILI ARRIVES IN CHINA

NEWS

CORPORATE CORNER

Workers Welfare Fund Secretary Zulfiqar Ahmed, Director Waseem Warraich, Muhammad Ahmed, Bilal Ahmed, Abdul Salam and Khalid Mahmood drawing during Hajj balloting for industrial workers.

Naval chief underscores teamwork, communications as pivotal elements for success KARACHI

staff report

The 19th Convocation of Bahria University Karachi and the Institute of Professional Psychology was held at Karachi. Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Rector Bahria University (BU), Vice Admiral (r) Asif Khaliq graced the twin sessions of the convocation as chief guests respectively. They awarded medals and merit certificates to the graduates for outstanding performance in academics. A total of 1,632 degrees, including 11 PhDs, were awarded to students from various departments, encompassing Management Studies, Business Studies, Humanities & Social Sciences, Computer Sciences, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Media Studies and Professional Psychology. During the first session, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf awarded 22 Gold Medals and 18 Silver Medals to students who excelled in their respective degree programs. In his address he highlighted the significance of meeting challenges and reframing them as opportunities.

SBP needs to allocate more funds for renewable energy schemes: PHMA LAHORE

staff report

Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA) has proposed the State Bank of Pakistan to allocate more funds for renewable energy schemes, including solar energy financing exclusively to the export-oriented value-added textile sector. This strategic allocation will not only boost apparel sector’s growth but also promote a more inclusive and resilient economy. These views were expressed in an interactive session held here at PHMA regional office on Sunday to review the private sector credit offtake, especially to the Apparel sector’s SMEs, with the PHMA north zone senior vice chairman Amanullah Khan in the chair. Participants of the meeting urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to strengthen the industry and export sector by releasing their payment, as a huge amount of refund claims under DLTL 2021 is pending, beside speedy payment of sales tax refunds, because the commitment of the FBR to instantly release exporters’ tax refund claims through FASTER System seems to be just an eyewash. In his key note address, Amanullah Khan proposed the central bank to review its credit policies by fixing a special quota to finance the hosiery sector’s small and medium enterprises, as only the large industries have been availing government’s all major concessional export loaning facilities, with very limited financing is left for the PHMA members which are the backbone of the economy. PHMA north zone senior vice chairman observed that despite significance of SMEs, more than 5 million SMEs face a significant credit gap, receiving just 7 percent of private sector credit.

Iesco issues power suspension schedules for today ISLAMABAD

staff report

According to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) spokesman, System Maintenance/Development Work is in process. Therefore power supply of below mentioned feeders/areas will be temporary suspended as per given schedule: On 15th January 2024, From 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM, Islamabad Circle, Imran Khan, CDA Flats, Blue Area, T&T, Zia Masjid, Highway, Chara, Chhattar, Bakhtawar, Crotile Hotel, G-9/ 3, I-8 Center, I10/1, Golra.II, F-11/1, Rahara, CM Pak Zong, Curry, Isolation Hospital, Pindi Point, Kohala, Pearl Cantonment, Kotli Sattian, Balawara, Bari Imam, Chhata Bakhtawar, Kari Road, Azad Shaheed, Lahtrar Road, Tramri, ISI, CWO, G-10/2, H-11/4, G-10/1 High Court, G-9/1, AQ Khan Feeders, Rawalpindi City Circle, E Block, Ojri Camp, Shamsabad, Muzamal Town, Nora Road, Muslim Town, Gulzar Quaid, Dhok Hukmdad, Iqbal Road. II, Major Masood, Sarafa Bazar, Janah Road, Mangtal, Ali Market, Asgarmal, Milatabad, Askari XI, Officers Colony, Jhangi, EME Complex, I-16, Ratta, Officers Colony, Fazahiya.I&II,Bajniyal,F-17/1&II,Nogzi Feeders, Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, Bank Road.II, Tipu Road, Makkah Chowk, Car Chowk, RCCI Express, National Park, Morgah, Pindiboard, Humayun Road,Defence Road,Hayal , Gulshan Saeed, Cantt, New GHQ, Padial, SPD, New GHQ, Sahala College, Sagri, Kahota City. Karnab Kaswal, Sikh, Syed Kasran, Mahuta, Morgah, RBISE, Kahota City.II, Hanif Shaheed, KRL Colony Feeders, Attock Circle, Jalala, Nawababad, Wahdat Colony.

