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SENATOR DILAWAR KHAN WRITES TO SENATE CHAIRMAN FOR POLLS DELAY

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ISLAMABAD

ECP TURNS DOWN SENATE RESOLUTION, SAYS POLLS ON FEB 8

STAFF REPORT

HE Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday expressed its inability to accept the Senate resolution seeking postponement of February 08 general elections.

The election commission in a letter to the Senate Secretariat wrote that the electoral body reviewed the upper house resolution in a session.

“The ECP had fixed Feb 08 date for polling after consultation with the President,” letter read. “Caretaker governments have been issued instructions to ensure law and order,” ECP said.

“The election commission has completed all preparations for holding general elections,” according to letter.

“General elections as well as local council elections used to happen in the past in winter. The ECP has also assured the Supreme Court of holding elections on Feb 08,” letter read.

“It will be inappropriate for election commission to put off general elections at this stage”.

Earlier today, Senator Dilawar Khan in a letter addressed to Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani pointed out inaction of the election commission over the house’s resolution passed on January 05, seeking

postponement of the election.

“As the custodian of the house, you must ensure to seek compliance of the resolution and postponement of Feb 08 elections,” the letter further read.

It is to be mentioned here that another resolution seeking delay in the February 08 polls were moved in the Senate on last Sunday, citing the weather and security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Senator Hilalur Rehman of the Independent Parliamentary Group submitted the resolution citing severe cold weather,

Electoral symbols allocated to 150 parties for Feb 8 polls, excluding PTI ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

About 150 political parties, who are vying for the National and provincial assembly seats in the upcoming general elections, were allotted electoral symbols by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) — the previous ruling party of the country — was missing from the list of parties uploaded on the ECP website following the ‘bat’ symbol verdict announced by the Supreme Court on Saturday last week.

According to the list, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) has been allotted ‘tiger’ symbol, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPP) ‘arrow’, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) ‘sword’, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Nazriati (PTI-N) ‘batsman’, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) ‘eagle’, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) ‘kite’, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) ‘book’, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JI) ‘scale’, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P) ‘turban’, Balochistan National Party (BNP) ‘axe’, Awami National Party (ANP) ‘lantern’, Balochistan National Party Awami ‘camel’ and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) ‘cow’.

Last week on Saturday, the electoral body issued an order, directing the returning officers that poll symbol should not be allotted to any candidate who belongs to another party. The five-member bench of the commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, issued the order, which said: “Therefore, in exercise of powers, conferred upon the commission under Section 4 of the Elections Act, 2017, the commission hereby, directs that no symbol of any political party be allowed to any such candidate who is member of another political party and seeks allocation of symbol of other political party.”

The ECP had already notified 177 symbols for independent candidates.

Meanwhile, the returning officers in the Islamabad Capital Territory allotted electoral symbols to contesting candidates and a total of 119 candidates were issued symbols for three NA constituencies.

As per the statistics shared by the returning officers, a total of 44 candidates would be in the fray in NA-46, whereas as many as 29 candidates will contest as independents from this constituency.

snowfall, and security challenges as the hindrances for the general elections.

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.

SENATOR DILAWAR KHAN WRITES TO SENATE CHAIRMAN FOR POLLS DELAY: Senator

Dilawar Khan, head of Independent Parliamentary Group, has expressed concern that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has so far taken no step to postpone the general elections scheduled to be held on February 8, 2024 as demanded by the upper House of the parliament through its resolution dated January 5, 2024, it emerged on Monday.

In a letter to the Senate chairman, Dilawar has stressed the need for addressing the concerns raised in the resolution.

He has further said it appears that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by not addressing these concerns is in a mood to make a compromise on holding free and fair elections. “It must be ensured that the elections are postponed,” reads the letter.

On Friday, a fresh resolution was submitted to the Senate Secretariat, seeking a three-month delay in the polls.

Prior to that, on January 5, a thinly attended session of the Senate had become the talk of the town after it passed a resolution, seeking the postponement of the elections over security and bad weather concerns.

The resolution, which was not initially scheduled for discussion, was introduced by Senator Dilawar Khan, and received support primarily from the senators belonging to Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).

‘Terrorist’ party should not be allotted electoral symbol: Maryam Nawaz ISLAMABAD

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PPP again rues wrong poll symbol allotment to its ticket-holders in Punjab

irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk

LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The anomalies by the Election Commission of Pakistan in the allotment of poll symbols are kept coming as the Pakistan Peoples Party has again rued the ECP wrong allotment of the poll symbol to its candidate for NA-122 in Lahore.

PPP central election cell in-charge Senator Taj Haider wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner on Monday requesting him to allot PPP ticket holder Chaudhry Atiq Rafiq who is vying for NA 122 constituency from Lahore the ‘arrow’ symbol of the party. According to the PPP, its ticket holder has wrongly been shown as an independent candidate and is allotted a different symbol by the Election Commission in its lists of candidates.

The party requested the CEC to relay instructions to the returning officer in this regard. Yesterday, Senator Taj Haider also wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner complaining that the PPP ticket holder Fayyaz Bhatti from PP 163 Lahore has been allotted the ‘kettle’ symbol instead of ‘arrow’. Other PPP candidates vying for PP 119 and NA 59 constituencies have been allotted the wrong symbols, the party senator pointed out. Haider lamented that the PPP was being deprived of its election symbol in Punjab which could put a big question mark on the transparency of the elections.

No boycott of elections despite SC verdict, says PTI’s Gohar Khan ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

PML-N Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz, making a veiled reference to the PTI, declared on Monday that an electoral symbol should not be granted to a “terrorist party,” as her party initiated its election campaign in Okara.

After much delay, the PML-N is finally set to unveil its manifesto for the February 8 general elections. For the last two months, the party’s over 30 different sub-committees have been sitting together to prepare its poll manifesto.

Further, the delay in the launch of the polls campaign was primarily caused by the PML-N’s long deliberations in ticket distribution and seat adjustment with the Istehkami-Pakistan Party (IPP) and PML-Q. Addressing party supporters in Okara today, Maryam — without mentioning the PTI — said: “Sher [tiger] can be allotted sher, but a terrorist party cannot be allotted an election symbol like other political parties.”

“You say your electoral symbol was ‘bat’, no, it was the danda [baton] that you had in your hand.

The danda that you used against the state of Pakistan and the public,” Maryam claimed.

Her remarks come just days after the PTI was stripped of its iconic electoral symbol ‘bat’. After marathon hearings over the weekend, the Supreme Court had on Saturday upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to revoke the party’s electoral symbol and reject its internal election just

ATTENTION

IN TODAY’S ISSUE

STAFF REPORT

a few days before polls.

“Today, what is happening to the PTI is a result of their own actions,” Maryam said of the recent “hue and cry” over the electoral symbol.

“There was a danda, not a bat, in your hands and the entire nation saw how you attacked military installations […] now say, what is your electoral symbol? It should have been the watch that you stole or the petrol bomb that you used against the police,” she claimed.

The PML-N leader asserted that the nation would not allow a political party to manipulate its internal elections and “escape without any consequences”.

“It is not his fault, he was used to being a ladla [blue-eyed],” Maryam claimed, referring to Imran Khan. However, she did not take any names. “He was used to getting bails […] he was used to facilitation. But neither the facilitation nor the facilitators remain,” she alleged.

Those times are over, Maryam

warned, adding that now only the law and nation would take the final decisions.

Referring to Imran’s recent accusations that Nawaz was playing the match “with the umpires of choice”, Maryam said Nawaz’s “real umpire” was the public and it would bring him back to power again.

“If a person loves Pakistan [… ] then they would not vote for anyone except Nawaz Sharif,” she stated, promising good education, cheap electricity, women empowerment and a better living standard if the PML-N emerged victorious in the upcoming polls.

At the outset of her address, Maryam said the PML-N did not wish to take revenge. “The court of fate has taken a suo motu of Nawaz’s oppression […] when a person is truthful and honest like Nawaz, they stand like a lion whatever may come,” she added.

Maryam also promised that, unlike other political parties, the PML-N would not just work before elections but also after them.

PTI leader Barrister Gohar Khan on Monday said his party would not boycott the February 8 general elections despite being stripped of its iconic electoral symbol ‘bat’. “The PTI will issue a list of supported candidates, with their respective electoral symbols, within three days,” he said, requesting the nation to vote for these candidates in the upcoming polls.

Barrister Gohar’s statement comes after a threemember Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) Dec 22 decision to declare the PTI’s intra-party polls as “unconstitutional” and revoke its ‘bat’ symbol.

As a result, the party’s members will now be contesting the elections as independent candidates with different electoral symbols and the party no longer has the right to reserved seats for women and minorities.

Speaking to media persons outside the Adiala Jail today, Barrister Gohar said the SC verdict had affected the fundamental rights of the people of Pakistan. “A conspiracy against democracy has succeeded, this is a huge loss for democracy and [this decision] will give birth to a new wave of corruption,” he lamented. He added that even though the apex court’s decision was final, it won’t stop the party. “We won’t boycott elections and God willing fully participate in them,” Barrister Gohar vowed.

He further stated that the party would definitely file a review appeal against the SC judgment, noting that a five-member apex court bench should have heard the matter as the case concerned Article 17 of the Constitution. The article states that every citizen “shall have the right to form associations or unions, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan, public order or morality”. Talking about his interaction with PTI founder Imran Khan, Barrister Gohar said the former premier had one message for all party supporters: “Ghabrana nahi hay [don’t worry], remain steadfast and peaceful. Protect your vote and exercise your right on Feb 8.”

PTI unveils ‘Plan C’ after election symbol setback ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Despite all seemingly lost for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the former ruling party is determined to give a tough time to its political opponents as it has announced ‘Plan C’ for when votes are cast and assemblies will be formed.

The PTI, founded by former prime minister Imran Khan, faced two major setbacks last Saturday — the Supreme Court ruling in favour of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and depriving PTI of its ‘bat’ symbol and the Tehreek-e-Insaf Nazriati backtracking on a deal with the party to share its symbol for elections.

Although all PTI candidates will be contesting independently in the February 8 elections with various symbols — kettle, brinjal, tongs, etc — their leadership had voiced con-

cerns that they would not be getting reserved seats as they are allocated for political parties.

This would be a major setback for any party that wishes to come into power in the National Assembly, which has 336 total seats 70 have been reserved for women and nonMuslims. In the Balochistan provincial legislature, out of 65, 14 are reserved seats; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 30 reserved in the house of 145; Sindh has 38 reserved seats, while the total number is 168; Punjab has 371 seats out of which 74 are reserved.

PTI’s senior leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also told journalists in Islamabad that he feared there would be “horse-trading” as when his party’s candidates won, other political parties would poach them to strengthen their position.

This would be, as per some legal experts, legal as they will not be bound by party policy since they will be elected as independent

candidates and cannot be disqualified under Article 63-A (which deals with a party member’s defection).

PTI leader Gohar said when the February 8 elections are done, “we will not get reserved seats”.

“However, there is something: Once our candidates are elected, they can join us and we can reform our party.”

“So we will have three days after the elections. When they join us and tell [relevant authorities] that they have joined this party, we can get the reserved seats.”

When the anchorperson said this was a strategy that he shouldn’t have revealed on live television, he said: “This is our Plan C — to bring back the people [under one umbrella].” Barrister Muhammad Ahmed Pansota said that the political party is still intact, it is its symbol that has been taken away for the upcoming elections.

“So once the general as well as the intraparty elections take place, the party can always apply on the basis of their symbol for

the reserved seats. Also, if they join a political party, they can also get the reserved seats; it will be an interesting situation.”

02 NEWS

TAX AUTHORITIES COLLECT RS85B FROM NON-FILERS IN SIX MONTHS ACROSS TWO CATEGORIES

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024 | KARACHI

THIS SUBSTANTIAL REVENUE IS PREDOMINANTLY SOURCED FROM TWO CITIES, KARACHI AND LAHORE, ACCOUNTING FOR ALMOST 60% OF OVERALL COLLECTION PROFIT

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AKISTAN’S tax authorities have successfully collected Rs85 billion over six months from non-filers through taxes on cash withdrawals and electricity consumption.

This significant revenue mainly comes from the country’s two largest cities of the country, Karachi and Lahore, which contributed nearly 60% of the total collection.

The Pakistan Democratic Movement government implemented a 0.6% tax on cash withdrawals exceeding Rs50,000 by non-filers of income tax returns. Additionally, domestic electricity bills over Rs25,000

RDA sees 17pc rise in inflows, reaching $160m in December

per month for non-filers also attract a 7.5% withholding tax.

These measures have led to an increase in revenue collection, with Rs85 billion accumulated from July to December of the current fiscal year. This figure marks an increase of Rs27.5 billion compared to previous periods.

Despite these achievements, Pakistan’s tax base remains narrow, largely due to the focus on taxing non-filers rather than broadening the tax net. The government’s strategy, which has been in place for the past decade, has shown limited success in expanding the number of tax filers.

During the first half of this fiscal year, Rs15.2 billion was collected through the

0.6% tax on cash withdrawals, with Karachi and Lahore being the largest contributors.

This tax was first introduced by former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar during the PMLN’s 2013-18 tenure but had unintended consequences like increased cash circulation outside banks.

The currency in circulation saw a decrease during this period, attributed to highinterest rates and attractive returns on savings accounts. However, the FBR’s collection from smaller cities like Peshawar, Multan, Sargodha, and Sialkot was also notable.

An additional Rs69.4 billion was collected from electricity bills, showing a 22% increase due mainly to the hike in electricity prices. Lahore and Karachi were significant

contributors to this collection.

Facing the challenge to increase its tax base to 6.5 million filers by June as per commitments to the International Monetary

Torkham border trade halt continues amid Pakistan-Afghanistan visa dispute

PROFIT

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The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported a 17 percent increase in inflows through the Roshan Digital Account (RDA), with December figures reaching $160 million, compared to $137 million in November 2023.

Out of this amount, $7 million has been repatriated, and around $120 million has been used within the country, leaving a net repatriable liability of $34 million.

