GAZA SITUATION ‘BEYOND CATASTROPHIC’: RED CROSS In partnership with
Profit
Monday, 22 January, 2024 I 10 Rajab, 1445
I g
HAMAS SAYS OCTOBER 7 ATTACKS ‘NECESSARY STEP’
g
GAZA
PEOPLE ARE EATING FOOD MEANT FOR BIRDS AND ANIMALS: JABALIA RESIDENT
AGENCIES
NTERNATIONAL Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ spokesperson (IFRC), Tommaso Della Longa, has said the situation in Gaza is getting “worse and worse.” “What we are seeing is what we predicted, and not because we are magicians, but because we know by experience,” he told Anadolu Agency, adding that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are in shelters without access to running water, proper food and adequate sanitation. “It is beyond the catastrophic,” said Della Longa. “We knew since the beginning that the lack of food, the lack of clean water, lack of shelter, lack of proper shelter, with running water, and sanitation would have led to what is happening now, which means respiratory diseases, diarrhea is spreading like a lion’s fire among the population,” he said. ‘BOMBING ALL AROUND US’, SAYS GAZA HOSPITAL DOCTOR Dr Ahmed al-Moghrabi, the head of the plastic surgery and burns department at Khan Younis’s Nasser Hospital, explained that shortly before speaking to Al Jazeera, the sound of Israeli bombing had been heard near the hospital. “[I expect] the ambulances will bring patients from these explosions, as a result of the bombing,” said al-Moghrabi. With fears growing that the Nasser Hospital will face an attack similar to the devastating Israeli attack on al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, thousands of displaced
people who have sought shelter in the hospital and its grounds have fled. AlMoghrabi is worried about what may come. “If it happens, it will be a real horror,” he told Al Jazeera. “I pray to God that this will not happen… We are not a target. I know that Israel has already crossed all red lines… but this is the main hospital in the south of Gaza. I hope that this will not happen. If it happens, I cannot tell you how catastrophic it will be.” PEOPLE ARE EATING FOOD MEANT FOR BIRDS AND ANIMALS: JABALIA RESIDENT Palestinians at the Jabalia refugee camp market in the northern Gaza Strip expressed their suffering as they looked to secure daily food sustenance amid dire shortages of flour and food in the mar-
kets and an absence of humanitarian aid, Al Jazeera reports. “We have no food, only some rice. We do not have flour. There is crowding over the available quantities,” AJ reports one of the Gazans as saying. “We have been living in suffering for 104 days. Today we are searching for our daily food. There is no flour or wheat. People eat corn, and this is food for birds and animals, not for humans” another person said. HAMAS SAYS OCTOBER 7 ATTACKS ‘NECESSARY STEP’ The Hamas group has said the October 7 attacks that led to conflict with Israel were a “necessary step” but “chaos” had led to “faults” in the operation. The attacks were “a necessary step and a normal response to confront all Is-
‘Drive against illegal aliens’: 472,187 Afghans return to their homeland so far: Report ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
As many as, 472,187 Afghans have been repatriated to their homeland Afghanistan as repatriation of illegal foreign nationals to their homeland continues, according to the official report on Sunday. According to the latest statistics, a total of 472,187 Afghans have been repatriated to Afghanistan. Officials said that 634 Afghan nationals returned to their country yesterday in a dignified manner. In addition to other measures for the dignified return of Afghans to their country, transit camps equipped with all facilities have been established in various districts for their temporary accommodation. According to the latest statistics, nine hundred four more illegal Afghan nationals returned to their
country yesterday. Pakistan had given a last warning to all immigrants, including Afghanis, in the country illegally to leave voluntarily to their homelands before Nov 1, 2023 deadline. The deportation order came during a dramatic surge in armed attacks in Pakistan, which the government blames on Afghanistan-based groups and nationals, allegations denied by the Afghan Taliban. The illegal immigrants are being processed at temporary centres by the government and are helped to leave to their homelands. The government says more than four million foreigners live in Pakistan, a vast majority of them Afghan nationals who sought refuge over the last four decades after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s. More recently, after the Taliban
regained power in 2021, Pakistani officials say between 600,000 to 800,000 Afghans migrated to Pakistan. The Pakistani government claims nearly 1.7 million of those Afghans are undocumented. According to UN data, Pakistan is among the largest refugee-hosting countries globally, showing remarkable generosity for over 40 years to those in search of safety. As a result of previous waves of displacement, second and third generation of Afghans are living in protracted displacement, with Pakistan providing refuge to some 1.35 million registered Afghan women, children and men. UNHCR works closely with the Government of Pakistan, UN agencies, humanitarian and development organizations, as well as civil society to provide protection and assistance to refugees and support host communities.
ative Partners and iron brothers, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the importance of CPEC in promoting win-win cooperation and sustainable development. He also emphasized on welcoming interested third parties to explore mutually beneficial avenues of cooperation. Recognising the evolution of CPEC, the two sides agreed to enhance focus on high quality advancements in industry, agriculture, information technology, and science and technology, and ensuring tangible socio-economic benefits for the people. They rejected the disinformation campaigns and distorted reporting on CPEC and stressed the need to counter fallacious narratives and misinformation. Recalling the deliberations of the Second and the Third Pakistan-China Think Tanks Forum in September 2022 and July 2023, the two sides expressed joint support for media and think tanks cooperation. They also agreed on sharing of best practices and generating an intellectual knowledge pool of CPEC and BRI development through enhanced international communication and cooperation. CPEC CORNER AT MOFA
UNVEILED: Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, who is currently on a visit to Islamabad, inaugurated the CPEC Corner at the library of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister said that as iron brother and trusted friend, China attached special importance to Pakistan in its foreign policy and looked forward to further strengthening strategic ties between the two countries. Thanking Pakistan’s support to China on its core issues, Vice Foreign Minister Sun reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for Pakistan’s economic development, progress and prosperity. Welcoming Vice Foreign Minister Sun to Pakistan, the Foreign Secretary said that Pakistan-China friendship enjoyed complete political, institutional and public support in Pakistan. Underscoring the salience of bilateral friendship for regional peace and stability, he expressed Pakistan’s readiness to further expand and strengthen bilateral ties in all areas of cooperation.
China, Pakistan underscore CPEC’s pioneering role in strengthening global, regional connectivity ISLAMABAD
MIAN ABRAR
China and Pakistan on Sunday underscored the pioneering role of China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in strengthening international and regional connectivity. The vow was made at the 4th meeting of CPEC Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination held here on Sunday. The meeting, which was cochaired by Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of China, Mr Sun Weidong, exemplifies the commitment of both countries to foster international cooperation and coordination including on CPEC. The two sides reviewed with satisfaction the progress made since the third meeting of the Joint Working Group held virtually on 21 July 2022. The meeting underscored CPEC’s pioneering role in strengthening international and regional connectivity while appreciating the open and inclusive nature of this flagship project. Noting that Pakistan and China were All-Weather Strategic Cooper-
Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 204 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
raeli conspiracies against the Palestinian people”, the group said in its first public account about October 7, adding that “maybe some faults happened during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’s implementation due to the rapid collapse of the Israeli security and military system, and the chaos caused along the border areas with Gaza”. ISRAELI PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW WAR WITH HEZBOLLAH WOULD BE ‘DIFFICULT’: ISRAELI GENERAL Israeli Reserve Major-General Eyal Ben-Reuven has spoken to Israel’s Maariv newspaper about the possibility of starting a war against the Lebanese armed group, Hezbollah. According to Al Jazeera, he said Israel’s political leadership should tell the public that Hezbollah is stronger than Hamas and that a war with it would be “difficult”. PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY IS ‘ON ITS KNEES’ FINANCIALLY, POLITICALLY: ANALYST Political analyst Nour Odeh has said it is the twelfth time Israel has used its leverage of Palestinian tax revenue to punish or weaken the Palestinian Authority. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Odeh said it is still unclear whether the PA would be willing to accept the transfer of tax via Norway because it would be humiliating to walk back on its pledge to not take the tax revenues with the deduction of Gaza’s share. “All of this money, given that the economy is on its knees, given that the revenues have dropped dramatically since October will probably not be sufficient for the PA to continue to meet all its responsibilities,” she added.
New Delhi has no proof of 2019 Balakot strike success, admits ex-Indian envoy ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria admitted that India only has narratives but no concrete proof of the success of the 2019 Balakot strikes. He made this revelation during an interview with The Wire to mark the launch of his recently published book “Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship between India and Pakistan”. “You will perhaps never know for sure how successful the strike was,” the former envoy said during the interview. This is the first time an Indian senior diplomat who was serving as Indian high commissioner in Islamabad at the time of the Balakot strike has admitted to the media that to date India has no proof of the targets the Indian Air Force had boasted it had struck in Balakot. India had conducted an airstrike in Balakot on February 26, 2019, while Pakistan responded by conducting airstrikes in Indian-held territory and an ensuing dogfight, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets shot down two Indian jets and captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Earlier when the book was published, a senior source at the Pakistan Foreign Office told a section of the press that the former Indian high commissioner “has certainly given an exaggerated account of the events. The timing of the release of the book is also suspicious. Clearly, he wants to project Modi as a strong leader who has the ability to take bold decisions.” During The Wire interview, conducted by journalist Karan Thapar, Bisaria had, according to Thapar, discussed that the terrorists behind the Pulwama attack of February 2019 “lucked out in getting an unprotected target in a convoy of vehicles” and thus “met with unexpected success”. Bisaria was asked if he was echoing what Satya Pal Malik, governor of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) at the time, had said to The Wire in an interview last year when he claimed the terror attack was a result of “incompetence” and “carelessness” by the Indian system. Bisaria was also asked what proof India had to corroborate the statement made by the Indian foreign secretary of the time, who is quoted by Bisaria in his book saying that at Balakot “a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadist who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated.”
02 NEWS
PRINTING OF 260M WATERMARKED BALLOT PAPERS UNDERWAY AT BRISK PACE
W
ISLAMABAD
Staff report
ITH the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024 approaching fast, the printing of 260 million watermarked ballot papers has been in full swing. As per officials, for Balochistan and Sindh constituencies printing of ballot papers continues in Karachi. On the other hand,
China-Pak companies sign new energy order worth $43 million ISLAMABAD
ballot papers for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad constituencies were being printed at the government printing office in Islamabad. Stringent security measures have been made at the Printing Corporation premises throughout the ballot paper production process. The introduction of watermarked ballot papers in the country took place during the 2018 general elections, signifying a notable milestone. Three printing machines, including the Security Printing Corporation,
Pakistan beat New Zealand in fifth T20 but lose series 4-1 CHRISTCHURCH Staff report
Pakistan’s spinners ran through New Zealand to pick up a consolation 42-run win in the fifth and final Twenty20 international on Sunday and avoid a series clean sweep. The tourists lost the five-match series 4-1 but it ended on a positive note as they dismissed the Black Caps for a paltry 92 in defence of 134-8. Part-time offspinner Iftikhar Ahmed produced career-best figures of 3-24 as a weakened New Zealand batting lineup struggled against the turning ball and were skittled for their eighthlowest T20 total. Only opener Finn Allen (22) and Glenn Phillips (26) passed 20 as Pakistan claimed the last eight wickets for 39 runs in comfortably their best bowling display of the series. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz (218) was effective with the new ball, removing Rachin Ravindra and Will Young cheaply, while Shaheen Shah Afridi had something to cheer at the end of his maiden series as captain, taking 2-20. New Zealand were missing three of their first-choice batters: Kane Williamson (knee injury), Devon Conway (Covid-19) and Daryl Mitchell (rested).
dates in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the violation of the code of conduct. Similarly, monitoring teams of the Election Commission are also active in Punjab. In Nankana Sahib, a warning was issued to election candidates for displaying Panaflex and billboards. Panaflex and other
Candidates seek large tribes support for general elections in Peshawar PESHAWAR
Staff report
Pakistan’s leading distributor of solar energy products, MaxPower signed a USD 43 million order with China’s new energy company, CHISAGE ESS. According to CHISAGE, they have supplied over 300,000 units of inverters and will provide a full range of low-voltage single-phase and three-phase hybrid inverters as part of the order. In March 2023, MaxPower showcased the prototype of CHISAGE ESS hybrid inverters at 12th International Renewable Energy Exhibition and Conference in Pakistan, drawing the attention of numerous local dealers, traders, and EPC companies. Both sides have also initiated communication and cooperation on battery packs, grid-tie inverters, and other products, according to CHISAGE ESS, Gwadar Pro reported quoting Entrepreneurs Daily on Sunday.
