Epaper_24-01-27 KHI

WORLD COURT ORDERS ISRAEL TO PREVENT ACTS OF GENOCIDE IN GAZA In partnership with

Saturday, 27 January, 2024 I 15 Rajab, 1445

Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 209 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, HOWEVER, FALLS g RULING REPRESENTS LEGAL SETBACK FOR ISRAEL, WHICH HAD HOPED SHORT OF ORDERING A COMPLETE CEASEFIRE ICJ TO THROW OUT CASE BROUGHT UNDER GENOCIDE CONVENTION

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Profit

Pakistan, Hamas calls for ‘effective implementation’ of ICJ ruling

THE HAGUE AGENCIES

HE World Court ordered Israel on Friday to prevent acts of genocide against the Palestinians and do more to help civilians, although it stopped short of ordering a ceasefire as requested by South Africa.

While the ruling denied Palestinian hopes of a binding order to halt the war in Gaza, it also represented a legal setback for Israel, which had hoped to throw out a case brought under the genocide convention established in the ashes of the Holocaust.

The court found that Palestinians were protected under the convention, and that there was a case to be heard about whether their rights were being denied in a war that the court said was causing grievous humanitarian harm. It also called for Palestinian armed groups to release hostages captured in the Oct. 7 attacks that precipitated the conflict.

Palestinian officials largely hailed the decision. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said it was a welcome reminder "no state is above the law". Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official told Reuters the decision would contribute to "isolating the occupation and exposing its crimes in Gaza."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the court had "justly rejected the outrageous demand" to deprive Israel of what he called the "basic right to defend itself", by ordering it to halt fighting.

"But the mere claim that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians is not

only false, it's outrageous, and the willingness of the court to even discuss this is a disgrace that will not be erased for generations." Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mocked the ruling in a twoword social media post with a Yiddish-style putdown: "Hague shmague".

South Africa brought the case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) earlier this month, asking it to grant emergency measures to halt the fighting, which has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians and displaced the majority of the population in a more than three-month campaign of intensive bombardment.

It accused Israel of state-led genocide in its offensive, begun after Hamas fighters stormed into Israel killing 1,200 and kidnapping more than 240. Israel sought to have the

case thrown out. The judges ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops from committing genocide, punish acts of incitement, take steps to improve the humanitarian situation and report back on its progress in a month.

It did not decide the merits of the genocide allegations, which could take years. Although the ruling cannot be appealed, the court has no mechanism to enforce its decision.

Israel had demanded the case be thrown out, calling South Africa's allegations false and "grossly distorted". It says it has acted in Gaza in self-defence against a foe that attacked first, and blames Hamas for harm to civilians for operating among them, which the fighters deny.

The South African government, allowed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday called for full and effective implementation of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) verdict on the Gaza genocide, calling the ruling “timely and a significant milestone” in the pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people.

In a statement issued today, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan welcomed the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), that it had jurisdiction to entertain the case against Israel and that South Africa’s claims of genocide were “plausible”.

“The implementation of these provisional measures requires an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to bring about an end to the suffering faced by the people of Gaza,” the FO spokesperson said.

She said the ICJ had ordered Israel to urgently undertake a series of measures in relation to Palestinians in Gaza to prevent the commission of acts prohibited by the Genocide Convention, including killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of

to make the case under the legal principle that genocide is such a grave crime that all countries are duty-bound to prevent it, hailed

SC clears Pervaiz Elahi, Sanam Javed among PTI candidates to contest Feb 8 polls ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed different Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured major relief from the top court on Friday as five of its candidates, including incarcerated party president Pervaiz Elahi, Sanam Javaid Khan and Maj (r), were allowed to contest the upcoming February 8 elections.

Besides Elahi, the Supreme Court on Friday approved appeals of PTI candidates Umer Aslam, Major (retd) Tahir Sadiq, Sanam Javaid Khan, and Shukat Basra against returning officer decisions to reject their nomination papers from different constituencies.

Elahi has been allowed to contest the general election from the PP-32 constituency of Gujarat district.

The former Punjab chief minister had approached the Supreme Court to contest the upcoming general elections and challenged the verdict of the Lahore High Court (LHC), upholding the Election Tribunal’s decision of rejecting his nomination papers.

The PTI president, presently confined in Adiala Jail, filed a petition in the apex court under Article 185(3) of the Constitution for leave to appeal against the judgment dated January 13, 2024, passed by the LHC in his petition.

Pervaiz Elahi nomination papers were rejected from National Assembly constituency NA-64 (Gujrat-III) and Punjab Assembly’s constituency PP-34 (Gujrat-VIII).

A three-member bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Justice Athar Minallah heard Pervaiz Elahi's plea. Advocate Faisal Siddiqui represented Elahi Elahi in the case.

Presenting his arguments, Pervaiz Elahi’s counsel highlighted anomalies in the objections raised by the rival candidates and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

“We don't want a delay in elections,” Siddiqui told the bench. He implored the court to grant permission to his client to contest the upcoming elections in Gujarat.

Justice Minallah observed that voters should not be

Sanam Javed urges citizens to vote for Imran Khan

LAHORE: Incarcerated PTI social media activist Sanam Javed on Friday was granted bail in the case pertaining to the burning of police cars and assaulting law enforcement officers outside Zaman Park.

Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Muhammad Naveed Iqbal presided over the hearing and decided to release Javed from judicial remand. During the proceedings, the police sought an extension of Javed's judicial remand, but the court decided against any further remand, allowing Sanam Javed’s release. The accused's lawyers confirmed the grant of bail and indicated that the release process is underway. The case, registered under police station Race Course with case number 410/23, alleges that Sanam delivered inflammatory speeches outside Zaman Park, encouraging workers to attack the police. The incident unfolded during the attempted arrest of the PTI chairman at Zaman Park. Outside the court, Sanam Javed, informally addressing the media, dismissed confusion about her political affiliation, emphasizing support for Imran Khan. She stated, "On February 8, everyone should leave their homes to vote for Imran Khan, regardless of the election symbol and candidate." She expressed satisfaction at the perceived fear associated with her name, urging common citizens to be unafraid. She directed comments at Maryam Nawaz, stating, "Maryam, you are the daughter of three-time prime minister, have some courage. People are not being released from jails to avoid interference in the elections." Furthermore, she predicted Maryam Nawaz's departure, suggesting an impending exit similar to her father's, possibly for medical reasons. STAFF REPORT

deprived of their right to vote.

He said a returning officer is supposed to facilitate and not obstruct the election process.

“It is strange that all this is happening to only one political party,” Justice Minallah remarked.

Justice Shah said elections call for the inclusion of people and not exclusion. “Article 17 says that no one can be barred from contesting an election without valid reasons,” he said. The SC judge said the Constitution allows enfranchisement and not disenfranchising the voters via elections. After hearing the arguments, the apex court declared the RO’s decision to reject Elahi’s nomination papers from PP-32 invalid and allowed him to contest polls from the Gujarat provincial assembly seat.

Elahi withdrew appeals against the rejection of nomination papers from other constituencies including two NA seats. A series of objections were raised against Pervaiz Elahi’s nomination papers, which included the concealing of assets, non-disclosure of shares in different

companies, non-compliance with the rule to open separate bank accounts for expenditures in both constituencies, technical mistakes in documents and submitting documents without verification from the oath commission.

The senior PTI leader was initially arrested on June 1 last year in a Rs70 million graft case related to the embezzlement of development funds allocated for the Gujrat district and has been behind bars ever since.

He was released several times in between, only to be re-arrested immediately in different cases, including a money laundering case and allegations of illegal appointments in the Punjab Assembly.

Apart from Elahi, PTI candidates Tahir Sadiq and Omer Aslam Awan were allowed by the apex court to contest elections from NA- 49 (Attock) and NA-87 (Khushab) constituencies, respectively.

Sanam has been allowed to contest polls from NA119, NA-120, and PP-125 while Basra was cleared to fight elections from NA-163 (Bahawalnagar).

Pak-Iran diplomatic ties ‘return to normalcy’ as envoys arrive at respective embassies: FO ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Friday stated that diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran returned to normalcy and envoys of both the countries arrived at their respective embassies “as per understanding between the two countries.”

Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed the development on Friday and said the ambassadors of Pakistan and Iran had arrived at their respective embassies in Islamabad and Tehran “as per understanding between the two countries”.

Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran were halted after tensions escalated between the neighbours as a result of an Iranian air strike in Pakistan. Subsequently, Islamabad carried out strikes, targeting terrorist outfits – BLA and BLF hideouts in the neighbouring country’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.

“As per understanding between the two countries, Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Muddasir Tipu arrived in Tehran today while the Iranian Ambassador of Pakistan

Reza Amiri Moghadam arrived in Islamabad,” the FO spokesperson said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Earlier in the day, Ambassador Moghadam posted on X that he was on his way back to Islamabad. He appreciated the governments of Iran and Pakistan for “the deft and tactful diplomacy”.

Similarly, Ambassador Mudassir earlier said that he was en route to Tehran.

“Ever more determined to work for a more robust, stronger & peace-loving Pakistan,” he wrote in a post on X, adding that strong Pakistan-Iran relations were critical for the region and to promote historic people-to-people ties.

“Time to turn a new leaf,” Ambassador Mudassir added.

Last week, Iran had launched attacks inside Pakistan targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan, Iranian state media reported, prompting strong condemnation from Islamabad and downgrading of diplomatic ties.

Less than 48 hours later, Pakistan struck

“hideouts used by terrorist organisations namely Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF)” in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, in an intelligence-based operation codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’.

Iran’s IRNA news agency had reported that nine people were killed in the attack targeting a village in the city of Saravan, with Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi saying all the dead “were foreign nationals”. Iran had condemned strikes and summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires “to protest and request an explanation from the Pakistani government”.

In Islamabad, the escalation had prompted a high-level meeting of Pakistan’s premier authority on security and foreign policy, the National Security Committee. It was chaired by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar with cabinet members, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Staff, and other heads of intelligence in attendance.

During the hours-long meeting on Friday, the NSC had ratified the move towards

life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group. “We consider the ICJ’s ruling timely and a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people and international accountability of Israel,” the Foreign Office said.

Pakistan called for the full and effective implementation of the ICJ’s decision so that basic human rights, dignity and identity of Palestinian people as a distinct group were upheld and protected, as stipulated by the United Nations Charter, relevant UN resolutions, and international law.

Hamas welcomes ICJ provisional order Palestinian Hamas group on Friday welcomed the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) provisional order on the Israeli onslaught on Gaza. In a statement, the Hamas group said the order issued by the top UN court means "the halt of all forms of [Israeli] aggression on our Palestinian people in Gaza." It urged the international community to compel Israel to implement the ICJ ruling and halt its ongoing "genocide crime" against the Palestinians in Gaza. STAFF REPORT

the court order as a "decisive victory" for international rule of law.

PTI says its websites ‘blocked’ ahead of Feb 8 polls

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The PTI on Friday alleged that its websites were “blocked” in Pakistan and sought answer from the federal authorities. The PTI, deprived of its iconic ‘bat’ symbol for the upcoming polls, has fielded its leaders as independent candidates with different electoral symbols. To combat confusion among voters and to ease access to election-related information, the party launched an online portal on its website insaf.pk, as well as a “back-up site”, pticandidates.com.

It also introduced a feature whereby voters can message on Imran Khan’s official Facebook account to get information about PTI-backed candidates.

A number of social media users reported the same issue, noting that they tried to access the party’s websites on Friday but were unable to do so through Wi-Fi or mobile data, except when using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

The party’s official X account tagged the official handles of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), interim information minister Murtaza Solangi and interim IT minister Umar Saif.

“Can you explain why PTI’s websites are blocked in Pakistan?” the party asked in the post.

“People are still getting symbol information from Imran Khan’s Facebook page so the question is what purpose is this block serving?” it asked.

Jibran Ilyas, a member of the PTI’s social media team, also tagged Saif in his post, asking, “Can you tell Pakistanis why the websites of [the] country’s most popular political party [are] blocked by you?”

No government official or PTA’s spokesperson have comment on the issue so far. The issue comes after a fake web portal — mimicking one launched by the party to provide information on PTI-backed candidates — emerged and was found to be providing incorrect information to voters.

reducing tensions between Pakistan and Iran and underscored a commitment to addressing mutual security concerns.

“The forum (NSC) expressed that Iran is a neighbourly and brotherly Muslim country, and existing multiple communication channels between the two countries should be mutually utilised to address each other’s security concerns in the larger interest of regional

peace and stability,” a statement issued by the prime minister’s office after the meeting said.

The NSC hoped that both countries “would mutually be able to overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy and pave the way to further deepen their historic relations” but at the same time emphasised that any violation, under any pretext, would be met with the state’s full force.

That sentiment was reciprocated by Tehran, whose foreign ministry, in a statement later that day, had said Iran “adheres to the policy of good neighbourliness and brotherhood between the two nations and the two governments”.

Pak-Iranian envoys discuss mutual ties in Belarus

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belarus Sajjad Haider Khan held a meeting with Ambassador of Iran to Belarus Alireza Sanei in Minsk and discussed matters of mutual interest. During the courtesy call, bothe envoys explored the two nations’ strong and deep rooted brotherly ties and rejoiced at their return to their respective embassies

by January 26, 2024. “Honored to receive Alireza Sanei, Ambassador of Iran to Belarus who paid a courtesy call today. Explored our nations' strong and deep rooted brotherly ties and rejoiced in the return of Ambassadors of Pakistans and Iran to their respective Embassies by January 26.” In a post on X, the Pakistani ambassador said, “Looking forward to the visit of Iran’s Foreign Minister to Pakistan on January 29, 2024.

Celebrating the lasting Pakistan-Iran friendship!” Iran violated Pakistan’s airspace on Jan 16, by firing a missile in Balochistan’s Panjgor district, resulting in the tragic death of two children while three girls were injured in the attack. STAFF REPORT

02

INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY OBSERVED AS BLACK DAY IN AJK

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Saturday, 27 January, 2024 | KARACHI

NEWS

MUZAFFARABAD staff RePoRt

NDIAN Republic Day was marked as a Black Day in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), as protests and demonstrations echoed the Kashmiris' collective voice against India's actions.

Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir organized a massive protest led

by Chairman Uzair Ahmed Ghazali, PPP leader Shaukat Javed Mir, and several Hurriyat and Muhajiran leaders.

Chanting slogans like "Indian democracy Hai Hai" and "fake democracy Hai Hai," participants carried black flags and placards condemning India. The rally denounced Indian atrocities in Kashmir, the Babri Masjid's martyrdom, the forced

construction of the Ram Temple, and attacks on Indian Muslims by Hindu extremist organizations. Speakers, including Uzair Ahmad Ghazali, decried India's terrorism in occupied Jammu and Kashmir under the guise of fake democracy, highlighting severe violations of political, religious, social, and human rights.

The speakers condemned India's illegal occupation and the implementation of oppressive laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and Public Safety Act (PSA), making Kashmiri lives miserable. They portrayed India as a brutal country where millions of Muslims face brutality, mosques are demolished, and madrasas are burnt. The rally underscored the role of Hindu

extremist organizations like Bharatiya Janata Party and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, attacking Muslims with Delhi government's support.

Simultaneously, the student wing of Tehreek-e-Shabab-ul-Muslimeen organized an anti-India protest in Muzaffarabad, observing Indian Republic Day as a Black Day. Led by Vice Chairman Munir Ahmad Konshi, a large number of youth raised anti-India slogans, expressing solidarity with Kashmiris.

In IIOJK, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and globally observed India's Republic Day as a Black Day. The call for this observance came from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and other Hurriyat organizations. A complete strike paralyzed life in the occupied territory,

with anti-India demonstrations and rallies planned in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and various world capitals.

Jailed APHC Chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt and senior leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah, detained in India’s Tihar jail, reiterated the call for a Black Day. APHC leaders condemned India's reign of terror, including repression, cordon and search operations, random arrests, and business and social activity restrictions. They urged people to boycott all Indian celebrations, affirming Kashmiris' rejection of Indian illegal occupation and determination to secure their right to self-determination. The collective message resonated across the region and the world, echoing the Kashmiri people's quest for justice and freedom.

Several passengers hurt in Islamabad metro bus accident ISLAMABAD

staff RePoRt

Several passengers were critically injured after a horrifying crash between a metro bus and a passenger coaster near Bhara Kahu on Friday morning.

According to rescue sources 1122 said that a metro bus collided with a coaster near Bhara Kahu, and as a result several people received serious injuries.

The coaster was carrying employees when it met

ECP empowers DROs, ROs with first class magistrate powers

with the accident, the rescue sources said.

Rescue 1122 shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.

In a separate fog-related road mishaps four persons were died in Nawabshah and Khairpur districts on Thursday evening. A university bus and a van collided near Qazi Ahmed in Nawabshah district leaving three persons including a woman dead and scores of others injured, rescue sources said.

A bus of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University said to be involved in road crash in which scores of students

ECP receives over 449,000 applications for postal ballot

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially granted Magistrate First Class powers to District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs). An official notice has been issued, outlining the extension of these powers to ROs and DROs across all national and provincial assemblies.

The notification emphasizes the empowerment of ROs and DROs, designating them with the authority of a Magistrate First Class. This decision aims to streamline and enhance the roles of these officials in ensuring fair and orderly conduct during the electoral processes at both the national and provincial levels. This move by the Election Commission is expected to contribute to the efficient management and enforcement of electoral rules and regulations, further reinforcing the integrity of the electoral system.

ANP to support IPP in Punjab for Feb 8 polls LAHORE

staff RePoRt

The Awami National Party (ANP) has committed its support to Istehkam e Pakistan Party (IPP) candidates in the upcoming polls on February 8.

Ameer Bahadur Khan, the general secretary of ANP Punjab, met with IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan and announced ANP's decision to support IPP in Punjab. Bashir Ahmed, the chairman of the Hazara Welfare Association, has also pledged support for IPP. In another significant development, Mubshir Laal, the former president of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf Ravi Town, has joined IPP. Laal, along with his party workers, will actively participate in the election campaign for Abdul Aleem Khan in the NA117 constituency. Further strengthening IPP's position, Arif Awan Advocate, Naeem Goraya Advocate, and members of the legal community have also decided to back Abdul Aleem in the upcoming elections. Abdul Aleem Khan, the National Assembly candidate, expressed his commitment to serving the common man without any discrimination and working towards the welfare of the public. He emphasized that his foremost priority would be the Shahdara constituency, where he plans to initiate development projects for the benefit of its residents. Expressing gratitude, Abdul Aleem Khan acknowledged the support of the Hazara party and ANP in the upcoming general elections of 2024 for IPP.

ECP imposes fines on 24 candidates for violating code of conduct ISLAMABAD

staff RePoRt

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken action against 24 candidates and a local government chairman for violating the code of conduct during elections, imposing fines as a penalty. In NA-23 Mardan, candidate Aqib Ismail has been fined Rs 50,000, while from PK-99, Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Noorani Khan has been imposed a fine of Rs 10,000.

Similarly, candidate Ikram-ul-lah Ghazi from PK39 has been fined Rs 10,000. These fines, totaling various amounts, have been submitted to the national treasury through the returning officers (ROs) as a consequence of the candidates' breaches.

In PP-214, candidates Shahzad Maqbool Bhatta and Muhammad Sharif Rajput have each been fined Rs 15,000. In PP-282, candidate Usama Gujjar has been fined Rs 20,000. The Election Commission has issued a total of 71 notices to candidates and others across various districts for violating the model code of conduct during the election process.

These actions underscore the Election Commission's commitment to ensure a fair and orderly electoral environment.

Commission of Pakistan, began a few days ago. Eligible voters, including government employees on duty away from their constituencies and incarcerated individuals, were directed to complete the voting process by January 22. Application forms for postal ballots are available for download on the Election Commission's website.

The provision extends to government employees and their families, ensuring access to voting for those outside their constituencies on election day. Notably, prisoners and individuals facing various charges are also eligible to cast their votes through the postal ballot system.

Sino-Pak charity group brings vision to cataract sufferers in Pakistan RAWALPINDI

staff RePoRt

In a heartwarming Sino-Pak cooperation, the China-Pakistan Youth Exchange Community joined forces with the Beijing One Heart Sphere Charity Foundation in a campaign that provided lifechanging cataract surgeries to 3,000 impoverished patients in Pakistan.

Launched in collaboration with local hospitals and eye care centres in Rawalpindi, the initiative, reaching as far as Balochistan, aims to restore vision and improve the quality of life for those who have been living in darkness due to this debilitating condition.

A total of 1,200 patients with eye conditions have been examined professionally since January 15, Gwadar Pro reported on Friday.

Based on this, the medical team successfully completed the operation on the first 100 cataract patients by January 21. In the coming days, the team will provide surgery to 100 cataract patients in Kashmir.

“We want to give these patients

their sight back so they can lead independent and productive lives,” said Ma Bin, chairperson of ChinaPakistan Youth Exchange Community. “The operation is a microcosm of the friendly relations between China and Pakistan and a testament to the power of humanitarianism and unity.”

Doctors and volunteers from both countries worked side-by-side to perform the surgery. Many

PTI Senator Saifullah Abro called on Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and expressed his trust in his leadership. On the occasion, Senator Saifullah announced to withdraw from the election race in NA-194 constituency and promised to support candidate of Pakistan People’s Party. Abro was elected as senator on PTI’s technocrat seat from Larkana for March 2022 to March 2027 term. PTI candidates from Sukkur announced to quit election race to support Pakistan Peoples’ Party candidates in the district. PTI nominated candidate from NA 200 Noman Islam Sheikh planned to withdraw election race and support PPP senior leader Khurshid Shah in the constituency. Likewise, Dr Rab Nawaz Kalor who was contesting from provincial assembly PS 25 was also leaving the race in support of PPP senior leader Syed Nasir Hussain Shah. Both PTI leaders will announce their plan in a press conference along with PPP leaders in the evening.

PTI’s Ikram Ghazi fined for aerial firing video PESHAWAR

staff RePoRt

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has received a staggering 449,287 applications for postal ballots nationwide, as reported on Friday. The fervor is notably high, with 73,586 applications for National Assembly seats and 74,274 for provincial assembly posts in Punjab alone.

Balochistan follows with 5,758 applications for National Assembly seats and 60,550 for provincial assembly seats.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa contributes significantly, with 72,769 applications for National Assembly and 81,281 for Provincial Assembly. Meanwhile, Sindh reports 24,420 applications for National Assembly seats and 26,649 for provincial assembly ballots.

The Election Commission, gearing up for the scheduled general elections on February 8, underscores the democratic spirit as preparations enter the final stages. The printing of ballot papers is well underway.

The postal ballot process, initiated by the Election

KARACHI

staff RePoRt

staff RePoRt

ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

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have been injured, rescue sources said.

In another traffic mishap, also caused by fogrelated visibility problem a coach upturned at Therhi Bypass in Khairpur district leaving a man dead and 25 others injured.

“Five injured have been in precarious condition,” according to rescuers. “The injured were shifted to hospital for medical attendance.”

“A Karachi bound passenger coach from Punjab overturned at the bypass,” rescue workers said.

PTI's Senator Saifullah Abro joins PPP

patients who have undergone the procedure have described it as a “second chance” in life, saying they are now able to see their families, go to work, and engage in activities they were not capable of for years.

As the organization continues its efforts, it hopes to further expand its reach and impact, ultimately making a significant difference in the lives of thousands of cataract patients across Pakistan.

District Monitoring Officer Mansehra fined PTIsupported independent candidate from PK-39 Ikram Ghazi Khan for an aerial firing social media video and also served him a warning notice. The DMO had earlier written to District Police Officer Mansehra for registration of an FIR against the candidate for violation of section 17 of the code of conduct and rules and laws, however after a personal hearing of the respondent the request was withdrawn and a warning was issued to the candidate. The order of the DMO Mansehra available with this agency revealed that the PTI candidate admitted commission of the violation, however contended that someone from the public and not his supporter did the aerial firing. He condemned the incident and assured that the same would not happen in future. The DMO thus imposed a Rs 10,000 fine upon the respondent with a warning that if he were found guilty of any further violation of election conduct, the case would be referred under section 234 (4). The PTI candidate deposited the fine amount in the government treasury and submitted a copy to the DMO.

No charges for ECP's '8300' SMS service from Monday ISLAMABAD

staff RePoRt

In a bid to facilitate voters, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to make SMS service 8300 free of charge from Monday (January 29), as the nation is heading towards the general elections scheduled to be held on February 8. The announcement was made by ECP's Spokesperson Syed Nadeem Hyder, Additional Director General (ADG) Nighat Sadique, and the Project Director of the Project Management Unit during a radio show this morning. They said the voters can check details of their constituencies and polling stations by sending the number of their computerised identity cards to 8300. The ECP officials said the voters are required to bring their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) to the polling station for voting. A vote can be cast even if the CNIC is expired or using the token issued for the issuance of a new CNIC. The ECP officials said a mechanism is in place using the technology to ensure fairness and transparency of the electoral process. ECP ADG Sadique said a large number of international observers have also been invited to monitor the elections. The ECP spokesperson added that under the Election Act, a time limit has been set for the completion of election results. He also said that presiding officers are obligated to send the election results to the election commission by 2am. In case of any delay, the returning officer will inquire about the cause of the delay from the presiding officer and submit it to the (ECP). He emphasised that the election results must be finalised by 10am the next day.

PRL’s expansion project to reshape Pakistan’s energy landscape g

Primary goal of REUP initiative is to eliminate Furnace Oil production and focus on maximizing production of high-value Euro V standard Petrol and Diesel MONITORING DESK PRL

In a groundbreaking move to redefine industry standards, Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) revealed its ambitious plan on Friday to double its crude processing capacity from 50,000 to 100,000 barrels per day within the next five years. The announcement was made during the ‘PRL Connect 2024’ event, which centered around the Refinery Expansion and Upgrade Project (REUP).

The primary goal of the REUP

initiative is to eliminate Furnace Oil production and focus on maximizing the production of high-value Euro V standard Petrol and Diesel. PRL aims to set new benchmarks for financial success and sustainability in the industry by aligning its operations with market demands.

The completion period for this transformative project is set at five years.

As part of the strategic realignment, PRL highlighted a significant development involving the shift in majority shareholding to Pakistan State Oil (PSO),

underlining PSO’s commitment to PRL’s upgrade and expansion. This move is expected to secure a reliable supply chain for PSO, ensuring vertical integration.

Tariq Kirmani, Chairman of PRL’s Board of Directors (BoD), emphasized the broader impact of the REUP initiative, stating, “This project generates employment opportunities, stimulates economic activity, and contributes significantly to the national GDP, reducing import dependency and saving valuable foreign exchange. It is not only beneficial for PRL but also for PSO and

the entire country.” Highlighting operational achievements, Kirmani announced, “PRL achieved recordbreaking profits, with 100% plant availability and the highest-ever sales of diesel and petrol in September 2023.”

As a subsidiary of state-owned PSO, PRL has played a significant role in the petroleum industry since its incorporation as a public limited company in May 1960. The current expansion project is expected to make a substantial impact on Pakistan’s energy landscape.

BODY FORMED ON RECOMMENDATION OF SCCI TO RESOLVE TAXPAYERS’ ISSUES Saturday, 27 January, 2024 | KARACHI

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PESHAWAR

staff report

N recommendation of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Malik Amjid Zubair Tiwana has formed a committee, consisting of nominated members of the chamber and FBR officers, aimed at to resolve business community and taxpayers issues of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Fuad Ishaq, president of the chamber demanded the simplifying the present tax system, bringing tax ratio to single digit, equalizing tariff of 224 items to Afghanistan duties/tariffs, special incentives, along five years exemptions on income, sale tax and custom duties and utilities bills of the

business community of the province.

The SCCI chief asked to avoid burdening existing taxpayers with new taxes and initiatives should be made to broaden the tax-base. According to the details, the FBR chairman Malik Amjid Zubair Tiwana visited the chamber house and held a meeting with the business community, which was chaired by the SCCI president Fuad Ishaq, said in a press release issued here Friday.