By the end of December, cumulative inflows through the RDA crossed the $7.2 billion mark.

The SBP noted an increase in the total number of RDA accounts, which rose to 651,057 from 640,875 at the end of November.

Further details from the SBP’s website revealed that the cumulative RDA inflow stood at $7.195 billion by the end of the previous month. Of this, $1.538 billion has been repatriated, and $4.442 billion has been utilized locally, resulting in a total net repatriable liability of $1.215 billion as of December end.

The breakdown of the total outstanding liability includes $786 million in Naya Pakistan Certificates, split between $331 million in conventional NPCs and $455 million in Islamic instruments. Additionally, ‘balances in accounts’ amounted to $375 million. The report also showed a slight monthly improvement in Roshan Equity Investments, totaling $30 million. The RDA has been a vital source of foreign exchange for Pakistan since its inception in September 2020. The initiative, launched by the SBP, offers up to 8% profit on investments in US dollars.

DISRUPTION STARTED ON SATURDAY WHEN PAKISTAN ENFORCED VISA REQUIREMENTS ON AFGHAN DRIVERS LACKING LEGAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

PROFIT

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Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan through the Torkham border has been suspended for a second consecutive day, following a failure to resolve visa restrictions on transporters from both countries.

Officials from the two nations met on Saturday but did not reach an agreement, with no vehicular traffic allowed across the border since then, although pedestrian movement remains open.

Customs officials at Torkham have reportedly advised local fruit dealers to

ANP drops Shagufta Malik from final list of electoral candidates

for local traders and transporters due to these restrictions.

Aimal Shinwari, the association’s president, highlighted the particular risk to fruit and vegetable exporters, whose perishable goods might spoil if not delivered timely.

The national exchequer is also reportedly losing millions of dollars daily due to halted customs clearance of import and export items. The sudden visa restriction implementation has led to border congestion, with many drivers unable to provide valid travel documents.

Sabir Khan, a local customs clearing agent, noted a surge in Pakistani exports, including cement, tractors, agricultural tools, vegetables, oranges, and various items, leading to traffic buildup on the Pakistan side of the border. He also mentioned that several Pakistani drivers were denied entry into Afghanistan following the new visa policy by Pakistan.

Several trailers and containers loaded with Pakistani goods are currently stranded, causing difficulties for transporters. Customs and security officials are reportedly in contact with higher authorities in Islamabad to resolve the visa issue for Afghan transporters swiftly.

return their goods to Peshawar, anticipating no immediate resolution to the visa issue.

The disruption started on Saturday when Pakistan enforced visa requirements on Afghan drivers lacking legal travel documents, leading to reciprocal actions from Afghan Taliban authorities at Torkham.

The standoff has also affected the Kharlaachi border crossing in Kurram, where Afghan authorities barred Pakistani drivers’ entry.

The Torkham Custom Clearing Agents Association has voiced concerns over significant financial losses

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, under 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 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, AND PA RESERVED SEATS CONCLUDES: Meanwhile, the Returning Officers have completed

PESHAWAR

Staff RepoRt

The Awami National Party (ANP) has dropped its leader Shagufta Malik from final list of the electoral candidates for February 8, 2024 general elections. The ANP taking back party ticket from the former MPA has nominated Nisbatullah as part candidate in the said constituency. Earlier, the party had nominated Shagufta Malik as its candidate from Khyber Assembly constituency PK-73 after which she started her election campaign but her name was missing in final list of the candidates. On the other hand, the party sources said that Shagufta herself returned the ticket as she was ANP candidate on National Assembly seats reserved for women.

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. It is pertinent to mention here that Section 206 of Elections Act, 2017 bounds every political party to award at least five per cent tickets to women for the general seats.

According to the Act, all political parties who are allotted symbols for the General Elections must comply with Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017 or else the ECP will take action against the party that in case of non-compliance.

ECC approves price hike for 220,000 MT of imported urea PROFIT

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The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has sanctioned an increase in the basket price of 220,000 metric tons of imported urea fertilizer.

The Ministry of Industries and Production, along with the National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML), has been directed to finalize the implementation specifics of this decision.

However, the ECC has refrained from involving itself in the urea distribution mechanism previously agreed upon between the Ministry of Industries and Production and local fertilizer manufacturers, as well as decisions made by the Apex Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). These matters will be reviewed by the Federal Cabinet in its next meeting for ratification.

The ECC’s decision follows earlier resolutions, including the Cabinet’s ratification of the November 23 decision allowing the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to import 220,000 metric tons of urea from SOCAR, Azerbaijan on a government-to-government basis. This import

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TOTAL COST FOR IMPORT OF 220,000 METRIC TONNES OF UREA IS ESTIMATED AT RS 27.489 BILLION BY TCP

was intended to meet domestic demand and stabilize urea prices in the country.

Regarding the subsidy on imported urea, it was initially decided that the burden would be shared by the provinces. The government of Punjab agreed to lift the imported urea, sharing the subsidy on a 50:50 basis with the federal government.

The Sindh government committed to lifting its share of 52,800 metric tons at full cost. However, responses from

Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are still pending.

The total cost for the import of 220,000 metric tons of urea is estimated at Rs 27.489 billion by TCP, with the landed price of a 50 kg urea bag estimated at Rs 6,248. Additional costs incurred by NFML, including transportation charges and storage, are approximately Rs 4.918 billion.

A meeting chaired by the caretaker Prime Minister on January 1, 2024,

which included all four Chief Ministers and federal ministers, led to key decisions: treating locally manufactured and imported urea as one basket, determining a price matrix for local urea manufacturers, and forming a committee to finalize an implementation mechanism with urea manufacturers.

The Apex Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFF) further discussed the disposal of imported urea and subsidy sharing. An agreement was reached wherein urea manufacturers would lift the imported urea and include all related costs in their prices, with payment to NFML expected within 45 days of product lifting.

The ECC, after thorough deliberation, observed that the inclusion of financing costs by fertilizer manufacturers on their entire production might lead to an increase in fertilizer prices in the country.

It was clarified that the financing cost would be charged only on the imported urea. The forum also agreed that NFML should determine the release price of imported urea, and no additional subsidy would be provided once the basket price mechanism is enforced.

Fund and the Special Investment Facilitation Council, the FBR’s count of filers stood at 3.6 million as of the end of December for the tax year 2023.

Despite immense pressure, standing firm with Imran Khan: Asad Qaiser SWABI

Staff RepoRt

In a resolute statement during a corner meeting in his constituency, Asad Qaiser, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Speaker of the National Assembly, revealed that he faced considerable pressure to leave the party. However, Qaiser asserted that the unwavering respect shown to him by Imran Khan has compelled him to stay loyal, stating, “I received attractive offers and encountered immense pressure to depart from PTI, but as a Swabi Pakhtun, I cannot abandon Imran Khan. I live and die with him.”

Addressing the crowd, Qaiser emphasized the power of the vote and the importance of decisions resting with the people. He stressed that the ultimate verdict would be made through the democratic process of voting, reaffirming his commitment to the party and its leader. In the backdrop of political developments, the Election Commission has allocated various symbols to key PTI candidates for the upcoming elections. Notable symbols include a ‘wheelchair’ for Imran Khan, a ‘racket’ for Salman Akram Raja, and a ‘cricket stump’ for Mian Azhar from NA-129.

Other symbols assigned include a ‘bottle’ for Shahryar Afridi, a ‘piala’ for Shandana Gulzar, and a ‘chamta’ for Mehr Banu Qureshi.

Shaukat Yousafzai received the symbol of a ‘racket,’ Zain Qureshi got ‘shoes,’ and Dr. Riaz Long obtained the ‘rocket’ symbol.

Additionally, various candidates from different constituencies were assigned symbols such as ‘dice,’ ‘letterbox,’ and ‘fridge.’ The Election Commission also disclosed symbols for PTI candidates in specific constituencies, with Meher Riaz Fatiana from NA-107 receiving a ‘chair,’ Ashfa Riaz Fatiana and Syeda Sonia Ali Raza Shah from PP-123 and PP-124 respectively being allotted the ‘bowl’ symbol.

Azhar Siddique from NA-122 secured the ‘medal,’ Latif Khosa received the ‘alphabet (K),’ and Afzal Azim Pahat was assigned ‘radio’ from NA-123. Sardar Azimullah from NA-124 obtained ‘ghari,’ while Zameer Ahmed received the symbol of a ‘dolphin,’ and Jameel Asghar Bhatti from NA-125 got the symbol of ‘dhool.’ As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming elections, these developments underscore the significance of party loyalty, individual choices, and the diverse symbols that will represent candidates in their electoral campaigns.

Quetta safe city project to be inaugurated in January QUETTA

Staff RepoRt

The Quetta Safe City Project has entered the final stage of completion which would be officially inaugurated by the end of January.

According to the plan, over 1400 IP cameras have been installed at 225 locations in Quetta city and an effective monitoring system has been established to restore peace. Under the leadership of Caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki, the caretaker provincial government has achieved another milestone of completion of the Quetta Safe City Project to provide security to the people. Quetta Safe City Project will play a key role in providing security to the citizens of the province. According to the Handouts issued here, the project consists of more than 1400 IP cameras at 255 key locations in Quetta City, with state-of-the-art surveillance systems. The state-of-the-art surveillance system will not only provide regional surveillance but also help law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace in the city. The officials of the Department of Science and Information Technology would provide assistance to make the project successful. The project is also equipped with excellent human resources and will be Pakistan’s first indigenously designed operational project that is coordinated with other law enforcement agencies to create a customized response and prompt action. Due to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies, it has been finalized since December 31, 2023, and will be officially launched at the end of this month.

SPEAKERS OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE CALL FOR FREE ACCESS TO SAFE WATER FOR ALL

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024 | KARACHI

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ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

HE speakers of national water conference including policymakers, researchers, farmers, and various stakeholders have unanimously called for the free availability of clean and safe water for everyone, coupled with sustainable usage for agricultural practices.

The conference titled: “Water, People, and Equity: Building a Better Future for All”, was organized by Indus Consortium, an organization dedicated to environmental and humanitarian causes, with the support of Oxfam and the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) at local hotel of Islamabad on Monday.

Representatives from academia, tail-end farmers, and government departments such as Indus River System Authority (IRSA), Sindh Water Sector and Barrage Improvement, Planning and Development (P&D), Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (SIDA), Punjab Irrigation and Drainage Authority (PIDA), and other stakeholders from across the country who participated in the conference, welcomed the Sindh Water Policy. They urged its swift implementation and expressed hopes for the development of sim-

China’s reopening border reflection of Pakistan’s good economy, experts say ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

China’s reopening its border reflection of Pakistan’s good economy. Looking back on the past year, one of the good things for Pakistan’s economy was that China reopened its border, which is good not only for Pakistan’s economy, but also for the global economy. This was stated

by Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, executive director of Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Pakistan and member of the Pakistan Climate Change Council said in an exclusive interview with China Economic Net (CEN).

“Take Pakistan as an example, as a close trade partner of China, Pakistan was able to increase its exports to China”, he added. In the 1st half of FY 2023-24 (July-December), Pakistan’s exports to China surged by 66.4%, reaching US$1.5458 billion, attesting to the tremendous potential of China as the second largest consumer market in the world. “I’m quite optimistic about China’s economy. The way it handles the risks in real estate has shown resilience. And the demand is there. As the Chinese economy is taking up, Pakistan, as with many other countries that are economically interrelated with China, would be able to get the benefit of it”, Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri told CEN. In his opinion, technological advancement, innovation, and the booming service sector are driving China’s economy and shaping its bright prospects. “If we look at the electric vehicles, Chinese automakers have been able to supply more new energy vehicles than Tesla”, he exemplified, adding that Pakistan can benefit from China’s renewable energy experience, by setting up joint ventures for example, to transition from a traditional economy to a climate-friendly and green economy. “For long, it was seen that going green would have a negative impact on growth. That hypothesis is no longer valid. Now, countries, aware that the cost of protection is high, have to go green”, he observed. “But the cost of transition is high. So at the multilateral level, we should keep talking about climate justice and the historical responsibility of advanced economies”, he suggested. At the bilateral level, he said Pakistan needs to strengthen its technological and financial cooperation with China to benefit from China’s experience in areas like climate-smart agriculture, digital technologies, big data and other smart practices. “By harmonizing standards on both sides, crossing language barriers, facilitating government operations, promoting business-to-business context and people-to-people relationship, bilateral exchanges can be further promoted”, he added.

ilar policies in other provinces, with a particular emphasis on Punjab.

The Sindh Water Policy, largely shaped by input from tail-end and women farmers, is mostly based on recommendation to the government by the Indus Consortium. The organization worked closely with farmer communities at three canals in Sindh and Punjab: Akram Wah in Sindh, and Dajal Canal and Rangpur Canals in Punjab.

The participants passionately demanded not only safe and free drinking water but also sustainable agricultural practices for farmers across the country.

Zarif Iqbal Khero, Chief Engineer, and Ex-Secretary Irrigation Sindh presented the session on Sindh Water Policy, the role of civil society and Indus Consortium, said that there was a programme for the implementation of the Sindh Water Policy and it would be improved. He said that sustainable management of water was a part of the policy.

He said Punjab was provided more water than its share in water accord while Sindh faced water scarcity issues. He said Punjab developed more canals and distributaries. e said Sindh had issues of sea intrusion as well, as there was the low discharge of water to Indus Delta. He suggested that indigenous people should be included in the policy-making and development processes.

Mehmood Nawaz Shah, President of the Sindh Abadgar Board, highlighted that the tailend issue wasn’t confined to distributary levels but extended to the provincial level, with Sindh suffering due to its position in the tailend. He stressed the importance of addressing three critical water-related issues: drinking water, irrigation water, and floodwater. Shah emphasized the need for strategic flood management and policy implementation.

Dr Shahid Maqsood Gill, member Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), presided over the second session on “Water for Climate, Resilience, and Environment.”

He emphasized the necessity of considering groundwater alongside surface water, noting excessive pumping in both Northern and Southern Punjab. Dr Gill advocated for policies that promote groundwater recharge and the mechanization of industrial water treatment.