the Pakistan Postal Foundation, and the Printing Corporation of Pakistan, were being used to share the workload for this endeavor. Actions against candidates over violation of election code Meanwhile, the monitoring teams of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have initiated the process of issuing notices and imposing fines against candidates involved in the violation of code of conduct. The active monitoring teams of the ECP in this regard took action against the candi-
Monday, 22 January, 2024 | LAHORE
app
The candidates of different political parties and independent heavyweights started approaching strong baradaries (tribes) to get their support to win general elections in 2024 as Peshawar witnessed a tough electoral contest on 5 NA, and 14 PK seats. Besides veteran politicians and independent candidates, the political stalwarts sought the support of different tribes including Wazir, Mehsud, Khattak, Khalil, Shalmani, Afridi, Mohmand and Safi tribes to national and provincial assemblies seats in their respective areas. ANP leader, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, who is contesting election for a record 11 times from Peshawar’s NA-32 ( previously called NA-1) has also started contacting influential tribes and baradaries to get an edge over rival candidates. Bilour, who had won the election against Benazir Bhutto Shaheed in 1990, is being challenged by Independent candidate Asif Khan, a PTI nominee. Abidullah Yousafzai of PPP, Hussain
Madani of JUIF, Sher Rehman of PMLN and Tariq Mateen of Jumat-e-Islami are also flexing muscles on NA-32 Peshawar. In the 2018 general election, Shaukat Ali of PTI was elected MNA after defeating Ghulam Bilour. Former prime minister Imran Khan also won the seat in the by-election in 2022 while Bilour was the runner-up. Political observers said that a tough electoral battle is expected between Ghulam Bilour and independent candidate Asif Khan after former MNA Shoukat Ali quited PTI. As the February 8, 2024 election is approaching, the candidates contesting against 5 national assembly and 13 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly seats have accelerated the election campaign and addressed rallies and corner meetings on Sunday. In the 2018 general election, the politically fertile Peshawar had 14 representatives in the KP Assembly, however, it lost one seat in the wake of fresh delimitation in the 2024 election. The candidates of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had won all the five NA seats from Peshawar in the 2018 election. However, three of them are no longer part
of the party. The PTI nominees are contesting the polls as independent candidates after it lost its iconic electoral symbol ‘bat’. Former speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Kiramatullah Chagharmati of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is contesting against former MNA Noor Alam Khan of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) and ex-MNA Sajid Nawaz of PTI as independent candidate on NA 28 Peshawar-1 in 2024 election. Former provincial minister Hafiz Hashmat of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Muhammad Fayyaz Khan of Awami National Party (ANP) are also in the run for NA-28. Former MNA Arbab Amir Ayub who won the 2018 election on the PTI ticket is again candidate of the PTI as an independent candidate while other frontrunners included former MPA Saqibullah Chamkani of ANP, Akhundzada Irfanullah Shah of JUIF, Malik Amjad Awan of PPP and Ghulam Muhiyuddin of Jumat e Islami on NA 29 Peshawar-11. In NA-30 Peshawar, former PTI MNA Shandana Gulzar is contesting against Nasir Musazai of JUIF, Arbab Zain Umar
Justice continues to elude Gaw Kadal massacre victims in IIOJK ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Justice continues to elude the victims of Gaw Kadal massacre victims in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) despite the passage of 34 years. A report released by Kashmir Media Service on Sunday, said that over 50 people were martyred in Gaw Kadal area of Srinagar on January 21 in 1990 when Indian troops had resorted to indiscriminate firing on peaceful demonstrators who were protesting against the molestation of several women by troops, the previous night. Indian troops had committed scores of brutal massacres since 1989 in IIOJK, it said, adding that over 96,287 Kashmiris had fallen to the Indian bullets in the past 35 years and that the memories
of Gaw Kadal like bloodbaths were still fresh in the minds of Kashmiris. The report pointed out that the aim of committing massacres was to instill fear among the people of Kashmir, adding that the large-scale killings of the Kashmiris were also meant to change the demography of the territory by turning its Muslim majority status into a minority. The Gaw Kadal and other massacres are a reminder of the criminal face of the occupation troops, the report deplored and added that the RSSbacked Indian regime had planned to carry out more Gaw Kadal-like carnages in the occupied territory. It lamented that the Hindutva-inspired Modi had broken all records of atrocities in the occupied territory. However, the report said, wanton killings would not deter the Kashmiris
from pursuing their struggle for right to self-determination and they would not rest till achieving freedom from Indian yoke. The report urged the international rights bodies to probe massacres committed by Indian troops in IIOJK. The world must play its role to punish culprits of Gaw Kadal and other massacres in the territory, adding that the killing fields of Kashmir was a challenge to the so-called civilized world. Meanwhile, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK), including General Secretary Sheikh Abdul Mateen, Imtiyaz Ahmed Shah, Shameem Shawl, Javed Ahmed Butt, Syed Aijaz Rehmani, Syed Gulshan Ahmed and Mushtaq Ahmad Butt, have paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of Gaw Kadal massacre on their 34 martyrdom anniversary.
How can Pakistan benefit from Sino-Pak partnership in year 2024? ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
In 2023, Pakistan returned from the verge of debt default. Amid the turbulence of surging inflation and budget deficit, we see that due to some corrective measures such as government fiscal reforms and cost cut, economy started getting back to stability. What can we expect for 2024? To answer this question, China Economic Net (CEN) had an interview with Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, executive director of Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Pakistan and member of the Pakistan Climate Change Council for some insights. “I’m optimistic that Pakistan’s economic situation will start to improve in calendar year 2024. The elections will bring the much needed certainty. The resolve from all mainstream political parties that they will go to the IMF for the next program if they get a chance to form a gov-
ernment will ensure much-needed fiscal discipline and policy consistency. It will also help in shoring up Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. This in turn will improve Pakistan’s creditworthiness, too”, he said. In its latest report “Global Economic Prospects — January 2024”, the World Bank projected Pakistan’s economic growth at 1.7 percent for the ongoing fiscal year 2023-24 and 2.4 percent in FY2024-25, an inspiring recovery from -0.2 percent in the previous fiscal year. According to Dr. Suleri, two external factors can affect Pakistan’s economic performance in 2024. One is global energy prices, which are dependent on the geopolitical tensions. “If the Ukraine-Russia tension remains, or if the situation in the Middle East gets worse, that would have an impact on the prices, which would have impact on our economic outlook”, he said. The second important factor is climate change. A bad monsoon or El Nino may weigh against the agriculture sector. “If the two external factors remain favourable, then
Hasta la vista, baby!’ City noteS M.a. niazi RNOLD Schwarzenegger was detained at the Munich Airport when he arrived from the USA, because he had not declared that he was going to sell his watch. Imran Khan is said to have joined in the protest, because he too knows the pain of having questions asked about what is your own property. Schwarzenegger, bodybuilder-turnedactor-turned-politician, was auctioning off the watch at a charity dinner he was to attend in Munich. The proper thing to do was declare the watch, presumably so they could mulct him heavily for the proceeds. He didn’t declare it, and was nabbed for tax evasion. Schwarzenegger is best known for the title role in The Terminator movies, though he earlier played Conan the Barbarian in the two movies about that. He was Austrian, and before becoming an actor had been a bodybuilder (when he won one amateur and
A
three professional three Mr Universe titles, and seven Mr Olympia titles, not to forget medals for weightlifting in the 80+ kg class). After his acting career was more or less over, he went into politics, conservative politics at that, and became Governor of California in 2003, a year after the sitting Governor, a Democrat named Gray Davis, had won a second term. He became Governor in a recall election, in which a referendum was held on the signatures of a proportion of the voters. The referendum wants the incumbent out and may give another name as a replacement. It’s like a vote of no-confidence, only in a presidential system, the voters decide themselves, not their representatives. So Arnold got elected in the equivalent of a vote of no-confidence, the means by which Imran was removed. But that, the watches and sports (cricket, bodybuilding, same difference) is not the only way he resembles Imran. It’s not just his film connections (Imran not only has a large number of connections in the Indian film industry, but it seems he wants to revive the Pakistani industry singlehanded by innova-
I am quite optimistic that securing a modest GDP growth will not be difficult”, he said. In 2023, a major improvement for Pakistan is a significant drop of trade deficit by 34.29 percent during the first half of the current fiscal year starting from July 2023 compared to the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. In particular, Pakistan’s exports to China during JulyDecember, 2023 hiked by 66.4%, reaching US$1.5458 billion. “This trend is expected to continue in 2024”, he said, explaining that the re-opening of China’s border after Covid-19 restrictions, the resilience of China’s economy as proven by the way it handles the real estate risks, and the substantial demand in the second largest market globally will continue to benefit Pakistan as with many other countries that are economically inter-related with China. “To have a clearer picture of Pakistan’s economic outlook for 2024, we need to go back to 2023. There are at least two lessons domestically that can take us to 2024”, he told CEN reporter.
tive scripts, such as the use of rare Asiatic poisons to assassinate people, and the armed attack on his life). They have also had women trouble. Both married upwards and late. Schwarzenegger was 39 when he married Maria Shriver, the niece of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy, and the daughter of the 1972 Democrat vice-presidential nominee. Imran was 42 when he married Jemima Goldsmith, the daughter of MP Sir Jimmy Goldsmith. Schwarzenegger had an affair with a married woman, Mildred Baena some years later. Well, that’s the one we know about because she had a son, who bears her husband’s surname, but who is Schwarzenegger’s. Imran is supposed to have a daughter out of wedlock, Tyrian White. While he has never denied her, he has never acknowledged her even though his ex-wife Jemima has been her guardian. A major difference is that Schwareznegger acknowledges the son, who is also into bodybuilding too. The equivalent would be Tyrian getting picked for a women’s cricket team. Schwareznegger admitted to adultery, though he did not marry the woman after his wife divorced him. Imran is also facing an adultery charge, because his present wife, Bushra Bibi, had not completed her iddat from her
previous marriage. And by the way, her first husband has charged Imran for alienating his wife’s affections. The charity Arnold was auctioning his watch for was his own climate change initiative. Well, we all know Imran cares about the environment. The ‘Billion-Tree Tsunami’, you know. One thing Imran probably likes about Arnold is that he is older, and a role model, proof that age is just a number. Arnold has never used his famous line from the Terminator 2: “Hasta la vista, baby.” But if he did, Imran would probably like being called a baby. Schwarzenegger
promotional materials have been removed from Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Sargodha and Bhakkar. Panaflex hoardings have also been put up in Chiniot, Faisalabad, Nankana, Kasur, Lahore and Multan. Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab has issued strict instructions to District Monitoring Officers in this regard. of ANP, Raees Khan of PMLN, Kashif Azam of JI and Misbahuddin of PPP. Nasir Musazai won the polls from the area in 2018 as the candidate of PTI but he joined the JUIF last year. Shandana was elected MNA on a reserved seat for women in 2018. Similarly on NA-31 Peshawar, former MNA Arbab Sher Ali of PTI is contesting against former federal minister Arbab Alamgir of PPP, Pir Haroon Shah of ANP, Muhammad Saeed Jan of JUIF, Sobia Shahid of PMLN and Imdad Khalil of JI. Arbab Sher Ali was elected MNA from this constituency in the 2018 general election as a PTI contender. Arbab Alamgir also remained MNA from this constituency in 2008; both were trying to get support from strong baradaries. Besides billboards and panaflexes, the candidates have also installed posters and banners on all roads, squares, bazaars and streets to attract voters’ attention. Mashallah Jehangi, a hub of printing and advertising businesses in Peshawar attracted roaring business courtesy of the 2024 General Election. The printers hired extra labourers to meet the pressing demands of the candidates. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTI Parliamentarians has emerged as a new political party with leaders like veteran politicians and former Chief Ministers Pervez Khattak and Mahmood Khan who can surprise many on the polling day especially in Nowshera and Swat being their native districts.
Bahawalpur to be made industrial city: Alwari BAHAWALPUR app
Renowned intellectual, former parliamentarian and candidate for NA-168 Bahawalpur, Syed Tabish Alwari has said that after winning in the general elections, he would make efforts to make Bahawalpur an industrial city. Talking to media persons here Sunday, he said that industrialization made any region prosperous, adding that it was need of the hour to put efforts to make Bahawalpur an industrial city. “If people support me, I will make serious efforts to make this region an industrial zone,” he said. Syed Tabish Alwari demanded of the government to declare Bahawalpur a tax-free zone in order to draw attention of local and foreign investors who wanted to invest in different sectors in Pakistan.
Strict security measures for churches SARGODHA app
The district police made strict security arrangements for churches in Sargodha and other parts of the district here on Sunday. A spokesman for district police said here that District Police Officer Muhammad Faisal Kamran had ordered foolproof security for churches and all other religious places of the Christian community. An adequate number of police officers and personnel were deployed in and around churches. Personnel of Elite Force, Traffic Police and other law enforcement agencies were also deployed at important points on Sunday.
can do so, after all, for he’s three years older than Imran. Of course, the Terminator’s next action, shooting the T2 is not what Imran would want for himself. That’s not all the Terminator said. “I’ll be back”. Said by the Terminator after being denied entry into a police station. The Terminator returns by driving a car through the front door and massacring the crew of the police station. Imran wants to repeat it. After all, if Nawaz had said this in 2017, he would be right today. So Imran would like to say it too. And maybe “Hasta la vista, baby” which Spanish for ‘until next time’.
NEWS 03
COALITION FORMED TO ENSURE FREE MEDIA
Monday, 22 January, 2024 | LAHORE
R
ISLAMABAD
Staff report
EPRESENTATIVES of CPNE, AEMEND, various press clubs, unions and associations of journalists and media workers on Saturday established an alliance — Coalition for Free Media — to jointly resist media curbs through pressure tactics and trolling on social media and to ensure freedom of expression. Almost all groups and factions affiliated with media professionals, including Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE), All Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation (Apnec), press clubs of four provincial capitals and the National Press Club, attended a meeting where the initiative
Ambassador Haider Shah pleads for early resolution of Kashmir dispute
by the Association of Electronic Media Editors & News Directors (AEMEND) to form the ‘Coalition for Free Media’ was endorsed by the participants. The joint meeting also decided to establish a ‘steering committee’ of the coalition to resist the continuous degradation of the freedom of information in the country. It decided to seek cooperation from human rights activists and lawyers and create deterrence over the safety of journalists and ‘shrinking space’ for free speech in the media. The meeting was moderated by AEMEND President Azhar Abbas, who after a consensus among the participants including those who had joined through an online link announced that freedom of speech did not mean an unregulated and unethical media practices.