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BEIJING

staff report

HE first batch of Pakistan’s high-quality dried chilies, weighing 182 tonnes, has finally made its way to the Neijiang city of Sichuan Province, China, China Economic Net (CEN) reported on Sunday.

This significant shipment marks a new chapter in the trade relations between the two nations and is expected to pave the way for increased economic cooperation, said Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s ambassador to China.

Addressing the ceremony for the arrival and warehousing of the dried chili under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Agricultural Cooperation Project, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi said that Pakistan, known for its flavorful and aromatic spices, has long been recognized as a major exporter of dried chilies.

The country’s unique climatic conditions and fertile soil provide the perfect environment for cultivating these fiery red peppers, which are renowned for their

exceptional taste and quality.

He further said that the arrival of the first batch of dried chilies in Neijiang City is a significant milestone in the

EU envoy hints at consideration to allow pharmaceutical import from Pakistan: Atif Iqbal ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

staff report

should be the cornerstone of broader economic relations. Pakistan has achieved an encouraging 108 percent growth in exports to EU over a period of 10 years; however, in order to retain our GSP Plus status, we must not be complacent and be vigilantly continuing to fulfill EU criteria, he added.

EU Ambassador Dr Riina Kionka has apprised the business community that there will be a new EU parliament and EU Commission in June 2024; and, there might be some review or policy changes in the rules framework for Pakistan’s GSP+ status. Therefore, she advised that Pakistan should remain on course on EU requirements on human rights; labor rights; environmental standards and good governance. These are principally the four areas where Pakistan’s performance comes under review, she added.

PVPA joins PIAF after formal registration LAHORE

staff report

The Pakistan Veterinary Pharma Association (PVPA) on Sunday announced to join Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) after its formal registration at a ceremony held here.

Chairman Fahimur Rehman Saigol, while congratulating the core committee of PVPA on the occasion of joining the Front, observed that the regularization of the new Association is a welcome step, as it would facilitate conveyance of relevant sector issues to the power corridor through the platform of the PIAF. The representatives of the Association including Dr. Saleh, Malik Abid Sarwar, Dr. Sujeel Das, Dr. Usman, Dr. Majid Ijaz and others thanked the PIAF leaders for giving them a wonderful welcome and pro-

viding all kinds of support.

Fahimur Rahman Saigol said that the problems of the business community will be brought to the relevant authorities in consultation with the relevant sectors as usual. He said that traders pay taxes and are the backbone of the economy, so, their problems should be solved on priority bases.

Saigol said that PVPA's joining in PIAF will make PIAF more powerful and strong in the country to highlight the business community issues.

Patron-in-Chief Mian Anjum Nisar, former presidents including Muhammad Ali Mian, Senior Vice Chairman Nasrullah Mughal, Vice Chairman Tahir Manzoor Chaudhary, Senior Vice President Lahore Chamber Zafar Mahmood also congratulated the veterinary and pharma doctors and their representatives for joining the PIAF.

7th Edition of Afkar-E-Taza Thinkfest concludes, leaving a lasting impression on Lahore’s literary landscape LAHORE

staff report

The Alhamrah Art Council witnessed the grand finale of the 7th Afkar-E-Taza Thinkfest, a two-day intellectual extravaganza that captivated the hearts and minds of participants, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of scholarly discourse.

Started on Jan 13, the event served as a melting pot for policymakers, analysts, academics, avid readers, and literary enthusiasts, creating a platform for engaging discussions, insightful exploration, and the exchange of innovative ideas.

Throughout the festival, the halls echoed with intellectual vigor as renowned speakers and thought leaders delved into a wide array of subjects, ranging from contemporary policy challenges to literary masterpieces. The diverse audience actively participated in Q&A sessions, making each discussion a dynamic exchange of perspectives.

Afkar-E-Taza Thinkfest’s 7th edition was not merely an event; it

was a celebration of intellectual curiosity, bringing together individuals who share a passion for knowledge and critical thinking. The venue served as the perfect backdrop for this gathering, fostering an environment that encouraged the exploration of fresh ideas and the cultivation of intellectual growth.