Mohammad Ehsan Leghari, Member Sindh, Indus River System Authority (IRSA), highlighted the environmental and economic impact of discharging wastewater into fresh water. Leghari pointed out a yearly loss of $2 billion due to the unavailability of water in the Indus Delta, stressing the responsibility to treat wastewater before its introduction into the Indus.

Dr Rasool Bux Mahar, Vice Chancellor

of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology and Skill Development (BBSUTSD), discussed the contamination of ground and surface waters. He suggested utilizing treated wastewater for industries, emphasizing natural methods of treatment.

Nazeer Ahmed Memon, Project Coordinator Directorate of Sindh Water Sector and Barrages Improvement, Government of Sindh, acknowledged the Indus Consortium’s contributions to water governance reflected in the Sindh Water Policy draft. He urged urgent action against climate change, emphasizing the limited time available.

Asim Jaffry, Country Program Lead at Fair Finance Pakistan, spoke about the inadequacy of climate financing related to water issues. He criticized the lack of commitment from wealthy nations in fulfilling their promises, stating that only 3 percent of climate financing addresses water-related concerns despite 90 percent of climate issues being water-related.

Dr. Ghulam Zakir Hassan Sial, Director IRI, Irrigation Department, Govt. of Punjab Lahore, discussed the complexities of managing groundwater resources within geological boundaries.

JUI-F calls for heightened security measures amid life threats PESHAWAR

STAFF REPORT

Following the apprehension by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of two potential bombers plotting an attack on JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Awami National Party chief Aimal Wali Khan, the JUI-F has formally conveyed its apprehensions to relevant authorities, including the top electoral body, through a letter. The letter highlights the concerns about potential terrorist threats to the leadership of JUI-F. Hence, the party demanded, that security for the JUI-F leadership should be enhanced during the election campaign.

A senior Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police official told the publication that they had not received any instructions to provide security to a specific personality, however, they had beefed up security for those facing any kind of threat.

The senior police officer said the JUI-F leadership had approached the ECP for added security after two wouldbe bombers planning to attack leaders of JUI and ANP were held. The official said adequate security had also been provided to the leadership of other po-

litical parties in KP. On January 3, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police had issued a security advisory and threat alert to former federal minister for communications Maulana Asad Mahmood asking him to remain on high alert and keep his movement limited. The advisory notice said that there were reports of possible terrorist attacks on Fazl’s son Maulana Asad or his residence and advised him to avoid public gatherings and unnecessary travel besides keeping his movement secret and limited.

The CTD on January 12 arrested two alleged would-be suicide bombers sent to attack Fazlur Rehman and Aimal

Wali Khan.

An official of the CTD told reporters that both the terrorists were arrested during two separate operations from the outskirts of Peshawar. Two suicide jackets, hand grenades, 9mm pistols and terrorism related literature was recovered from them.

The held terrorists were identified as Adil Khan from Matani and Tahir Khan from Landikotal. The official said the held terrorists were members of Daesh and were trained across the border in Paktia, Afghanistan, in June 2023.

“They had planned to carry out attacks on senior politicians and for that reason the held terrorists had visited the Mufti Mahmood Markaz in Peshawar a few times to know about the routes and schedule of politicians,” he added.

The authorities had last month alerted the police across the country to further improve the security of two senior politicians from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after reports of threats to their lives. In the threat alert, the chief secretaries and police chiefs of the provinces were asked to take adequate measures for Fazl and Aimal Wali Khan’s security.

PID stimulates electoral understanding among masses via awareness campaigns ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Press Information Department (PID) was dedicated to stimulate electoral understanding among the masses regarding February 8, 2024 general elections by holding awareness campaigns.

In this regard, the PID has already launched a series of seminars to ensure active civic engagement and participation in the electoral process and elections slated for February 8.

According to the PID, the stakeholders being invited to the seminars included representatives from mainstream political parties, the Election Commission of Pakistan, media, academia, civil society and the general public.

These seminars would serve as a platform to educate citizens on the im-

portance of voting, the electoral system, and the role of elected representatives, it added.

The PID said, “By fostering public awareness, the seminars seek to empower individuals to make informed decisions, ultimately contributing to a more robust and accountable democratic system.”

On January 11, the PID organized its first seminar titled ‘Pakistan elections 2024: The Economic Reforms Agenda of Political Parties’ here at a local hotel in Islamabad which had across-the-board representation from the stakeholders.

According to the PID, the spotlight was on the economic reform agendas presented by political parties of Pakistan gearing up for the 2024 elections.

“The electorate is keenly interested

in the economic visions put forth by diverse political entities and this exploration aims to provide a concise overview of the economic landscapes envisioned by the key players in Pakistan’s political arena.”

For general public knowledge, it is informed that the PID had planned three more seminars here in the Capital city on different topics. The second seminar titled ‘Changing Landscape of Pakistani Electorate and Role of Political Parties in Fair Representation’ will be held on January 18, while the third one on the Electoral Code of Conduct: Ethical Practices of Stakeholders Including Media is planned for January 25.

The seminar titled ‘Political Participation and Empowerment of Youth, Women, Transgender, and Cultural Minorities will be held on February 1.

The conference featured other speakers as well such as Liaqat Ali, Board Chairman Indus Consortium, Hussain Jarwar, CEO Indus Consortium, Dr Abdul Wahab Siyal, National Coordinator (Water Resources) PARC, Dr Ismail Kumbhar of Agriculture University Tandojam PARC, Ms Humaira Jehanzeb, Team Lead of Living Indus Initiative, Obhayo Panhwar, a tail-end farmer from Badin, Ms Zarin Gul Bibi, a woman farmer from Layyah, and Jamshaid Farid, Chairperson of READY Pakistan.

In his opening remarks, Iqbal Hyder, Executive Director of Laar Humanitarian Development Programme (LHDP) Badin, highlighted the positive impact of Indus Consortium’s efforts in transferring technical knowledge to growers in Akram Wah, Dajal Canal, and Rangpur Canal. He stressed the need for policy implementation.

Eng. Ghulam Mustafa Ujjan, General Manager Transition Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (SIDA), Mustafa Talpur, Asia Regional Head of Advocacy and Campaigns at OXFAM International, and Fiza Naz Qureshi, Program Policy Officer (Gender, Disability & Protection) at UNWFP moderated the session.

PNCF, LPC sign MoU for welfare of journalists community

LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The MoU signing ceremony between Private Nursing Colleges Federation and Lahore Press Club was held on Monday in a local hotel. In the ceremony, Patron-in-Chief of Private Nursing Colleges Federation Mehmood Sadiq, President Nadeem Pal, Dr. Sania Khera, Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, Secretary Zahid Abid, Senior Vice President Shiraz Hasnat, Vice President Amjad Usmani and all members of the governing body participated.Arshad Ansari, while thanking the officials of the Private Nursing Colleges Federation, said that it is a very welcome thing for the children of journalists that they will be able to get nursing education at a low cost. He said that the profession of nursing deserves high respect and it is a field in which there are job opportunities even today.Dr. Sania Khera said that serving humanity is the mission of her federation and under this mission she is here today. He said that he and his team will also organize a medical camp in Lahore Press Club every month.On this occasion, a luncheon was also organized in honor of the newly elected body of Lahore Press Club. The ceremony ended. Shields were also presented to the newly elected officials.

Shalimar Express’ carriages derail near Bin Qasim KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

The Shalimar Express en route to Lahore encountered an incident on Monday as three carriages of the train derailed near Bin Qasim Town in Karachi. No injuries were reported in the incident. According to the railway officials, the relief operation was started immediately, and passengers were transferred to Karachi’s Cantt Station. Affected passengers will be accommodated aboard the Karachi Express.

CPEC emerges as a key driver of all-round developments in Pakistan ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) emerges as a key driver of transformative and all-round developments in Pakistan, with several groundbreaking initiatives poised to redefine fresh face of progress and growth in the year 2024.

A highlight among these is the MainlineI (ML-I) project, set to commence early in the year, representing a monumental leap in rail infrastructure. The two-phase plan involves laying a 930-kilometer rail track from Karachi to Multan in the first phase, addressing infrastructure damaged by the 2022 floods. Subsequently, the second phase extends the rail track from Multan to Peshawar, aligning with future demands, according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Monday.

In parallel, the inauguration of Gwadar International Airport is expected in mid 2024.

Spanning 4,300 acres, this airport boasts a runway accommodating large aircraft and a modern terminal building. With an estimated cost of $246 million, its completion will not only mark a new era for air travel in Pakistan but also solidifies the enduring partnership

between China and Pakistan.

In 2024, CPEC is set to achieve notable milestones other than the groundbreaking of ML-1 in the realm of transportation infrastructure, contributing to enhanced connectivity and economic development. The completion or significant progress of several key projects is anticipated to reshape the region’s transportation landscape. The ZhobQuetta (Kuchlak) (N-50) project, spanning 305 km, promises to improve connectivity between Zhob and Quetta, facilitating smoother movement of goods and people. Likewise, Khuzdar-Basima Road (N-30), covering a distance of 106 km, is expected to enhance accessibility and connectivity in Khuzdar.

The Hoshab-Awaran Road Section (M8) project, stretching over 146 km, will contribute to the development of infrastructure in Awaran, fostering economic growth.

Additionally, KKH Alternate Route Shandur-Chitral Road, spanning 153 km, holds the promise of improved connectivity and accessibility to the picturesque Chitral region. The completion or progress of the Nokundi-Mashkhel Road, covering 103 km, will bolster transportation links in Nokundi and Mashkhel, promoting economic activi-

ties in these regions.

As these projects advance, they not only signify improvements in transportation but also reflect the broader impact of CPEC in fostering economic development, regional integration, and connectivity throughout Pakistan. CPEC has played a pivotal role in propelling social and economic development in Pakistan, and there are high expectations for significant advancements in various ongoing projects in the year of 2024.

One noteworthy endeavor is China-Pakistan Joint Agricultural Technology Laboratory, poised to make strides in enhancing agricultural practices through collaborative research.

The provision of agricultural equipment and tools is anticipated to witness notable progress, contributing to productivity in the agricultural sector. The commitment to advancing the country’s academic infrastructure is exemplified by the establishment of smart classrooms for higher education. Furthermore, the targeted maintenance and renovation efforts focusing on 50 schools in newly merged districts are expected to make substantial headway in improving educational facilities.

The deployment of solar-powered lighting equipment aligns with sustainable energy

goals, while the overseas student scholarship program signals continued dedication to human capital development.

In the healthcare sector, the expected progress in providing medical equipment and materials, along with the ongoing Gwadar hospital project, underscores the focus on healthcare improvements.

Initiatives like Brightness Journey in Pakistan, coupled with projects addressing drinking water equipment and Gwadar Desalination Plant, are poised to meet crucial needs of the population. Lastly, Gwadar Vocational and Technical Project aims to equip local workforce with essential skills for the evolving job market. Together, these initiatives under CPEC reflect a comprehensive approach to fostering social progress and economic prosperity in Pakistan, with a focus on anticipated developments in 2024.

In 2024, CPEC is poised to initiate a range of projects, furthering its commitment to comprehensive development in Pakistan.

Among these ventures, China-Pakistan Joint Agricultural Demonstrations stand out, signaling advancements in agricultural practices through collaborative showcases. Bacterial Grass (JunCao) Technology Training and Pro-

motion Project aims to disseminate innovative agricultural techniques, contributing to sustainable farming methods. Pakistan Agricultural Vocational Training-Initiative is set to equip individuals with the skills necessary for a thriving agricultural sector. Moreover, the provision of teaching equipment for primary and secondary schools underscores a dedication to enhancing the education system.

The establishment of burn centers reflects a focus on healthcare infrastructure, addressing critical needs in emergency medical services. China-Pak Joint Telemedicine Network and Medical Emergency Center in Balochistan represents significant strides in healthcare accessibility and emergency response capabilities. Rural Poverty Reduction Joint Research Project highlights efforts to uplift marginalized communities through targeted research and interventions. Cooperative Project with Pak-Austria Fachhochule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology exemplifies international collaboration for educational advancement, fostering expertise and knowledge exchange. Lastly, Punjab-Tianjin University of Technology Project is expected to contribute to technological innovation and academic excellence.

04 COMMENT

On knowledge and wisdom

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

A hundred days in

“N

No end in sight

o one will stop us, not The Hague, not the axis of evil and not anyone else.” The words uttered by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in an address coinciding with 100 days of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza after the Hamas attacks of the 7th of October, 2023.

If a scriptwriter had written these lines, they would have been sent back, because of how cartoonishly villainous they sound. Yet, they have been uttered quite openly, and amplified by the Zionist state’s PR machine the world over.

It is not just those shameful words that have been broadcast giddily. Scores of statements made by politicians, military leaders and videos of troops going into ‘battle’ in Gaza, have not just been circulated worldwide, but also used by South Africa in its case in the International Court of Justice against Israel.

If there is one thing that remains true from day one to day one hundred, it is that Israel does not have even the semblance of adherence to international law when it comes to its current onslaught.

The Occupation has dropped 65,000 tonnes of explosives on an open air prison that is 41 kilometres long and 12 kilometres wide. It has killed 24,000 human beings, many of them children, including ones in hospital.

Though the passage of a hundred days may be symbolic, the onslaught does not seem to show any signs of slowing down. It is an expensive campaign, with the Occupation spending not just money and human resources but also considerable political capital, with many of the fence-sitters coming round to not just asking for a ceasefire but viewing the entire issue in a different light to begin with.

So why does the Zionist state keep at it? If we were to discount the false flag conspiracy theory, then it should be kept in mind that the attacks were quite emasculating for such a security state. The much fawned over Iron Dome was breached and kids, basically, conducted a complex set of operations whose chatter, as it were, was not picked up

by Mossad.

It needs big targets, to convey to its people a sense of closure, an achievement. But there is nothing, really, that can do the trick. How many more childrens’ hospitals can it bomb?

It has gotten berserk. There is no greater comment on the myth of the ‘international community’ than what is happening in Palestine right now.