Fraternity decides to jointly resist ‘attack on media from state or non-state actors’ The participants noted that character assassination of journalists on social and mainstream media had become a norm in recent years. PFUJ (Barna) President Afzal Butt said many countries had placed curbs on media but it seemed too obvious and blatant in Pakistan. He was of the opinion that regressive policies were being followed, even by political parties, against media freedom. CAMPAIGN TO TARNISH IMAGE: According to a statement issued by the coalition, successive governments, political parties and some state institutions have adopted the policy to defame independent journalists and tarnish their image through a sustained campaign. Unfortunately, it added, even some media persons and journalists also joined
hands with powerful institutions in this campaign. Some TV channels and newspapers allegedly tried to justify such defamatory campaigns, accusing the media organisations and professional journalists of committing treason and even blasphemy, it noted. “There is an urgent need to not only condemn this practice, but also to act collectively to put a stop to it,” the statement added. BLACK SHEEP: It was agreed that media organisations and journalists could have different editorial policies and report the same stories differently, and there could be fair and justified criticism on these stories and opinions. “But if media organisations start to run campaigns against journalists, they themselves are likely to become a threat to media freedom in this county,” the coalition warned. The other key demands of the collation included ‘ensuring free speech and freedom
Ahmed Baig new title holder for Rashid D Habib Memorial Golf 2024
KAMPALA
Thick fog forces motorway closures, disrupts traffic across north, south Zones ISLAMABAD
inp
Additional Foreign Secretary (United Nations) Ambassador Syed Haider Shah has called for an early resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Syed Haider Shah delivered Pakistan’s national statement at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda and outlined Pakistan’s firm commitment to the NAM and its founding principles and its continued support to the Movement’s efforts towards peace, equality, cooperation and well-being for all. He underlined that the current multi-dimensional global challenges can only be overcome through effective international collaboration. He called for urgent action to reform the systems of finance, trade, and technology to ensure balanced and sustained socio-economic growth, particularly in the developing countries. Ambassador Haider Shah is leading the Pakistan delegation to the NAM Summit after Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani had to cut short his official visit in view of recent developments.
Petroleum Division condems malicious campaign against SSGC, Chairperson ISLAMABAD inp
This is with reference to recent news items circulating in electronic, print and social media concerning Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and its Board. Petroleum Division condems the malicious campaign against the SSGC, its Chairperson and its Board of directors. Dr. Shamshad Akhter along with the Board members has successfully led the organization since her initial appointment in 2019. Under her visionary leadership, SSGC has achieved significant milestones in crucial areas such as upgradation in the technology, improvement of business operations, Human Resources, policy formulation, discipline, Risk Management and significant reduction of Unaccounted-for Gas (UFG). The Chairperson and Board members work as a team and decisions are taken based on collective wisdom and consensus of the Board. The Board have contributed significantly to Budgetary systems, Audit, Finances, UFG strategies etc. It is noted with satisfaction that the UFG in Sindh province has been decreased from 15% to 7%, which is a testament to the effective approach of the management and the SSGC Board, especially the Chairperson of the Board. The Board has strictly been involved in the Policy & strategic decision making and delegates the implementation to Management team. Since its formation, the Board has been steadfast in pursuing an agenda of HR and institutional reforms, recognizing their critical role in the transformation of SSGC. The institutionalization of high quality performance assessment and results-based accountability is underway to meet the expectations of stakeholders. The New Employment Handbook has been developed under the oversight of the Board, approved and is under implementation.
NAVTTC empowering youth through skill uplift programs ISLAMABAD app
The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) is running extensive programs by taking memorable initiatives to uplift technical training and skill development in the country. Technical Training and Skill Education has occupied a very important place in the modern-day economy, according to a news release on Sunday. The Prime Minister’s Youth skilled program is a key pillar to empower them with the necessary tools and innovative skills, which will grow globally. NAVTTC invites media friends to join hands with it and have a good look at the programs and initiatives to enhance the technical sector in the country.
of media’ as no society can progress without free media. Freedom of speech generates dialogue and debate which is essential in every democratic society, it noted, recalling that journalists’ organisations have been campaigning long for this constitutional right. SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS: Coalition members also discussed the issue of safety and protection of journalists. It noted scores of journalists have been killed, and several abducted or incarcerated by state and nonstate actors, during past many years. At the same time, it noted, many continue to face pressures and persecution while performing their professional duties. It demanded implementation of the ‘Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act’ in letter and spirit. The coalition decided to jointly resist any attack on media houses from state or non-state actors. The participants agreed that there were undue pressure as well as demands to discontinue publication of columns and articles of certain writers, or to stop airing of certain
app
KARACHI
preSS releaSe
The 13th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament 2024 concluded on Sunday at the Karachi Golf Club (KGC), where Ahmed Baig from Lahore emerged as the new title holder after a remarkable performance throughout the tournament. Ahmed Baig, who led the tournament from day one, demonstrated exceptional skill, firing a gross score of 275, finishing under 13 and securing the coveted trophy. Muhammad Zubair from KGC claimed the runner-up position in this category with an impressive six under par. In the senior professionals category, Nisar Hussain claimed the trophy, with Muhammad Siddique and Muhammad Tariq securing the runner-up positions. Muhammad Sahil and Umar Shahzad clinched the first and second
positions, respectively, in the junior professional category. A highlight of the tournament was Zubair Hussain from PAF achieving a remarkable Hole-In-One on the second day. Using a 5 Iron on the Red Course’s 7th Hole, a Par 3 at KGC with a distance of 210 Yards, Zubair’s skillful shot earned him acclaim and a brand-new Toyota Corolla car. Another car for the hole-in-one winner in the Local KGC Category remained unclaimed. The 23rd edition of Rashid D. Habib Memorial Golf Tournament featured a two-day match for local KGC Professionals, Senior Professionals, and KGC Caddies, held on January 16th and 17th, 2024. In the Caddies category, Shahid Malik scored 154, 10 over par, to claim the trophy for 2024. M. Javed and Kamran Zahoor were the runnerups with 157, 13 over par. Ashiq Naz led the KGC Senior Professional Cate-
gory with six over par, and M. Iqbal secured the second position. In the KGC Professionals category, M. Nawaz grabbed the trophy with Ali Sher as the runner-up. Top professionals, including Muhammad Shabbir, Ahmed Baig, Muhammad Munir, and Minhaj Maqsood Waraich, received an appearance fee of PKR 100,000 each. Additionally, PKR 150,000 was equally distributed among the top senior professionals, including Muhammad Tariq, Nisar Hussain, and Muhammad Akram. Chief Guest, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI(M), T Bt, and Bank AL Habib’s Chairman, Abbas D Habib, distributed prizes amongst the winners. Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the efforts of Bank AL Habib and KGC in hosting this popular golf event, expressing appreciation for the delightful weather in Karachi for golf.
Aneeq Ahmed inaugurates free medical camp at Badshahi Masjid LAHORE app
Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed inaugurated a health camp at Badshahi Masjid here on Sunday, and stressed the need for collective efforts to establish a healthy society. Addressing the inaugural ceremony and a seminar on ‘Role of mosques, mimber and mehrab for healthy society’, he said there were more than 250,000 mosques in the country, which should be made a centre of medical and other facilities. He added that these mosques should be given the status of community centres. Caretaker Federal Minister Health Dr Nadeem Jan, Punjab Health Minister Dr Jamal Nasir, Minister Auqaf Sayed Azfar Ali Nasir, Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Abdul Khabeer Azad, Joint Secretary Ahmad Nadeem, Secretary Auqaf Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari and others were also present. Aneeq Ahmed said that medical camp had been established at historic Badshahi Masjid and other mosques of big cities like Karachi, Rawalpindi and Islamabad in which dentists, ultrasound, sugar screening and other facilities are being provided free of cost to people. He vowed that the scope of these facilities and camps would be extended to other areas of the country soon. He said that all provincial department concerned are playing an active role for establishing and maintaining free medical
camps; however, continuity and commitment are important for provision of the best medical facilities to people. The religious minister appealed to consider mosques in the lists of priorities as these could play an effective role in developing and establishing healthy society. He termed education and health the major aspects of any society and stressed the need to extend great importance toward these vital sectors. Wellbeing is not an inheritance but a process of continuity that is achieved over time, he added. Caretaker Federal Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan commended the initiatives undertaken in the health sector, expressing confidence that these efforts would yield positive outcomes in future. He went beyond conventional views, emphasising that the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah served not only as a place of worship but as a vital component of the societal system, addressing diverse
matters concurrently. The minister conveyed his aspiration to replicate this system in mosques nationwide, drawing inspiration from the organizational structure at the Prophet’s Mosque. He underscored the continuous endeavors of his ministry to foster a healthy and prosperous society. Dr. Nadim Jan shed light on the multifaceted role of mosques, envisioning a society marked by happiness, educational advancement, progress, and tranquility, all propelled by the influential and powerful voice emanating from the mosque’s pulpit. The program witnessed additional insights from prominent figures, including provincial ministers, secretaries and religious scholars. At the end, Chairman of Ruet-e-Halal Committee and Imam of Badshahi Masjid Syed Abdul Khabeer Azad offered dua for the country development, people’s prosperity and their good health.
A blanket of dense fog has wreaked havoc on major motorways in the North, South Zones, leading to road closures and strategic diversions from the Peshawar to Islamabad stretch on M1, M2, M4, M5, M11, M-14, E35 and commuters are grappling with limited visibility, prompting authorities to take decisive measures. The motorway spokesman said on Sunday that adverse weather conditions had thrown several key motorways in North Pakistan into chaos as thick fog engulfed major stretches from the M1 Peshawar to Islamabad Motorway to the Swat Expressway and beyond, commuters faced disruptions and diversions due to reduced visibility. The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) has issued comprehensive update on the affected routes and the latest traffic management measures. The M1 Motorway, connecting Peshawar to Islamabad, witnesses a complete closure from Islamabad Toll Plaza (KM 351) to Peshawar Toll Plaza (KM 498) due to dense fog. The limited visibility of 40-50 meters prompts authorities to divert northbound traffic from Islamabad Toll Plaza. The traffic at southbound on the E35, from Burhan to Thakot is diverted from JhariKas to GT Road (KM 18) due to challenging foggy conditions as navigating through the thick fog becomes a significant challenge for commuters. The dense fog persists on the M2 North Motorway from Islamabad (KM 350) to Kalar Kahar (KM 242), significantly reducing visibility to 200-300 meters. The challenging conditions prompt cautionary measures for drivers on this stretch. M14 Hakla to D.I.Khan, northbound traffic at the M14 Motorway is diverted from Kharpa (KM 74) due to thick fog, leading to a complete closure from Hakla (KM 000) to Kharpa (KM 74) for both north and southbound lanes. The foggy conditions persist as of the latest update on January 21, 2024, at 08:41. The motorists traveling on Swat Expressway experience diversion of southbound traffic from KM 19 due to fog at 10:13:31 am. The limited visibility adds to the challenges faced by commuters in this region. Motorways authorities said that sections of the M2-South faced closures, including the stretch from Ravi Toll Plaza (KM 12) to Kot Momin (KM 162) due to fog at the roadside of the northbound lanes. Additionally, the closure of lanes from River Chenab Bridge (KM 132) to River Chenab Bridge due to a vehicle breakdown further compounded the traffic situation. Encouragingly, the M3 Motorway from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem reports clear roads and weather conditions at 10:23 am, providing a respite for travelers in the region. At M11 Mehmood Booti to Sambrial Toll Plaza Sialkot, partial cloud cover is reported on the M11 Motorway from Mehmood Booti (KM 00) to Sambrial Toll Plaza (KM 91), indicating relatively stable weather conditions for commuters. In the Central-II Zone of the M4 Motorway, the road and weather remain clear as of 08:29 am. However, in the Sub-Sector M4 from Abdul Hakeem (KM 89) to Sher Shah (KM 00), the weather remains cloudy, he added. Meanwhile at M5, cloudy weather persists from Sher Shah Multan (KM 772) to Zahir Pir (KM 579), potentially affecting visibility for commuters in the region. Challenges arise on the M5 Motorway from Zahir Pir (KM 579) to Rohri Toll Plaza (KM 386), leading to road closures from Ryk (KM 578) to Rohri (KM 386) due to dense fog. Southbound traffic is diverted from Rahim Yar Khan (KM 559) to ensure safety amidst challenging conditions.
CBD boulevard Walton Road railway-crossing flyover garners ministerial praise LAHORE
preSS releaSe
CBD Punjab Boulevard Walton Road Railway Crossing Flyover initiated by Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), underwent a late-night comprehensive inspection by the Provincial Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Punjab, Barrister Syed Azfar Ali Nasir, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin, Project Director Asif Iqbal, and representatives from the contracting team gave detailed briefing about the project’s progress. Provincial Minister for Housing expressed heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering efforts of the labor force and the entire CBD Punjab team despite the late hour and extreme cold weather conditions. The focus of the inspection was the ongoing construction progress at CBD Main Boulevard Flyover One and Flyover Two.
Provincial Minister commended the dedication and hard work exhibited by CBD Punjab, emphasizing their persistence in ensuring the timely completion of the project. Recognizing the pivotal role of this project in urban development, Provincial Minister specifically directed CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, to strictly adhere to the timeline given by Chief Minister Punjab, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. While expressing his views on the occasion Provincial Minister for Housing, Syed Azfar Ali Nasir said, “This project holds immense importance in our urban development plans. I commend the labor force and the CBD team for their dedication, especially for working late into the night in extreme cold weather conditions. Under the leadership of CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, I trust that we will meet the established timeline,” CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin expressed his profound gratitude on the appreciation from the Provincial Minister
Syed Azfar Ali Nasir, CEO CBD Punjab, stated we have deployed full workforce on the projects and are working nights. I have full confidence that we will meet the deadline given be Chief Minister Punjab, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi The ongoing construction at CBD Main Boulevard Flyover One and Flyover
Two is a testament to the commitment of the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority in transforming urban landscapes. The Provincial Minister’s visit underscores the dedication to progress, and the recognition of the hard work put forth by the entire team involved in this significant development initiative.