As the curtains fall on this year’s Thinkfest, it leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and intellectual camaraderie. The event has undoubtedly set the tone for the upcoming literary calendar of Pakistan, promising a year filled with thought-provoking discussions and academic enlightenment.

The All-Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) on Sunday said that not the extensive borrowing, including the recent IMF $1.9 billion financing for Pakistan but improving the Ease of Doing Business Index of the country was vital to put the country’s economy back on track. APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood, in a statement issued on Sunday, said that with continuous hike in cost of production in the country, what the Pakistan’s economy really needs is persistent and sound economic management, asking the authorities for undertaking economic reforms and improving the regulatory environment for better Ease of Doing Business level to boost foreign investment so that financial stability can be achieved in the long-run. Maaz Mahmood alleged all previous governments for extensive borrowing of forex during last five years to meet local expenditure, which had increased the burden of foreign debt of Pakistan substantially, instead of making serious efforts to enhance the ranking of Ease of Doing Business Index of Pakistan, as it is must to attract foreign as well as local investment and high economic growth. He stressed the need for reducing cost of doing business, besides evolving a new price control mechanism, as huge taxation, rising oil prices and constant jump in electricity and gas tariffs have lifted the inflation to decades high level in 2023. The APBF chief warned the authorities that high inflation can hurt economic growth and a careful policy is required to keep it in control. He said that the pace of inflation is skyrocketing at a time when the economic activity is slowing down. As the oil prices have been increased and power tariff has gone up further, the APBF chairman Ibrahim Qureshi stated that the government has dropped a fuel bomb on the businessmen after it suffered an electric shock to meet the conditions of IMF for the revival of the stalled loan program- a recipe to shake the trade and industry. Ibrahim Qureshi said that the decision would prove detrimental to the industries due to high cost of doing business and will also open the floodgates of inflation. In addition to making the electricity bills costlier and unaffordable for the consumers, the hike in base tariff would escalate prices of all household goods being widely used in every household, he added.

Ombudsman directs DRAP, NIH to ensure availability of anti-rabies vaccines ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

A new air cargo route was launched linking Ezhou Huahu Airport in central China's Hubei Province with Lahore, said SF Airlines, China's largest air cargo carrier in fleet size.

The Ezhou-Lahore cargo route is the

first international air cargo route launched by SF Airlines in this year departing from Ezhou Huahu Airport, China's first cargo-focused airport, Gwadar Pro reported on Sunday.

The Ezhou-Lahore route is planned to operate three times a week, providing over 300 tons of air transport capacity from Ezhou to Lahore every week.

staff report

Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi on Sunday directed the heads of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) for urgent measures to ensure fast-track availability of the anti-rabies vaccines in the government hospitals of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and remove all bureaucratic bottlenecks in this regard. Taking serious notice of a public complaint received by his office, regarding non-availability of this essential vaccine in the Islamabad’s Government hospitals, he summoned the senior officials of both these organizations on January 09, 2024 to unearth the root cause of the situation. Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi had also directed the DRAP to conduct a thorough probe as to why the NIH was not manufacturing this essential vaccine. The Federal Ombudsman as a follow-up measure immediately issued a notice to both these organizations i.e. NIH and DARP and the Registrar of the Wafaqi Mohtasib initiated a probe into the matter. It was revealed that apart from lengthy official procedures, bureaucratic delays, gross negligence, mismanagement and fluctuation of the dollar rate resulted in this unfortunate situation. He has directed that responsibility may be fixed for the shortage of this essential vaccine and necessary steps may be initiated for avoiding recurrence of such incidents in future. The matter was being vigorously followed up by the Office of the Wafaqi Mohtasib and all the stakeholders have assured that they would spare no efforts in this regard. It may also be informed that 02 hearings have already been held in the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s office in this regard which were attended by the representatives of the organizations concerned.

China-Pakistan cargo route launched to facilitate air transport staff report

long-standing friendship between Pakistan and China.

It not only strengthens economic ties but also fosters cultural exchange, allowing Chinese consumers to experience the rich flavors of Pakistani cuisine.

The representative of the company saidthat the imported dried chilies have generated a buzz among local traders and spice enthusiasts.

The shipment arrived in excellent condition, showcasing the efficiency of the logistics and supply chain systems involved in the operation.