These critics have a point; endorsed by And where philosophy fits in the picture hair-splitting. no less than Alfred Whitehead (a philosopher of no

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HASAN AFTAB SAeed

S philosophy an activity justifiably associated with the best minds or is it only a dignified way of wasting time and energy? Is it a useful exercise or a mere hobby for those with nothing better to do? The answers to these questions can be in the affirmative as well as in the negative depending on what one means by the word ‘philosophy’. Those who do not appreciate the use of the word in distinct shades tend to accuse those who do of having an ambivalent, sometimes even a contradictory, stance on philosophy. This author has frequently found himself on the receiving end of this accusation; quite unfairly so, as he proposes to demonstrate in what follows.

Take professional philosophers first, who are considered by many to be the wisest of human beings, capable of a level of intellectual activity beyond the wildest dreams of the ordinary mortals. It is in this spirit that Ludwig Wittgenstein had asked Bertrand Russell to help him decide whether his intellect was first-rate (in which case he should pursue philosophy) or just average (in which case he should devote himself to the less mentally demanding field of aeronautical engineering instead). Russell told Wittgenstein that he could only advise him one way or the other after he had read something penned by the latter. Wittgenstein apparently wrote something in response to this, which he sent back for Rusell’s perusal. Russell is on record that the very first sentence was enough to tell him that Wittgenstein’s was an intellect of the highest order, which he ought to dedicate to the service of philosophy. It is hardly surprising that, as a group, professional philosophers have always had a rather high assessment of their intelligence. But they are also considered by many others, who do not answer to the description of philosophers, to be the embodiment of wisdom and grey matter.

Yet, at the same time there is no dearth of those who view professional philosophers as those who lack common sense; the ‘professor’ types who are rarely good at anything practical; those who tend to forget when and where they last placed their reading glasses. This is a bunch, they claim, that is either still trying to settle (in vain) the issues that their colleagues took up twenty-five hundred years ago or (worse) have given them up as unsolvable, turning their attention progressively to increasingly trivial

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

India: Terror state Yousaf Nizami

Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi Joint Editor

Executive Editor

History of the rogue state’s interference

O

Amjed jAAved

UR prime minister has lamented how India stokes terrorism in Pakistan.

India equates the freedom movement in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir with “terrorism”. She keeps mum about how it armed and trained Mukti Bahini terrorists in erstwhile East Pakistan.

Indira Gandhi urged the army chief Gen Sam Maneckshaw to rush the invasion of East Pakistan. But, Maneckshaw delayed the invasion until the monsoon was over. RAW officer B. Raman, in his book The Kaoboys of R&AW makes no bones about India’s involvement up to the level of prime minister in East Pakistan’s insurgency.

In a published letter, RAW officer RK Yadav made a startling revelation that India’s prime minister Indira Gandhi, parliament, RAW and armed forces acted in tandem to dismember Pakistan. The confessions in his letter are corroborated by B. Raman’s book The Kaoboys of R&AW:Down Memory Lane. He reminds `Indian parliament passed resolution on March 31, 1971 to support insurgency (terrorism from Pak angle). Indira Gandhi had then confided with Kao that in case Mujib was prevented from ruling Pakistan, she would liberate East Pakistan from the clutches of the military junta.

Kao, through one RAW agent, hijacked a Fokker Friendship, the Ganga, of Indian Airlines hijacked from Srinagar to Lahore to block Pak flights to East Pakistan.’

Amar Bhushan in his book Terror in Islamabad reveals how he brazenly violated norms of diplomatic immunity to complete his missions. Bhushan happened to have served as a diplomat at the Indian High Commission Islamabad. Before being posted to Islamabad, Bhushan had served as an officer of India’s premier intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing, Border Security Force Intelligence, and State Special Branch for a quarter of a century. His book mentions another RAW officer disguised as a diplomat. Amit Munshi (real name Veer Singh) posted as Cultural Attache.

Indian ambassador Bharath Raj Muthu Kumar, with the consent of then Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh, secretly coordinated military and medical assistance to the Alliance via Tajikistan air base Farkhor (How India

secretly armed Afghanistan’s Northern Alliance.

Former envoy has a word of caution on Delhi’s role in a post-U.S. Kabul. The Hindu 1 September 2019). The support involved helicopters, ordnance, mortars, small armaments, refurbished Kalashnikovs seized in Kashmir, combat and winter clothes, packaged food, medicines, and funds. These supplies were delivered circuitously with the help of other countries (Aeini and Farkhor air bases in Tajikistan) or through Massoud’s brother in London, Wali Massoud. India opened four consulates at Kandahar, Jalalabad, Herat, and Mazar-e-Sharif, besides its embassy at Kabul.

India established a Free Balochistan office in New Delhi under Naila Baloch. The inauguration was attended by many Indian government/intelligence officers.

India’s Northern Army Commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi alleged that the Indian army had killed five terrorists who were in fact Pakistani soldiers. As if in delirium tremens, he had earlier yelled, “As far as the Indian Army is concerned, it will carry out any order given by the Government of India [to annex Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan “ .

His statement is a sycophantic follow-up to a similar statement by India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh “of taking back PoK”. Besides Rajnath many other Indian leaders including Bipen Rawat, Ajit Doval and Narendra Modi have made provocative statements about AK and GB. In 1994, India’s Lok Sabha (house of people) passed a resolution under the then prime minister Narasimha Rao. The resolution stated that AJK and GB are an integral part of India by virtue of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India.

India treacherously annexed over 500 other princely state by hook or by crook. For instance, Junagadh annexation is still an unresolved item on the UN agenda.

Dwivedi means ‘one who knows two vedas’. In Sanskrit, Dvi means ‘two’ and Vedi

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mean pedigree himself), who observed that all of Western Philosophy was but a footnote to Plato. It is also true that philosophy as a discipline has had to lose ground continuously; first giving up trying to figure out the riddle of existence, then the problem of knowledge, contenting itself with the question of language for a while, before finally settling for the post-modernism mumbo-jumbo. So much for professional philosophy.

There is, however, a very different shade in which the word is used, that is philosophy in the broader sense. In this shade, everybody ought to be a philosopher. Every thoughtful man, at any rate, is. A philosopher in this sense is a sensible, pragmatic and phlegmatic individual. He subscribes to a consistent world-view and is not given to whims and lights of fantasy. In the face of anything that life throws his way, he remains as equanimous as is humanly possible. He is neither depressed when things do not go his way, nor is overjoyed when he happens to find success. He accepts his mistakes and focuses on correcting his course of action instead of blaming everybody else. When he finds himself in a hole, he stops digging. He is reasonable and responsible enough to be mindful of the consequences of his thoughts and acts. He knows that while logic is a great tool to highlight any contradictions in his analysis, it can never bring in any new information. He realizes that knowledge beyond reasonable doubt is the highest a man could aim for, and that it is futile to run after certainties in anything outside mathematics. Could anything be more precious than the gift of philosophy in this sense? A philosophical man is therefore no doubt a wise man.

What about professional philosophers though?

No doubt, they have a lot of information about many things. But are they truly as enlightened as some believe them to be? Returning to Wittgenstein and his first line that had so impressed Russell, in case you were wondering as this author did for a long time.

The author is a connoisseur of music, literature, and food (but not drinks). He can be reached at www.facebook.com/hasanaftabsaeed

What about professional philosophers though? No doubt, they have a lot of information about many things. But are they truly as enlightened as some believe them to be? Returning to Wittgenstein and his first line that had so impressed Russell, in case you were wondering as this author did for a long time.

Unfortunately, Russell took that secret to his grave. One can, however, imagine what that could have been like by considering the very first line of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus – the first (and the only) work Wittgenstein published in his lifetime.

means ‘to see’. Therefore, a Dwivedi is one with ‘two-fold vision’, or someone who is able to distinguish between right and wrong. The general’s statement reflects that he has purblind vision, not seeing consequences of a war between two nuclear armed neighbours.

Victory in case of a nuclear confrontation will, at best, be pyrrhic.

Dwivedi appears to have been infatuated by provision of K9-Vajra self-propelled howitzer (50 mile range) being manufactured by Larsen and Toubro in Gujarat. China has already provided Pakistan with similar howitzers to neutralize India’s fire power (China supplies mounted howitzers to Pak to maintain arms parity with India, Hindustan Times Jan 27, 2022). Dwivedi appears to be oblivious of facts about Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. On November 1, 1947, the governor of Gilgit, Brig Ghansara Singh surrendered to the Gilgit Scouts and signed an instrument of surrender on November 3, 1947. The people of the region proclaimed Gilgit as part of Pakistan and hoisted Pakistan’s flag. Skardu was liberated after about a year on August 14, 1948, when Lt Col Thapa of 6th Jammu and Kashmir infantry along with 250 soldiers surrendered to liberation forces.

Historian Yousaf Saraf if of the view that Gilgit –Baltistan is a part of Azad Kashmir as is evident from Accord signed between AK and Pakistan government. Sartaj Aziz committee recommended to the federal government to make Gilgit-Baltistan a full-fledged province with representation in both the houses of parliament.

CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS: India’s foreign policy is based on Chanakyan principle mach nyaya, that is the ‘way of the fish’. That is to say big fish eats the small one. Modi is convinced that his electoral achievements are due to his Macho (strongman) image. protesting. He trumpets his “surgical strikes”, celebrates “Kargil victory”, and anti-Muslim citizenship laws.

The writer is a freelance journalist, has served in the Pakistan government for 39 years and holds degrees in economics, business administration, and law. He can be reached at amjedjaaved@gmail.com

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Unfortunately, Russell took that secret to his grave.

One can, however, imagine what that could have been like by considering the very first line of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus – the first (and the only) work Wittgenstein published in his lifetime. The statement reads: ‘The world is everything that is the case.’ The next six statements are these: ‘The world is the totality of facts, not of things.’ ‘The world is determined by the facts, and by their being all the facts.’ ‘For the totality of facts determines what is the case, and also whatever is not the case.’ ‘The facts in logical space are the world.’ ‘The world divides into facts.’ ‘Each item can be the case or not the case while everything else remains the same.’ He goes on, but you get the picture. So, are professional philosophers so wise and intelligent after all? Well, you decide!

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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

The greenhouse effect

I wish to draw attention to a paramount issue causing numerous hardships worldwide, one that is often overlooked—the greenhouse effect. People subject themselves to various circumstances and difficulties by ignoring and neglecting this significant challenge. The primary contributors to the greenhouse effect are our own activities, including the use of fire, gases, liquids, and more. While the impact is felt significantly in Pakistan, its effects are paramount on a global scale and in the realm of globalisation.

Regrettably, the world’s economic and political systems have failed to address this alarming matter. Therefore, I implore the relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action against this prevalent and critical issue.

JIHAND SABIR KARACHI

Mastung needs fundamentals

RECENTLY, I visited Mastung, a district in the Kalat division, situated in the northwest of Balochistan, approximately 50.7 km from the capital.

Mastung is one of the most beautiful cities in Balochistan, renowned for its delectable cakes (Mastungi Cake). However, like other parts of the province, it faces numerous issues. Gas load shedding during harsh weather, with temperatures dropping between 3°C to -4°C, poses a serious challenge. Due to poor gas pressure, residents are struggling to warm up themselves to combat the freezing cold, disrupting daily life and impacting routine household activities. Frosty weather could be life-threatening due to inadequate gas pressure. Tragically, some have lost their beloved ones as a result of freezing temperatures. While elites shift towards warmer regions of the country in the cold months, ordinary people find themselves in the distress of gas load shedding, significantly altering their way of life.

Despite frequent protests, the problem persists, highlighting the apparent apathy and failure of relevant authorities in supplying fundamental rights.

Instead of overlooking the matter, they should take appropriate steps to ensure the region has adequate gas pressure.

MUHAMMAD SAQIB HUB CITY

Smog saviour

MOST of the cities in Punjab, especially Lahore, have been under the worst smog for the last few months, paralysing the entire system of life. Every second person is suffering from respiratory, throat, stomach, and eye disorders. Due to this, educational institutions had to be closed several times.

The cure for smog is rain, which was not happening naturally.

However, due to the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, with the support of the United Arab Emirates, artificial rain was successfully tested for the first time in Pakistan.

This reduced the smog in several areas of Lahore. Alhamdulillah, the first artificial rain has occurred in Pakistan. In the first mission, 48 fire flares were fired for cloud seeding in the morning, and the second artificial rain mission started after some time. Thanks to this, it rained around Shahdara and Muridke because the required clouds and wind were present. Afterward, artificial rain fell in about ten areas of Lahore. The Government of Punjab did not spend any money, and they are thankful to the United Arab Emirates.

Their entire team has been present in Pakistan for the last fortnight to make artificial rain. The main aim was to make it rain so that the smog settles down. According to the Chief Minister, the result of the second artificial rain mission will be clear by tonight. The Chief Minister rightly said that “saving people’s lives is important, not saving money.” The successful experiment of artificial rain is undoubtedly a milestone. Human life is more important than anything, and now we should also start using modern technology.

AMIN WASTOO HOSHAB

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

Unrealistic pledges Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

Holding political parties to account

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mAlik muHAmmAd ASHrAF

VER since the SC ordered ECP to hold general elections on 8th February, the political parties are feverishly engaged in forming alliances, wheeling and dealing as well as deliberating on their election manifestoes.

However none of the party leaders has been as active as Bilawal Bhutto. He has been going around the country addressing conventions of the party workers and giving hopes for a prosperous future under the PPP regime while having a swipe at the old politicians and their traditional methods to play power politics. PML (N) headed by Nawaz Sharif is probably launching its elections campaign from 15th of January.

While PML (N) and most of other parties are yet to unfurl their manifestoes, Bilawal Bhutto has already announced ten-point election manifesto to solicit public mandate. It is quite ambitious programme aimed at attracting the attention of the poor masses which form majority of the registered voters. While one cannot doubt the pro-poor credentials of Pakistan Peoples Party I honestly feel that some of the pledges made are unrealistic to say the least considering the febrile state of the economy and the unfavourable global economic environment pivotal to propelling the conceived economic recovery.