04 COMMENT
Boycotts in Flux
Manifesto casualness
P
Of the major parties, the PML(N) has not even released a manifesto, while the others are cagey about the economy
I
Trends and challenges of Pro-Palestinian consumer campaigns
OLITICAL party manifestos are not given the attention they deserve, even where they were developed, the UK, because they are considered impossible to fulfill. They are useless if the party making the promises is not elected to office, while if it does win, it apparently ignores those promises, not even trying to do anything about the promises it made. One British commentator said that manifestoes were actually pieces of extended political journalism, meant to convince voters rather than reveal how the party would govern. Pakistani manifestos get even shorter shrift, because both party and voter know that they do not provide any meaningful guidelines, and are merely a sort of formality. The PML(N) has yet to release its manifesto, even though a large manifesto committee of over 30 members was set up, with the release date of February 27 coming just 12 days before the election itself. Thus it is almost in the middle of the three weeks the ECP has allowed, for the campaign itself. Similarly, though the PTI intended a launch on January 7, there was a widespread internet disruption. The PTI could continue with its telethon, though. The manifesto is still not launched, though there must have been something to launch a fortnight ago. The PPP has launched its manifesto, though, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has even campaigned on it. However, that manifesto, and the younger Mr Zardari’s use of it, highlights another problem. The promises made are all very well, such as the building of three million houses for the poor, and the expansion of the Benazir Income Programme, but the manifesto is coy about where the money is to be found. The silence of the parties, which have all launched their campaigns, on relations with the IMF and other creditors, also does not bode well. It is not enough for the parties to present manifestos. Their tendency to throw caution to the winds and make promises that even their audience knows they have no intention of keeping is one of the reasons democracy has not developed in the country. It is the duty of voters to ensure that those they elect stick to their manifestos. There seems to be no debate on how well the major parties have performed on their manifestos, even though all three had a chance of fulfilling them during stints in government. Unless parties are held accountable, they will keep making promises they can’t keep.
ZAhrA NiAZi
N the wake of Israel’s ongoing genocidal aggression in Gaza, Pakistanis have rallied in solidarity with the Palestinians in large numbers through street demonstrations, digital activism, and by responding to the calls for a boycott of products belonging to companies complicit in Israel’s violation of Palestinian rights. In a November 2023 survey conducted by Pulse Consultant across Pakistan’s 12 major cities, a compelling 83 percent of respondents expressed agreement with boycotting products from multinational companies (MNCs) complicit in Israeli actions. Among them, a notable 79 percent confirmed active participation in the boycott. Initially, as the boycott campaign gained renewed and intensified traction post-October 7, discussions with one’s social circle or interactions with salespersons at a neighbourhood supermarket would bear witness to the widespread enthusiasm among people making conscious purchasing decisions. In response, supermarkets were quick to increase dedicated spaces for local products, while netizens shared multiple directories of Pakistani alternatives to Western products on social media platforms to help consumers purchase products more wisely. Nevertheless, the late November iteration of the survey disclosed a decline in support for the boycott, registering at 78 percent, with active engagement dwindling to 69 percent among its supporters. In a subsequent assessment nearly two weeks later, the backing for the boycott further decreased to 60 percent, yet 68 percent of participants affirmed their continued active involvement. This shift in consumer sentiment reflects an overall waning enthusiasm for boycotting, underscoring a diminishing emotional pulse among consumers. However, the steadfast commitment of those who persist in the campaign signals unwavering determination to support it In psychology, research has repeatedly shown that people start becoming emotionally desen-
sitised to an event, such as a genocide, as the number of individuals affected by it increases. As a corollary, the initial intensity of sentiments driving actions in any capacity to resist more death and destruction due to that event may also diminish as the event gets prolonged. Past instances have also suggested that consumers may encounter challenges, such as availability, low quality, or a high cost of other/local alternatives, after joining a boycott, forcing some to revert to old purchasing practices. In Pakistan, a grocery run or visit to any nearest food court would demonstrate that local alternatives are now available for a majority of the items, many at lower prices, although exceptions exist. However, there persists skepticism among individuals regarding the quality of certain local products. Additionally, skepticism about boycott efficacy can also affect consumer participation in such campaigns. This may be especially true when people link efficacy with immediate and major outcomes. When those expectations are not met, enthusiasm for participating in boycotts may begin to fade. While the global boycott wave against Israel has not yielded a significant financial impact, its influence is not entirely negligible. Market summary data indicates that the stock market performance of some, if not all, targeted companies, such as Nestlé, Starbucks, or PepsiCo, is not faring well, which can be attributed, at least partly, to the boycotts. In recent days, the CEO of McDonald’s categorically acknowledged a ‘meaningful business impact’ due to these boycotts. Such campaigns also offer additional, intangible means of supporting the cause. They amplify the voices of the oppressed, catalyze policy discussions,
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
Voter turnout challenges Yousaf Nizami
Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi
I
empower activist movements, and challenge prevailing narratives. The recent shift in narrative favouring Palestinians has played a role in compelling even some of Israel’s allies in the West to reconsider and soften their positions. And if history is any teacher, it tells us that collective and selective boycotts, coupled with other non-violent actions, work in significant ways when sustained over a long period. Gaza today stands as a test case of our morality and shared humanity. As it continues to face one of the most brutal genocidal onslaughts in history, we must not let our actions in solidarity with the Palestinians lose their momentum. And as consumers attempt to make conscious purchasing decisions, it will be equally important that they are facilitated in embracing the shift to indigenous alternatives. Support mechanisms, such as technical assistance or training, should be offered to assist local manufacturers in improving their products and bringing them at par with international products. For some firms and businesses in Pakistan, a relatively larger domestic market than before for absorbing indigenous products may even be an opportune moment to invest in product quality. ‘Economies of scale’ suggests that an increase in the number of units produced leads to a fall in the unit cost of production, providing businesses the opportunity for cost-saving. This can then be passed on to consumers by enhancing product quality. We must all remember and internalise that each of us has a role to play when it comes to striving for the end of Israel’s genocide and apartheid in Palestine, for ‘little by little, a little becomes a lot’. Zahra Niazi is a Research Assistant at the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, Pakistan. She can be reached at cass.thinkers@casstt.com.
We must all remember and internalise that each of us has a role to play when it comes to striving for the end of IsraelÊs genocide and apartheid in Palestine, for Âlittle by little, a little becomes a lotÊ
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Joint Editor
Monday, 22 January, 2024
Executive Editor
The point is to persuade people to participate Ali Gul leGhAri
N the intricate tapestry of Pakistan’s democratic journey, the evolution of voter turnout emerges as a pivotal narrative. From the exuberant 63 percent participation in the landmark 1970 elections to the nuanced fluctuations in subsequent polls, the quest to inspire citizens to exercise their voting right remains a pressing challenge. The ebb and flow of participation rates reached a nadir at 36 percent in 1997, and despite subsequent improvements, the 2018 turnout, while exceeding 51 percent, fell short of the 2013 figure. Amidst these statistics lies a poignant issue— the lack of comprehensive awareness about the significance of voting, citizens’ rights, and civic duties. This critical gap, particularly pronounced in rural areas, has prompted an urgent need for intervention.
UNDERSTANDING THE RURALURBAN DIVIDE A visit to a remote village in Sindh during local elections unveiled a microcosm of the larger challenge. While the 800 registered female voters displayed a commendable turnout, a closer inspection revealed a disheartening reality. Nearly half of the cast votes were invalidated due to various issues, exposing the acute need for educational initiatives surrounding the voting process. Common mistakes, such as misplaced thumbprints instead of stamps, multiple stamps at different places, and ballot papers left blank, underscored the urgency of educational campaigns.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON VOTING To understand the gravity of Pakistan’s low voter turnout, a glance at global voting indexes is illuminating. The average global voter turnout hovers around 75 percent, a stark contrast to Pakistan’s struggle to achieve a similar level of participation. As a nation that aspires to uphold
democratic ideals, addressing this discrepancy should be paramount.
EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS One of the primary catalysts for change lies in extensive and sustained educational campaigns. These initiatives should transcend urban boundaries and reach the heart of rural communities. The objective is not merely to convey procedural information but to underscore the profound impact each vote carries in shaping the nation’s trajectory.
ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION PLATFORMS Leveraging technology offers a potent solution. Establishing online platforms, mobile applications, and community-driven initiatives can democratize access to information. By disseminating knowledge on the voting process, candidates, and the broader democratic landscape, citizens can make informed choices.
CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS The journey towards a participatory democracy begins in classrooms. Integrating comprehensive civic education into school curricula equips young minds with the understanding of their role in the democratic process. By instilling civic responsibility, these educational efforts ensure a more informed and engaged electorate in the future.
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS The heart of rural communities lies in local leaders and influencers. Conducting workshops and community outreach programs, in collaboration with these figures, serves a dual purpose. It demystifies the voting process while fostering a sense of civic duty. Community-driven initiatives are often more impactful in breaking down barriers to participation.
ELECTION DAY ASSISTANCE CENTRES: On election day, assistance centres can serve as invaluable resources. Whether in urban or rural areas, these centres provide on-the-spot guid-
Editor’s mail
ance to voters, minimizing procedural errors and ensuring that every vote counts. They become beacons of support, reinforcing the accessibility of the democratic process.
IMPORTANCE OF VOTING While procedural improvements are crucial, emphasizing the importance of voting transcends mere mechanics. Launching media campaigns, community discussions, and seminars to underscore how every individual’s participation contributes to a stronger, more representative democracy is paramount. This narrative should be ingrained in the national psyche, making it a collective responsibility.
INCLUSIVITY SLOGANS Catchy slogans such as “No Voter Left Behind” need to resonate across various media platforms. By involving community organizations, stakeholders, and influencers, these slogans become rallying cries for a collective responsibility to maximize voter turnout.
ELECTIONS ACT 2017 The Elections Act 2017 provides a detailed framework regarding the right to vote and the electoral process. However, the effective implementation of this legislation requires a concerted effort to bridge the gap between legal provisions and public understanding. Public awareness campaigns should highlight the safeguards and opportunities this act provides for citizens to participate in the democratic process. Pakistan stands at a pivotal juncture, where addressing the issue of low voter turnout is not only a matter of electoral concern but a fundamental aspect of fortifying its democratic foundation. By implementing these proactive measures, the government can lead the nation toward a more informed, engaged, and participatory electorate. In doing so, Pakistan not only nurtures its democratic ethos but also reinforces its commitment to a vibrant and representative democracy. The collective voice of the people, when heard through the ballot, becomes the symphony that resonates with the aspirations of a nation. The writer tweets @AliGulLeghari1
Pakistan stands at a pivotal juncture, where addressing the issue of low voter turnout is not only a matter of electoral concern but a fundamental aspect of fortifying its democratic foundation. Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
I
Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9
I
Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
I
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
Made in Pakistan
THE government has decided to use LED bulbs for saving electricity. At present, billions of rupees are spent on their imports. Local assembly and manufacturing services should be encouraged through tax and other incentives for such essential and valuable items to achieve some level of selfreliance and save some foreign currency. Besides, a functional industry would naturally lead to more and better employment opportunities for the locals. M. AKRAM NIAZI RAWALPINDI
Hajj
HAJJ is a conditional obligation and it is not obligatory for those who cannot afford the expenses. Therefore, due to the poor economic conditions of the country, the government should consider putting a complete ban on free Hajj being offered by different state-owned departments. KH TAJAMMUL HUSSAIN KARACHI
Bank holidays
EVERY year, banks remain closed on Jan 1, July 1 and on the first day of Ramazan. In today’s age of technological advancement, it is not required to declare holidays for the calculation of mark-ups and Zakat. This year, Jan 1 had fallen on a Monday, which meant the banks remained closed for three consecutive days — from Saturday to Monday — and that really caused a lot of inconvenience to the customers. SBP should urgently look into the matter. K.M. SHAFI KARACHI
Polio
EFFORTS to eradicate polio from Pakistan need to increase as 14 environmental samples from Karachi, Peshawar and Hyderabad have tested positive recently. Experts believe that 30 per cent of the children do not actually receive full immunisation due to lack of awareness and government inattention. Polio affects children under five years of age. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food. Polio virus attacks the human nervous system and causes paralysis. It can be prevented by administering polio drops and by maintaining good hygiene. A government-led mass awareness campaign and vaccination for every child are critical for eliminating the polio virus. MUHAMMAD AMIN KECH
Cultural fusion
I want to address a misunderstanding about Peshawar’s culture, or I would say I am concerned about Peshawar’s culture. Someone I know visited Peshawar in 2023 and felt surprised because they thought only men were seen outside, and women were missing. But that’s not really how Peshawar is. That’s not the whole truth about Peshawar. Peshawar’s culture is a mix of old traditions and new ways. It’s a lively place where women have always been a part of public life. Saying only men roam outside doesn’t match the real Peshawar. While traditions are important, Peshawar’s culture isn’t stuck in the past. Women have always been a vital part of the city’s life, and they continue to be. Let’s change these misunderstandings and show the real Peshawar. It’s a place where traditions blend with progress, and everyone, including women, plays an important role. MAIMOONA IMRAN MARDAN
Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
I
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
COMMENT 05
Agriculture in pollution: Possibilities ahead Monday, 22 January, 2024
The problems can be handled
A
Dr rAjkumAr SiNGh
GRICULTURAL pollution is the contaminants that enter the environment as a result of various agricultural practices. This type of pollution has a wide range of sources and impacts.
Its key aspects are: Sources of Agricultural Pollution: A. CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS: These are used to enhance plant growth, but excessive use can lead to nutrient runoff into water bodies, causing eutrophication. B. PESTICIDES AND HERBICIDES: Used for controlling pests and weeds, these chemicals can contaminate soil and water, and harm non-target organisms including beneficial insects and aquatic life. C. ANIMAL WASTE: Large-scale livestock farming produces significant amounts of manure and urine, which can contaminate water sources with nutrients and pathogens if not properly managed. D. SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION: This occurs when farming practices lead to the loss of topsoil, which can carry pollutants into water bodies.
Impacts of Agricultural Pollution: A. WATER POLLUTION: Nutrient runoff can lead to the proliferation of algal blooms in water bodies, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life. B. SOIL DEGRADATION: Overuse of chemicals can degrade soil quality, reducing its fertility and affecting its ability to support crops. C. IMPACT ON BIODIVERSITY: Pesticides can harm wildlife, including birds, insects, and aquatic organisms, reducing
biodiversity. D. HUMAN HEALTH RISKS: Contaminated water and produce can pose health risks to humans, including various diseases and chemical exposure.