He further noted that Chinese importers and spice traders had eagerly awaited the arrival of these dried chilies, as they are highly sought after in the Chinese market.

The aromatic and spicy nature of Pakistani chilies makes them an essential ingredient in many Chinese dishes, adding a distinct flavor and enhancing the overall culinary experience.

Ease of doing business, not huge borrowing, vital for economic revival: APBF

staff report

What is being described as landmark development, H. E. Dr. Riina Kionka, European Union Ambassador to Pakistan, has indicated her willingness to take up the inclusion of pharmaceuticals into the list of products imported to EU under Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP Plus), claimed said Atif Iqbal, a leading player in pharmaceutical industry.

Atif Iqbal informed that during a meeting, the EU Ambassador appreciated his suggestion that the EU should ponder upon the ways and means of facilitating the Pakistani pharma industry through making it possible for them to tap export clients in the EU countries.

“We need to diversify our export-basket, and pharma industry is ripe for it and the EU is the destination that must aim for,” he added.

Atif Iqbal added that, during his meeting with the EU ambassador, he proposed that the Pakistani Pharma industry is thriving and, given a chance, it can help Pakistan tackle its balance of trade crises; establish JVs with its European counterparts; upscale the production through industrial collaborations & transfer of technology and create employment on a mass-scale.

Atif Iqbal explained that the 27-country economic alliance of European Union – with a cumulative GDP of almost $20 trillion – can help Pakistan steer out of the chronically dilapidated state of the economy of Pakistan; and, enhancing our exports to the EU nations

07

The transported goods mainly include textiles, 3C electronic products, electronic equipment, etc.

The opening of this international cargo route is an important measure for Huahu Airport to further increase routes to South Asia.

It will provide an efficient and stable air logistics channel for economic and

trade exchanges between China and Pakistan, and provide more logistics convenience for Chinese brands to explore the Pakistani market. Previously, SF Airlines has opened two direct cargo routes from Ezhou to South Asia, Ezhou-Delhi and Ezhou=Chennai.

The opening of the new Pakistani route will further strengthen Ezhou's South Asian air transport network.

SF Airlines, the aviation branch of China's leading courier enterprise SF Express, to date has launched a total of 11 international cargo routes from Ezhou to global destinations.

CONDUCT OF POLLS ON FEB 08, ‘GOOD’ FOR COUNTRY, POLITICAL FORCES: SOLANGI

Monday, 15 January, 2024

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LAHORE

staff report

ARETAKER Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Sunday described the conduct of general elections on February 8, as in the interest of political forces and eh country.

“It would be good for the country if the elections are held on the scheduled day i.e.

February 8, 2024 (Thursday) as it is written in the preamble to the Constitution that Pakistan would be run by the elected representatives”, the caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said while speaking at the seventh edition of Thinkfest 2024 here on Sunday.

“In the run-up to the elections, everyone is complaining about the level playing field, he added. The minister said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muslim Pakistan League-Nawaz (PML-N) were voicing their complaints in that regard while JUI-F

chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also complained of a lack of level playing field in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

“In fact, the working class of Pakistan does not have a level playing field,” Solangi maintained. Without a fundamental change

in the system enabling the common man to contest elections, there would not be a level playing field, he remarked.

The minister stressed that every political party should give its members the right to vote in the election of its office-bearers.

He said in his opinion, the yesterday’s Apex Court decision was a good precedent.

It would have been better if there were legal experts in the panel who could explain the legal position, he added.

Terming political instability and economic survival of the country main challenges, Solangi said the next government might be facing economic issues.

“We need improvement in the economy.

With the principal amount of the overall budget used for servicing big loans and other payments, it is difficult to run the country,” he said. The minister said that the agriculture contributed about a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), but the tax collection from the sector was very low.

Moreover, he added, the population was increasing rapidly, which was burdening the sectors like health and education.

He said Pakistan was also bearing the brunt of climate change as well.

“We have to improve relations with our neighboring countries, as, otherwise, we cannot become economically strong,” Solangi maintained.

Bilawal urges public to vote ‘new thinking’ for taking country forward KARACHI

staff report

Taking aim at PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari on Sunday urged the masses to decide whether you want to elect a person who served as prime minister thrice but failed do anything for the country.