The promises to provide 300 units of electricity to poor families free of cost, building 30-lakh housing units for homeless people across the country, doubling the salary of the government employees, providing free and quality education to the people across the country and world-class health facilities for all, though sound very pleasant to the ears but the problem is that the country

does not have the kind of resources to implement these programmes as it would require billions and billions of dollars which a country like Pakistan faced with extreme financial crunch simply cannot muster over the next five years even if the PPP wins the elections and forms government at the centre and some of the provinces as being envisaged by the PPP Wizards. His promise to tackle inflation through poverty alleviation programme is also not convincing because he did not elaborate the measures that would be taken to alleviate poverty. However the issuance of Kisan cards to farmers for providing subsidy directly to them, provision of youth cards and expansion in the Benazir Income Support programme can be fulfilled without much hassle.

PTI had promised to build five million houses and creating ten million jobs but nothing is on the ground except the propaganda that was done unabashedly during its three and half years rule. I am sure other parties including PML (N) would also announce over-ambitious manifestos to win public franchise without ever explaining from where the funds would come to implement the pledges. The PML (N) leadership is trying to give the impression that it is the only

hope for reversing the worst ever economic decline and bringing relief to the masses. It is a very general kind of narrative. Indications are that the PML (N) will also come up with an overambitious manifesto to lure the masses. The poor masses always get duped by leaders of the political parties.

The leaders can announce manifestos without any fear of having to unravel the resources required to implement those agendas and the avenues to generate those funds. The dilemma is that there is no system in place in the country to check the veracity of the claims that the parties and their leaders make at the time of elections. In USA the presidential candidates confront each other regarding

PTI had promised to build five million houses and creating ten million jobs but nothing is on the ground except the propaganda that was done unabashedly during its three and half years rule. I am sure other parties including PML (N) would also announce overambitious manifestos to win public franchise without ever explaining from where the funds would come to implement the pledges. The PML (N) leadership is trying to give the impression that it is the only hope for reversing the worst ever economic decline and bringing relief to the masses.

their suggested manifestos and the sources from where they would muster the required finances. It helps the public to evaluate the veracity of their programmes and make informed choices.

It is a painful reality of Pakistan that political power is monopolized by the elitist classes. The archaic colonial system of governance which has inbuilt avenues corruption and promotes a culture of entitlement makes it possible for them to maintain their strangle-hold on power.

Since 1958 Pakistan has gone 23 times to the IMF for bail-out packages and almost all regimes during this time have been availing it. This in itself explodes the myth of the claims of economic development and progress made by the rulers from every convenient roof-top. They all are demagogues of the fist order and have a common cause in perpetuating the system that serves their vested interests. The poor masses have been only fed on false promises. The monopoly of the elitist classes on political power is the bane of socio-economic development of the country and ever-growing poverty. Presently 40% of the population is living below the poverty line.

Elections no doubt are absolutely essential to elect a representative government and to strengthen democracy. But the way they are held in Pakistan presents no hope of ever changing the fortune of the poor masses. In Pakistan even the elected leaders have been acting as dictators due to power politics.

Another outcome of the power politics is that parties losing the elections have never accepted the results and their priority invariably has been to pull down the government instead of focusing on serving the national interests by playing their role as a responsible opposition. The country is

Since 1958 Pakistan has gone 23 times to the IMF for bail-out packages and almost all regimes during this time have been availing it. This in itself explodes the myth of the claims of economic development and progress made by the rulers from every convenient roof-top. going to polls on 8th February and there are already voices expressing doubts about fairness of the polls and some political parties are also persistently crying hoarse to rub in the notion that they are not being provided the level playing field and allegedly efforts are afoot to bring a particular party into power for the fourth time.

Under the circumstances it is feared that election result like always will be disputed and the country will remain embedded into perennial political instability. I think the politicians need to change their attitude and conduct and give priority to the national interests which are without doubt contingent upon political stability in the country.

The country is in dire straits at the moment. There is a need for collective efforts and wisdom to winch it out of the quagmire it is stuck into due to he shenanigans of the rulers, more so the politicians. They learn from the past mistakes, respect the elections results and refrain from destabilizing the incumbent government and allow it to complete its mandated tenure. That is the only way the country can move forward and deal with the challenges confronting the country for the last more than seventy five years. We do need a break from the unenviable past. If the politicians fail to grasp the urgency to rectify their follies they might become irrelevant to the political landscape of the country because the masses are fed up with their hollow claims and slogans.

Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic. He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail.com.

‘Animal’ and the cultural politics of Myanmar’s military junta is losing power Muslim demonisation in Bollywood

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PROJECT SYNDICATE

THiTiNAN PoNgSudHirAk

s autocratic leaders gain influence, if not power, in more countries than proponents of democracy care to count, Myanmar is a remarkable exception: its military junta appears untenable. In fact, Myanmar’s people are putting their lives on the line to break the generals’ grip on power and reclaim their future.

After nearly a half-century of military dictatorship, starting in 1962, a decade of political liberalization, economic reform and development progress followed, lasting from 2011 until 2021. But Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seized power from Myanmar’s re-elected civilian government on February 1, 2021, triggering a civil war in which young people, ethnicminority armies, civilian leaders, and a defiant population have been fighting the regime. More recently, resistance forces — waging what they now call a “revolution” — have scored a series of battlefield victories, turning the tide of the conflict.

But it is one thing to defeat Myanmar’s military; it is quite another to reconstitute a viable pluralistic state with popular legitimacy in an ethnically fractious country. Moreover, Myanmar’s deadly internal conflict could drag on for months as the military makes its last stand around major cities and towns, including the capital of Nay Pyi Taw, relying on air power, armor, and artillery to survive.

The junta appears more vulnerable than ever. The formerly 500,000-strong military currently stands at around 150,000 troops or fewer and is severely overstretched. Widely known as one of the world’s most battle-hardened armed forces, having fought for decades against militias raised by autonomy-seeking ethnic minorities, the military picked the wrong target this time. To subdue national protests in the weeks following the coup, government soldiers turned their guns on their own people, indiscriminately killing hundreds of ordinary Burmese. Popular anger swelled.

The resistance has been largely led by Burmese young people who came of age during a period of openness, improved living standards, and rising expectations. Organized into People’s Defense Force units nationwide, they initially took up homemade arms and other rudimentary weapons, but later aligned with and received arms and training from ethnic militias, formally known as the Ethnic Armed Organizations. Operating in coordination

with the civilian-led National Unity Government, the EAOs and PDF squads have used guerrilla tactics as well as conventional warfare to attack regime forces. Just a year after the coup, the war had reached a stalemate.

But the determined resistance has increasingly gained the upper hand, as military brutality and outright barbarism provoked a nationwide revolt against the junta, with a vast majority of Myanmar’s diverse population taking part. After being attacked on all fronts, the army has been running out of recruits, reinforcements, and supplies, and faces plummeting morale.

The point of no return was reached just over two months ago, when the Brotherhood Alliance, comprising the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and the Arakan Army, conducted Operation 1027.

Their coordinated offensive in the northern state of Shan, which borders China, seized two dozen towns and hundreds of military outposts. Assisted by other EAOs and resistance columns from the states of Kayah, Chin, Rakhine, and Kachin, and from the Magway and Sagaing regions, this battlefield breakthrough underscored the military’s weakness and boosted the confidence of resistance forces. It now seems like only a matter of time before the junta is toppled.

But while the revolution against Myanmar’s military dictatorship will likely succeed, the resistance is far from unified. The EAOs are a motley collection of traditional adversaries united mainly by their opposition to central authority, while the young people fighting in the PDF units lack experience in government and coalition building. For its part, the NUG is inchoate and has yet to produce a convincing leadership.

Kicking out Min Aung Hlaing and his military cronies is only half the battle. The other — and more important — half is moving from a successful rebellion to a workable power-sharing system requiring significant compromises by all sides. It will not be easy to recapture the spirit of Myanmar’s decade-long experiment with democracy led by the reform-minded General Thein Sein and Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, now a tarnished icon.

But it would be a shame if, after winning the civil war, the opposition squandered the peace. Not only would this lead to dashed expectations, but it might also trigger renewed ethnic conflict and a potential breakup of Myanmar into autonomous statelets that could become hotbeds of drug trafficking and criminal activity — a problem for the local population as well as the wider region. Unfortunately, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, divided over how to respond, has been ineffectual.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor at Chulalongkorn University’s faculty of political science, is a senior fellow at its Institute of Security and International Studies.

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DAILY STAR

NAzmul AreFiN

fair amount of feminist discourse has taken place around the movie Animal. The politics of toxic masculinity should definitely be discussed, no doubt, but one point that has been missing in this discussion is the deep politics of why—following the trends of cultural politics in Indian cinema—the villain in Animal had to be a Muslim.

Animal has grossed Rs 900 crore at the box office. As the movie was released in Bangladesh too, it’s fair to assume that many of the readers have watched it. Still, a censored version of the movie was released in Bangladesh, depriving the audience of some parts of the movie relevant to this article, so allow me take some time to summarise the plot.

At the centre of the story of Animal is the character of Ranvijay Singh, played by Ranbir Kapoor. His father is the ultra-rich Balbeer Singh, who is played by Anil Kapoor. Despite being deprived of his intimacy and attention in childhood, Ranvijay’s father is the centre of his world. His father’s unlimited riches keep him comfortable, yet all he wants is the love of his abusive father.

Even though he wants to remain a peaceful family man, Ranvijay also thinks it’s fair to be as violent as necessary to protect his family members, because he thinks of himself as an “alpha male.” One day, his father asks him to leave the house. Hurt, he gets married to his girlfriend and goes to the US. There, he leads a peaceful life as the father of two children. However, eight years pass and Ranvijay finds out that someone had shot his father in an attempt to kill him. He rushes back home, and vows revenge on this invisible enemy. A bloodbath follows, consuming the screen.

But who is this individual who forced Ranvijay Singh to abandon the life of a “family man” to become an “animal”? This is the film’s plot; the subject of prime suspense. The second act features the emergence of a dangerous villain, who happens to be mute. Abrar, played by Bobby Deol, appears on screen to the beats of “Jamal Kudu,” a Farsi song. But the story is taking place in Scotland at that point. So why the choice of Persian music? It’s revealed soon after that Deol’s character’s full name is Abrar Haque. The music is in celebration of his third marriage. It is also revealed that it was Abrar, with his two brothers, who had plotted the murder of Balbeer Singh in order to pocket his wealth. But why? Interestingly, familial revenge is the objective here.

Abrar’s father is none other than the brother of Balbeer Singh, who was denied his share of the family riches by his brother. You might be wondering how someone from the “Singh” clan became a Muslim. It is worth pondering. But if we think critically, this is not the real question.

The important question here is this: why, despite being part of the same family as Kapoor’s Ranvijay Singh, did Deol’s character have to be “Abrar Haque”? Animal is mainly the story of revenge in the Singh

family, is it not? So why couldn’t the three villainous brothers (who also seek familial revenge) in this movie have been portrayed as Singhs? Of all the brothers in the Singh family, why did these three have to be portrayed as converted Haques?

Is it because showing converted Muslims as graphically evil is considered okay?

Was the choice made because, regardless of the converted Muslim living in India or Scotland, it could be shown how normal it was for him to have two or three wives sitting on the wings while he got married yet again, dancing to a Farsi tune? Was it done to show how common it is for Muslims to have nonconsensual intercourse with their new wives, in a scene that is shown immediately after a violent murder? Ranvijay’s wife can slap him at any point, and she can decide not to have intercourse with him if she doesn’t want to. But the wives of Abrar are Muslim, and Muslim women supposedly have no such thing as agency. It doesn’t matter where or when, they are seemingly ready to respond to the call of their husband, or even that of their husband’s brothers.

Admittedly, this anti-Muslim identity politics is the “new normal” in Indian cinema. Maybe that’s why it hasn’t been part of the discourse. But this problematic intersection of agency-lacking Muslim women and the anti-Muslim identity politics that was represented in this movie was missing from the feminist discourse surrounding Animal.

If this middle-class fascination with the contemporary Indian cinematic universe can be circumvented for us to think a bit critically, we will see that the biggest social problems in this universe are “Musalmans” and Pakistan. The root of every severe problem, every threat to security and peace seems to be a Muslim. I like to call this phenomenon the Indian cinematic universe’s “Muslim problem.”

Since 9/11, Indian cinema has played a strong role in normalising anti-Islam sentiments with repeated portrayals of Islamic terrorism. “Muslim terror” has been portrayed quite often in settings outside India.

Now, they are being portrayed in domestic settings, too. The “exceptionalism of Muslim barbarism” is currently the subject of various narratives in Bollywood.

In Padmavat (2018), director Sanjay Leela Bansali waved aside historical accu-

racy by reducing Sultan Alauddin Khilji to one of these monsters. Another propaganda film, The Kerala Story (2023) by director Sudipto Sen, marketed the dangerous narrative of “love jihad.” In Goebbelsian fashion, he turned the story of three converted Muslim women on their way to Syria into the “real” story of not 300, not 3,000, but 32,000 women. To trigger public sentiment, Sen skillfully utilised emotional imagery to show how Muslim men cultivate love jihad at home, trapping Hindu women with love and sex. As per the film, they then convert these women, marry them, and ship them off to Syria as sex slaves.

Immediately after this, we witnessed the most perverted symbolic form of the collective anti-Muslim fantasy that exists in the Bollywood psyche, in the movie Adipurush (2023). Even Ravan was shown fashioning a long beard, with kohl in his eyes, just as a Muslim is shown to look like in most Bollywood films. The most evil and monstrous character in Indian mythical history was adorned with “typical Muslim” garb and symbols. According to the writer and director, Adipurush is a modern rendition of Ramayana for the new generation. And, of course, the monstrous avatar that must be established in the imagination and subconscious of the new generation has to look like a “typical Muslim.”

Animal is the boldest and most recent addition to the sequence that makes up this cultural project of Muslim monsterisation.