Prevention and Mitigation: A. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM): This approach uses a combination of methods to control pests with minimal use of chemicals. B. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT: Careful management of fertilizer use to minimize runoff. C. CONSERVATION TILLAGE: Practices that minimize soil disturbance can reduce erosion. D. BUFFER ZONES: Planting vegetation between fields and water bodies can filter runoff. E. SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT: Proper handling and disposal of animal waste to prevent contamination. F. REGULATIONS AND POLICIES: Many countries have regulations to control agricultural pollution, such as limits on chemical usage and requirements for waste management. G. TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS: Advances in technology, including precision agriculture, can help reduce the environmental impact of farming by optimizing resource use.
Agricultural pollution is a complex issue that requires a balance between meeting the world’s food needs and protecting the environment. Agricultural pollution is primarily caused by several practices and processes as-
Beijing has introduced a rating system for China’s version of TikTok, Douyin, that will penalize users who stream content containing sexual innuendos or promotion of ‘abnormal beauty standards’
D
DW
OUYIN, TikTok’s sibling app in China, has introduced a rating system for live streamers as part of Beijing’s ongoing efforts to enhance control over the internet. The 6-tiered rating system, officially called “health points” in China, came into effect this month after being piloted for nearly half a year. On the first day of the system rollout, nearly 5,000 live streamers faced punishment and restrictions on access to certain app functions. The system is set up to “draw red lines and bottom lines” for the fast-growing live streaming industry, China’s state-affiliated Xinhua news agency reported. Douyin also launched a “teenage mode” in 2021 that limits the amount of time users under the age of 14 spend on the app to 40 minutes per day.
HOW DOES THE RATING SYSTEM WORK? According to the latest rules, all streamers will start with a preset 100 points. Those considered top or professional streamers are allotted 120 points. Points will be deducted from streamers who commit “serious offenses” that include streaming content or behavior featuring what censors consider to be vulgarity, or promoting “unhealthy views on relationships.” Sexual innuendos, pseudoscience, promotion of “abnormal beauty standards” or “violation of public order and morals” will be considered moderate infractions. Streamers who violate these rules will have points deducted based on the severity of the alleged offense. Offenses considered to be serious will take off 4-8 points. Sanctions will be imposed once a streamer’s points dip below 70, with punishments ranging from function restrictions to a complete ban on streaming once the point count drops down to zero. CHINA’S POLITICAL AGENDA FOR ONLINE CONTENT Many Chinese users praised the points system on China’s Weibo microblogging platform, with supporters saying the system could help regulate streamers’ behavior and put a cap on content. However, KK, a former influencer manager who spoke to DW on condition of
A. USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS: Chemical fertilizers are used to increase the productivity of crops, but excessive use can lead to the leaching of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into water bodies. This nutrient runoff can cause eutrophication, leading to algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life. B. PESTICIDES AND HERBICIDES: These chemicals are applied to crops to control pests and weeds. However, they can contaminate the soil and waterways, affecting non-target species including beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic organisms. Persistent pesticides can accumulate in the environment and enter the food chain. C. ANIMAL WASTE FROM LIVESTOCK FARMING: Intensive livestock operations produce large amounts of manure and urine. Improper management of this waste can lead to contamination of water sources with nutrients, bacteria, and other pathogens. Runoff from feedlots and poultry houses is a significant source of agricultural pollution. D. SOIL EROSION: Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as overgrazing, deforestation, and improper land use, can lead to soil erosion. This not only degrades the quality of the soil but also causes sediments laden with fertilizers and pesticides to enter waterways, impacting water quality. E. IRRIGATION PRACTICES: Inefficient irrigation practices can lead to the leaching of fertilizers and pesticides into groundwater. Over-irrigation also con-
Implementing these remedies requires a combined effort from farmers, governments, scientists, and communities. Effective management of agricultural pollution not only protects the environment but also ensures the long-term sustainability and productivity of the agricultural sector
China’s TikTok users face punishment for vulgar content
YucheN li
sociated with modern farming:
using a pseudonym, expressed concerns about the system “likely being unfair.” “Let’s say you think I wear [too] little so that my live show is sexual,” she said. “This judgment should not be made by one individual or AI system simply based on some screenshots.” Tai Yu-hui, an associate professor of communication and technology at Taiwan’s National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, also raised the alarm over guidelines on “unhealthy views on relationships” and “abnormal beauty standards.” Tai told DW that these narratives may target sexual minorities because “some male streamers look feminine.” In 2021, China banned “effeminate men” from television as the country’s leadership seeks to promote what it considers to be “masculine” images of men. In 2016, China implemented a cybersecurity law that signaled tighter controls over the internet, followed by a series of harsh crackdowns on the tech industry. Over the past few years, China’s crackdown has gradually shifted to short video platforms such as Douyin, ostensibly to stop young people spending too much time online. Professor Tai said the rating system is part of a larger plan by China’s leader Xi Jinping to exert Communist Party control over the digital space. “Xi Jinping’s entire policy and core values is to make the [Communist] party re-enter people’s daily lives, influencing their ideology and their thoughts,” she said. The restrictions on Douyin, China’s top live streaming platform, could further expand and strengthen Beijing’s censorship over online content. Currently, the app has around 800 million users, with a monthly active user count surpassing 600 million. MANY INFLUENCERS SHY AWAY FROM POLITICAL CONTENT In 2022, a prominent shopping live streamer was deactivated on social media for almost four months due to a brief appearance of “a tank-shaped cake” during a live stream. Netizens suspected the “tank” had been interpreted as a symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on studentled demonstrations. Tai told DW that although governments indeed have responsibility to take actions on regulating social media content, China’s Xi is using this as an excuse to justify a political agenda of social censorship. KK, the former Chinese influencer manager, said she had helped several live streamers come up with ideas for their programs. But even before the rating system, none of them would ever consider talking about politics. “It’s risky and there’s a lot of things to keep in mind, especially in this country. People don’t really want to give it a try,” KK said. “If you’re politically incorrect, it’s highly possible that you could be banned.”
tributes to water wastage and can lead to salinization of soils. F. MONOCULTURE PLANTING: The practice of growing a single type of crop over a large area for consecutive years can deplete the soil of specific nutrients and increase the dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. G. MACHINERY AND FUEL: The use of heavy machinery in farming can lead to soil compaction, which reduces its ability to absorb water, increasing runoff. Additionally, the fuel used by these machines contributes to air pollution. H. BURNING OF CROP RESIDUES: The practice of burning crop residues contributes to air pollution, releasing particulate matter and greenhouse gases. I. AQUACULTURE: In some regions, intensive aquaculture can contribute to water pollution through the release of nutrients, waste products, and chemicals used to treat diseases in fish.
Addressing these causes requires the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as integrated pest management, organic farming, proper waste management, conservation tillage, and efficient use of water resources. These practices aim to minimize the environmental impact while maintaining agricultural productivity. To mitigate agricultural pollution, a range of remedies can be implemented, focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices:
A. SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES: Crop Rotation and Diversification: Rotating crops and planting a variety of crops can improve soil health and reduce the need for chemical inputs. Conservation Tillage: Reducing tillage helps maintain soil structure, reduces erosion, and improves water retention. Organic Farming: Using organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods can reduce chemical runoff. B. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM): IPM involves using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods to control pests in an environmentally and economically sustainable way. C. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT: Precision Agriculture: Utilizing GPS and other technologies to apply fertilizers and water more efficiently and only
where needed. Soil Testing: Regular soil testing helps in applying the correct amount of fertilizers, reducing excess runoff. D. EFFICIENT WATER USE AND MANAGEMENT: Drip Irrigation: This method delivers water directly to the plant roots, minimizing water loss and reducing runoff. RAINWATER HARVESTING AND WATER RECYCLING: Collecting and reusing water for agricultural purposes can decrease dependency on external water sources. E. LIVESTOCK WASTE MANAGEMENT: Proper Storage and Treatment of Manure: Facilities like anaerobic digesters can treat manure to reduce pathogens and doors and produce renewable energy. Implementing Manure Management Plans: Proper application of manure to land based on crop needs and soil conditions. F. BUFFER STRIPS AND VEGETATIVE BARRIERS: Planting grass or trees along the edges of fields can act as filters, trapping runoff before it reaches water bodies. G. COVER CROPS: Planting cover crops during off-seasons can reduce soil erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. H. EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR FARMERS: Providing farmers with training and resources on sustainable agricultural practices can significantly reduce pollution. I. REGULATORY MEASURES AND INCENTIVES: Governments can enforce regulations limiting the use and disposal of harmful chemicals and offer incentives for adopting sustainable practices. J. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: Investing in research for developing more sustainable agricultural methods and technologies. Implementing these remedies requires a combined effort from farmers, governments, scientists, and communities. Effective management of agricultural pollution not only protects the environment but also ensures the long-term sustainability and productivity of the agricultural sector.
The writer is a youth motivator and former Head of the University Department of Political Science, B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India.
What drives the lucrative, murky world of online cricket betting in India?
O
SCROLL
Abhik Deb
N October 14, Kumud Rishabh, a third-year student of mass communication in Delhi, won Rs 74,000 on an online betting app after he correctly predicted that India would win a cricket World Cup match against Pakistan. Rishabh already had winnings of Rs 1 lakh from his earlier bets. So, on October 15, the 23-year-old decided to go all in by betting Rs 1.74 lakh on England defeating Afghanistan – a rather safe call to make. But, defending champions England ended up losing to Afghanistan. Rishabh lost all the betting money he had made so far during the World Cup. But that did not stop him from betting on the remaining matches. “There is always a next match,” Rishabh said. “If I can lose all my money, I can win it back too.” Despite the financial risks involved in gambling, Indians seem to have taken to online betting apps with gusto. By marrying the huge appetite for cricket with the temptation to make easy money, online betting appears to have found a booming market in the country. A report published in October by the Think Change Forum, an economics thinktank says that the estimated size of the online betting industry in India is Rs 8,20,000 crore of which 80%-90% accounts for gambling in cricket matches. The business, however, stands on shaky legal grounds. Experts point out that it is operating through loopholes in regulation, which leave users exposed to fraud by betting platforms.
THE BURGEONING BUSINESS The prospect of earning big money quickly has drawn a young clientele to betting apps. Rishabh was just 19-years-old during the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League, when he was first introduced to apps on which users pay to create fantasy teams on every match day. One of the apps, he said, was offering a total prize money of Rs 1 crore every day for a fee of Rs 39 to create a team. The users would get points based on the performance of the players they picked, and the prize money generated from the entry fee of users would get divided among them on the basis of a percentile score. “The ads used to say I could win Rs 1 crore by investing only Rs 39, which I found extremely attractive,” Rishabh said. “I used to create multiple teams in a day as putting in Rs 100 or Rs 200 did not seem like a big deal.” Rishabh made some modest winnings on fantasy team apps, but soon shifted to platforms that allow betting on the outcome of matches as they offered higher returns.
At one point, Rishabh along with a friend, operated close to 50 profiles on betting apps registered under different email IDs to be able to improve his chances of winning. “You can bet on various aspects of the game, like outcome of the toss, outcome of the match, the number of runs that would be scored and so on,” Rishabh said. Although he has made losses on the apps, Rishabh said he was confident of recovering them in the future. This optimism about being able to recover losses ran common among most of the young online betters Scroll spoke with. Shekhar Lalwani, 25, who works at a call centre in Gurugram, lost close to Rs 2 lakh after India’s loss to Australia in the World Cup final last month. Lalwani likened betting to investing in equities – investors rarely pull out of the stock market if the prices of their shares drop. “My initial investment was only a few thousand and I believe that’s all that I have lost,” he insisted. “The rest I had won by betting itself, then I lost and I will win back again.” But this optimism could extract a heavy toll. There are several news reports about users, burdened by betting losses, resorting to crime or even killing themselves. Eight of the 12 betting app users Scroll spoke to said that they made losses more than Rs 50,000 at some point. Even if users don’t make losses, the betting apps are sure of turning a profit. Roland Landers, chief executive officer of the All India Gaming Federation said that bookmakers of these apps ensure this by setting the odds accordingly. “It does not matter how many users won or lost, the odds are set such that the betting platform will always end up making huge gains,’’ he said. The apps offer higher returns on outcomes that are less likely, essentially luring users to put money at a greater risk, he added. Professor Ranganath Tannir, co-author of the Think Change Forum report said that in 2024 betting apps are projected to earn an average revenue of $292 (around Rs 24,000) from every user.
THE LEGALITY QUESTION The most striking aspect of online betting apps is that they have created an easy pathway to gambling on live sports, which is otherwise illegal in India. The legality of gambling in India hinges on the distinction between game of skill and game of chance. Games of skill, in which players use their memory, knowledge, judgement or expertise to make decisions, are constitutionally protected by a 1996 Supreme Court judgement. But games of chance, where outcomes are based on luck, enjoy no such protection. In 2022, the Supreme Court held that fantasy sports were games of skill. But that is not the case with betting on live sports. Mumbai-based gaming lawyer Jay Sayta explained that the owners of betting apps manage to bypass Indian law by running them through offshore companies based in tax haven countries like Curacao, Cyprus and Malta. “These are shell companies with opaque shareholding patterns,” Sayta told Scroll. “So the question of legality is not just about the game of skill versus game of chance aspect. Questions about money laundering and violation of foreign exchange
rules are involved here.” Sayta added that even when the government goes after betting apps, the platforms rebrand themselves under a different domain name. “In November, the government had banned 22 apps in the Mahadev app money laundering case, but Mahadev itself is now running under the domain name Mahakaal,” he pointed out. Landers of the All India Gaming Federation said that there have been instances where betting platforms have shut shops after taking money from users. “In such cases, the users do not even approach the police as they are scared of being prosecuted for illegal gambling,” he said.