“Or do you want to give the opportunity to a party, which empowers everyone to take the country forward?”

Addressing an election rally in Balochistan’s Dera Murad Jamali on Sunday, the former foreign minister said that the people had to use their vote to determine if they wanted the same politics to continue or “new thinking” to prevail.

“Only two political parties, the PPP and the PML-N, have remained in the electoral arena, Bilawal stated, urging the nation to vote for the ‘arrow’ in the upcoming general election.

Bilawal Bhutto’s comments come a day after the PTI lost the legal battle for its iconic ‘bat’ electoral symbol, forcing its candidates to contest the

polls as independents. Highlighting how the PPP practiced politics and contested elections “for the poor,” the PPP chairman said the PML-N supremo was taking part in the polls so he could be saved from going to jail.

“I’m only contesting the polls so that I save you, the public, and the future of Pakistan from those people,” Bilawal said. Taking another swipe at Nawaz, the PPP chief said the former premier was a coward as he vowed to defeat the PMLN in their home ground of Lahore.

“I’m also contesting from Lahore. I will strike them inside their house,” he asserted, adding that the PML-N feared the public. “They fear what the public will do to them if they step out,” he said.

Bilawal said there was no ‘bat’ in the February 8 election and the contest would be between the ‘tiger’ and the ‘arrow’, the electoral symbols for the PML-N and the PPP, respectively.

During his speech, Bilawal also promised to complete the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline to fix the issues of Balochistan if the province voted in

ECP urges parties to ensure 5pc women candidates on general seats ISLAMABAD

staff report

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has urged the political parties to ensure 5 percent representation of women on general seats for General Elections 2024, in accordance with Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017. The ECP spokesperson on Sunday stated that all political parties need to provide the Election Commission with the list of male and female candidates holding party tickets for general seats within a period of five days. It is noteworthy that political parties assigned symbols for the 2024 general elections must comply with Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017, ensuring a 5 percent representation of women candidates on general seats.

SCRUTINY OF NOMINATIONS FOR NA, PA RESERVED SEATS CONCLUDES Meanwhile, the Returning Officers have completed the scrutiny of nomination papers for seats reserved for women and minorities in the national and four provincial assemblies. According to the schedule issued by the ECP here Sunday, appeals for the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers by Returning Officers can be submitted until January 16 and the Appellate Tribunal will hear them until January 19. The revised list of candidates will be released on January 20, withdrawal of nomination papers can be done until January 22, and the final list of candidates will be unveiled on January 23. Earlier today, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stressed upon all political parties to ensure five per cent women quota in awarding tickets for general seats for the General Elections 2024, in accordance the Elections Act, 2017. In a statement issued here on Sunday, the ECP spokesperson also asked all the political parties to provide the list of male and female candidates holding the party tickets for general seats within five days.

favour of the PPP. “I want to give a message to Islamabad. The people in the provinces are not happy with the rulers sitting in Islamabad,” he said. He asserted that the people did not approve of attempts under way to make Nawaz premier for the fourth time.

“The public is no one’s slave. The people of Balochistan have dignity and are brave. They do not bow down in front of anyone, they do not back down, and are not afraid either,” he said.

Bilawal vowed to form a PPP-led government, adding that the country needed the leadership of a party that was dedicated to serving the poor as opposed to the PML-N only served the rich.

He warned that the province would not see any development for the next five years if Nawaz was made premier.

“My first promise is that if you help in forming a PPP government, I will double your salary,” Bilawal said. “I will make sure that the poor throughout the country receive 300 MW of electricity for free,” he said. He also promised to build free educational and health institutions in

every district of the province.

The PPP chairman also promised to introduce welfare schemes for farmers and the country’s youth. He concluded his address by urging the people to vote for the PPP in the upcoming general elections.

Later, Bilawal also addressed a rally in Sindh’s Khairpur. Other party leaders, including Qaim Ali Shah, also spoke on the occasion.

The PPP chief promised the people of Sindh that the leaders they elect would not forget the public after winning the elections. Bilalwal said he would personally visit Khairpur after the PPP won the election and inquire about the problems the people were facing.

He pinned the responsibility for the PPP’s success in the upcoming elections on the voters in Sindh.