Have we ever thought about how and why the most prominent theme for cinematic content in India—instead of being love within the multicultural sphere of India, or sexuality, or suspense—is anti-Muslim nationalism? Is there a link between this rising trend and the contemporary mainstream rightwing populist movement in India? The more we understand this link, the better we will realise that cinema is not just a medium of entertainment. It is one of the most potent weapons in the hands of populist politics.

Nazmul Arefin is a PhD researcher at Centre for Criminological Research in the University of Alberta, Canada.

(This article was originally published on ‘Poroshpor’. Translated from Bangla by Azmin Azran)

06 nEws

CHINA READY TO WORK WITH ARAB LEAGUE TO BUILD COMMUNITY WITH SHARED FUTURE

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CAIRO

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

HINA is ready to work with the Arab League (AL) to achieve solid progress in building a China-Arab community with a shared future, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit in Egyptian capital Cairo.

China-Arab relationship is at its best in history after Chinese President Xi Jinping and the leaders of Arab states reached important consensus at the first China-Arab States Summit held in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh in 2022, Wang said.

China is willing to work with the Arab side to push for more progress in practical cooperation, he added.

This year, China will host the 10th Ministerial Conference of the ChinaArab States Cooperation Forum. Wang

said that China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with the AL to well prepare for the conference, opening up new prospects and injecting new impetus into ChinaArab relations.

Calling Arab states “true friends and good partners” of China, Wang said that China will continue to support Arab countries in seeking strength through unity and upholding strategic independence.

For his part, Aboul-Gheit said the AL expects to take the ministerial conference as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with China in various fields.

He stressed that the AL firmly supports the one-China principle and the principle of “One Country, Two Systems,” and opposes double standard on issues related to human rights and Xinjiang as well as interference in China’s internal affairs.

The two sides issued a joint statement on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict after their meeting, urging an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and stressing the two-state solution “a basis” for any future settlement concerning the fate of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

The statement noted that China and the Arab side support the holding of an inclusive dialogue participated by all Palestinian factions which is committed to achieving Palestinian’s reconciliation.

It called for holding an international peace conference with broad participation as soon as possible to promote the implementation of the two-state solution, and on such basis, resuming peace talks between Palestine and Israel.

The two sides also expressed deep concern in the statement over the recent escalation of the situation in the Red Sea and stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen should be respected while ensuring the safety of international commercial routes in the Red Sea, which is a priority for international peace and security.

Oil drops more than 1% despite Middle East conflict PROFIT

REUTERS

North Korea says it test-fired hypersonic missile PYONGYANG AGENCIES

North Korea said Monday it had successfully testfired a new ballistic missile tipped with a hypersonic manoeuvrable warhead, the latest breakthrough in its pursuit of advanced weaponry to threaten South Korean and US targets. The launch, Pyongyang’s first known weapons test this year and its first ever test of a solid-fuel hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), was detected by Seoul’s military Sunday afternoon.

A short report in the official Korean Central News Agency said that the solid-fuel IRMB was “loaded with a hypersonic manoeuvrable controlled warhead”.

The test was meant to verify “the gliding and manoeuvring characteristics” of the warhead and the “reliability of newly developed multi-stage highthrust solid-fuel engines”, KCNA said.

KCNA said that Sunday’s launch “never affected the security of any neighbouring country and had nothing to do with the regional situation”.

But it came just days after Pyongyang staged live-fire exercises near the country’s tense maritime border with South Korea, which prompted counter-exercises and evacuation orders for some South Korean border islands. It also comes after Kim last week branded Seoul his “principal enemy” and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate South Korea, as he toured major weapons factories.

Seoul’s defence ministry condemned the launch, saying it would carry out an “overwhelming response” if North Korea conducted “a direct provocation” against the South.

“This behaviour by North Korea is a clear provocation that violates UN Security Council resolutions banning the use of ballistic missile technology, and we issue a stern warning and strongly urge it to stop immediately,” it added in a statement.

Solid-fuel missiles are easier to hide and quicker to fire, and hypersonic missiles typically allow the user to manoeuvre them in flight to better hit targets. Both technologies have long been on Kim’s list of objectives. “North Korea appears to be pursuing the development of hypersonic missiles and IRBMs using solid-fuel rocket boosters at the same time,” said Chang Young-keun, a missile expert at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy.

“Mid- to long-range hypersonic missiles will be particularly useful in striking Guam while evading the US missile defence system,” he added.

North Korea’s last missile test was of a Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on December 18.

Oil prices lost more than 1% on Monday as the Middle East conflict’s limited impact on crude output prompted profit taking after oil benchmarks gained 2% last week.

Brent crude futures were down $1.14, or about 1.5%, at $77.15 a barrel by 1250 GMT and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude lost $1.15, or 1.6%, to $71.53.

Several tanker owners steered clear of the Red Sea and multiple tankers changed course on Friday after U.S. and Britain launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen after the Iran-backed group’s attacks on shipping in response to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

The conflict has also held up at least four liquefied natural gas tankers travelling in the area.

“The realisation that oil supply has not been adversely impacted is leading last week’s bulls to take profit, with the move down somewhat exacerbated by a slightly stronger dollar,” said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. On Sunday the Houthi militia threatened a “strong and effective response” after the United States carried out another strike overnight. The U.S. later said it shot down a missile fired at one of its ships from Yemen.

The chief negotiator for Yemen’s Houthis on Monday warned that attacks on ships headed towareds Israel will continue.

“As the Middle East conflict is currently not affecting oil production, the geopolitical risk premium priced in oil prices now appears modest based on the implied volatility of options,” Gold-

man Sachs analysts said in a note.

There have been no oil supply losses so far, but the shipping disruption is indirectly tightening the market by keeping 35 million barrels at sea owing to longer journeys shippers have to take to avoid the Red Sea, Citi analysts wrote.

In Libya, people protesting against perceived corruption threatened to shut down two more oil and gas facilities after shutting the 300,000 barrel per day Sharara field on Jan. 7.

The economic situation also remains gloomy somewhat and the European Central Bank (ECB) last weekend warned against cutting interest rates too fast.

With inflation seemingly close to dropping to targeted levels, markets have been quick to bet that the ECB will rein in interest rates that were ratcheted up last year to quell sticky inflation.

Uzbeks have a positive view about the country’s economy: says Gallup poll TASHKENT AGENCIES

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) analyzed the annual Gallup World Poll, which is being prepared based on the study of public opinion.

Since 2005, Gallup has been conducting an annual World Poll among 160 countries (1 thousand people per country), which accounts for 98% of the world’s adult population. The Gallup World Poll consists of 100 questions and includes Indexes: Law and order; Food and accommodation; Institutes and infrastructure; Good jobs; Well-being.

Gallup’s study compares Uzbekistan with the countries of the post-Soviet Eurasian region.

Indicators of Well-being In 2022, the Well-being Index (from 0 to 10 points) was 6.0 points, while the region’s average is estimated at 5.7 points. Consequently, Uzbekistan has shown one of the best results among the countries of the post-Soviet Eurasian region.

The region of post-Soviet Eurasia includes such countries as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine.

According to the results of the survey in 2022, 39% of Uzbek people indicated that their wellbeing is currently increasing,

which is significantly higher than the region’s average of 30%.

To evaluate life satisfaction, the results of a survey called the Cantril-ladder scale are used. Respondents are asked to imagine a ladder from 0 to 10, where step 0 means the worst possible life, and step 10 means the best possible life.

Only 2% of Uzbek people reported experiencing difficulties in their lives, which is 6% lower than the region’s average result.

Uzbekistan showed the best result among the countries of the region in the Well-being Index.

At the same time, Gallup estimated that Uzbekistan has become the fastest recovering country after the pandemic.

Uzbek people rated their wellbeing in the next 5 years at 8.7 points. In particular, regarding expectations of future well-being, Uzbekistan showed the highest re-

sult in the region, while the region’s average score was 7.4.

86% of respondents stated that standard of living is currently improving, and the average for this indicator in the region was 40%.

80% of the surveyed residents of Uzbekistan expressed their satisfaction with their current financial situation, which is also a high indicator for the region, where the average score was 60%. 44% of Uzbek people believed that they live well with current incomes, whereas the average for the region was 33%.

Indicators of good jobs 34% of workers in Uzbekistan stated they were satisfied with their jobs. This, in turn, is the highest rate in the region, where the average score was 27%.

According to Gallup estimates, workers who are dissatisfied with their jobs cost the global economy $8.8 trillion, or 9% of global GDP.

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024 | karachi

Nauru to sever ‘diplomatic ties’ with Taiwan region, adheres to one-China policy BEIJING

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Chinese Foreign Ministry said China appreciates and welcomes Nauru’s decision of severing “diplomatic ties” with the Taiwan region, which was announced on Monday on the heels of the regional election in the island, reflecting that the one-China principle is a prevailing consensus among the international community. The decision is also considered a slap in the face to some ill-intentioned moves made by very few US-led Western countries aiming to turn the Taiwan question into an international topic and to continue playing “the Taiwan card” in containing the Chinese mainland, experts said.

They also believed that Nauru has made such a correct choice based on its own national interest, and with the rise of the influence of China and its international status, most countries have made a clear judgment about what diplomatic choice they will make regarding the Taiwan question. Also, the secessionist moves of the DPP authorities have speeded up some countries’ resolve to sever diplomatic relations with the island, experts said, warning that if the DPP authorities continue advocating “Taiwan independence” and provoking confrontation in the future, Nauru’s cutting “diplomatic ties” will also serve as a starting point.

Shortly after the Nauru government said it will cut “diplomatic relations” with the Taiwan region, noting that it’s “in the best interests” of the Pacific island nation and its people to seek resumption of diplomatic relations with China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China stands ready to work with Nauru to open new chapters of bilateral relations on the basis of oneChina principle.

There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. It’s what has been affirmed in Resolution 2758 of the UN General Assembly and is a prevailing consensus among the international community, the ministry said.

China has established diplomatic relations with 182 countries on the basis of the one-China principle. The Nauru government’s decision of reestablishing diplomatic ties with China once again shows that the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and where the arc of history bends, it noted.

The State Council Taiwan Affairs Office also expressed its appreciation on Monday on Nauru’s decision, saying that it made the right decision in response to the general trend. Facts have repeatedly proved that adhering to the one-China principle is the aspiration of the people and the prevailing trend, said Chen Binhua, spokesperson of the office.

Correct choice The decision made by the Nauru government is in line with the current international landscape and the prevailing trends considered that China is the world’s second largest economy, and its mutually beneficial cooperation with countries in the Pacific region has achieved great success, Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Centre of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Monday.

The Belt and Road Initiative has improved the economic level and people’s livelihoods of many countries in the region. These solid achievements are acknowledged by the government and the people of Nauru, which also recognized that China is a reliable and trusted partner, Chen said.

Since Tsai Ing-wen took office as Taiwan regional leader in 2016, a total of 10 countries have severed “diplomatic relations” with the Taiwan region, leaving the number of countries that maintain the so-called relations with the region to 12, media reported.

In recent years, there have been fewer and fewer countries that have maintained so-called diplomatic ties with Taiwan region, and the direct cause is the secessionist actions of the DPP authorities, Zheng Jian, deputy director of research study committee of China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification and professor of Taiwan research institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Monday. “None of the 12 countries that have socalled diplomatic ties with Taiwan region have maintained solid relations with the DPP authorities.”

“If Lai Ching-te takes office and continues advocating ‘Taiwan independence,’ instigating confrontation across the Straits, Nauru’s decision will only serve as a starting point,” Zheng said, noting that as more stubborn Lai’s position becomes, more countries will make the correct choice by defying the pressure.

The 1992 Consensus is the key to Taiwan’s “international space,” some experts said. Only by returning to the 1992 Consensus can the status of the Taiwan authorities in NGOs and the “international space” for economic, social and cultural exchanges with other countries have a future, and Taiwan will have a future, Zheng said.

It was the choice made by Nauru as a sovereign state, which also shows that the one-China principle is the aspiration of the people and the trend of the times and is unstoppable, Mao Ning, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told at a press conference on Monday.

“Making the choice of breaking the so-called diplomatic relations with Taiwan also showed that some countries become immune to the DPP authorities’ ‘dollar diplomacy’ or some delusion of maintaining the relations through various means,” Xin Qiang, deputy director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Monday.

New air cargo route launched between China and Pakistan to boost air transport g

SCHEDULED TO OPERATE THREE TIMES A WEEK, EZHOU-LAHORE ROUTE IS PRIMARILY FOR TEXTILES, 3C ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT PROFIT

NEWS DESK

SF Airlines, China’s largest air cargo carrier, has announced the launch of a new air cargo route connecting Ezhou Huahu Airport in Hubei Province with Lahore.

This route, the first international air cargo service initiated by SF Airlines this year, originates from China’s first cargo-focused airport, Ezhou Huahu.

Scheduled to operate three times a week, the Ezhou-Lahore route is set to

provide over 300 tons of air transport capacity weekly.

The cargo primarily includes textiles, 3C electronic products, and electronic equipment. The inauguration of this route is a strategic step for Huahu Airport to expand its connectivity to South Asia, as reported

by China Economic Net (CEN).

This new service is expected to offer an efficient and stable air logistics channel, fostering economic and trade relations between China and Pakistan. It aims to facilitate logistics for Chinese brands looking to pene-

trate the Pakistani market.

SF Airlines had previously established two direct cargo routes from Ezhou to South Asia, namely Ezhou-Delhi and EzhouChennai. The addition of the Lahore route is anticipated to further enhance Ezhou’s air transport network in South Asia.

As the aviation arm of SF Express, a leading courier enterprise in China, SF Airlines has successfully launched a total of 11 international cargo routes from Ezhou, connecting to various global destinations.

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024 | KARACHI

CORPORATE CORNER EFU General Brings Insurance Round The Clock

EFU General Insurance Ltd. brings a mobile app, aimed to deliver a premium customer experience with enhanced accessibility for purchasing and managing motor and travel insurance policies at any hour of the day. The app ensures a simple, quick, and seamless customer journey.