The meeting was attended by the SCCI’ senior vice president Sanaullah Khan, vice president Ijaz Khan Afridi, Senator Mohsin Aziz, Senator Nauman Wazir, Member Inland Revenue Islamabad Mir Badshah Gul Wazir, Chief Commissioner RTO Peshawar Zafar Iqbal Khan, Chief Collector Customs KP, Saeed Mukaram, collector Custom

Enforcement Khawaja Kurram, former presidents of the SCCI Zahidullah Shinwari, Haji Muhamamd Asif, Riaz Arshad, Malik Niaz Ahmad, Faiz Muhammad Faizi, Zulfiqar Ali Khan, and members of the chamber executive committee, traders, industrialists and others.

Fuad Ishaq apprised FBR chairman about reservations and difficulties of business community owing to closure of Torkham border and urged government and relevant authorities take tangible steps to keep open the Torkham border for carrying out smooth cross border trade.

The SCCI chief also informed the meeting about apprehensions of the business community regarding POS system, WHT, high ratio of various taxes, wrong assessment, cost of digitization,

complications in tax system and gave a number of proposals for their amicable solution. The FBR chairman agreed with proposals presented by the SCCI president during the meeting and said FBR and all relevant institutions are interconnected and established a close liaison among them, adding that FBR has brought reforms to simplify the tax system and ease difficulties of taxpayers and the outcome of these initiatives are very promising.

Amjid Tiwana informed that owing better border enforcement, Afghan transit trade has brought down to $ 2billion, which earlier stood at $6.85billion, which has eliminated the smuggling to some extent.

According to a rough estimate, the FBR chairman said 50 per cent Afghan transit trade has been cut down, which is highly

Zulfi Bukhari criticizes 'Western hypocrisy' on 'human rights abuses' in Pakistan ISLAMABAD

staff report

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Zulfi Bukhari called out "Western hypocrisy" for its silence on "human rights abuses" in the country, as Pakistan gears up for February 8 polls.

Speaking at Oxford University Majlis, a forum for intellectual exchange at the prestigious varsity in London, Bukhari decried the double standards of human rights organisations and Western powers for failing to raise voices against human rights violations in the country as opposed to the developments in other nations. Acknowledging that the media has given coverage to PTI founder Imran Khan-related developments, Bukhari lamented that human rights organisations such as Amnesty International, have "written very few" about human rights abuses in Pakistan.

Recalling Amnesty's coverage of recently concluded general elections in Bangladesh, the PTI leader said that the human rights watchdog raised its voice on the absence of a transparent democracy and crackdown against opposition parties.

"They [US] wanted to put visa sanctions on Bangladesh as the country wasn't fitting the exact outfit what a

democratic country should be [...] but Pakistan is termed as an internal affair.

"This hypocrisy that's being used between Pakistan and other countries [...] is most worrying," the former minister said while responding to a question seeking his message for the Western governments.

However, the body failed to do the same over the situation in Pakistan, he maintained while referring to the countrywide crackdown against PTI workers and leaders following the May 9 riots triggered last year as a result of Khan's arrest in a graft case.

The riots, which saw military installations including Rawalpindi's General Headquarters (GHQ), Lahore Corps Commander's House and other sensitive infrastructure being vandalised, prompted the then Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government to trial those responsible in the military courts.

Hundreds of PTI workers and leaders have been arrested after being booked in different cases related to the incidents that unfolded on May 9.

Continuing with his narrative, Bukhari claimed that at one point around 13,000 people, including women and children, were put behind bars — as part

of the nationwide crackdown against PTI — alleging that the authorities even went after relatives of PTI workers and leaders.

The former special assistant to the prime minister also stressed that those not "giving in" and have refused to "hold press conferences" are still imprisoned.

His remarks refer to the recent trend of press conferences by PTI leaders who went off the grid and reappeared only to denounce the party for the May 9 riots while either leaving the Khan-founded party or joining any other.

With a large number of leaders parting ways with the former ruling party and others being behind bars or in hiding, which for now stands leaderless courtesy of Khan being disqualified in the Toshakhana case coupled with Barrister Gohar Khan's removal as chairman following the annulment of intra-party polls, has fielded a large number of lawyers. The PTI nominees will be contesting the elections as independent candidates due to the party being symbolless. Earlier today, the PTI claimed that the party’s websites had been blocked in the country.

The former ruling party, who has been decrying the “absence of a levelplaying field” in the run-up to general elections slated to be held on February 8,

asked on Friday the government to explain why the PTI’s websites were blocked in the country.

The statement highlighted Israel's military aggression and criminal actions against the Palestinian people since October 7, 2023. Pakistan views the ICJ's ruling as timely and a significant milestone in seeking justice for the Palestinian people and holding Israel accountable on the international stage.

Pakistan called for the full and effective implementation of the ICJ's decision to uphold the basic human rights, dignity, and identity of the Palestinian people, in line with the UN Charter, relevant resolutions, and international law.

The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their just and legitimate struggle for the realisation of their inalienable right to selfdetermination.

The statement underlined that Pakistan has supported South Africa's application before the ICJ against Israel under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The court's announcement of provisional measures marks a step forward in the pursuit of justice and international accountability for the actions of Israel against the Palestinian population.

NAB introduces first phase of internal reforms ISLAMABAD

staff repport

PEF, BOP partner for solarization of 7,000 schools in Punjab LAHORE

staff report

The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) and Bank of Punjab (BOP) a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for provision of solar panels to more than 7,000 partner schools the PEF on soft loans. The partnership aims at empowering educational institutions with sustainable energy solutions through accessible soft loans for the acquisition of solar systems.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during a ceremony by PEF MD Shahid Farid and BOP Head Retail Finance Division Salman Shah. Speaking on the occasion, MD PEF highlighted the positive impact of this initiative, stating that over 7,000 PEF partner schools will benefit from the solar energy facility. The implementation of solar systems is expected to reduce electricity bills for PEF partners while providing environmentally friendly electricity to over 27 lakh students. He further emphasized the commitment to implementing additional measures for the betterment of PEF partner schools. This collaboration reflects a shared vision of sustainable development and underscores the commitment of both Punjab Education Foundation and Bank of Punjab towards fostering a brighter and eco-friendly future for educational institutions. The official signing ceremony of the agreement took place on Friday at the Bank of Punjab's office, attended by key representatives from both organizations included Managing Director Mr. Shahid Fareed, Deputy Managing Director (Operation) Ms. Samina Nawaz, Deputy Managing Director (Supports Services) Mr. Raja Muhammad Ashraf, Deputy Managing Director (FCRM) Mr. Muhammad Farooq, Director (Finance) Mr. Qasim Munir, and Additional Director (FAS) Mr. Ayaz Muhammad Arfi. Bank of Punjab was represented by Head Retail Finance Division Salman Shah, Head Government Sector Division Ghulam Ali, Head Public Sector Deposit Division Nadeem Ghulam Butt, along with other officers.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has decided that its main focus will be on mega corruption and money laundering cases in the future. The NAB has introduced what it called revolutionary reforms as malafide or frivolous complaints will now be considered as cognizable offence and liable to legal action against such applicants in the Courts of Law, a press statement issued here said.

The initiative is aimed at greater efficiency and transparency in the NAB operations and to dispel its public perception.

Under the new guidelines,

parameters have been defined for submission of complaints, providing complete personal details of applicant with affidavit, in which admitting that the information provided in the complaint is correct and without any malafide intentions.

Further, the applicant will be liable to legal action under the law, if allegations are not proved.

Considering damage of the selfrespect and self-esteem of persons against the moral code of ethics, the persons complained against, shall be addressed as “Defendants” in the new guidelines. The new guidelines have been framed to ensure human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. Further, identity of the defendant will be

kept confidential until guilt is proven.

Similarly, the priority of complainants has also been outlined in the new guidelines. Incomplete and anonymous complaints will be discarded at the initial level. The new guidelines will be available on NAB website and disseminated through SMS and other modes of communications, for general public awareness and guidance.

Besides, dedicated Complaint Cells (CC) have also been established at NAB (HQ) and Regional Bureaus under the direct supervision of Chairman NAB and Deputy Chairman NAB to initiate investigation into complaints at initial stage.

PPP to bring CM from South Punjab if voted into power, says Bilawal

03

appreciable. Following the directive of the prime minister, the FBR Chairman said that initiatives have been taken to provide relief to the business community of KP, adding that despite the IMF pressure, the government has extended tax exemption for next one year to KP’s merged districts and PATA region.

Similarly, he said 40 per cent payment of refunds had been given to the business community, saying that FBR was paying Rs35 to Rs 40 Billion in head of refunds to businessmen every year.

On the occasion, Senator Mohsin Aziz, Senator Nauman Wazir, former presidents, traders and industrialists also spoke on the occasion and apprised the FBR chairman regarding various issues and gave viable proposals and solutions to them.

World Court orders Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

"South Africa sincerely hopes that Israel will not act to frustrate the application of this Order, as it has publicly threatened to do, but that it will instead act to comply with it fully, as it is bound to do," its foreign ministry said in a statement. The country's Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola were seen cheering and dancing at a gathering of the governing African National Congress party following the court's verdict, which was televised live. Assault on Khan Younis On the ground in Gaza, the war has entered a particularly destructive phase, with the heaviest fighting in weeks now taking place in crowded areas jammed with hundreds of thousands of people who fled from earlier fighting elsewhere. On Friday, Israel kept up its bombardment of the main Southern city of Khan Younis, where it said it was involved in "intensive battles", with forces striking dozens of Hamas fighters and infrastructure from the air and ground. Residents said gunbattles raged overnight, with Israeli forces blowing up buildings and houses in the western part of the city in what has become one of its biggest offensives so far, waged among hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians. Israel said it had discovered some 200 tunnel shafts and destroyed more than 130 “militant” infrastructure sites in its latest operations, as well as killing "numerous militants".

Palestinians say Israel has blockaded hospitals making it impossible for rescuers to reach the dead and wounded. Israel denies blockading hospitals and says Hamas fighters are to blame for fighting near them for operating there. “We believe many victims are still under the rubble and on the roads, the occupation prevents ambulance and civil emergency teams from reaching them,” Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra said.

Pakistan calls for immediate ceasefire on Gaza war, welcomes ICJ's ruling ISLAMABAD

staff report

Pakistan welcomed the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday, regarding the case against Israel over allegations of genocide by South Africa. The ICJ had earlier in the day concluded that it has prima facie jurisdiction to entertain the case and deemed South Africa's claims of genocide as "plausible." The ICJ has directed Israel to urgently undertake a series of measures related to Palestinians in Gaza to prevent acts prohibited by the Genocide Convention. These measures include preventing the killing of group members, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life to bring about physical destruction, and imposing measures to prevent births within the group. The court also instructed Israel to take immediate and effective measures to provide urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. A statement issued by the Foreign Office emphasized that the implementation of these provisional measures necessitates an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.

PTI’s Lahore office gutted in mysterious fire

MULTAN

staff report

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto on Friday pledged to bring chief minister (CM) from South Punjab if his party came to power in the upcoming general elections 2024 while outlining the party’s plans for governance.

Addressing a public gathering in Multan in connection with elections 2024, Bilawal Bhutto – who is contesting from Lahore NA-127 – urged the voters to support his party to end the “politics of hatred and division”.

Highlighting the unprecedented levels of inflation and unemployment, the PPP chairman claimed, “At present, no party, except the PPP, has a comprehensive plan to tackle these issues. Other political entities are solely focused on elections for their own gains, neglecting the well-being of the people.”

“I have personally crafted PPP’s economic plan, and our first priority upon assuming power will be their swift implementation to curb inflation and unemployment,” he added.

Bilawal also lauded the sacrifices made by the military and police to eradicate terrorism but pointed out, “The resurgence of terrorism today is a consequence of the social division sown by old politicians. It’s time to bury the politics of hatred.”

The former foreign minister also said that 17 federal ministries had become redundant after the 18th Amendment, and would be abolished if his party came to power, adding that the Rs300 billion saved in this way would be utilised for the people’s welfare through

NEWS

LAHORE

staff report

the kissan, mazdoor and youth cards.

Bilawal Bhutto also vowed to stop the annual subsidy of Rs1,500 billion for the elite, opting to impose taxes on capitalists to ease the burden on the poor.

He said it was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who gave an ideology and the slogan of roti, kapra and makan decades ago, adding that these basic necessities are still needed the most.

In apparent dig at PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, he said the sole purpose of some politicians is to sit on the prime minister’s chair for the fourth time. “PML-N believes that they have fixed the match, but that is not true,” he added.

He noted that he would become prime minister with the support of the people and would appoint the Punjab chief minister from South Punjab.

A fire broke out at a sealed office of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) in Lahore on Friday destroying all the equipment and injuring a man.

Backed by seven fire tenders, Rescue 1122 officials broke the office seal for entry and took an hour to douse the blaze completely. According to sources in the police, the PTI office, located on Jail Road, was locked and some drug addicts entered the office to steal equipment. A burning cigarette butt could have caused the fire, said the police sources. The blaze gutted all the office equipment including chairs, table, flexes, LEDs and other goods. The man who received burn injuries during the fire incident was identified as Yousuf Masih who was rushed to Services Hospital first and later shifted to Jinnah Hospital for treatment. The police sources said the investigators will record the statement of Yousuf Masih once his condition improves to stable in the hospital.

04 COMMENT

Minorities Phobia and Lessons from The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW)

Saturday, 27 January, 2024

Indian killing spree

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After Canada and the USA, India turned to assassinations in Pakistan

AKISTANI Foreign Secretary Syrus Qazi has revealed that over a dozen people have been assassinated by Pakistan by Indian agents over the last two years, all linked to the Kashmir cause. This is like the recent bombshells dropped by Canada and the USA, which revealed that India had assassinated, or was attempting to assasssinate, citizens who were Sikhs and supporters of the Khalistan movement. The big difference is that the North American killing involved the Sikh diaspora and the Khalistan movement, with Khalistan not being recognised as a disputed territory, while those in Pakistan involved were either Kashmiris or linked to a cause which is still, despite the best Indian efforts, still on the UN Security Council agenda as a disputed territory.