LACK OF REGULATION ATTRACTS USERS The loopholes in regulation, however, often prove to be the selling point for these apps, experts said. For example, 24-year-old student from Delhi, Shweta Pathania, prefers the Pari Match app over others as it requires the user to complete fewer steps while making payments to place a bet. Sayta said this was another instance of gaps in the regulation of betting apps. “Many of these apps would pay some money to poor and less educated people in order to use their UPI [Unified Payments Interface] IDs for taking bets,” Sayta explained. “So, while placing a bet, an app user could technically be just transferring money to a vegetable vendor.” The apps engage several such UPI users and the money collected in those accounts are then transferred to the betting platforms by various channels like hawala and cryptocurrency, Sayta said. “The apps usually transfer the money out every one or two days and often keep changing the UPI IDs they use to avoid scrutiny from regulators about suspicious transactions.” For the user, this makes payments easier compared to legal gaming platforms like fantasy apps, which have an additional step in the payment process, where they ask for the UPI ID and other personal details of the users. For the online betting apps, which are increasingly based outside India, this helps them avoid the regulations involved in transferring money abroad. Landers told Scroll that since offshore betting apps are not liable under Indian laws, they charge no Goods and Services Tax from users and that no part of the winnings are deducted in the form of Tax Deducted at Source, or TDS. Another example of a loophole in the regulation of the betting space is how the apps bypass the ban on advertising of gambling platforms by getting social media influencers to do surrogate promotion. For 27-year-old Shravan Singh from Jamshedpur, this could well be the reason to get back to betting which he had quit after losing nearly Rs 1.5 lakh during the 2021 edition of the IPL. “I often see videos of [YouTuber and reality TV star] Elvish Yadav suggesting apps on which there is a better chance of winning,” Singh said. “On [messaging app] Telegram, I still subscribe to channels run by [social media influencer] Malik Mumbai for tips on online betting.” “I had quit betting as I could not sustain any more losses but I am tempted during every big match,” Singh said.
06 NEWS
MODI TO OPEN RELIGIOUS TEMPLE REPLACING BABRI MOSQUE TODAY
A
AYODHYA
AGENCIES
grand temple to Hindu god Lord Ram opens on Monday on a site in India millions believe is his birthplace, in a religious spectacle led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi months before he seeks a rare third term in elections. The construction of the temple is a 35-year-old, central promise of Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a contentious political issue that helped catapult the party to prominence and power. Hindu groups are portraying the inauguration ceremony in the northern city of Ayodhya as the peak of Hindu awakening after centuries of ‘subjugation by Muslim and colonial powers’. It is also being seen as the virtual launch of the deeply religious strongman Modi’s re-election campaign for general elections due by May. The temple site was bitterly contested for decades with both Hindus and Muslims laying claim to it and was a flashpoint for violence after a Hindu mob in 1992 destroyed a 16th century mosque, Babri Masque, which stood there. India’s majority Hindus say the site
is the birthplace of Lord Ram, and was holy to them long before Muslim Mughals razed a temple at the spot and built the Babri Masjid there in 1528. In 2019, the Supreme Court handed over the land to Hindus and ordered the allotment of a separate plot to Muslims. On Monday, Modi will take part in the culmination of rituals to inaugurate the temple, for which thousands of members of BJP and its affiliates, religious leaders and devotees from across the country are expected to gather in Ayod-
Putin willing to visit Pyongyang soon, North Korea says PYONGYANG AGENCIES
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to visit Pyongyang soon when he met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Russia last week, North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported on Sunday. Vladimir Putin also thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his invitation to visit, KCNA said, citing North Korea’s foreign minister’s assistant office. It would be the Russian leader’s first trip to North Korea in more than two decades. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russia hoped a Putin visit to North Korea, at Kim’s invitation, would take place “in the foreseeable future”, but he said no date had yet been agreed. KCNA’s Korean-language report on Sunday suggested Putin intended to visit soon, but its later English report said he was “willing” to do so at an early date. During Choe’s visit, Russia thanked North Korea for its support and solidarity in its Ukraine military operation, KCNA said. Moscow and Pyongyang also expressed serious concern over provocative acts by the United States and its allies against North Korea’s sovereign rights, while agreeing to cooperate in dealing with the regional situation, the report said. The cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow will be in line with the spirit of the U.N. Charter and other international laws, it added. After taking over from Boris Yeltsin in 1999, Putin visited Pyongyang in July 2000 for a meeting with Kim Jong Il, the father of Kim Jong.
hya. Some of India’s top business leaders, movie actors and sportspersons have also been invited to the consecration, organisers said. RELIGIOUS OUTPOURING, POLITICAL CONTROVERSY “The Lord has made me an instrument to represent all the people of India during the consecration,” Modi said on X as he began 11 days of special rituals ahead of the inauguration. Calling it a “historic moment” when Lord Ram will take his place in his grand
temple, Modi has urged Indians to light lamps in their homes and neighbourhood temples on Monday evening and once again celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights which usually falls in October-November. “The consecration of the temple feels more like the launching of the general election campaign rather than a religious ritual,” said Prithvi Datta Chandra Shobhi, a political commentator who teaches at Krea University in southern India. “The prime minister appears to inhabit the role of an emperor who is undertaking a major ritual sacrifice,” he said. The temple has been built on a 2.67acre (1.08 hectares) site inside a 70-acre (28.33 hectares) complex and only its first phase is ready. The second and final phase is expected to be completed in December 2025. The project is estimated to cost 15 billion rupees ($181 million) and is entirely funded by donations from within the country. India has witnessed an emotional outpouring among Hindus ahead of the consecration, with residential colonies and markets flying holy flags, organising special prayers and making plans to show the live telecast of Monday’s event on giant screens.
Middle East missile attacks raise Gaza escalation risk GAZA
AGENCIES
Missile attacks in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen on Saturday threw into sharp focus the increasing risk of the war in Gaza triggering a wider regional conflict pitting Iran and its allies against Israel and the United States. Iran said five of its Revolutionary Guards were killed in a missile strike on a house in Damascus which it blamed on Israel, and security sources in Lebanon said an Israeli strike there killed a member of Hezbollah fighters. Later on Saturday, missiles and rockets launched by resistance fighters in Iraq, where such groups have targeted US forces, hit al-Asad air base, the US Central Command said. A number of US personnel were being evaluated for traumatic brain injuries and one Iraqi service member was wounded, it said. The United States also said it had targeted a missile the Houthi group in Yemen was aiming into the Red Sea, which it called a threat to shipping. Israel pounded targets across the Gaza Strip on Sunday while its planes dropped leaflets on the southern area of Rafah urging Palestinians seeking refuge there to help locate hostages held by Hamas, residents said. Hamas is part of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance”, a regional alliance that also includes Lebanon’s Hezbollah, the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad, militia groups in Iraq and the Houthis who control much of Yemen. Amid increased regional tensions, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi vowed to punish Israel for its strike in Syria, calling it “crimes” that would not go unanswered, according
to a statement on Iran state broadcaster IRIB. Three of the Revolutionary Guards officers killed in the Israeli strike were described in Iranian state media with an honorific used only for generals, suggesting the targets were senior commanders. There was no comment from Israel, which typically does not discuss such attacks publicly. Israel’s intense bombardment of Gaza since October 7, which health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave say has killed nearly 25,000 Palestinians, quickly triggered border clashes between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. ATTACK AND COUNTERATTACK: Over the past three months, Israel has also repeatedly struck at Iranian targets in Syria, while resistance groups in Syria and Iraq have fired at US targets in those countries. Aside from Gaza, the theatre of conflict with the widest international repercussions has been the Red Sea, where the Houthis have repeatedly targeted shipping bound for or linked to Israel. Some companies are avoiding the key waterway, dealing a blow to global trade. US and British strikes over the past week have targeted Houthi forces in Yemen. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister expressed concern that tensions in the Red Sea over Houthi strikes and US counterattacks could spiral out of control in the Middle East. “I mean, of course, we are very worried,” Prince Faisal bin Farhan told CNN ‘Fareed Zakaria GPS’ in an interview that will be aired on Sunday. “We are in a very difficult and dangerous time in the region, and that’s why we are calling for de-escalation.” In Gaza, Palestinian resistance fighters battled tanks trying to push back into the eastern suburbs of the Jabalia area in the northern strip, where Israel had started pulling out troops and shifting to smaller-scale operations, residents and fighters said.
Chinese FM’s trip to Africa highlights Beijing’s ties with Global South BEIJING
CORRESPONDENT
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visits to Africa and Latin America, his first overseas trips in 2024, underscore China’s growing emphasis on Global South countries. Chinese experts argue that closer coordination with these nations will help create a more balanced and sustainable global landscape, which is crucial in the face of increasing uncertainties and turmoil ahead. The strong bond between China and many developing countries is not only based on extensive economic cooperation but also on unwavering support for each other’s core interests, as exemplified by the Taiwan question. Experts believe that this shared consensus forms the foundation and prerequisite for China’s relations with these Global South countries. China hopes to work with Jamaica to synergize development strategies, expand cooperation in various fields, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and consolidate the public opinion foundation for China-Jamaica friendship, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said Saturday during a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Holness said that China did not hesitate to lend a helping hand when Jamaica encountered difficulties, which has strongly supported Jamaica’s economic development and the improvement of people’s lives, and vividly demonstrates China’s sincere will to help developing countries. China’s top diplomat’s trip to the Caribbean country came after his visit to Brazil, where he met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday. The two spoke highly of the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership. Wang and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira co-chaired the fourth China-Brazil Foreign Ministerial-Level Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue on Friday, vowing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies and expand cooperation in emerging fields.
Monday, 22 January, 2024 | LAHORE
China continues to lead global growth in 2024 as economists forecast GDP expansion of 5% BEIJING: The world economic recovery is expected to remain slow and imbalanced in 2024, with China to continue to lead global growth, a report showed on Saturday. Analysts said China’s GDP growth is expected to reach about 5 percent this year, calling for stepped-up fiscal policy to further tap the potential of domestic demand. “Global economic growth will still be highly reliant on Asian economies in 2024,” said a report released at the World Finance Forum (WFF) held in Beijing on Saturday. According to the report, the US GDP growth rate may decline to 1.5 percent this year, whereas that of the eurozone may rise to 0.9 percent. STAFF
CORRESPONDENT
Monday, 22 January, 2024 | LAHORE
Bilawal wants PTI supporters to vote for PPP in 'lion-arrow' election battle ISLAMABAD AGENCIES
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Sunday called on the supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to vote for his party as the February 8 elections would see a battle between two parties — “the lion and the arrow”. While the PTI has lost its electoral ‘bat’ symbol, the PPP has retained its ‘arrow’ symbol, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has also secured its decades-old ‘lion’ electoral sign. “I am speaking to the PTI supporters: We kept on telling Khan sahib to do politics; abusing rivals and putting them and their sisters in jail is not politics,” Bilawal said while addressing a party power show in Lahore. Bilawal said he understands the pain that PTI workers are going through and blamed Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N for the former ruling party’s setbacks. “I respect political workers [...] I’ve been through this and I do not want anyone to go through such testing times.” Hundreds of PTI workers — allegedly involved in attacking military installations — have been arrested since May 9, 2023, the day when former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested, which triggered country-wide protests. “I appeal to you [PTI supporters], in the battle between ‘lion and arrow’, support me. I will bury revenge politics,” Bilawal vowed, reminding people that when his party’s prime ministers took office, they released “political prisoners”. Bilawal stressed the need to end the old ways of politics and bring all forces together, which would in return help to steer the country out of politics. He also promised to outperform “Showbaz” and “Wasim Akram plus” — the terms used by PTI founder Imran Khan to mock Shehbaz Sharif and to praise Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar — after being elected in the February 8 general elections. “Is it Lahore’s fate to elect the same faces again and again? I am here to win your hearts, fight for you and struggle for you. We cannot hand over Pakistan to these old politicians,” Bilawal said. The former foreign minister said that Lahore had elected the late Benazir Bhutto as prime minister. “Punjab has also suffered the consequences of PPP's removal through a conspiracy. I will continue my struggle until getting victorious,” he added. The politico said that PPP has come up with a concrete 10-point economic plan to provide relief to the masses. He reiterated to abolish 17 ministries to cut Rs300 billion expenditures which would be spent on the nationals besides ending Rs1,500 annual subsidies to the elites if PPP voted to power. He urged PPP workers to continue to sway voters with the party's manifesto two weeks ahead of the nationwide polls. The Bilawal-led party has made big promises in its manifesto, including the construction of low-cost 3 million houses, 300 units of free electricity to families through solar energy projects, kisan cards, Benazir Mazdoor Card to ensure social security of labourers, youth cards for their financial assistance and expanding the Benazir Income Support Programme’s scope and launching poverty alleviation programs. The PPP had unveiled a schedule for Bilawal’s 30 election rallies in various cities across the country.
Lowering CAD unproductive without industrial growth: PIAF ISLAMABAD INP
Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has warned the authorities that despite surprising reports of lowering current account deficit (CAD), the balance of accounts should not be at the cost of industrial growth, which was constantly declining. In a statement on Sunday, Chairman PIAF Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that the reduction in CAD was due to lower imports, as there were no significant increases in exports or inflows. However, the government still struggles to meet the decreasing CAD due to low foreign exchange reserves, as Pakistan’s current account posted a deficit of $74 million in previous month of 2023 while on a yearly basis, it was significantly lower, i.e. over 91%, than the $849 million recorded in the same month last year. During the first eight months of FY23, Pakistan’s current account deficit decreased by 68% to $3.8 billion from $12 billion in the same period last year. The data of State Bank of Pakistan stated that the country’s exports increased to $3.418 billion in Oct 2023 against $2.902 billion in Oct 2022, reflecting a jump of 18%. On the other hand, total imports lowered by 3% to $5.17 billion in October 2023 against $5.35 billion in the same period last year. According to the SBP, Pakistan posted a current account deficit of $1.06 billion in July-October of FY24 as compared to a deficit of $3.1 billion during the same month of last fiscal year (FY23), depicting a massive decline of over $2 billion. The central bank in its last Monetary Policy Committee meeting noted a substantial improvement in the current account balance, as the deficit narrowed over 58% YoY to $947 million in Jul-Sep FY24, while almost leveling out in Sept 2023.