This mobile app provides comprehensive details of policy coverage, quotes premium, allows users to make payments through a secure gateway and intimate claims. Customers will now have a simplified policy management system in the palm of their hands. “Right here, right now. Simply get your Motor and Travel insurance policies round the clock conveniently and instantly.” stated the spokesperson of EFU General.

The app aligns with digitising the insurance landscape and upholding the tradition of delivering premium services to the largest customer base in the non-life insurance sector in Pakistan. PR

13th Rashid D. Habib Memorial Golf from 18th Jan

KARACHI: Bank AL Habib’s 13th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament 2024 will tee off on Thursday, 18th January at the Karachi Golf Club (KGC). The final round will be played on Sunday, 21st January 2024.

More than a hundred top golfers will compete in the Professionals’ category for the most coveted fourday National Competition of the Annual Golf Season. Last year, Waheed Baloch of KGC, successfully defended his title by carding 277, 11 under par, to win the tournament. Muhammad Shahzad was the runner-up by carding 278, 10 under par. Pakistan's Number One Muhammad Shabbir Iqbal of Islamabad was placed as the second runner-up. Prior to this event, a two-day match for local KGC Professionals, Senior Professionals and KGC Caddies, the 23rd edition of Rashid D. Habib Memorial Golf Tournament, is being played on 16th and 17th January, 2024, to support and develop professional golf at KGC.PR

Standard Chartered to Digitise Haier Pakistan’s Value-Chain

KARACHI: Standard Chartered Pakistan and Haier Pakistan have recently signed a strategic agreement to digitise Haier Pakistan’s value-chain and optimise their cashflows.Standard Chartered will transform Haier Pakistan’s paper-based payments to a virtual account solution for their 1300 dealers; Enabling them to make real-time, round the clock payments digitally. The Bank is also providing Haier Pakistan with an API-based service for real time collection notifications which would allow them to release appliances/goods to their dealers instantly and enable their dealers to immediately obtain incentives of early payments.Present at the signing ceremony were Shiraz Hyder, Head of Transaction Banking and Ali Haider Zaidi, Head of Global Subsidiaries from Standard Chartered Pakistan. Feng Xianfa, Chief Executive Officer, Zhang Hao, Chief Financial Officer, and Mohammad Faraz Khan, Director Finance joined the ceremony from Haier Pakistan.PR

Khushhali Microfinance Bank Limited Celebrates Highest Recovery Mark and Deposit Base for Fiscal Year 2023

KARACHI: Khushhali Microfinance Bank Limited (KMBL), the first-specialized microfinance bank in Pakistan, commemorated its achievement for the fiscal year 2023 (FY 2023). The newly established recovery unit of the microfinance bank has set new benchmarks, achieving a milestone of over PKR 01 Billion in recoveries from the chargeoff portfolio through its newly established recovery unit and call centre. The microfinance bank also surpassed its deposit target, achieving PKR 101 Billion in deposits. These results highlight KMBL’s remarkable resilience during challenging times. The achievement is largely attributed to the trust and confidence of retail (individual) depositors, constituting 90% of the total deposit and emphasizing KMBL's strong relationship with its customers.To celebrate this accomplishment, the KMBL Team organized an in-house ceremony led

by President & CEO Aameer Karachiwalla, accompanied by the management committee of KMBL. The event was a moment of pride and reflection, highlighting the collective efforts that contributed to the bank's success. PR

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OIL THEFT RING BUSTED IN KARACHI, MULTIPLE SUSPECTS NAMED IN GOVT PIPELINE HEIST PROFIT

NEWS DESK

N the latest development in a string of oil thefts, Karachi’s Bin Qasim area has become the focal point of another criminal incident involving the illegal extraction of oil from a government pipeline. The Pak-Arab Refinery Company (PARCO) lodged a complaint, prompting a swift police response.

A criminal case has been initiated at Bin Qasim police station, targeting three individuals – Abdul Wahab, Javed, and Hasan Jatoi – for their alleged involvement in the siphoning of oil from a PARCO petroleum line. The FIR details a scheme where accused Javed and

Hasan Jatoi reportedly commandeered a warehouse and illicitly tapped into the pipeline, primarily targeting diesel.

As the investigation unfolds, police

officials have yet to make any arrests.

They highlighted the recurring nature of such crimes, citing previous instances of oil theft from government lines. Despite

EFG Hermes receives addendum to potential acquisition by Intermarket Securities g

ADDENDUM HIGHLIGHTS AN ERROR IN WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARE PRICE AMOUNT PROFIT

NEWS DESK

EFG Hermes Pakistan Limited has received an addendum from Intermarket Securities, a Karachi-based brokerage firm, regarding its publicly announced intention to acquire a 51% shareholding and control of EFG Hermes Pakistan.

According to a notice sent by EFG Hermes to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, this addendum relates to an earlier public announcement of intention by Intermarket Securities on November 21, 2023, to acquire shareholding and control of EFG Hermes Pakistan Limited.

The addendum to the public announcement of intention was issued by Intermarket Securities due to an error in the Weighted Average Share Price (WASP) amount.

The WASP as quoted on the PSX during the 28 days preceding the date of public announcement of intention, is Rs 13.20 per share. The addendum further states that the revised WASP is due to an error in the calculation. The addendum has already been notified to EFG’s Board of Directors. Multiline Securities Limited is the manager of the potential acquisition.

The issued addendum contains material information and requires disclosure according to Section 96 of the Securities Act, 2015, and Clause 5.6.1(a) of the

IESCO operations circles incharge to conduct ekachary via facebook live and telephonically on 17th

To provide suitable and proper forum to valuable IESCO Customers regarding redrassal of their electricity issues, online E-Kacharies are being held in IESCO region regularly and same are creating friendly relationship among IESCO and Customers.

By following same practice facebook E-Kacharies will held on 17th January, 2024 (Wednesday) From 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM in all 06 Operational Circles of IESCO. Operational Circles Incharge will attend customers complaints through Facebook live and telephone calls. Islamabad Circle customers can participates in facebook live E-Kachary by using face book ID SE IESCO Islamabad E-Kachery Phone No. 051-9260194, For Rawalpindi City Circle, SE IESCO Rawalpindi-City E-Kachery Phone No. 0519292675, For Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, SE IESCO Rawalpindi-Cantt E-Kachery Phone No. 0519293048, For Attock Circle, SE IESCO Attock E-Kachery Phone No. 051-4950343, For Chakwal Circle, SE IESCO Chakwal E-Kachery Phone No. 0543-668500, For Jhelum Circle, SE IESCO Jhelum E-Kachery Phone No. 0544-9270377. Valuable customers are requested to mention their name, bill reference No, Contact No and complete address while launching the compliant. PR

FFC Inaugurates its FACE Centre at Sahiwal

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) rules, as read in the company’s notice, which suggests the disclosure of price-sensitive information.

The EFG Hermes Holding specialises in securities brokerage, asset management, investment banking, private equity, and research in addition to a finance lease, factoring, microfinance, financial technology, mortgage, and insurance.

When the company inaugurated its office in Pakistan in 2017, it became the first foreign investment bank to directly enter the market since 2008 and the first foreign broker to have a local footprint in Pakistan. The firm acquired Pakistani brokerage Invest and Finance Securities Ltd. (IFSL), which has been operating since 1999, and renamed it as EFG Hermes Pakistan Limited.

Islamabad: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf exchanging views with High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan H.E Admiral (R) Ravindra C Wijegunarathne at Naval Headquarters. PR

Eat Festival Karachi 2024: A Culinary Fiesta That Captivated Karachiites Over Three Remarkable Days

KARACHI: Eat Festival Karachi 2024, with 120 food stalls, non stop music and amusement activities for kids, concluded with success on Sunday, leaving an indelible mark on the taste buds and hearts of Karachiites who flocked to Beach View Park for a culinary journey like never before. Cool seaside weather added an extra layer of enjoyment for attendees. Families, friends, and food enthusiasts reveled in the pleasant climate as they indulged in a culinary adventure against the stunning backdrop of Karachi's coastline. The three-day event from the 12th to the 14th of January was a gastronomic extravaganza, witnessing an impressive full house each day, a testament to the city's insatiable appetite for diverse flavors and cultural experiences. A lot of Pakistani options, plus Chinese, Burmese, American, Mexican, Turkish, Australian. PR

Kashmir Advisory Committee Holds Second Consultative Meeting

KU welcomes batch 2024

KARACHI: The University of Karachi and its alumni association—the Unikarians Internations— warmly welcomed the Nawardan Jamia (fresh students of the batch 2024) at the KU Silver Jubilee Gate on Monday.The distinguished graduates along with the KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, President of Unikarians International Professor Ejaz Ahmed Faruqi, UNESCO award winner Pakistani botanist and researcher Professor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, KU faculty members, employees, staff, students, and others welcome the fresh batch of students and their parents at the campus main gate.The University of Karachi celebrated the Youm-e-Jamia (University Day) by reliving the historic procession of one of the largest public sector universities when the newly enrolled students and alumni along with the KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi, registrar, deans of all faculties, members of Senate and Syndicate, chairpersons and directors of various departments, research centers and institutes, and faculty members and employees, and new students followed the Huffaz-e-Quran, who were reciting the Holy Quran. PR

07

KARACHI PIPELINE THEFT: NEW CASE EMERGES IN BIN QASIM NEWS

Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) has inaugurated its NPO Food Security & Agriculture Center of Excellence (FACE), Sahiwal Chapter at District Sahiwal to ensure Food Security in the country through enhancing Farmer’s access to latest technology, best farming practices and quality inputs. GGM Marketing FFC, Mr Ather Javed, inaugurated the newly established center as an important step towards the agricultural community, in affirmation of FFC’s pledge of scaling up the program nationwide. The new facility has a fleet of dedicated 10 agriculture drones to support local farmers, including 14,000 locals that have already benefited from FACE initiatives. The ceremony was attended by the management of FACE, FFC, partner organizations, and the local community to mark the formal commencement of operations in the area. PR

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, presided over the 2nd consultative meeting of the Kashmir Advisory Committee. The members were briefed on the progress made on the recommendations of the 1st consultative meeting. The meeting was attended by Focal Person to SAPM, Ms. Sabien Hussein Mullick, DG. LAJA Dr. Rahim Awan, Advisor to SAPM on culture and education Prof. Zafar Sindhu, Senior Advisor to SAPM on humanitarian affairs Fasial Bari, Dr. Shahid Afridi, Advisor to SAPM Waqas Banoori, Dr. Waleed Rasool, Advisor to SAPM Fajar Rabia Pasha, Executive Member HRC Manzoor Masih, Chairman Al-Ansar Welfare Trust, Ishtiaq Ahmad Bhatti, Anchor Person Yasir Rehman, Barrister Sundas Malik, Representative Student Leader of Advisor Major Taseer and Rai Muhammad Nawaz Khan. Special Assistant to Prime Minister highlighted the need for strategic actions and sustained efforts. PR

efforts, the mastermind behind these recurring thefts remains at large.

Simultaneously, a separate but related incident surfaced near Steel Town, further complicating the situation. Following a report by Rafiq, PARCO’s Assistant Security Officer, authorities at the Steel Town police station have opened a case against an unidentified suspect for an attempted oil theft.

These consecutive cases underscore a persistent challenge in securing vital infrastructure and the ongoing battle against organized crime in the region. The investigations into both incidents are actively underway, with authorities keen on apprehending those responsible and curtailing this trend of resource theft.

‘PMLN voters opposes seat adjustment with IPP, entrusting Barrister Aqeel Malik to contest as an independent candidate from NA-54’

Taxila: Consultation meeting was held at Kohistan Secretariat Taxila, convened for all PML-N NA-54 and PP-12 PP-13 workers. The attendees were briefed on the prevailing situation, highlighting the seat adjustment issue with IPP in this constituency.

Consequently, the party refrained from issuing ticket for the National Assembly seat. Despite PML-N having candidates in two provinces, IPP violated agreements in both constituencies by fielding candidates with a distinctive sign. PR

Putting Hope in Every Swing: 7th Engro LRBT Golf Tournament Drives Success for Vision Restoration

KARACHI: The Layton Rehmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT) successfully organized the 7th Engro LRBT Golf Tournament on January 14th, 2024, at the prestigious Karachi Golf Club. The event aimed to raise funds to support LRBT's mission of providing free eye treatment to the underprivileged, ensuring that no man, woman, or child goes blind because they cannot afford the treatment.Mr. Khawaja Iqbal Hassan, Director on the Board of Engro Corporation, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, adding to the prestige of the tournament. The event saw participation from 36 teams comprising professionals from financial institutions, corporates, media, and business houses. These enthusiastic participants not only showcased their golfing prowess, but also contributed significantly to LRBT's noble cause. PR

Bank Alfalah continued its commitment to flood impacted communities with disbursement of PKR 1.24 billion in 2023

KARACHI: Bank Alfalah, a leading commercial Bank in Pakistan, reported the highlights of 2023 during Phase 2 of its comprehensive rehabilitation and rebuilding initiative, which started with immediate rescue and relief in Phase 1 in 2022. With a steadfast commitment to empowering communities and promoting sustainable development, the bank has joined forces with 24 esteemed partners. It has disbursed around PKR 1.24 billion to address critical sectors such as healthcare, emergency care, housing, education, and livelihoods. PR

PTI WITHDRAWS CONTEMPT PLEA FROM SC AGAINST ECP

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

PRAYER TIMINGS

NEWS

T

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

HE PTI on Monday withdrew its plea seeking contempt proceedings against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for allegedly not implementing the Supreme Court’s orders of providing the party with a level playing field for the upcoming general elections.

The move comes as the party has been stripped of its iconic ‘bat’ symbol after the apex court upheld the electoral watchdog’s Dec 22 decision of declaring the PTI’s intra-party polls “unconstitutional”.

As a result, its members will now be contesting the elections as independent candidates with different electoral symbols and the party no longer has the right to reserved seats for women and minorities.

On Dec 26, the PTI had filed a contempt plea before the SC, alleging that the ECP had not complied with the court’s orders, wherein it had directed the ECP to address its grievances on an urgent basis to ensure that the electoral

process remained “smooth, open, transparent, free and fair”.