Some of the assassinations in Pakistan took place in September and October last year, after the killing of Hardeep Sindh Nijjar in Canada in June and before the uncovering by US authorities of the plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. That indicates a rash of murderous activity that indicates a new strategy by Indian intelligence, aimed at both Kashmiri nationalists and Sikh separatists, It also indicates that the Indian government has reached new heights of irresponsibility. While intelligence agencies around the world would probably like nothing better than to go around the world killing people they don’t like, their governments always prevent them.Unfortunately, now, it seems that the Indian government has not. India has always been aggressive about its operations, as can be seen from the example of RAW agent Kulbhushan Yaadav, whose mission was to destabilize Balochistan, not assassinate any individuals. However, the politics of assassination is a new addition to its quiver.

The main reason for India’s bad behaviour has been its impunity so far. It had got way both with usurping the Kashmiri people’s right of self-determination, and decades later, the brutal massacre of Sikhs following the desecration of the Golden Temple and then the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It has been coddled by the West as the ‘world’s largest democracy’ and ‘a market of a billion people’. However, with the BJP set to continue its reign, the world powers should realize that India cannot be trusted to behave even as a less-than-upstanding global citizen. Intelligence agents can go rogue, entire agencies can; but here an entire government has.

When does the world stop tolerating this? When India starts assassinating heads of government it doesn’t like?

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The majority needs to change Hafiz SHeraz

AKISTAN is known for its extraordinary diversity in terms of ethnicities and religions. While the proverb "beauty lies in diversity" is appreciated around the world, it has sadly become a source of dispute in Pakistan. This anxiety basically stems from colonial times where the Hindu majority was afraid of the Muslim minority as Muslims had ruled over them for centuries in the Subcontinent.

Therefore, it is useful to shed light on the fears harboured by the religious majority regarding religious minorities in Pakistan. The causes and consequences of such fears must also be examined and important lessons can be drawn from the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH. Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country, where the minority communities experience frequent discrimination, violence, forced religious conversions, and coercive marriages, including marriages of minority women with the Holy Qur`an. The Constitution also reflects the acts of a scared majority, such as the Second Amendment, which limits the rights of individuals who do not acknowledge the finality of the Prophet (PBUH).

Moreover, the 1973 Constitution's provision that both the Prime Minister and President be Muslims further underlines the discrimination that religious minorities face in the country.

What aggravates the discrimination against minorities in the country is allegations of blasphemy against them. As per the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), Section 298A, any “spoken or written, or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of any wife, or members of the family, of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), or any of the righteous Caliphs or companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.”

Abdul Akbar Chitrali rightly writes in the New York Times that such laws have encouraged legal discrimination and prosecution of religious minorities in Pakistan. Moreover, this section creates an air of fear among the common people of the country to discuss and debate the matters of faith and Islamic history. This is against the sunnah of the

Holy Prophet (PBUH), who used to have dialogues on faith even with non-Muslims, in mosques.

Asia Bibi's case is just an instance of numerous blasphemy cases involving the victimization of non-Muslim citizens in Pakistan. The former Governor of Pakistan`s largest province, Punjab, Salman Taseer, was also murdered in 2011 for similar allegations as he called for blasphemy law reforms. Recent occurrences, such as the burning of churches and homes of Christians in Jaranwala, further highlight the persistent plight of religious minorities here. Similarly, as evidenced by the targeted killings of Shia-Hazaras in Quetta, the sectarian majority fears their respective minority will dominate them. However, a worth-mentioning fact is that the PPC, despite loopholes, assures respect for all beliefs in Pakistan, but the sad part is that it lacks implementation.

The fears of being dominated by the minority have led Sunni majorities to a process of "Sunnification," overshadowing the path of pluralistic democracy in Pakistan. Reasons behind this fear of the majority can be many, for instance, lack of so-

If these recommendations are considered, they will result in an agreement between majorities and minorities, as well as a move from majoritarian to pluralistic democracy. Pakistan's minority phobia is producing socio-political problems as a result of constitutional limits and institutional weaknesses. By adhering to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) at both individual and institutional levels, the nation can work toward constructing a pluralistic and democratic society, thereby alleviating minority anxiety

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi

cial awareness and quality education exacerbates this fearful attitude. A significant portion of the majority in Pakistan remains illiterate, and the government allocates a mere 1.77 percent of GDP to education. Also, a certain segment of the majority is afraid of the dominance of the minority, or they use the religion card for their vested interests and function as pressure groups.

The consequences of prejudice against the religious minorities in Pakistan are complex. To begin with, Pakistan has yet to mature into a pluralistic democracy; it is still a majoritarian democracy. Second, religious extremism and exclusivism have increased, resulting in issues such as terrorism, extremism, intolerance, and insurgencies.

Also, social discontent, political strife, and eco-

Democracy, Democracy and Democracy Joint Editor

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Executive Editor

Dr zafar KHan SafDar

UT of 167 countries worldwide, 96 have opted for democracy to govern their nations. If the figures are computed, 57 percent of nations have chosen democracy, 13 percent have chosen autocracy, and 28 percent displayed characteristics of both autocracy and democracy. This enormous success and the quick development of democracy over the past four decades are inextricably linked.

Pakistan was established as a Nation-State to ensure the supremacy of the people, equal rule of law, active citizen participation in politics, and protection of human rights. From the very outset, the founding father of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, emphasized the importance of equality of rights and freedom of faith. He stressed the need of a constitution based on consensus, aiming to achieve a high quality of democracy.

After his death, political polarization and strife led to delays in framing the constitution. The Objectives Resolution, which remains a preamble of the 1973 Constitution, outlines the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and social justice as enunciated by Islam.

Nevertheless, democracy exists as a temporary transition between quasi or full-blown military rule in Pakistan. Over 32 out of 76 years of Pakistan’s history were plagued by martial law, with the constitution abrogated or suspended, denying fundamental rights to citizens, resulting in immeasurable losses to democracy. On top of that, there has been a kind of quasi-democracy in the country since 2008, where strong but unelected and unaccountable state institutions have undermined, sabotaged, and destabilized democratic administrations.

Pakistan has experienced numerous political, economic, institutional, democratic, and social upheavals due to military intervention, political polarization, authoritarian leadership, bureaucratic red tape, constitutional crisis, feudalism, mismanagement, accountability rhetoric, and underperforming Judiciary.

Economic and social issues have arisen in

Pakistan as a result of the public’s declining faith in democracy and the military. Electoral rights have suffered as a result of the political and military establishment in Pakistan being accused of interfering with the electoral process.

In attempts to placate the military, the elected governments have been undemocratic, where democracy is not just about elections but suppressing the opposition and hushing the media.

This has led to a domination of parties with no inner party democracy, paralyzing policy-making and creating dissatisfaction. It is no sarcasm that the political opposition in Pakistan always takes a holier-than-thou stance, insisting on seeing the establishment as its harbinger into power.

Pakistan’s institutional structure has to be drastically changed in order to maintain democracy. To achieve a future for the country, the basic rights of the people to govern themselves must be unreservedly and unequivocally recognized. Democracy is often confusing, but in Pakistan’s circumstances, and the structures supporting it such as the constitution, parliament, and judiciary, have been systematically weakened.

The Quaid’s ideals have dimmed, making them questionable as a frame of reference. It would be a mistake to compromise further on his faith in democracy as the only course for Pakistan to follow. Pakistan’s deviations from universally accepted principles have made it an

good governance requires its enforcement.

Pakistan needs a national consensus to set its direction, based on its founding principles and past 76 years of experience. The constitution needs to be overhauled to empower the people and federating units. Provincial autonomy has been a topic of political rhetoric, and even those advocating it have not presented a realistic power division scheme. Pakistan can move towards stability and consolidation by giving constituent units a strong stake in its strength and vitality. This includes economic development in backward provinces and regions, as well as a proper devolution of powers from the centre. Democracy requires participation at all levels of government, federal, provincial and local. Freedom from want for millions living in urban slums and less developed regions is essential, as is freedom for creative expression that contributes to the country’s dynamism. Pakistan must emulate democratic principles and adhere to democratic norms to ensure a more purposeful and productive future.

Despite its flaws, shortcomings, and setbacks, democracy is the only system of governance that can get Pakistan back on track. The bulk of people’s freedom is best guaranteed by democracy, which has continuously been demonstrated to be the most successful form of government.

Democracy is a beneficial form of governance because it incorporates the roles and interests of many people in deciding how a nation is to be governed. Democracy is often chaotic, but if citizens are well-educated and elected leaders have the will to make tough choices, this chaos may be mitigated. All things considered, if freedom and civil rights are emphasized, it is difficult to argue that any form of governance is superior to democracy.

Democracy is a system that promotes responsible governance, rule of law, human rights, civic participation, and peaceful power transfers through electoral processes, fostering a stable and peaceful society. Despite much discussion and opposition over the nature of democracy, the majority of nations worldwide continue to operate under this system anachronism in today’s world moving towards political and social emancipation.

To develop democracy based on excellent governance, strengthening democratic institutions and implementing socio-political changes is crucial. A successful governance charter should include the rule of law, an accountability culture, institutional harmony, political stability, and effective public service delivery. Political stability, political education, involved citizens, free and fair elections, merit-prioritizing political parties, and a sense of public duty are essential for good administration.

Institutional cohesiveness and responsiveness are crucial for nation growth, while a culture of accountability increases transparency and merit in national affairs. A just society emphasizes the rule of law and legal equity, and

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

nomic volatility have all increased, making the country more vulnerable. Furthermore, intolerant actions impede mutual cohabitation.

The teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions, on the other hand, present a counter-example. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) informed the custodians of St Catherine's Monastery that their places of worship would be protected when they visited Madinah. He documented this commitment in a written covenant, underlining the importance of religious freedom and the protection of minorities. The Prophet (PBUH) also guaranteed the protection of their (Christians`) worship places, freedom of worship, no compulsion in religion, respect for their religious leadership, and that they would not be forced to take up arms. The Pakistan Penal Code also guarantees these rights to the religious minorities in Pakistan. Above all, the Prophet (PBUH) calls Christians his subjects in the Covenant and equals violation of the Covenant with inviting the wrath of God. Allah Almighty also commands in the Holy Qur`an in Surah Mai`dah, “Whoever takes a life— unless as a punishment for murder or mischief in the land (as per law)— it will be as if they killed all of humanity; and whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity.”

To eliminate the fear of minorities in Pakistan, several recommendations can be made: 1). Assurance of equality among all institutions for both majorities and minorities.

2). Eliminate all forms of discrimination, whether political, ethnic, or religious. 3). Emulate the path of the Prophet(PBUH) in protecting minorities. 4). Incorporate the covenant between the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and St. Catherine`s custodians into educational curricula to promote social awareness and mutual coexistence. 5).

Re-evaluate the constitutional requirement that the President and Prime Minister must be Muslim to encourage competent individuals from minorities to participate in leadership roles.

If these recommendations are considered, they will result in an agreement between majorities and minorities, as well as a move from majoritarian to pluralistic democracy. Pakistan's minority phobia is producing socio-political problems as a result of constitutional limits and institutional weaknesses.

By adhering to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) at both individual and institutional levels, the nation can work toward constructing a pluralistic and democratic society, thereby alleviating minority anxiety.

I

Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318

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The writer has a PhD in Political Science, and is a member of the visiting faculty at QAU Islamabad. He can be reached at zafarkhansafdar@yahoo.com and tweets @zafarkhansafdar.

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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The writer is a freelance columnist

Editor’s mail

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

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

Library etiquettes

IT is saddening to observe the lack of library etiquettes among visitors to various libraries. Readers in and around the libraries should maintain discipline and follow certain rules even if they remain unsaid and unwritten. Most readers fail to keep their silence, ensure cleanliness, and demonstrate discipline.

While visiting a local library in search of an environment suited to studying, I witnessed students having active ringtones of mobile phones, scrolling down social media channels, spitting carelessly within the study halls, talking loudly while standing close to the halls’ doors, trolling other students, and, worst of all, deforming and damaging library books. These people neither study themselves nor let others study in peace, which is such a pity.

MAIRAJ YOUSIF MIRANI LARKANA

Talent in Lyari

IT is disheartening to see the young talent of Lyari fading away. Football is a popular sport in Lyari, but limited access to facilities, economic challenges and pricey sports equipment stop many talented youngsters from playing at a higher level and emerging as a star. It is time we trained the wonderfully talented youth of Lyari, and, indeed, of Pakistan at large, to help the country take strides in the world of football. The government should pay attention to the matter and provide possible facilities and equipment to the youth of Lyari.

SAFIULLAH FAISAL SHEIKHUPURA

Unacceptable

I was recently staning in the local market where I watched a policeman parking his car in the middle of a road to fetch something from a nearby store. Naturally, there was a traffic jam within no time. A traffic police constable came to the spot with the intention of issuing a challan to the culprit, but as soon as he knew that the culprit was actually a policeman, he decided to do nothing except having a friendly chat. This was wrong behaviour. The law should be applied uniformly.

AYESHA MAZHAR ABBOTTABAD

Dilemma of fresh graduates

I have been searching for a suitable job for the last few months, but have not found any advertisement for fresh graduates in any company or government department, except the banking sector. Most organisations ask for at least two years of experience along with a master’s degree. Every year, a significant number of students complete their bachelor’s degree, but do not get the opportunities they deserve. Where will these fresh graduates go if every organisation hires experienced people? The stakeholders are requested to make room for fresh graduates. Surely, they will deliver their best whenever they get a chance.

Saadat Jakhrani Kashmore

Safe roads

An accident on the Rahim Yar Khan highway claimed at least 13 lives recently, leaving another 14 in a critical condition. This tragedy underscores the pressing need for improved road safety measures in the country. The impact of this incident on families is immeasurable as every individual holds a special place. The loss of life deeply affects the entire family structure. The authorities concerned should ensure safer roads for our people.

Arsalan Ali Sahito Khairpur

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

Has China’s economy peaked?