“We have a complaint against the caretaker government for halting our development works for so many months,” Bilawal said as he decried how the flood affectees in Sindh were being deprived of their rights.

SHO among 5 suspended for raid on PTI chief’s residence: Police ISLAMABAD

staff report

The Islamabad police on Sunday said five officers, including the station house officer of Margalla, had been suspended following a preliminary inquiry into the raid at the residence of PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.

The raid at Barrister Goharís house, located in F-7, was conducted a day earlier when he was in the Supreme Court for the hearing on the petition against the restoration of the partyís electoral symbol. After getting information, he had informed the apex court about the incident and left for his house.

Later, he had returned to the court and informed the bench that his son and nephew had been tortured by the police. Subsequently, the SC had taken notice of the raid and summoned the chief of the capital police.

Initially, the police had denied that any raid was conducted at the residence of Gohar Ali Khan, but later a video went viral on social media after which the police issued ìcontradictory statementsî about the raid. Islamabad police on Sunday suspended five officers, including the Margalla station house officer (SHO), following a preliminary in-

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About the protesters from Balochistan in Islamabad, he minister said that they were offered to hold their sit-in either at F-9 Park or H-9 but they insisted on going to the D Chowk in Red Zone. “No group, be it political or religious, is allowed to enter the Red Zone,” Solangi said.

He said the police had to take action when the protesters camping outside the National Press Club tried to enter the Red Zone.

Later, the government’s negotiation committee held talks with them and then the women and children arrested by the police were released first. Another 163 people were released in the second phase and finally the remaining 34 were also set free.

Medical facilities, including an ambulance were also provided to the protestors, he added.

The Balochistan governor and other members of the committee persuaded the protesters to go back peacefully, he said.

The minister said that there was a need of a negotiating committee having representation of major political parties that could give a better solution to this problem.

Yet another resolution lands in Senate seeking delay in polls ISLAMABAD

staff report

Another resolution seeking a delay in the February 8 general elections was moved in the Senate on Sunday, citing the weather and the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Senator Hilalur Rehman of the Independent Parliamentary Group submitted the resolution, citing severe cold weather, snowfall, and security challenges as the hindrances for the general elections. “Severe cold and snowfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are depriving the citizens to cast their ballots while the candidates are also facing numerous challenges to run their campaigns,” said the resolution. “In the same way, due to security concerns in the country, especially in KP, candidates are facing threats of terrorist attacks while campaigning,” it said, adding that it was also creating obstacles and limiting candidates’ participation in their campaigns. It added that the date of Feb 8 to hold the elections is not suitable. The resolution urged the ECP to delay polls to a date which was acceptable for all the relevant stakeholders. It merits mention here that it was the third resolution moved in the upper house demanding delay in elections. A similar resolution was tabled in the Senate a couple of days ago. The resolution was moved by Senator Hidayatullah, a member of Pakistan’s upper house from the Independent Parliamentary Group. It is to be noted that earlier this month, the Upper House of Parliament adopted a resolution, which was moved by independent Senator Dilawar Khan during a session with only 15 lawmakers in attendance. It sought polls delay in the light of extreme weather in hilly areas and the deteriorating security situation.

ECP allots electoral symbols to PTI’s ‘independent’ candidates ISLAMABAD

staff report

quiry into yesterday’s raid at the residence of PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.

According to the statement, when the police party found out that the said house was the residence of Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, the raiding police party came back immediately. “The Honourable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan summoned the Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) and ordered an investigation into the matter,” the police noted.

Islamabad IGP Dr Akbar Nasir later visited the house of Barrister Gohar. It is pertinent to mention here that the PTI chairman was informed about the raid while he was attending the Supreme Court hearing regarding his party’s electoral symbol of “bat”.

During the hearing, Barrister

Gohar informed Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa about the incident and claimed his son and nephew were “tortured”. He added that the police also confiscated a computer and documents.

The PTI chief asked the court to excuse him from the hearing and left. Meanwhile, the chief justice called Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Amir Rehman to the rostrum and said: “Whatever happened should not have happened.”