The case was being heard by a threemember bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and comprising justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Musarrat Hilali. In its response to the top court, the election commission on January 7 had said that 76 per cent of the nomination papers filed by PTI candidates for the upcoming elections had been accepted, negating the party’s allegations of a lack of level playing field in the run-up to polls.

During the previous hearing, CJP Isa had told PTI leader and lawyer Latif Khosa to refrain from making allegations against the ECP unless the claims could be backed up by proof. However, as the apex court resumed hearing the contempt plea today, the PTI informed the court that it was withdrawing its petition, saying that the party had “no expectations from the ECP” and was “going to the public”. Subsequently, the SC disposed of the plea.

During Monday’s hearing, CJP Isa

Shehryar Afridi moves PHC against allotment of ‘bottle’ as election symbol PESHAWAR

STAFF REPORT

Shehryar Afridi, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has approached the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to challenge the allotment of the election symbol “bottle” by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The ECP assigned electoral symbols to PTI leaders, now contesting as independent candidates, for the 2024 general elections scheduled for February 8.

ECP assigned the symbol of a bottle to Afridi, which has prompted him to file a petition with the provincial court.

Former federal minister Afridi contends that the allocation of symbols often prioritizes ex-members, highlighting a concern within his application. He contends that candidates’ opinions should be considered before finalising the assignment of election symbols. Afridi claims that despite repeated attempts to seek clarification from the Returning Officer (RO), he has received no response. This perceived lack of communication has further fueled his legal challenge against the ECP’s decision.

The petition filed with the PHC names the ECP, District Returning Officer (DRO), and RO as respondents, marking them as parties involved in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi calls for live broadcast of cypher case ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday called for the live broadcast of the cypher case, saying that everyone should know who is loyal to the country and who has betrayed it. During an informal discussion with the media at Adiala Jail, Qureshi emphasised the international significance of the case, expressing his desire for global media attention.

“Why is the international media being denied the opportunity to observe the proceedings [of the cypher case]? If we are at fault, the world should know,” he questioned Qureshi stated that PTI founder Imran Khan is only demanding transparent elections, stating that the ex-prime minister has asserted that he will fight “till the last ball”. If I had become a turncoat. I would have been [establishment’s] blue-eyed boy,” he asserted.

The former foreign minister said that “arranged and engineered” elections will not be accepted by the people. “If you did not intend to accept the [intraparty] election results, why was the [ECP’s] decision delayed for six months,” he questioned.

recalled that the court had issued directives to the state after the raid on PTI leader Gohar Ali Khan’s house. He further said that despite asking the PTI leader to write a letter in case he was not satisfied with the police inquiry, no such response had been submitted as yet.

Addressing the top judge, Khosa said, “We ran a movement for your sake, sacrificed our blood. If a difficult time arrives even today, we are ready to sacrifice our lives. “We came seeking a level playing field but you took away the ‘field’ itself.

You announced a verdict at 11:30pm on January 13 that scattered the PTI and took away 230 [reserved] seats,” he lamented.

In response, Justice Isa recalled that the court had repeatedly asked the PTI lawyers to show documental evidence of the intra-party polls, adding that the SC had ordered for the general elections to not be delayed on a PTI plea. “Our job is to hold the polls as per the law,” he remarked.

“We do not make the law [but] have it implemented. If you do not like the law, then change it,” he added. Here, Khosa argued that the Awami National

Party’s (ANP) electoral symbol had been restored last week without holding the intra-party polls, asking, “Why was the PTI not given [its symbol]?”

The chief justice responded that it emerged recently that the ANP had time left to conduct its intra-party polls according to its party constitution, hence it was given its symbol back. “Khosa sahib, this is not the right manner. You are a senior lawyer. You are damaging all institutions of Pakistan,” he remarked.

“Now how can we expect that we will get a level playing field? We now want to go before the court of 250m people. We have no expectations from the election commission,” Khosa said. Here, CJP Isa said, “If you want to accept the court order, do so.

If you do not want to, don’t. Do not put the burden of the Supreme Court’s decision on us.”

The PTI leader said that as a result of losing the party symbol, its candidates would now have to contest the elections independently and would be confused due to the different symbols.

PTI leader criticizes ECP’s authority for determining hierarchy of political parties ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

PTI’s legal counsel, Latif Khosa, strongly criticizes the election watchdog and the highest judicial authorities for revoking the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) iconic bat symbol, questioning their authority to determine the internal hierarchy of political parties.

Last week, the Imran Khanfounded PTI suffered a major blow after the Supreme Court annulled the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) January 10 order, depriving the former ruling party of its ‘iconic’ electoral symbol — bat — just days ahead of the February 8 general elections.

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 day-long hearing. The apex court’s unanimous verdict came after hours of waiting as the CJP Isa-led bench decided to uphold the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) plea. During an interaction with journalists, Khosa — who had joined the PTI on the directives of incarcerated Imran Khan last month — said if it is accepted that

there were flaws in the PTI intraparty elections then “who are they to decide”.

“The PPP and the PML-N have also been conducting intra-party elections in a similar pattern.”

Bilawal was chosen as the PPP chairman via similar elections within the political party, he added.

When asked about any reason or point on which Justice Isa would have provided relief to the former ruling party, Khan’s lawyer said his party had been deprived of 227 reserved seats in the assemblies. “Is the ECP a headmaster? Will the ECP monitor [decide] who will be the president, general secretary or office-bearer of political parties?”

Earlier today, the PTI withdrew its petition seeking contempt proceedings against the ECP over its alleged failure to ensure a level playing field ahead of the upcoming elections. The PTI had moved the Supreme Court on December 26 last year with the plea. However, the top court today disposed of the plea after the withdrawal of the petition.

During the hearing today, Khosa told CJP Isa that his party would approach the people’s court in this matter. “We do not want to fight this case in your [CJP Isa’s] court. Thank you very much.”

He said that the apex court’s January 13 verdict — which deprived the former ruling party of its ‘bat’ symbol — forced the party to not contest on more than 230 seats.

“Do you want to continue this case or not?” asked CJP Isa. At this, Khosa replied that he had been directed to withdraw the plea.

“We came to your court to get a level-playing field. The verdict that was announced on January 13 at 11:30pm shattered the PTI,” he said, adding that “you snatched PTI’s field”. The PTI counsel argued that the ECP can only withdraw the election symbol, however, one of the parties is being banned from the parliament. “All of the PTI candidates will now contest as independent candidates which will spread confusion.”

He also told the court that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Nazriyati’s (PTI-N) leader, with whom they had made a deal, was also “picked up and forced to hold a press conference”.

At this, CJP Isa said: “If you don’t accept the verdict then there’s nothing the [court] can do.”

He added that the ECP continuously directed the PTI to conduct intra-party polls but they were still not held.

Petrol price slashed by Rs8 per litre for next fortnight ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The caretaker government on Monday decreased the price of petrol by Rs8 per litre for the next fortnight.

In a notification issued late Monday night, the Finance Division said the government decided to reduce the price of petrol for the fortnight starting from January 16 as recommended by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

According to the announcement, the ex-depot price of petrol was cut to Rs259.34 per litre against the previous rate of Rs267.34 per litre.

There was no change in the price of high-speed diesel while no changes were mentioned for the prices of light-diesel oil and kerosene oil.

The government has already achieved a Rs60 per

litre petroleum levy — the maximum permissible limit under the law — on both petrol and HSD. The government had set a budget target to collect Rs869 billion as a petroleum levy during the current fiscal year under the commitments made with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) but was hoping the collection to go beyond Rs950bn by the end of June.

Petroleum and electricity prices have been the key drivers of inflation, which clocked in at 29.7pc in December as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

At present, the government is charging about Rs82 per litre tax on both petrol and HSD. Although the general sales tax on all petroleum products is currently zero, the government is charging Rs60 per litre petroleum development levy on petrol and Rs50 each on HSD, high-octane blending component, and 95 research octane number (RON) petrol.

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

6:20

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Missing ex-PTI candidate Abdullah Kahlun returns home, IHC told ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday disposed of the petition, seeking the recovery of Abdullah Mumtaz Kahlun, former PTI candidate for the Punjab Assembly (PA) seat from Sargodha, who had gone missing from the Islamabad International Airport a few days ago despite safe landing order by the IHC, has returned home. IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Aamer Farooq heard the petition.

Babar Awan, counsel for Kahlun, told the IHC on Monday that his client’s family had informed him that Kahlun was finally home.

On the court order, the officials of Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior and the deputy attorney general attended the hearing.

It is to be noted that following the news of Kahlun’s disappearance, which had sent shockwaves across the nation, the IHC had on Tuesday issued notice to the concerned authorities to trace him with the help of CCTV footages.

ECP approves printing of 250 million ballot papers in watermarks ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday approved the printing of ballot papers for the general elections slated to be held on February 8.

According to sources, the printing of ballot papers for the general elections has been approved in a meeting of the Election Commission.

The Election Commission has decided to print about 250 million ballot papers for the general elections.

The ECP will print watermarked ballot papers.

Sources have further informed that the ballot papers will be printed from three printing machines for the general elections and the security of the printing corporations will be kept tight during the printing of the ballot papers.

Former federal minister Sumaira Malik resigns from PML-N LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Former federal minister and Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Punjab Sumaira Malik on Monday resigned from her position as well as party.

Sources in the PML-N say that Sumaira Malik had been denied party ticket on direction of party’s senior vice president, Maryam Nawaz.

In a resignation addressed to PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah, Sumaira Malik did not elabourate further.

However, sources in the PML-N say that Sumaira Malik had applied for the party ticket from NA-87 Khushab. However, the party did not award her a ticket and rather the party ticket had been awarded to a longtime rival of Sumaira Malik family, Malik Shakir Bashir Awan.

In previous elections held in year 2018, Shakir Bashir Awan had failed to win as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI’s) candidate Malik Ihsanullah Tiwana had won securing 93864 votes while Awan had got 85109 votes.

Sumaira Malik had contested from another constituency, then called NA-93 where she had also suffered defeat at hands of Malik Umar Aslam who bagged 100448 votes while Sumaira Malik could win 70401 votes.

Petroleum Division rescues Sui Southern MD from dismissal g

QUESTIONS ABOUND ABOUT SHAMSHAD AKHTAR’S ROLE AS CHAIRPERSON SSGC AFTER PETROLEUM DIVISION CLIPS SSGC BOARDS’ WINGS TO STOP REMOVAL OF MD PROFIT

AHMAD AHMADANI

The Petroleum Division has intervened to prevent the ousting of the Managing Director (MD) of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC). The justification? The expiration of the Board of Directors’ tenure and the procrastination in orchestrating fresh elections. Sources reveal that the incumbent Chairperson of SSGC, Ms. Shamshad Akhtar — who concurrently holds the portfolio of the Federal Minister of Finance — is embroiled in grave allegations of conflict of interest and infringement of governance acts, including the StateOwned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Act, 2023 (SOE Act), and the Companies Act, 2017.

As per sources, Ms. Shamshad Akhtar, donning the hat of an independent director, has been at the helm of SSGC’s Board of Directors for the past two years. She is purportedly implicated in deferring the

SSGC Board elections since October 2023 — ostensibly due to discontentment with the nominations proffered by the preceding government.

Furthermore, sources assert that she has turned a blind eye to the contravention of the stipulations of the SOE Act and the Companies Act, 2007, rather than recusing herself from the chairmanship of SSGC whilst serving as the caretaker federal minister of the finance division.

The current Chairperson, sources argue, is ineligible to hold the office of Chairperson as Section 11 (i) of the SOE Act unambiguously states that an individual occupying a political office — regardless of any legislative role — is prohibited from being appointed or continuing the position of an independent director.

In a similar vein, sources affirm that Section 31 of the SOE Act obliges the federal government to establish a central monitoring unit in the finance division, tasked with the quarterly reporting on the overall perform-

ance of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

In this context, sources contend that the Chairperson of SSGC simultaneously serves as the caretaker minister for the Finance Division — a role to which stateowned enterprises are mandated to report through the Central Monitoring Unit.

This dual responsibility, sources argue, engenders a significant conflict of interest.

The Chairperson, being accountable for both the supervision of SSGC’s performance and the reception of reports through the Central Monitoring Unit of SSGC, orchestrates a situation where her responsibilities as Chairperson of SSGC and as a Minister for Finance overseeing financial matters intersect.

Such a scenario could jeopardise the independence and impartiality requisite for efficacious governance and reporting within the State-Owned Enterprises, sources caution. In light of this potential conflict, sources maintain that she is disqualified to be the Chairperson of SSGC.

Moreover, sources highlight that Section 166 (2) of the Companies Act, 2017 specifies that an independent director in the case of a public sector company should not be in service of any institution owned or controlled by the government.

Given that the Chairperson is actively serving as the caretaker minister for the finance division — an entity that is not merely owned and controlled by the government but is, in fact, a government institution — sources argue that this constitutes a clear breach of the specified provision.

Consequently, sources conclude that she is also disqualified under clause 166 (2) (h) of the Companies Act, 2017.

In an official communique to the Company Secretary of SSGC, the Petroleum Division, whilst underscoring the lapsed tenure of the incumbent Board, has put a halt to the Board’s manoeuvre to dismiss the MD of SSGC. The Division has also counselled the assurance of continuity of the present management, inclusive of the cur-

rent Managing Director, and the expeditious conduct of the Board’s elections.

The Division’s letter, dated 28th December 2023, and titled ‘Elections of Board of Directors of SSGC’, stated, ‘Since the term of the current Board has already expired, it is required that elections must be held at the earliest. The Board may initiate the necessary hiring processes, however any new appointments/changes at senior management positions may only be formally decided by the new incoming Board’.

It is of note that the elections of the Board of Directors of SSGC were initially slated for 23-10-2023. However, they were deferred for a span of six weeks, following the counsel of the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). The Board subsequently sought approval from SECP, and the election date was extended to December 4, 2023.

Regrettably, the elections were not conducted within the stipulated time frame and have been adjourned for the fourth instance until March 4, 2024.

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