Saturday, 27 January, 2024

The ‘peak’ propaganda is spread by the West

I

Dr iMran KHaLiD

N recent years, China's development has slowed down as with other economies in the world, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and other factors. Some Western scholars and research institutions claim that after four decades of growth, China’s rise has peaked and China will never catch up with the USA. As a response, Chinese authorities have released this month a succession of data on the Chinese economy for 2023. Among them, the most relevant is the annual GDP growth of 5.2 percent, not only higher than the global growth rate that is expected to hover around 3 percent, but ranking high among the world's major economies, outperforming the USA and the European Union by a wide margin. According to the World Bank's forecast of the GDP and growth of major economies in 2023, China's contribution to world economic growth surpasses that of the Americas, Europe and Japan combined, securing its position as the world's leading economic powerhouse.

Is China's economy a risk for the globe?

Why do some slow-growing or even stagnant economies in the West, instead of minding the perils caused by themselves, show their teeth at a faster-growing country across the ocean? The “Peak of China’s Rise” Theory first appeared in 2021, when two professors in the USA co-authored an article which declared that China's economic rise had peaked under the dual pressure of internal economic slowdown in the past decade and external containment in recent years. Since then, Western forums have been peppered by

various statements about the assumed peak, including but not limited to peak due to slowing economy, vanishing demographic dividend, technology crackdown by the USA, worsened investment environment, and so on.

In the eyes of Western economists, China is grappling with a series of daunting problems: weakening productive force, skyrocketing productive costs, dropping returns from investment on infrastructure, an exorbitant debt-to-GDP ratio that is even higher than the USA’s, peaked and already-shrinking gross population and workforce, retreating foreign companies and investors, and lack of innovation resulted from overstretching state-owned enterprises and their undersupported private counterparts.

For the Chinese people, on the other hand, everything looks familiar. The “Peak of China’s Rise” Theory is essentially in the same vein with the "China Collapse" Theory that has been running rampant for 20 years; a stale steak on a fresh plate. As two highfrequency phrases in China-related discourse construed by the west, the two theories recur alternately on the underlying perception that China poses a "threat" to Western countries’ global hegemony. The longer the “threat” persists, the stronger the desire to see it “collapse”. This is also part of the USA’s ABC (Anything But China) strategy. So, rather than a miscalculation of facts, the “China Collapse” Theory is more of a subjective assumption. As former US President Dwight Eisenhower opined, one dollar spent on propaganda is five dollars spent on defence.

In 2023, China's actual use of foreign investment recorded an year-on-year decrease, giving pessimists an opportunity to hype up such narratives as “massive withdrawal of foreign investment from China” and “quitting investment in the Chinese market”.

Western media sensationalized that China's focus on safeguarding national security may “deter” foreign investment and “create barriers to capital flows into China” in ignorance of the enormous base of foreign investment in China and the context of an economic contraction worldwide.

In fact, China's irreplaceability in the global economy lies not only in its tremendous market, but also in its complete indus-

up branches in other countries as well to diffuse risks. This is market behaviour that shouldn’t be over-interpreted.

Western scholars believe that China's trial system, which is the most valued feature rapid development in the past three decades for foreign investors. The direction of capital is underpinned by its demographic dividend. flows provides the best proof. In 2023, for- Now China's birth rate is falling, which will eign investors newly set up 53,766 foreign- inevitably bring down its economic growth funded enterprises in China, an increase of rate. If we look at other parts of the world, nearly 40 percent year-on-year. Sector-wise, we will find an inexplicable phenomenonthe proportion of investment in high-tech in- many African countries also have huge population resources, why can't they achieve dustries hit a record high of 37 percent.

Although many emerging and develop- rapid economic development? Labour input ing countries also offer preferential policies is important for economic development, but to attract investment, European and Ameri- a more significant factor is the efficiency of can companies set greater store by a stable labour input, which can be calculated by and predictable business environment rather multiplying the quantity of the labour force than cost-reducing policies. This is precisely with their education level.

In China, for example, most people enter where China's biggest advantage lies in over the past 40-plus years since the reform and the labour market between 16 and 25. Their average years of opening up, schooling is 13.8, and it is where against 10.8 for Pakistan and the entire workother developing population. ing countries China's enhanced independent The duration of can draw lessons from. innovation capability is promoting schooling for 60year-old retirees The most international cooperation at a higher averages 6. This inshining tells us that the stance is Tesla. level. The World Economic Forum amount of effecDuring opera2024 Annual Meeting was convened tive labour is intion in the USA creasing in the for more than a not long ago under the theme process of popudecade, Tesla’s highest annual "Rebuilding Trust". This reflects that lation aging. In this sense, production of intensifying confrontation and lack China's "demoelectric vehigraphic dividend" cles was around of trust have become major has not disap30,000. After obstacles to development. peared, and a completing the "talent dividend" Shanghai facis emerging. tory in 2019, it For the delivered global economy, 480,000 EVs in the following year. Over the past five years, the return on China's foreign the uncertainties mainly come from changes direct investment has reached 9.1 percent, in the external world, such as geopolitical much higher than the 3 percent or so of Eu- conflicts, the policies of the Federal Reserve, rope and the USA, and higher than that of and the decline in external demand. Coupled major emerging economies. Multiple inter- with a shrinking international production innational trade organizations, including the vestment system as global supply chains are American Chamber of Commerce in China, restructured, these are challenges that all expressed that for many foreign companies, countries, including China, are facing. But the Chinese market is not an "option", but a China has developed its own unique advan"must". As the costs of labour and land are tages and new engines for economic growth.

What's next for China's economic develgoing up and pollution is put under stricter regulation in China, some foreign enterprises opment? A report on January 17 by German adopt the “N+1” strategy to relieve the pres- weekly Wirtschaftswoche predicted that sure of rising cost, that is, while maintaining China's economy will continue to grow at a the main production base in China, they set relatively high rate in 2024. Structural changes in China's economy are accelerating, it noted.

Why the new Ram temple in Ayodhya is a turning point for India The temple, built on the grounds of a demolished 16th-century mosque, is the symbol of India’s transformation into a Hindu nation

J

AL JAZEERA

apoorvananD

ANUARY 22 is past us. For India, it was a big day. Its prime minister, Narendra Modi, said it was “not just a date on the calendar” but “the dawn of a new era”. It marked the beginning of “the expansion of consciousness – from the divine to the nation, from Ram to the entire nation” he said. On that day, he claimed, the foundation for India’s “next 1,000 years has been laid”.

Modi’s words welcoming the advent of “Ram Rajya” (divine rule) in India blatantly contradicted the secular principles enshrined in the country’s constitution. And yet, they were endorsed and repeated excitedly by most of the national media.

Following the prime minister’s lead, one respected national daily said January 22 heralded “the awakening of the collective consciousness of the nation”, while another announced that it was a moment for India to “define itself afresh”.

Hindu divinity is central to the very of India, the argument went, so all Muslims, Christians and other minorities should simply accept its supremacy, and live their lives accordingly.

What led to January 22 being hailed as the dawn of a “divine” India was the consecration of an idol of Ram, one of the most revered Hindu gods, at a newly built temple in Ayodhya.

Hindus believe Ram was born in this small town in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, and thus consider it sacred.

There have long been hundreds of temples dedicated to Ram in Ayodhya. The Ram temple consecrated on January 22, however, is like no other shrine. It has been built on grounds where a Mughal-era mosque, called Babri Masjid, stood for centuries before it was torn down in 1992 by a mob mobilised by organisations linked to Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The demolition of the 16th-century mosque triggered some of the worst religious riots since independence – killing more than 2,000 people, most of them Muslims – and shook the foundations of India’s officially secular political order.

In a 2019 ruling, India’s Supreme Court called the demolition of the mosque an “egregious violation of the rule of law” but still allowed for a Ram temple to be built where it once stood. It was a strange judgement that appeared to defy all legal logic. The only justification offered for it was that the building of a temple there would pacify the Hindu majority and bring peace and tranquillity to the country. Still, it was widely criticised by jurists, in India and abroad, for turning justice on its head. The judgement was seen as a reward for the crime committed in 1992.

Regardless of the questions surrounding the legality and morality of its construction, the symbolism of the new Ram temple in Ayodhya has been impossible to ignore – both for the Hindus and Muslims of India.

For Modi and his Hindu hardliner backers, it is a symbol of national pride and perseverance.

It represents, as Home Minister Amit Shah said at the consecration ceremony, “stitching of a deep wound” that they believe was inflicted on them by Muslim “invaders” some 500 years ago.

For them, it is a symbol of victory.

For Muslims, however, it is a symbol of India’s transformation into a Hindu nation – a symbol that has anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination at its very foundation. They remember, for example, how from the very beginning “Muslamanon ka ek sthan Pakistan ya kabristan” (Only two places for Muslims: Pakistan or the graveyard) and “Babar ki auladon ko joote maro” (hit the progeny of Babur with shoes) have been the primary slogans raised by the movement to replace the historic mosque in Ayodhya with a Ram temple.

temple represents an end to all past disputes did not convince many, especially coming from a politician who routinely talks about crimes by Muslim or Mughal rulers against Hindus and promises his supporters he will avenge them.

The consecration of the Ram temple also emboldened those who took part in the destruction of the Babri Mosque. Many of them publicly admitted to the role they played in this “egregious” crime, and proudly gave interviews to the press about it. Many retired justices, army officers and civil servants revealed that they have always been for the destruction of the mosque and openly celebrated the consecration of the new temple.

Thus the January 22 ceremony, during which Indian military jets were used to shower the crowds with flower petals, was a revelatory moment for India’s Muslims and other minorities. During the extravagant celebration, it became clear to all that majoritarianism is now at the very core of the Indian state structure.

While the Ram temple in Ayodhya is undoubtedly a symbol of the power of Hindutva,

Muslims also remember all those who have been killed, maimed or lost their livelihoods in the violence that followed the illegal destruction of the Babri mosque. This is why they are pained and worried to see nearly all political parties support the opening of the temple, and the elite of the country – people who actually have power over their lives – openly celebrate it.

Indeed, January 22 saw countrywide celebrations to mark the consecration of the controversial temple. At many localities across India, anti-Muslim slogans were raised, mosques and churches targetted, and violence against Muslims was reported.

At the consecration ceremony, however, Modi denied that the move would lead to an increase in communal tensions. “There were some who used to fear-monger and say that if Ram temple is built in Ayodhya there will be fire,” he said, “I urge them to visit Ayodhya and feel the energy here. “Lord Ram is not fire, but energy.

Ram is not the problem, but the solution.”

Of course, the claim that the opening of the

the Hindu majoritarian ideology of the BJP and its partners, it is also a symbol of Modi’s own political prowess. By consecrating the temple, the prime minister successfully established himself, with the support of a willing media, as the chief deliverer of the dream of Hindu supremacy in the country. More than the figure of Ram, Modi was at the centre of the ceremony.

The ceremony on January 22, which marked the completion of Modi’s transformation from an elected people’s representative into a monarch who ties his power to the divine, was perhaps an interesting or even amusing sociological spectacle for outside observers. But for all Indians worried about the erosion of the republic’s core values and principles, and especially Muslims and other minorities starting to question their place in the country, it was the climax of a real-life horror story.

Apoorvanand teaches Hindi at the University of Delhi. He writes literary and cultural criticism.

Beijing is investing heavily in high technology and innovation in a bid to play a leading role globally in areas such as artificial intelligence, green energy and electric vehicles. China’s export of high-tech industries and new energy vehicles has exceeded traditional labour-intensive products and become a new engine for its foreign trade growth.

For example, its automobile exports in 2023 overtook Japan’s, marking its transition to high-end manufacturing. One out of every three cars exported from China is electric.

The transformation of new energy vehicles from an unfavoured industry to China's most competitive emerging industry occurred within only a few years. Many people are aware that China's new energy vehicle production and sales have become the world's highest, but some may not know China made about one-third of the over $100 billion global investment in key technologies of new energy vehicles in 2022.

Chinese automobile companies have begun to export in batches electrification and intelligent technology to multinationals. Examples include investment in Chinese EV startups XPeng and Leapmotor from Volkswagen and Stellantis respectively. S&P believes such "reverse" joint ventures in China will increase in 2024.

China's enhanced independent innovation capability is promoting international cooperation at a higher level. The World Economic Forum 2024 Annual Meeting was convened not long ago under the theme "Rebuilding Trust". This reflects that intensifying confrontation and lack of trust have become major obstacles to development.

The international community needs more trust and cooperation to better respond to crises and challenges.

If Globalization 1.0 was an era of colonialism and Globalization 2.0 of capital, then Globalization 3.0 promoted by China is one of common development. China accounts for one-third of global economic growth. The benefits of its sustained growth can be felt all over the world. The New York Times admits, “If China continues to chug along, it could portend a sustained recovery for the United States and other nations now bouncing back from their pandemic lows. If its economy further slows, it could drag down the rest of the global economy”. To the question “which country will be the next China”, the answer is clear. The "next China" will still be China, but a better version.

The writer is a freelance columnist

What does Saudi's firstever alcohol store say about new Gulf culture?

Alcohol-free 'mocktails' are also becoming increasingly popular across the region

S

AL-MONITOR

JacK Dutton

AUDI Arabia is planning to open its first liquor store for non-Muslim diplomats in the coming weeks, in the latest shift in the kingdom's conservative societal traditions and more broadly in the Gulf states' culture, where many countries are seeing the opening of alcohol shops and breweries.

Reuters, citing an undisclosed document and a source familiar with the plans, reported on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia was preparing to open the first such store in the capital, Riyadh. Customers will have to register via a mobile app, get a clearance code from the Saudi Foreign Ministry and then keep to monthly quotas with their purchases, the document reportedly stated.

The move is in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision to transform the conservative country into a tourism, business and entertainment hub, and build an economy that is not reliant on oil revenues.

The new store will be in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, which houses many of the embassies and diplomats in the Saudi capital. Reuters reported that it would be “strictly restricted” to non-Muslims. Some foreign embassies in the quarter already serve drinks.

Saudi law around alcohol is in strict adherence with Islam, in which alcohol is forbidden. Those caught consuming or possessing alcohol can be fined, sent to jail or experience a public flogging; foreigners can be deported.

Bars have also been opening across the kingdom offering non-alcoholic cocktails, or “mocktails.”

One pop-up bar in Riyadh organized

by Blended by Lyre's serves alcoholfree Bellinis and spritzes in cocktail glasses.