The additional attorney general said he would look into it and left the courtroom. After a while, Barrister Gohar returned to the court, to which CJP Qazi Faez Isa asked if all was right. “The situation is very serious,” he responded. The chief justice directed the additional attorney general to resolve the matter.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday allotted electoral symbols to the candidates of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), contesting elections as independent candidates after the Supreme Court annulled the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) order on party’s intra-party elections. In a late-night decision, the Supreme Court on Saturday upheld the Dec 22 decision of the ECP depriving the PTI of its iconic poll symbol — ‘bat’. A three-member bench — headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali — announced the verdict after a daylong hearing. The decision was announced minutes before the expiry of the fifth extended deadline by the election watchdog for the intending candidates to submit party tickets. Following the verdict, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar said that all party candidates would contest elections independently. Here’s the list of symbols allotted to PTI candidates: Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who has been deprived of his post of PTI chairman after Supreme Court judgement, was allotted “teapot” as election symbol while Shaukat Yousafzai’s symbol has been “racket”. PTI’s Shahryar Afridi will contest election with “bottle” symbol, Shandana Gulzar has been given the symbol of “bowl”. PTI senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s children Mehr Bano Qureshi and Zain Hussain Qureshi have been allotted electoral symbols chimta (tongs) for NA-151 and shoe for NA-150 constituencies of Multan, respectively.

JUI-F chief’s Kabul visit kindles hopes for improved Pak-Afghan relations ISLAMABAD

staff report

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Pakistan Fazl (JUI-F) party, recently concluded a significant six-day visit to Kabul, Afghanistan, aimed at addressing the strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The JUI-F chief’s visit was particularly timely in light of the escalating militant attacks in Pakistan, which Islamabad has attributed to factions operating from Afghanistan. During his visit, Maulana Fazl held crucial discussions with the Afghan Taliban’s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, expressing optimism about the positive nature of their conversations. He emphasized that the visit has paved the way

for de-escalation and urged both countries to move past grievances and enhance bilateral trade activities.

Pakistan also announced the deportation of large numbers of “illegal immigrants,” mostly Afghan nationals, in November, suspecting many of them to be jeopardizing the country’s security. The move further strained ties between the two countries.

“After the establishment of the Islamic Emirate (of Afghanistan), there was some tension between the two countries,” Rehman told Radio and Television Afghanistan on Saturday, a day before the JUI-F delegation departed for Islamabad.

“The main objective of my visit is to deescalate tensions between the two countries and this visit has paved the road for this purpose.” Fazl confirmed he met the Afghan

Taliban’s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, with whom he held a detailed discussion. “The meeting with Mullah Haibatullah has been very positive,” he said, without elaborating on what was discussed between the two. Fazl said the objectives of his visit to Kabul had been achieved, urging both countries to forget the bitter past and enhance bilateral trade activities. Without taking any specific country’s name, Rehman said some states wanted to create rifts between Pakistan and Afghanistan. “After my visit, a new era of mutual trust will begin,” he hoped.

Fazl said Afghan refugees who had been forcibly repatriated from Pakistan had reservations about how they were expelled. “I and my party have viewed Afghan refugees as guests of Pakistan and we as a nation respect

them,” he said. “But since my party is not in the government, I have played a role in dealing with the refugees’ issue.” Despite the positive outlook, it’s important to note that Pakistan’s foreign office distanced itself from Rehman’s visit, clarifying that he traveled as a private individual and not as a government emissary. However, there is hope that Rehman’s discussions in Kabul will yield tangible results and improve PakistanAfghanistan ties, particularly in political, diplomatic, and trade relations.

While some are optimistic about the potential positive changes in bilateral relations following the JUI-F chief’s visit, others remain skeptical.

Senior Afghan journalist Mansoor Nekmal expressed doubt that Fazl’s visit would fully resolve Pakistan’s main security con-

Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

cerns, particularly regarding banned militant outfits such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Nekmal highlighted the complexity of the TTP issue and emphasized the need for persistent efforts from both Kabul and Islamabad to address the ongoing tensions, frequent border closures, and trade and diplomatic issues.

Overall, the visit has set the stage for potential improvements in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, it remains to be seen how effectively the issues at hand, particularly regarding security concerns, will be addressed in the long term.

Rehman’s visit has initiated a dialogue that could lead to positive developments in the region, but the resolution of complex issues will require sustained efforts from both countries.