07
PRESIDENT DIRECTS BLACKLISTING OF BANKING FRAUDSTERS, REFUND RS2.74M TO VICTIMS NEWS
P
ISLAMABAD APP
RESIDENT Dr Arif Alvi has asked the Banking Mohtasib to take up the matter of banking frauds with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to get the essential standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued so that the proven fraudulent personnel’s CNICs could be blacklisted, placed at the central negative list, besides ensuring that no banking/financial facility could be extended to them by the banking industry. The president issued these directions while rejecting two separate representations filed by the United Bank Ltd (UBL) and Bank Alfalah Ltd (BAL) directing the banks to pay Rs 1.9 million and Rs
0.744 million respectively to their customers who fell victim to online banking fraud at the hands of fraudsters, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release on Sunday. As per details, Qaiser Mehmood who was holding an account with UBL received a call from a number resembling the Bank’s helpline and the caller advised him to activate his disabled digital banking app. He activated his app, after which Rs 2 million were transferred from his account through multiple transactions. Similarly, Brigadier (retd) Muhammad Arif Shaikh received a call from fraudsters asking him for his banking credentials to remove some technical flaws from his account. Later, an amount of Rs 994,000 were transferred from his account through 19
transactions. They had asked their respective banks to refund their money, but to no avail. Feeling aggrieved, they separately approached the Banking Ombudsman to get relief. The Ombudsman directed the banks to refund the lost amounts to the customers. The banks, then, separately filed representations against the Ombudsman’s decisions with the President. The president held personal hearing of the cases, and having listened to the parties and going through the available record, decided the cases in the complainants’ favour. He observed that the banks were found non-compliant with the SBP’s directives regarding the implementation of monitoring systems to detect fraudulent transactions. He said that multiple consecutive
LESCO disconnects 394 illegal power connections LAHORE INP
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) detected and took action against 394 cases of electricity theft across its operational circles, covering five districts: Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, and Okara. This accomplishment was reported on the 132nd day of LESCO’s rigorous anti-power theft campaign. According to a LESCO spokesperson, FIR applications were submitted against all 394 identified electricity thieves, with 140 cases already implemented and registered at respective police stations. Law enforcement agencies have apprehended 13 individuals involved in these power theft activities. Notably, the crackdown extended beyond residential consumers, revealing the involvement of large commercial consumers in electricity theft. All such connections were promptly disconnected, including five commercial, one industrial, four agricultural, and 384 domes-
tic connections. The accused individuals collectively faced charges for a total of 321,484 pilfered units, amounting to a detection bill of Rs10.930 million. Shedding light on specific cases, the spokesperson highlighted instances where detection bills worth Rs92,456, Rs201,456, Rs210,000, and Rs185,000 were charged to electricity thieves in various areas. During the 132 days of the anti-power theft campaign, LESCO uncovered power pilferage on 45,501 connections. A total of 45,048 FIR applications were submitted, resulting in 42,481 registered cases and the arrest of 17,195 individuals. LESCO has charged a cumulative total of 66,182,780 detection units, equivalent to Rs2,571,786,313, to all power pilferers. Further investigations by LESCO in various sub-divisions revealed 59 power pilferers in the Defence East Division and 40 in the Lakhhan Sharif area. The Defence East Division operation exposed individuals
stealing electricity through wire hooking, tampering with metres, and direct tapping into the main supply line. In the Bedian Road Sub-Division, eight accused were caught stealing electricity, while the Airport Road operation led to the identification of 11 electricity thieves. Additionally, LESCO teams uncovered 40 power pilferers in the Lakhhan Sharif Scheme area, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. All illegal connections were promptly disconnected, and FIR applications were filed with the respective police stations. In total, 55,442 units were charged to the accused in the form of detection bills. LESCO’s relentless efforts to combat power theft underscore its commitment to ensuring fair and lawful electricity distribution across its operational regions. The power company urges consumers to refrain from engaging in such illegal activities, emphasising the severe consequences and legal actions awaiting those involved in electricity theft.
Sindh CM writes to PM Kakar for early completion of M-6 motorway KARACHI INP
Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh Maqbool Baqar has requested Interim PM Anwarul Haq Kakar to facilitate completion of M-6 motorway by taking personal interest, ARY News reported on Sunday. In a letter to Prime Minister Kakar, Sindh’s caretaker CM wrote that all portions of Peshawar to Karachi motorway have been completed but a key link of the road project from Hyderabad to Sukkur has been still incomplete. Caretaker CM has said that lack of progress in implementation of the M-6 project at site has been a matter of concern. “The M-6 project was actually a part of the CPEC Project framework, regretfully the federal government removed the project from CPEC without sharing any specific reason,” letter read.
“The ECNEC approved the M-6 project in July 2020 with estimated cost of Rs.165.678 billions. In May 2021 the project cost was revised and fixed at 191.471 billion rupees”, caretaker CM writes. “At last, the project was decided to be built in December 2022 under the public-private participation mode,” Maqbool Baqar said. “The project was approved for implementation under the build-operate and transfer framework with the cost of Rs.308.194 billions,” Sindh chief minister said. Now the National Highway Authority (NHA) has cancelled the agreement awarded to the Techno-CMCACC Consortium. “The reason has been given that the company has failed to complete its financial close within given time”. Justice Maqbool Baqar has requested to the government to direct the competent authority to complete the M-6 project as soon as possible.
transactions were conducted but it did not raise alerts and allowed the money to pass through the system. He noted that the banks also failed to establish the legitimacy of transactions in terms of Section 41 of the Payment System and Electronic Fund Transfers Act, 2007. The president said that the banks failed to submit any proof of compliance with the directions of SBP despite being given ample opportunity and concluded that malpractice and maladministration stood established on part of the banks and they were liable to make good the financial loss of the complainants. President Alvi, therefore, rejected the representations of UBL and BAL and directed them to pay Rs 1,998,500 and Rs 744,000 to the complainants.
Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif launches campaign in KP today MANSEHRA INP
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif will address a public gathering in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mansehra district on January 22. Three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who returned home last year after four years of selfimposed exile in London to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party in general elections, will run from the northwestern town of Mansehra. Nawaz Sharif will run for NA-15 (Mansehra-II) seat. Captain (retired) Safdar and Sardar Yousaf have been tasked to review arrangements for the public gathering. Sources further say Maryam Nawaz will also accompany Nawaz Sharif in the Mansehra public gathering. Addressing his maiden public gathering of election 2024 campaign, Nawaz Shari said that he was ousted from power by the five Supreme Court judges just because he refused to take a salary from his son. Nawaz claimed if he had not been removed from power there would have been no gas loadsheding, inflation and unemployment in the country. The former prime minister further said that before he came to power, terrorism had brought Pakistan to standstill but he took Pakistan out of the crisis.
India's passenger plane crashes in Afghanistan ZIBAK, BADAKHSHAN INP
An Indian passenger plane crashed in the Zibak district of Badakhshan province in Afghanistan on Sunday. The Badakhshan Police Command said that the passenger plane went off the radar last night and crashed in the high mountains of the "Artillery" area of Zibak district of the said province. An Indian passenger plane crashed in the mountains of Topkhana alongside the districts of Kuran-Munjan and Zibak of Badakhshan province, reports Afghanistan's TOLO News citing head of the Department of Information and Culture of Badakhshan, Zabihullah Amiri An Indian passenger plane crashed in the mountains of Topkhana alongside the districts of Kuran-Munjan and Zibak of Badakhshan province, said head of the department of Information and Culture of Badakhshan, Zabihullah Amiri. He said that a team had been sent to the area to investigate the incident.
Raqami Partners with Codebase Technologies for Digital Banking Platform KARACHI PR
Raqami Islamic Digital Bank has entered into an exclusive agreement with Codebase Technologies to procure its DigiBanc Suite as the core technology stack of the bank. Digibanc Suite is an award-winning, cloud-enabled, API-driven, and highly adaptable digital banking platform allowing institutions to deliver inclusive digital financial services. The platform features include Core Banking, Mobile App, Internet Banking, API Gateway and Middleware. Its open architecture embraces a diverse ecosystem of partners and vendors, driving collaborative experiences across the financial services landscape. The Digibanc Suite is built on a modular micro-services architecture providing a robust and agile environment to launch new financial products at scale.
In January 2023 Raqami Islamic Digital Bank (RIDB) obtained a no objection certificate (“NOC”) from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to establish an Islamic digital retail bank in the country. Subsequently,
in September 2023 SBP awarded in-Principal Approval (IPA) to Raqami and four other aspirants for the digital bank license. Under the IPA, RIDB is in the process of developing its operational readiness for pilot, followed by commercial launch as a digital retail bank. Headquartered out of Bahrain, Codebase Technologies is an open API banking solution fintech. The company boasts an experienced team having launched several digital, challenger, and neo banks and financial propositions across the UAE, Malaysia, Bahrain, UK and Africa. The company has a proven track record having won numerous awards, including the Best Islamic Finance Solution Provider Award 2022, Best Islamic Product Software for Banking Industry 2021 Fastest Growing Open API Banking Solutions Provider Award 2021, Most Effective Compliance/RegTech Deployment 2021 Award, among others.
GMOs refer to organisms whose genetic material altered in ways not occurring naturally: Ministry ISLAMABAD INP
Spokesperson of Ministry for National Food Security & Research has said that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) refer to organisms whose genetic material has been altered in ways not occurring naturally, these modifications serve various purposes, including enhancing crop resilience to pests or diseases, boosting nutritional content, and improving tolerance to environmental conditions. The Spokesperson said that different countries exhibit varying regulations and attitudes towards GMOs, with strict import and cultivation regulations, divergent public perceptions, and complex trade dynamics due to differing standards across nations. He said that Pakistan adopted UN sponsored Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) which came into force in January 2000, Pakistan signed CPB in 2005 and ratified in 2009, the CPB allows production, import/ex-
port, transportation and release of modern Biotech products albeit under a set protocol. Pakistan, a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol for which Ministry of Climate Change is the focal point, however, its national implementation involves multiple ministries, including Climate Change, National Food Security & Research, and National Health Services Regulations & Coordination in GMO oversight, the spokesperson added. He said contrary to perceptions, commercial cultivation of GMO cotton has been permitted in Pakistan since 2008, demonstrating its presence in the food chain with a commendable safety record, no adverse reports linked to GMOs in Pakistan have surfaced, emphasizing their history of safe use. The Ministry of Climate Change regulates GMOs in Pakistan through the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) under the Biosafety Rules 2005, a scientific consensus supported by reputable global bodies like the World Health Organization affirms the safety
of GMOs when appropriately regulated and approved. He added. Countries like Brazil, the USA, Argentina, and China have embraced GMOs, significantly contributing to global agricultural production and addressing food security challenges by enhancing the crop resilience and reducing environmental impact, unlike common misconception, the EU countries are one of the largest importers of GM corn, cotton and soybean, spokesperson added. Addressing concerns about health implications, environmental impact, export contamination, and potential lobbying influences, it's essential to base decisions on empirical evidence, stringent regulatory procedures, and scientific consensus rather than speculative fears, he added. The spokesperson said that proposed amendments in Pakistan's National Biosafety Rules (2005) aim to align with international standards and enhance regulations adopt dual approval approach for
planting and processing respectively as enshrined in Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety concerning GMO imports, focusing on cultivation and food, feed, and processing (FFPs). He said the ongoing processes aim to ensure the safe and beneficial integration of GMOs into Pakistan's agricultural landscape, fostering collaboration between stakeholders and authorities. He said that scientific evidence supports the safety of GMOs, with reputable organizations endorsing their consumption, rigorous testing before approving GMO crops ensures minimal harm to biodiversity and environmental sustainability, stringent guidelines and testing protocols prevent GMO contamination in non-GMO exports, decisions should rely on scientific evidence and regulatory assessments rather than external influences or lobbying efforts and examples from China's approach to GMO licensing highlight the stringent control and potential benefits of GMOs in meeting do-
mestic needs. He said Pakistan stands at a pivotal juncture regarding GMO integration into its agricultural landscape, it is pertinent to note that amendments in Pakistan Biosafety Rules2005 and Pakistan Biosafety Guidelines2005 were initiated in August, 2020 and all relevant stakeholders were involved in this 04 years process. He said that this Ministry is very well aware of its task to ensure wellbeing of our people, animals and environment, earlier the same Ministry put block of any work on GM Basmati rice in late 1990s and recently on GM corn import in 2018. However, science is a dynamic and evolutionary in nature and now knowledge and information necessitate the change accordingly. Fostering informed dialogue, scientific scrutiny, and regulatory diligence will shape a future where GMOs could bolster agricultural productivity while ensuring safety, environmental sustainability, and compliance with international standards.