UAE BREWERY Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, until recently all alcohol had to be produced overseas and shipped over. However, Abu Dhabi published a subtle rule change in 2021 that allows license holders to

make their own alcohol on-site. Following the change, Craft by Side Hustle plans to open the country’s first brewery in Abu Dhabi in February after a soft launch in December.

The venue has a capacity of up to 280 people and will also serve Cajun food. Beers will cost around 45 dirhams ($12.25) a pint. The Side Hustle brand was created in the UAE capital by a group of expats who wanted a taste of home.

Founder Chad McGehee, a native of southern Louisiana, moved to the Emirates around 14 years ago when he was working for IBM. His initial ambition was not to open a brewery in the Emirates. “The inspiration was to create an authentic ‘local’ craft alcohol brand despite the fact brewing and distilling wasn’t allowed. I always thought of it through the lens of being local is more than just producing here,” McGehee told Al-Monitor. “While it began as a way for myself and friends to enjoy beer styles we couldn’t get from the macro producers and their importers, it grew into a close-knit community of craft enthusiasts who helped us build the brand/branding and even create recipes,” he added. McGehee said that his company’s cocktail, spirits and wine lists are all filled with “small batch, artisanal offerings” not available in the broader UAE. When the brewery opened, Side Hustle already had a team of brewers with around 20 years of experience building and operating pubs internationally, so brewing alcohol wasn’t a challenge. “The first real challenge I faced was to find partners who were experienced in Abu Dhabi food and beverages (an area in which Side Hustle lacked experience) and whose vision for what the capital’s first brew pub should be aligned with ours,” McGehee said. He then partnered with cofounders Peter Samaha, Nadim Selbak, Adam Davis, Elias Kanaan and the team at Craft LTD to launch the brewery.

McGehee said there was little pushback given the rule change, but he worked with his colleagues to establish the venue in a way that respected the local culture and intent behind the new regulation. Asked if there is a strong market for non-alcoholic beers in the UAE, he said, “Given the costs and process-specific nuances of producing non-alcoholic beer, we currently do not produce any and do not have a view on the market, but it is something we are exploring. We may consider adding to our offering in the near future should the right product become available.”

06 NEWS

ISRAEL BRACES FOR WORLD COURT RULING, FOCUSES ATTACK ON SOUTH GAZA

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GAZA:

AGENCIES

N judges in The Hague will rule on Friday whether to order Israel to suspend its military campaign in Gaza as officials push ahead with efforts to negotiate a new deal for a ceasefire and release of more Israeli hostages.

In more than three months of the war, Israel's campaign has levelled much of the enclave, displaced some 1.9 million Palestinians and killed at least 25,900 people, according to Gaza officials. Israel launched a campaign brutal bombardment and a ground invasion in October after resistance fighters from Hamas stormed into southern Israel after enduring more than seven decades of Israeli atrocities and oppression.

On the ground in the besieged Palestinian enclave, Gaza officials said on Thursday that Israeli strikes killed 20 Palestinians queuing for food aid in Gaza City, six people in a house in central Gaza's Al-Nusseirat refugee camp and at least 50 people in the prior 24 hours in Gaza's main southern city Khan Younis, where Israel is currently focusing the brunt of its might.

The judges of the International Court

of Justice (ICJ), also called the World Court, are due to rule on Friday on South Africa's request for emergency measures against Israel in a case accusing it of state-led genocide in the Gaza Strip.

The court will issue its ruling at 1200 GMT in a hearing expected to last about an hour. While the judges will not rule on the merits of the genocide allegations, which may take years to decide, South Africa asked the court to issue an interim order compelling Israel to suspend its military operations.

Israel has called South Africa's alle-

British museum 'lends back' stolen crown jewels to Ghana

Under a long-term loan agreement, two British museums are giving gold and silver artefacts back to Ghana, 150 years after the treasures were taken from the Asante people during Britain's colonial conflicts in West Africa, NBC reported. The Manhyia Palace Museum in Ghana, the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London announced the "important cultural" partnership on Thursday.

This cooperation circumvents UK rules that forbid returning cultural assets to their countries of origin.

These laws have been used to prevent the British Museum from returning the Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, to Greece.

The lending arrangement involves about 17 artefacts in all, including 13 pieces of Asante royal regalia that the V&A bought at auction in 1874. Following their looting by British forces during the Anglo-Asante wars of 1873–74 and 1895–96, the artefacts were acquired by the museums. The institutions released a statement stating: "These objects are of cultural, historical, and spiritual significance to the Asante people, they are also inextricably linked to the history of British colonisation in West Africa, many were taken during the Anglo-Asante wars of the 19th century from Kumasi."

Only a small portion of the Asante artefacts kept by British museums and private collectors worldwide are represented by the objects covered by the loan agreement. There are reportedly 239 pieces of Asante regalia in the collection of the British Museum alone.

Concerning British rules that forbid the repatriation of cultural objects, Nana Oforiatta Ayim, special assistant to Ghana's minister of culture, described the agreement as a “beginning point".

gations false and "grossly distorted," and said it makes the utmost efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza. However, evidence from the ground points to indiscriminate bombing by Israeli forces with a focus on civilians.

The court's rulings are final and without appeal, but it has no way of enforcing them. Israel on Thursday expressed confidence that the ICJ would "throw out these spurious and specious charges."

Hamas said it would abide by an ICJ ceasefire order if Israel reciprocates.

DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS SEEK

TRUCE DEAL: Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to negotiate a break in the conflict continued. US and Israeli intelligence chiefs were due to meet Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe this weekend, one official told Reuters. A second source said Egypt's intelligence chief would also participate.

The White House has been trying to facilitate the release of the more than 100 remaining Israeli captives, although there remains a considerable distance between the two sides' demands.

A third source with knowledge of the talks said that Israel has proposed a 60-day pause in the fighting during which captives would be released in phases, beginning with civilian women and children.

Previously, three sources told Reuters that shuttle diplomacy over the past month involving the US, Qatar and Egypt has sought to hammer out a new deal for a ceasefire of about one month.

But progress has been held up by differences between Hamas and Israel over how to bring a permanent end to the Gaza war.

In Gaza on Thursday, tanks hit areas around two hospitals in Khan Younis, forcing displaced people into a new desperate scramble for safety, residents said.

China issues white paper on legal framework, measures for counterterrorism BEIJING

AGENCIES

China's State Council Information Office on Tuesday released a white paper titled "China's Legal Framework and Measures for Counterterrorism." Besides the preface and conclusion, the white paper consists of five parts: "An Improving Legal Framework for Counterterrorism," "Clear Provisions for the Determination and Punishment of Terrorist Activities," "Standardized Exercise of Power in Fighting Terrorism," "Protection of Human Rights in Counterterrorism Practices" and "Effective Protection of People's Safety and National Security."

Terrorism is the common enemy of humanity, posing a grave threat to international peace and security, and representing a challenge to all countries and all humanity, the white paper noted. "All members of the international community share the responsibility to fight it," it said.

The document said that as a victim of terrorism, China has long faced its real threat. China has always attached great importance to law-based counterterrorism efforts, and has accumulated experience by concluding or joining international conventions and treaties and amending and improving criminal laws, it added.

Over the years, China has found a path of law-based counterterrorism that conforms to its realities by establishing a sound legal framework, promoting strict, impartial, procedure-based law enforcement, and ensuring impartial administration of justice and effective protection of human rights, according to the document.

China has amended and improved its criminal laws, made a counterterrorism law, and upgraded the counterterrorism provisions of other relevant laws, according to the white paper, adding that this has strengthened

systematic coordination among laws, closed legal loopholes, improved areas of weakness. , and formed synergy in counterterrorism practice.

Thanks to more than four decades of experience, a counterterrorism legal framework based on the Constitution has been gradually formed in China, said the white paper.

In the legal framework, the Counterterrorism Law is the centerpiece, the criminal laws and National Security Law play major roles and other laws serve as supplements, according to the document.

It also covers administrative regulations, judicial interpretations, local regulations, and departmental and local government rules, added the document.

According to the white paper, China actively promotes improved terrorism prevention standards in key sectors and localities, formulates or revises counterterrorism contingency plans, and encourages and supports counterterrorism-related scientific research and technological innovation.

China also relies on the public in working to counter terrorism.

The Chinese government has succeeded in curbing the spread of terrorism, protecting citizens' rights to life, health and property, and maintaining social stability, while taking firm actions to protect the lawful rights and interests of citizens and organizations, and guard against discrimination based on geographical area, ethnic group, or religion, the white paper said.

In handling cases involving terrorist offenses and crimes, China gives equal weight to safeguarding the basic rights of citizens, preserving social order, and protecting the rights of victims and interested persons as well as suspects, defendants and convicts, according to the document.

The document said that efforts

are made to guarantee the rights to defense, information and participation, legal relief, as well as court proceedings in ethnic spoken and written languages, among others.

While striking hard at unlawful and criminal terrorist activities, China attaches greater importance to the education and rehabilitation of victims of extremist teachings who have committed only minor offenses, said the document.

Relevant government departments, women's associations and other social organizations, religious groups, schools, and families collaborate to offer targeted intervention measures, in order to protect them from further harmful impact, it said.

The white paper also noted that China has regulated procedures for handling terrorist cases in accordance with the law, with case manresponsibility agement implemented, and external oversight strengthened to ensure the standardized and orderly exercise of power in handling such cases.

It added that China has joined 12 global counterterrorism conventions and facilitated the formulation of documents such as the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States Agreement on Border Defense Cooperation.

"China has safeguarded national and public security, protected people's lives and property, and contributed to global and regional security and stability," it said.

Counterterrorism approaches that champion the common values of humanity, comply with the norms and principles of the United Nations, and conform to their own national conditions and legal institutions, are all part of the global efforts to combat terrorism under the rule of law, according to the white paper.

Saturday, 27 January, 2024 | KARACHI

US appoints fluent Urdu speaking diplomat in London embassy LONDON

AGENCIES

The US State Department has appointed a fluent speaker of Urdu and Hindi as a spokesperson in London to create better communications with the South Asian linguistic communities.

Margaret MacLeod speaks Urdu and Hindi fluently and her vocabulary is impressive including her knowledge of India and Pakistan which she gained during her work as a diplomat in these countries.

During a visit to the Geo News London office, MacLeod spoke passionately — in fluent Urdu — about how her stay in Pakistan and the friendships she made there had helped her learn Urdu, both literal and colloquial.

MacLeod was posted in Pakistan from 2010 onwards and she was able to explore several cities across Pakistan, with a focus on Pakistan’s historic sites which are of huge interest to historians.

She started taking Urdu lessons in the United States as part of her diplomatic post requirement but she was able to sharpen her skills during her direct interaction with the speakers of these languages in Pakistan and India.

“I have worked in Islamabad and Karachi and travelled to many places,” she said.

The American diplomat said that learning Urdu, coming from her background, was difficult initially but “it’s a beautiful language”. She is also a fluent speaker of Japanese and Gujarati.

She shared: “For me, it was difficult to pronounce many Urdu and Hindi words and do certain deliveries of vowels and words but I did a lot of hard work and practised with my Urdu-speaking friends. I continue to work hard on my Urdu and Hindi.”

MacLeod is now posted in the US Embassy's International Media Hub which engages South Asian, Dari and Pan-Aran media, especially India and Pakistan.

She shared that her sources of obtaining news about Pakistan are Geo News and Voice of America.

“I learn Urdu from various sources. For news in Pakistan, I follow Geo News, Voice of America Urdu service and some other mediums. Mainly it's news that I follow. I use my language skills in restaurants and on London streets. I keep meeting people in London who speak Hindi and Urdu," she added.

MacLeod described Pakistan as a “beautiful country” where she spent two years of her diplomatic life.

“I worked there for two years and visited Lahore and Karachi. I visited places such as Khewra Salt Mines, and Rothas Qilla. My favourite place was the historic city of Taxila.”

Before taking up her role in London, MacLeod was posted in New Delhi. She was struck by the cultural similarities between the two warring neighbours.

“Both countries share a lot of common culture.

Cultural relations between the people are quite strong.

For me, it was a great experience to be in both countries to experience so much.”

MacLeod is a seasoned American diplomat and has served in various overseas assignments, including roles in US Missions in India, Pakistan, and Japan.

She holds a doctorate in Sustainable Development from Columbia University, earned her bachelor’s degree in International Economics from Georgetown University, and pursued studies at the Delhi School of Economics as a Rotary Scholar. She has worked in the US Senate and the US Mission to the United Nations for many years.

Wang-Sullivan's Bangkok meeting to continue China, US high-level contact momentum BEIJING

AGENCIES

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Bangkok during their visit in Thailand, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday, as the two countries continue their momentum of engagement and communication despite multiple issues on which they are at odds.

The high-level contact between Wang and Sullivan, scheduled for January 26-27, according to the White House, is one of the most authoritative communication mechanisms between China and the US. Issues of urgent mutual concern, such as the Ukraine crisis, Red Sea tensions, the Taiwan question and the South China Sea disputes, are expected to be discussed.

Chinese experts believe that a meeting in Thailand would help create a calm and pragmatic atmosphere for dialogue, as it is consistent with the two sides' choice of a third venue, such as Vienna and Malta in 2023. The meeting of senior diplomats is also likely to set the stage for possible interactions between the two countries' heads of state in the future.

They noted that the continuation of high-level interactions between the two sides will, to some extent, offset the negative impact of the US 2024 presidential election on bilateral relations, which are expected to remain stable and moderate, but in general, the Biden administration's sincerity is still limited, and it has yet to abandon its approach of defining China-US relations through competition, which means the risk of conflict remains.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, Wang Yi, also Member of the Polit-

ical Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will visit Thailand from January 26 to 29, at the invitation of Thailand's deputy prime minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara.

Maintaining strategic communication between Wang Yi and Sullivan is an important consensus reached by the heads of state of China and the US. During the new round of meetings, Wang Yi will state China's position on China-US relations and the Taiwan question, and exchange views with the US side on international and regional issues of common interest, Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing on Friday afternoon.

Citing US officials, the Wall Street Journal said Sullivan is expected to discuss Houthi attacks in the Red Sea along with a range of other issues. The Biden administration, according to media reports, wants China to halt Iran's military and financial backing of the Houthi militants, which are attacking ships in the Red Sea linked to Israel.

The US hopes that China will cooperate with the US on the Red Sea crisis and exert pressure through the media, but we know that the China-US relationship goes far beyond that, Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told on Friday.

China is not involved in escalating tensions in the Red Sea, but an unimpeded Red Sea serves the interests of the whole world. China will strive to seek peace in the Red Sea within its capacity, which has nothing to do with the US, said Lü.

According to Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, the issues to be discussed at the Wang-Sullivan meeting will be multifaceted.

The communication pipeline between Wang and

Sullivan is one of the most authoritative, straightforward and credible mechanisms between the Chinese and US governments, and deals with topics that are without doubt of the most urgent and core concerns to each other, Li said.

The US is concerned over Red Sea tensions, the Ukraine crisis, Artificial Intelligence and supply chains, while the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue remain China's top priorities.

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, led a delegation to visit the US before the Taiwan regional election was held on January 13, and raised the Taiwan question during talks with US officials. On Wednesday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) tracked and monitored a US destroyer as it made a transit through the Taiwan Straits.

The Chinese side will explain its views and positions on issues of common concern to the US side and most importantly, urge the US to not play with fire on the Taiwan question and send the wrong signal to Taiwan secessionists, Li said.

The Wang-Sullivan meeting will be their first such contact since US President Joe Biden met Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November, according to the Financial Times, citing sources.

"This meeting continues the commitment by both sides at the November 2023 Woodside Summit between President Biden and President Xi to maintain strategic communication and responsibly manage the relationship," read a White House statement.

The two senior diplomats held meetings twice in 2023, with one ten-hour meeting in Vienna in May and a dialogue in Malta lasting for 12 hours in September.

Saturday, 27 January, 2024 | KARACHI

CORPORATE CORNER FFC Announces Final Results for the Year 2023

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Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) has announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023 in its Board of Directors meeting held on January 26, 2024.

The year 2023 faced high inflation and interest rates while the Pak Rupee also continued its downward trajectory against US dollar, resulting in higher operating and financing costs of the Company. The retrospective increase in Super Tax levy led to higher effective tax rate of 45% compared to 40% last year, further pressurizing Company profitability. Gas prices for the fertilizer sector were also increased significantly by 75%, however, the Company only passed on a partial impact in urea price during 2023, to offer urea at most economical rates to the farmers. PR

easypaisa Empowers Women with First-Ever Audio Nikahnama in pakistan

easypaisa has just created ripples across the financial services industry. In a historic move that shatters taboos and empowers women, Pakistan's leading digital financial services platform has unveiled the “easypaisa Audio Nikahnama”, a groundbreaking initiative that provides women unprecedented access to their crucial matrimonial rights. This first-of-its-kind innovation in Pakistan leverages the power of technology to overcome literacy barriers and ensure education of the most important contract of life's most significant moments.According to the Pakistan Commission on the Status of Women, two-thirds of Pakistani women cannot comprehend their Nikahnama due to literacy limitations, and the remaining 1/3 do not get timely access to the document. easypaisa Audio Nikahnama tackles this head-on by offering a free, simple, and accessible solution. Women can access this audio tool through a free helpline by giving a missed call on the dedicated number (03411171222) or download the easypaisa App and listen to the Nikahnama in 7 different languages. In addition to this, there is a sign language option available in the app to ensure accessibility by all.

This empowers women, regardless of their socioeconomic class or digital divide to access this information, to understand their rights and obligations within the marriage contract. PR

bank of Khyber expands its footprint in capital with inauguration of a new branch in blue Area islamabad

Bank of Khyber is proud to announce the inauguration of its premier Islamic banking branch at Blue Area Islamabad. With this latest addition, the bank has expanded its presence in the Capital Territory, now boasting a total of 16 branches. This expansion aims to offer customers in the region enhanced accessibility to a wide range of Islamic banking products & services.The branch was inaugurated by Sardar Yasir Ilyas, CEO Centaurus/ President Islamabad developers Association, alongside Irfan Saleem Awan, Managing Director (A)/ CFO BoK. They were accompanied by Ali Arbab Khan, Group Head of Islamic Banking (A), Asim Bashir, Group Head Digital Banking, Fauziah Mahmood, Head Marketing Division, Natasha Adil, Regional Head Retail, Shaharyar Zafar, Head Digital, Media & Analytics Dept, Masood Khalid, Head Institutional Liability Dept, Muhammad Zahid Khan, Area Manager Islamabad, and other executives during the ceremony. PR

Stephanie Urchick lauds humanitarian efforts of Rotary pakistan in multiple areas of service

A press conference was hosted by the Rotary International leadership at a local hotel in Islamabad.

The distinguished dignitaries included Rotary International President Elect 2024-25 Ms. Stephanie Urchick and her Aide Mr. Thomas Gump. They were accompanied by senior Rotary Pakistan leaders, Mr. Faiz Kidwai (Rotary International Director), Mr. Masrur Scheik (District Governor of Rotary District 3272) and Mr. Imran Ghaznavi (AR PIC). PR

07

Food imports drop 19.48% in First halF oF FY2023-24 NEWS

FOOD EXPORTS INCREASE TO $3.48B, REGISTERING A GROWTH OF 49.84% IN JULY-DEC PROFIT

NEWS DESK

HE Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) released data showing a decline in food group imports and an increase in exports from July to December 2023 of the current financial year.

Food commodity imports saw a decrease of 19.48% from July to December 2023, compared to the same period the previous year.

The total cost of imported food items amounted to $3.96 billion, down from $4.91 billion recorded last year.

In contrast, the country experienced a surge in food group exports during the same period, registering a growth of 49.84%.

Exports of various food commodities

amounted to $3.48 billion, surpassing the

$2.323 billion recorded in the correspon-

Ministry of Finance implements stricter fiscal controls amid financial autonomy claims g

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE RESTRICTED FROM CREATING ANY CHARGE OR LIABILITY BEFORE IMF REVIEW PROFIT

MONITORING DESK

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has tightened fiscal controls to limit budgetary slippages ahead of a quarterly review with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

MoF made this move in response to the financial autonomy claimed by the federal government’s corporate and autonomous entities and executive departments.

The ministry has issued new instructions, restricting all federal ministries, divisions, and their attached and subordinate offices, corporations, corporate entities, and executive departments from creating any charge or liability.

These instructions have been issued for strict compliance after these institutions claimed financial autonomy, asserting that their boards are competent to make their own financial decisions.

In light of frequent decisions by these bodies to sanction new allowances or enhance rates of existing ones, the MoF has committed to the IMF not to allow any increase in employee-related expenditure, including salaries, pensions, or allowances, during the current fiscal year.

The ministry referred to rule 12 of Rules of Business (RoB) 1973, which mandates that no division shall authorise the issue of any orders affecting the finances of the

Federation without previous consultation with the Finance Division.

Under these provisions, fresh policy instructions have been issued to all entities, including the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) and Accountant General of Pakistan Revenue (AGPR), for strict compliance.

The new orders clarify that even the presence of a representative of the Finance Division on the board of an office does not constitute consultation with the Finance Division.

All offices are required to deposit their annual surpluses in the Federal Consolidated Fund (FCF) promptly under the provision of their laws as well as the Public Finance Management Act 2019.

Chairman FbR Meets Delegation of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & industry at peshawar ISLAMABAD PR

Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana held a meeting with a delegation of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) during his visit to Peshawar. The delegation was headed by SCCI President Fuad Ishaq which also comprised senior Vice President Sanaullah Khan, Vice President Ijaz Khan Afridi and other members.

During the meeting, the delega-

tion apprised the Chairman about issues being faced by traders and industrialists of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Chairman assured the delegation

that all efforts will be made for resolution of their issues.

The SCCI President also presented a souvenir to Chairman FBR.

Chairman pTA presents Annual Report 2023 to prime Minister

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Maj General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman HI (M), called on Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, to present PTA’s Annual Report for the year 2023. This report encapsulates the noteworthy progress and advancements witnessed in the telecommunications industry throughout the preceding year.Chairman PTA highlighted key milestones, innovative initiatives, and strategic interventions undertaken by PTA to enhance connectivity, and ensure the provision of high-quality services to the citizens of Pakistan. During the meeting, the Caretaker Prime Minister expressed his commendation for PTA’s efforts and acknowledged the pivotal role played by PTA in fostering growth and development within the telecom industry. The meeting provided a platform for insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of telecommunications, and its impact on the socio-economic fabric of the nation. PR

CDA Launches Modern Website for Digital Transformation and improved Citizen Services

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched its new website here on Friday.

In this regard, a ceremony was held at the CDA headquarters which was attended by the Chairman CDA, Members of the CDA Board, representatives of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries and officers of concerned formations.On this occasion, Chairman CDA said that the use of technology in the authority will improve service delivery. He said that the launch of new and updated website is an important step towards digitalisation. He further said that Land and Estate records are also being digitalized. CDA is introducing secure paper for issuing allotment and transfer letters to reduce the risk of forgery and tampering of records, he said.

Chairman CDA further added that this will help reduce complaints of corruption, fraudulent transactions and eradication of complaints like alteration in records. A tree management system has also been introduced as part of the technology based initiatives being taken in the authority. This system will be based on state-of-the-art Digital Trees Inventory software.Similarly, for the first time all tree and plants data will also be digitized with the help of field force and satellite imagery. Under which barren land can be identified along with trees and plants data so that the land of Islamabad can be kept free from illegal constructions and encroachment and plantation can be done there as per need. PR

Dr Amjad Saqib terms biSp’s 15 years journey a milestone to serve families in need

ISLAMABAD: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib has said that BISP has achieved numerous milestones during the last 15 years with support of its International Development Partners particularly the World Bank. Welcoming the World Bank delegation led by Senior Social Protection Specialist Mr. Amjad Zafar Khan, Dr. Amjad Saqib highlighted the critical role of BISP as Pakistan's largest social security program, providing financial assistance to 9.3 million needy families. The WB Mission has conducted a comprehensive five-day visit to BISP from January 22 to January 26, 2024.

The primary focus of this mission was to deliver insights and recommendations on the implementation of the Crisis Resilient Social Protection (CRISP) program. Emphasizing the strategy of lifting poor households out of poverty through skill development and microfinance programmes, Dr. Amjad Saqib underscored the importance of the BISP Savings Scheme, promoting a saving trend among consumers. PR

ding period of the previous year.

Significant declines were observed in the imports of milk cream (down 25.93% to $60.298 million), unmilled wheat (down 34.84% to $39.126 million), soybeans (down 41.20% to $91.147 million), and palm oil (down 33.35% to $1.388 billion).

Sugar imports also saw a sharp decline of 49.43%, amounting to $1.69 million compared to $3.35 million in the same period last year.

These contrasting trends underscore Pakistan’s evolving position in the global food market.

The reduction in imports may reflect domestic efforts towards self-sufficiency and economic optimization, while the surge in exports signals growing competitiveness and demand for Pakistani food products on the international stage.

Chairman FbR Appreciates pakistan Customs’ Anti-Smuggling Efforts

International Customs Day-2024 celebrations were held at the Customs House Peshawar on 26th January, 2024. Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana graced the occasion as the Chief Guest which was also attended by the Consul Generals of friendly countries in addition to senior Military and Civil Officers. Representatives of Chambers, Clearing agents and other trade bodies were also present.The ceremony commenced with the Chairman FBR laying floral wreath at the Martyrs’ monument. Afterwards, the Chairman inspected the Parade which was followed by hoisting of National and Customs Flag. In his speech, the Chairman FBR appreciated the performance of KP Customs both in terms of Anti- smuggling activities and revenue collection in the first half of the current financial. PR

pakistan Refinery Limited Unveils Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future at pRL Connect 2024

KARACHI: Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) hosted its flagship event, PRL Connect 2024, on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Mövenpick Hotel, Karachi, under the theme "Powering Progress, Doubling Capacity." The event provided a platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and partners to converge and explore PRL's transformative journey towards a sustainable energy future.

Key Highlights: 1.

Exceptional Operational Performance: PRL's Chairman of the Board of Directors highlighted the company's stellar operational performance in the current and last quarter, achieving record-breaking profits, 100% plant availability, and Company’s highest ever sales of Diesel & Petrol in September 2023.

2.

Strategic Shift with Brownfield Refinery Policy: PRL showcased its strategic decision to embrace the Brownfield Refinery Policy, approved by the Federal Cabinet in August 2023. The policy, lauded for encouraging existing refineries to upgrade and expand, positions PRL for a transformative change in the refining industry. PR

Karachi to host an internationally certified marathon for the first tim

KARACHI: January 26, 2024: The city of lights, Karachi, will host the internationally certified marathon for the first time in Pakistan on June 28, which is expected to be attended by hundreds of runners, including national and international athletes.The marathon is being held by Sports in Pakistan in collaboration with the caretaker provincial government of Sindh.Addressing a press conference, Dr. Syed Junaid Ali Shah, Caretaker Minister Sindh for Culture, Antiquities & Archives, Sports, and Youth Affairs, said Pakistan as a state is going to record a historical achievement by organizing an internationally accredited marathon for the first time on Sunday.The marathon is being organized following the deployment of international-level benchmarking, technology, and proper routes, similar to what can be witnessed in marathons held in London and Paris. PR

ImPact on cement Sector aS coal PrIceS reach Pre-PanDemIc lowS NEWS

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HOW WILL SECTOR REACT IN A PERIOD WHEN COAL PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO DECREASE PROFIT

ZAIN NAEEM

HE cement sector in Pakistan has been facing challenges in recent times. As costs increase and demand falls, there is pressure on the bottom line. It seems there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Coal prices in the international market have been decreasing steadily since March 2022 and it seems the future outlook is still bearish in this regard. The January future contracts for coal is trading currently at around $95 for a contract of 1,000 metric tons while June future contracts are barely able to touch $93.

The last time prices were this low was in April 2021 as the world economy was still reeling from the impacts of the pandemic. Production and manufacturing was low leading to lower demand.

This was still higher than an all time low in April of 2020 when coal had touched $50 per contract.

After the world economy finally rebounded, prices were seen stable at around an equilibrium range of $100 and $200. A huge spike was seen in February 2022 when Russia invaded

Ukraine which led to prices increasing to eye-watering levels of more than $400 per contract. Now it seems the prices are finally decreasing as supply catches up to demand.

The reaction of the industry One of the biggest advantages that the cement industry enjoys is the fact that the demand for its product is income inelastic. This means that cement producers can keep increasing their prices and the customer is able to pay for any increase. This means that when the cost of production for the producer rises, they are able to transfer this cost increase into the price and maintain their margin while the customer ends up paying a higher price. This is why, since April 2021, as the cost of coal has increased, the cement producers have been able to increase their prices in lock step. Prices prevailing from 2019 to 2021 were fluctuating around Rs 600 for a 50 kg bag.

After coal prices started to rise, cement prices increased as well. Even though coal touched a high in 2022, it seems the cement industry has still been able to increase their prices while the cost of their raw materials has fallen.

cPDI urges Khyber Bank to enhance transparency PROFIT

AZIZ BUNERI

The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has written a letter to Irfan Saleem Awan, Acting CEO of the Khyber Bank, highlighting concerns about compliance with transparency regulations.

CPDI has highlighted that in the context of financial institutions, the disclosure of policies through official websites plays a crucial role in empowering customers, investors, and the general public with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions. It is emphasized that Khyber bank has not fully adhered to legal obligations under Article 19-A of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013.

The section, which pertain to proactive disclosure of information, mandate public bodies to disclose a wide range of information, including policies, rules, regulations, notifications, circulars, instructions, budget and expenditures, and other legal documents, as well as perks and privileges of officials through official website. This statutory provision is crucial in promoting openness, accountability, and informed public participation. Additionally, it aligns with good corporate practices to ensure maximum transparency in the functions of institutions like banks, as explained in the letter. Unfortunately, not all information have been disclosed on the official website of Khyber bank, compromising transparency and accountability. Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad Ali, Executive Director of CPDI, emphasizes, “Access to information is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of good governance. Proactive policy disclosure is crucial for transparency and public trust.”

CPDI urges Khyber Bank to promptly rectify this oversight by comprehensively disclosing all policies on the official website. CPDI further advocates for Khyber Bank to recognize the importance of proactive policy disclosure, not only as a legal obligation but also as a matter of public significance.

The comprehensive and up-to-date disclosure of all information on the official website is crucial for promoting transparency and fostering public trust.

The increase from 2021 to 2023 was staggering and drastic as the price of a 50 kg bag went doubled. Currently it is around Rs 1200.

Where to from here?

At this juncture, the cement sector seems to be standing at a crossroads.

The coal prices are again hovering around the pre-pandemic levels and it seems going forward, the market expects the coal prices to fall further based on future contracts trading.

As coal prices are expected to be stable, the cement sector can either chose to maintain their margins and prices and look to earn high returns or decrease prices in order to stimulate demand.

The first option available to the sector is to keep prices stable at this level.

As their direct costs have decreased, they can earn a healthy margin above and beyond what they were earning and look to increase their bottom line. This strategy can work as the demand is inelastic and there is an opportunity to earn at this higher price.

The second option available to the company could be to decrease prices in order to stimulate demand. In recent years, the downturn in the economy has

seen falling demand for the sector. The industry has been looking to export in order to generate more revenues. In such a situation, decreasing prices can lead to some recovery in demand in the domestic market. Similarly, a decrease in international prices can also look to give a competitive advantage over other countries as the benefit of lower prices can be passed onto the consumers as well.

Industry experts feel that reduced cost will be reflected in the third quarter results and margins of the companies themselves. Currently, South African coal is seeing a decrease in demand in the region and prefers to use Afghan coal which is trading at between 50,000 and 55,000 per ton. South African coal is cheaper, however, the carriage and shipping costs on them are higher. As international prices fall, it is expected that Afghan coal prices will converge to South African coal levels.

“Doing rough calculations, a ~USD 5/ton decrease in coal prices may result in ~PKR 9-10/bag savings on average. Cement prices in the North have also reduced by ~PKR 30/bag in recent weeks due to lower fuel costs” says Saleem Sami an investment analyst at Providus Capital.

Pakistan seeks loan extension from China to ease economic strain g

SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS EXTENSION LIES IN SECURE DEPOSIT OF $4BN IN LOANS, EFFECTIVELY ALLEVIATING PAKISTAN'S EXTERNAL PAYMENTS BURDEN PROFIT

MONITORING DESK

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has urgently approached China seeking an extension of a crucial $2 billion loan to alleviate Pakistan’s economic challenges. This move comes in the wake of a similar plea made to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Prime Minister Kakar has formally requested his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang, to extend the loan tenure by one year. It is anticipated that China will soon grant the extension, with the deposit deadline set for March 23, 2024.

Ongoing discussions between officials from Pakistan’s finance ministry and their Chinese counterparts highlight the diplomatic efforts to secure financial collab-

oration in the face of economic difficulties.

Expressing gratitude for China’s support, Prime Minister Kakar acknowledged the vital role played by the Chinese government during challenging economic periods, as confirmed by finance ministry sources.

The significance of this extension lies in the secure deposit of $4 billion in loans, effectively alleviating Pakistan’s external payments burden. Notably, in May of the preceding year, China proved to be a crucial ally when Pakistan faced challenges securing a pending loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

During that critical period, the Chinese government rolled over more than $2 billion in debt, showcasing steadfast support for

Pakistan’s financial stability.

A senior government official emphasized, “The refinancing of commercial loans totaling $1.3 billion and a Chinese government loan of $1 billion would help Pakistan avert immediate default,” underscoring the strategic financial collaboration between the two nations.

This recent appeal for financial support builds upon a series of loan rollovers initiated by China in 2023. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang reiterated Beijing’s commitment to providing financial assistance during his visit to Pakistan in May of that year. The continued partnership between Pakistan and China stands as a cornerstone in addressing economic challenges and fostering mutual financial stability.

Circular debt settlement plan needs IMF’s nod PROFIT

MONITORING DESK

Amidst mounting concerns over the power sector’s circular debt, the executive committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has directed to seek approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to settle outstanding debts.

The Express Tribune reported that this decision comes after the Ministry of Finance’s reluctance to provide Rs745 billion for immediate cash injection and to start the settlement process.

Pakistan’s energy sector is grappling with soaring circular debt, which has reached a staggering Rs5.73 trillion.

The breakdown shows that the power sector’s dues have surpassed Rs2.7 trillion, while the gas sector owes over Rs3 trillion.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, on January 24, demanded swift and decisive action from the Ministry of Energy, stressing an urgent, and long-term strategy to reduce the spiraling debt in the energy sector.

The Ministry of Energy’s settlement plan of Rs 1.27 trillion will affect the budget by Rs 902 billion.

Out of this, Rs556 billion, or 62%, will go to OGDCL. The settlement plan aims to pay off over Rs 1 trillion of the gas sector circular debt, which involves stock market-listed companies.

The rest of the Rs250 billion will be used to reduce the power sector circular debt of Rs 2.7 trillion.

The plan requires an extra grant of Rs745 billion and approval from boards of the power and gas companies.

The SIFC has asked the concerned ministries to submit the Rs1.27 trillion circular debt clearance proposal to the IMF for approval this week.

Saturday, 27 January, 2024

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

6:20

1:30

4:15

weekly inflation persists near 44% on a yearly basis despite marginal decline

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7:00

5:30

7:15

WEEK-ON-WEEK SPI DROPS BY 0.14% PROFIT

GHULAM ABBAS

In the week ending January 25, 2024, the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) reported a year-on-year increase of 43.79 percent, as disclosed by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday. This marks the tenth consecutive week with inflation surpassing 40 percent, though the current figure represents a slight dip from the previous week’s 44.64 percent.

The surge in inflation is primarily attributed to surging prices in gas charges for Q1 (1108.59 percent), tomatoes (133.36 percent), wheat flour (62.36 percent), sugar (58.52 percent), eggs (46.80 percent), and rice (43.48 percent).

On the contrary, the weekly SPI witnessed a marginal decline of 0.14 percent compared to the preceding week. This reduction is attributed to decreases in the prices of tomatoes (14.14 percent), potatoes (5.06 percent), onions (1.64 percent), bananas (0.81 percent), pulse gram (0.33 percent), garlic (0.26 percent), and mustard oil (0.17 percent).

Out of 51 essential items monitored for SPI, 15 (29.41 percent) experienced price increases, 13 (25.49 percent) observed decreases, and 23 (45.10 percent) remained stable during the week.

The overall weekly inflation measured by the SPI, representing combined consumption groups, saw a 0.14 percent decrease for the week ending January 25, reaching 318.55 points compared to 319.00 points the previous week. On a year-on-year basis, the SPI for the combined consumption group increased by 43.79 percent.

Breaking down consumption groups by income range, the SPI for the lowest group (up to Rs. 17,732) decreased by 0.33 percent.

In terms of specific items, tomatoes (14.14 percent), potatoes (5.06 percent), onions (1.64 percent), tea packet (1.19 percent), bananas (0.81 percent), pulse gram (0.33 percent), garlic (0.26 percent), and mustard oil (0.17 percent) recorded decreases in average prices on a week-on-week basis.

Conversely, chicken (3.31 percent), cooked daal (1.32 percent), gur (0.98 percent), tea prepared (0.92 percent), pulse moong (0.80 percent), energy saver (0.54 percent), pulse mash & eggs (0.43 percent each), LPG (0.28 percent), beef (0.25 percent), wheat flour (0.16 percent), and firewood (0.03 percent) observed increases in their average prices.

On a year-on-year basis, onions (8.64 percent), mustard oil (7.51 percent), bananas (6.52 percent), and vegetable ghee 1 kg (1.33 percent) witnessed decreases in prices. Meanwhile, gas charges for Q1 (1108.59 percent), tomatoes (133.36 percent), cigarettes (93.22 percent), chilies powder (81.74 percent), wheat flour (62.36 percent), sugar (58.52 percent), gents sponge chappal (58.05 percent), garlic (54.66 percent), gents sandal (53.37 percent), gur (52.29 percent), eggs (46.80 percent), and rice irri6/9 (43.48 percent) saw an increase in their average prices on a year-on-year basis.

People to decide Pakistan's future leadership: US State Dept

WASHINGTON: US State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel while briefing the newsmen in Washington said that Pakistan’s future leadership is for the Pakistani people to decide.

Replying to a question, Vedant Patel said: “Our interest continues to be in the democratic process. We also have not been ambiguous about how we feel very strongly that a free and independent media are vital institutions that undergird healthy democracies by ensuring that an electorate can make informed decisions and hold the government to account. We believe journalists play a critical role in covering fair and transparent elections.”

Vedant Patel said that we also continue to be concerned by any report that may be out there of restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of association and the press. “We want to see free and fair elections around the world, including in Bangladesh, and of course, including in Pakistan as well. And when we see things that are at odds at our view for the region and things that are at odd for Pakistani authorities’ stated intent, we’ll continue to address them.” In reply to a question regarding tension between Pakistan and Iran, Vedant Patel said that the United State is concerned about escalating tensions in the region, particularly as Iran continues its destabilizing and provocative actions. And we’ll continue to remain in close touch with Pakistani counterparts, and we’ll continue to monitor the region closely. AGENCIES

Dubai’s property boom shows signs of fizzling out PROFIT

REUTERS

As cranes speckle the Dubai skyline and ultra-luxury homes change hands at record prices, signs that the city-state’s property boom is fizzling out are coming into view.

Developers, investors and brokers are privately asking how quickly one of last year’s hottest real estate markets could turn and whether a painful correction akin to the slump that rocked the emirate in 2008 can be ruled out.

Since then Dubai has pursued an economic reboot anchored on what it hopes is sustainable growth, including a 10-year plan known as D33, to double output and become one of the world’s top four financial centres.

Still, the real-estate industry remains a key barometer of its success, accounting for 8.9% of the economy. “Dubai’s vulnerability to correction lies in its dependence on foreign capital, particularly from China and Russia,” Ronan Hannan, principal at consultancy Proven Partners, told Reuters.

Massive infrastructure spending, generous income tax policies and an ‘open-door’ approach to immigration reinforced after the pandemic have attracted thousands of foreigners.

Russians were the top non-resident buy-

ers of homes in the first quarter of 2023 but dropped to third place by the end of the year, according to Betterhomes research, with buyers from India and the UK accounting for most of the transactions during the twelve months. There was also a notable rise in buyers from Egypt, Lebanon, Pakistan and Turkey, the firm said, underlining the city’s dual role as a safe haven as well as a magnet for the ultra-rich.

Although Russian and Chinese inflows are slowly tapering off, increased interest from Indian investors could keep any downturn swift and shallow, said Hakim Abdeljaouad, Managing Director in Kroll’s Valuation Advisory Services practice.

COOLING PRICES A record 431 Dubai homes were sold for more than $10 million in 2023, nearly doubling the previous year’s tally and making it the largest such market in the world, according to research from property agency Knight Frank shared with Reuters.

House prices in Dubai’s three ‘prime’ residential areas – Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills and Jumeirah Bay Island – are however forecast to increase at a more modest 5% in 2024 after adding 15.9% in the year to September 2023, according to Knight Frank.

House prices outside those luxury areas leapt 19% over the year to September and are forecast to grow 3.5% in 2024.

“My worry is the state of the global economy,” Dubai’s former finance chief Nasser al-Shaikh told Reuters. “We’re open to the world and whatever happens in other places affects us.” But he added that so long as both national and local governments deliver on broader development plans, future housing supply should be absorbed by new residents.

Others sounded less optimistic with a senior source at a major Dubai developer saying house prices could tumble by 10-15% over the next few years.

Another source close to the situation said at least one large local landlord is seeking to sell multiple hotel properties, including one on luxury hotspot Palm Jumeirah to de-risk their portfolio.

“Supply is going to outpace demand to a certain extent within the next two to three years especially in the luxury segments, so this is naturally going to cause a form of slowdown,” Mireille Azzam, JLL’s head of strategic consulting for the Middle East and Africa, told Reuters, adding some residents were waiting to see if prices became more affordable before moving.

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