Monday, 22 January, 2024
falls on Army TERRORISTS LABELLED AS ‘MISSING PERSONS’ Curtain sponsored Elum Winter Festival in Buner KILLED IN STRIKES IN IRAN: ACHAKZAI PRAYER TIMINGS
NEWS
C
QUETTA
STAFF REPORT
ARETAKER Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai has claimed that those who were being labelled by Baloch protesters as “missing persons” were in fact “terrorists” and killed in Pakistan’s recent strike inside Iran, Geo News reported. Pakistan on Thursday launched strikes on terrorists’ hideouts inside Iran, in a retaliatory attack two days after Tehran violated the country’s sovereignty by launching a strike in Balochistan that left two children dead and injured three girls. In a statement, the Pakistan Army had said the hideouts used by terrorist militant organisations, namely Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front
(BLF), were successfully struck in an intelligence-based operation, code named — “Marg Bar Sarmachar”. Addressing a press conference in Quetta today, Achakzai rebuked the
Pakistan-China Institute hosts dialogue on ‘outlook on South Asia Security ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan-China Institute, under Friends of Silk Road (FOSR) Initiative? organized a dialogue on “Outlook of Security Situation in South Asia in 2024.” The event took place simultaneously at two venues: Islamabad, and a second venue at Quetta Press Club. The dialogue featured speeches by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman, Senate Defense Committee Defense & Pakistan-China Institute; Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir; Lt. General (r) Muhammad Afzal, Former Chairman NDMA & DG FWO; Amir Rana, Director, Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS); Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI); Ambassador (r) Masood Khalid, Former Ambassador to China; Sultan M Hali, Security Analyst; Shahzada Zulfiqar, former President, PFUJ, and Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director, Pakistan China Institute. The dialogue was chaired by Former Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque. In his opening speech, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed highlighted the significance of the current scenario, dominated by turbulence and transformation. In tjis context, he analysed China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) as a new framework for peaceful resolution of security issues, since GSI focuses on security as being indivisible, based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. It seeks also to promote a security governance framework, including A.I., cyber security and related security threats based on accepted international norms of behaviour enshrined in the UN Charter and international law. He strongly condemned the ongoing Genocide and Crimes against Humanity in Palestine by Israel. Delving into security issues, he discussed three new realities: the shattering of the Middle East status quo after October 7, serious challenges posed by Non-State Actors, and the complex security situation between Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan which is now inextricably intertwined with regional geopolitics, necessitating dialogue and diplomacy. Senator Mushahid Hussain termed the swift and smooth resolution of the Iran crisis as ‘model of crisis management and crisis resolution’ adding that the two crises, Pulwama 2019 (with India) & Panjgur 2024 (with Iran) had helped Pakistan in establishing certain ‘regional rules of behaviour based on our red lines in our troubled neighbourhood’. He said ‘Iran is not India, but a brotherly Muslim neighbour with which Pakistan has no fundamental conflict of interest’. In this regard, Senator Mushahid Hussain especially praised the Pakistani leadership for their deft handling of the Iran crisis, maintaining a mature and measured, cool and calm approach, while avoiding jingoism.
ECP finalises nationwide classification for 92,500 polling stations ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has categorized over 17,500 polling stations as highly sensitive, 32,508 as sensitive, and 42,500 as normal out of a total of 92,500 polling stations nationwide. Polling stations are categorized into A, B, and C groups, determined by their sensitivity levels, official sources said on Sunday. From over 17,500 polling stations designated as highly sensitive across the country due to concerns of potential unrest, 6,599 are in Punjab, and 4,430 are in Sindh, all set to be monitored by CCTV cameras. A total of 2,038 polling stations in Balochistan and 4,344 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been categorized as highly sensitive. In Punjab, 15,829 polling stations are classified as sensitive, 8,030 in Sindh, 2,068 in Balochistan, and over 6,000 polling stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fall under the sensitive category. Responding to a question he said official polling scheme to be revealed 15 days before the scheduled February 8 general elections.
demonstrators holding a sit-in protest against enforced disappearances in Islamabad. “Those who were being labelled as missing persons were terrorists [and] killed in Iran,” he claimed while re-
ferring to Pakistan’s strikes inside Iran. He alleged that Mahrang Baloch, who is leading the protest, has been staging “drama” and defaming Pakistan under the guise of missing persons issue. The provincial information minister said Baloch protesters were staging the sit-in in Islamabad for ulterior motives. “They could disturb the law and order situation. In such a situation, it becomes impossible to stop a terror incident. Those wearing masks in the sit-in can be terrorists of banned outfits,” he added. He said the hostile intelligence agencies could target the protestors’ camp to blame Pakistan. It is not a judicial matter, the ongoing protest camp in Islamabad should be dealt with by the city administration, he said. Citing the Iranian claim that it targeted Jaish ul Adl in Pakistan, Achakzai said no such organisation existed in Pakistan.
Tempers fray as several injured in attack on PTI, PPP election offices in Karachi KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
The police on Sunday registered a case following an attack on the office of a PTI-affiliated independent candidate last night in the city’s Azizabad area. PTI Karachi spokesperson Falak Almas said that the incident occurred at the main office of PTIaffiliated candidate Arsalan Khalid, vying NA-248 in the upcoming general elections. Last night, the party’s official account on X (formerly Twitter) had also posted a video of the incident. It had alleged that “MQM goons” had attacked its election offices in NA-248 and PS-125 “NA-248 candidate Arsalan Khalid got a head injury and other people present were badly injured and valuables damaged,” the party had said. The video had showed Khalid clutching his head and blood stained his clothes and posters within the election camp torn down. PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan also held the MQM responsible for the attack. “This
cowardly attack proves that MQM has nothing to offer the people of Karachi except violence,” he said. Tensions rose in Karachi as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) accused the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) of orchestrating attacks on their respective offices. The clashes resulted in injuries to several political workers from both parties. PTI’s spokesperson laid blame on MQM workers, alleging that the assault was orchestrated by them. The wounded party workers were swiftly transported to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Jinnah Hospital for medical attention. In response, PTI supporters staged a protest at Liaquat Ali Khan Chowk against the incident. Simultaneously, in the vicinity of Hyderabad Town, within the limits of PS-250 and PS129, an attack was reported on the Pakistan Peoples Party’s office. Four party workers sustained injuries in this assault. Khawaja Sahil Mansoor claimed that MQM workers were behind the attack. Four PPP workers, injured in the incident, have lodged complaints
against the assailants. Just days earlier, during a rally following an organizational meeting in Karachi, unknown assailants opened fire, injuring two individuals. The incident occurred after Pakistan Peoples Party’s candidate Agha Rafiullah concluded the gathering. Agha Rafiullah remained unharmed during the incident, and the police are currently investigating the case. Yesterday, a petrol bomb attack, targeting the electoral office of Pakistan People’s Party candidate in constituency PP-162 was reported in the provincial capital of Lahore. Police have initiated an inquiry into the petrol bomb attack. The complainant, Mirza Abbas Khokhar’s son, alleged that unknown individuals threw petrolfilled bottles, setting fire to the office. The assailants reportedly stole valuable items, including 30 chairs and a generator worth around 1.5 million rupees. These incidents highlight the escalating political tensions and security concerns as the election season intensifies across the country.
Mehtab Abbasi ‘reacts strongly’ to expulsion from PML-N; announces support for PTI nominee ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Reacting strongly to the PML-N decision to “expel its old guard from Abbottabad from the party,” Sardar Mehtab Abbas on Sunday declared that his group was contesting the upcoming elections independently, categorically saying he has never cared about the consequences of principles. In a statement on Sunday, he clarified that he did not seek a ticket from the PML-N, as he believed it’s not time for political compromises. “Political is the name of practicing principles and i have never worried about the consequences for principles”, he said. Meanwhile, Sardar Mehtab Group has announced support for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate in NA-17. Dr Jhangir Khan, the spokesperson for Sardar Mahtab Group, stated that in the NA-17 constituency of the National Assembly, PML-N made a wrong and unjust decision by awarding the party’s ticket to Mubashir Khan. He categorically stated that the group will support PTI’s nominee Ali Khan Jadoon in the elections. It is noteworthy that Sardar Mahtab Abbas, expelled by PML-N in Abbottabad, had declared his support for the independent candidate Ali Khan Jadoon just a few days ago. Yesterday, the PML-N announced expelled its long-time Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leader Sardar Mehtab
Abbasi over “what it described as continuously violating party discipline.” According to details, the PML-N also terminated the basic party membership of Abbasi – who has served as chief minister and governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) governor. In a statement, PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal said: “Mehtab Abbasi has been expelled for continuous “violation of party discipline.” “The action was taken on instructions of party President Shehbaz Sharif,” he added. The development came a day after Former Sardar Mehtab Abbasi announced his support for PTI member, who is contesting as ‘independent candidate’ from Abbottabad’s NA-17 constituency. Abbasi announced his support to PTI-backed ‘independent candidate’ Ali Khan Jadoon for NA-17 constituency in Abbottabad. Meanwhile, the former KP governor would contest election as independent candidate as NA-16 constituency. Last year in Dec, Sardar Mehtab Abbasi parted ways with PML-N while expressing concerns about the provincial leadership, saying that the leadership only thinks of itself and its structure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is over. Furthermore, he said he had differences with Nawaz Sharif on principles but nothing with Maryam Nawaz. “There should be democracy in political parties, hypocritical thinking and attitude have become important in PML-N,” he claimed.
FAJR SUNRISE
ZUHR
ASR MAGHRIB ISHA
6:20
1:30
4:00
7:00
5:22
7:00
PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
The two-day Elum Winter Festival, organized by the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps North, concluded here in Buner on Sunday. The Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps North organized the two-day Elum Winter Festival to celebrate the restoration of peace to once-troubled regions. The festival marked a decade since the areas, once plagued by terrorist activities, transformed into havens of happiness and witnessed a flourishing tourism industry in Swat and Malakand. A notable first for Buner, the winter festival attracted 110 bikes and 60 jeeps from across Pakistan, participating in a Jeep and Bike Rally. The rally, commencing from Punjab and traversing through Mardan, received a warm welcome upon reaching Buner. Corps Commander Peshawar Lt Gen Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat Khan graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest. The festival featured spectacular performances, including paragliding demonstrations that garnered applause from the enthusiastic crowd. Frontier Corps’ Martial Dance Party added cultural vibrancy with a captivating Khatak Dance. At the conclusion, Lt-Gen Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat Khan distributed certificates, shields, and trophies among the participants, who expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Army for organizing the event. A female tourist marveled at the area’s newfound peace, crediting the Pakistan Army for the tranquility. Local Sikh citizens joined in the celebration, shedding tears of joy at the remarkable event in Buner.
Joint military training of Pak Army, Royal Saudi Land Forces commences: ISPR RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
The joint military training of the Pakistan Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces organized by the Multan Corps commenced at Okara Garrison, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday. According to the military’s media wing, the military forces of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia presented an exemplary military drill at the beginning of the joint training. The national anthems of both countries were also played during the unveiling of the national flags on the occasion. The Garrison Commander was the chief guest of the ceremony. Through the joint training programme, the forces of both countries will have classroom sessions and the opportunity to hone their collective combat skills. At the end of the opening ceremony, the Chief Guest presented badges of joint training to the officers and men of the forces of both countries.
Ahsan Iqbal warns Bilawal over challenging Nawaz to TV debate SHAKARGARH
STAFF REPORT
PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday infuriated over People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto over challenging Nawaz Sharif for an election debate. “It is not the level of Nawaz Sharif to debate with an ‘under-training’,” Ahsan Iqbal here said. “I am warning Bilawal to take the name of our leader with due respect,” PML-N leader said. “We know, how to reply, if he doesn’t care of his tongue,” he warned. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto in a media interview has challenged the PML-N candidate for prime minister’s office to a television debate. Political temperatures are getting high in the country as the February 08 date of Pakistan’s general elections coming near. Political opponents use scathing language and exchange allegations before the election date. PPP Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto, targeting the PML-N and its top leadership. In an interview he challenged that the PML-N’s candidate for prime minister office to hold a debate on television with him.
Education Ministry reveals 2.62 million children out of schools in Pakistan ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
A recent report from the Federal Ministry of Education has disclosed a startling revelation that a staggering 2.62 million children in Pakistan are deprived of attending school. The data for the report, covering the academic year 2021-2022, is set to be officially released soon.
According to the report’s findings, Punjab tops the list with 1.17 million children lacking access to education, followed by Sindh with 763,000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 363,000, and Balochistan with 313,000. Additionally, the federal capital, Islamabad, has 80,000 children who are not attending school. The report highlights that 39% of these children are not attending school
for various reasons, with Balochistan having the highest percentage of 65% of children out of schools, although Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has a comparatively better educational standard. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 30% of children are not attending school. Analyzing the data, the report shows a slight improvement from 44% of outof-school children in 2016-2017 to 39%
in 2021-2022. However, at the intermediate level, 60% of students are still deprived of education, while at the matriculation, middle, and primary levels, 44%, 30%, and 36% of children, respectively, are not attending school. This revelation raises concerns about the state of education in the country, urging authorities to take proactive measures to address this alarming situation.
No normal Israel ties without path to Palestinian state: Saudi foreign minister RIADH
REUTERS
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said there can be no normalisation of ties with Israel without resolving the Palestinian issue, he told CNN in an interview that aired on Sunday. Asked if there could be no normal ties without a path to a credible and irreversible Palestinian state, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria: “That’s the only way we’re going to get the benefit. So, yes, because we need stability and only sta-
bility will come through the resolving the Palestinian issue.” The foreign minister’s remarks were part of an interview originally taped on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum held last week in Davos, Switzerland, and aired Sunday on CNN. De-escalation of the conflict in Gaza and halting civilian deaths is a key focus of Saudi Arabia, the minister said. “What we are seeing is the Israelis are crushing Gaza, the civilian population of Gaza,” he said. “This is completely unnecessary, completely unacceptable and has to stop.”
The local health ministry in Gaza says more than 25,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 62,000 wounded in Israel’s assault on the region since an Oct 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian group. Securing a normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia would be the grand prize for Israel after it established diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco, and could transform the geopolitics of the Middle East. The kingdom, the most powerful country in the Arab world and home to the most sa-
cred sites in Islam, wields considerable religious clout across the globe. After the eruption of conflict last October between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas that rules Gaza, Saudi Arabia put on ice US-backed plans for the kingdom to normalise ties with Israel, two sources familiar with Riyadh’s thinking said, in a swift reordering of its diplomatic priorities. The two sources had earlier told Reuters there would be some delay in the US-backed talks on normalisation of Saudi-Israel ties, which is seen as a key step for the kingdom
to secure what it considers the real prize of a US defence pact in exchange. Before Oct 7, when Hamas fighters launched an attack on southern Israel, both Israeli and Saudi leaders had signalled they were moving steadily towards establishing diplomatic relations that could have reshaped the Middle East. The Palestinians want a state in territories captured by Israel in a 1967 war, with East Jerusalem as their capital. US-sponsored negotiations with Israel on achieving that stalled more than a decade ago.
Published by Asad Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk