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Friday, 9 February, 2024 I 28 Rajab, 1445

ARMED FORCES FELICITATE NATION ON VIOLENCE-FREE CONDUCT OF GENERAL ELECTIONS

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE STAFF REPORT

HOUGH the initial synopsis of the election results shows independent candidates leading on majority of national and provincial assemblies seats, the nation eagerly awaiting complete results following the conclusion of polling, which largely remained peaceful with sporadic incidents of violence across the country. The political forces and election observers have questioned the inordinate delay in the release of election results despite polling concluded at 5pm. Even

POLLING PROCESS REMAINS LARGELY PEACEFUL WITH SPORADIC VIOLENT AND TERROR INCIDENTS

Bilawal points out ‘slow’ results, notes independents ‘doing well’

after a lapse of more than seven hours, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has not given any reason for the delay leading to the expression of suspicions from contesting parties. Prior to the elections, the electoral watchdog had introduced a new system called the Election Management System

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari raised alarm on Friday over the sluggish pace of the release of election results, expressing apprehension regarding the delay. In a statement posted on a popular social networking site, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari remarked that the unfolding of election results has been unusually sluggish, stirring concern among political circles. “The pace at which the election results are being disclosed is incredibly slow,” he stated. Highlighting the preliminary results, the PPP Chairman conveyed op-

(EMS) to organize the results, but so far, the performance of the system has belied the ECP claims. ECP officials had informed the media before the elections that if results could

timism regarding the performance of PPP candidates and independent candidates backed by the party. “The initial outcomes for Pakistan People’s Party are promising, indicating a commendable performance by our candidates and the independent contenders supported by us,” Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized. However, he also stressed the significance of awaiting the final results before drawing conclusive remarks. “While the preliminary results are encouraging, it remains crucial to await the final tally to ascertain the true picture,” he remarked cautiously. STAFF REPORT

also be sent via the Internet, presiding officers would themselves collect the results and take them to the returning officers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

MQM-P claims lead over Karachi’s 19 NA seats

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has claimed that as per reports the party is receiving, the party is leading in up to 18 to 19 National Assembly seats of Karachi. Addressing the media in Karachi, he said: “Apart from two to three seats in the city’s outskirts, on almost all 18 seats and up to 19 according to another report, the MQM is leading and is on its way to breaking its own record.” STAFF REPORT

PTI demands immediate provision of Form 45 to polling agents ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Rs 20.00 | Vol XIV No 222 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed serious concerns over non-provision of Form 45 to PTI polling agents even after lapse of several hours seemingly under a malicious plot to the change the results after sensing the clear victory of PTI’s candidates despite all attempts to rig and manipulate the elections. PTI Chief Election Observer Brigadier (retd) Muhammad Musaddiq Abbasi demanded that the Elections Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should ensure instant provision of Form 45 to PTI polling agents because no-provision of Form 45 after concluding polling process was a clear violation of elections rules and regulations and a systematic and shameful attempt to rig elections. However, PTI Chief Election Observer vowed that the nation would not tolerate and accept any bid to manipulate the polls results come what may. He stated that as PTI-back candidates were clearly leading the electoral race across the country; hence they resorted to new tactics to deny provision of the Form 45 to PTI polling agents to alter the results of the elections. Musaddiq revealed that they were receiving complaints from various constituencies across the country that PTI polling agents were not being provided Form 45 despite completion of the elections process long ago. He stated that PTI candidates were not providing Form 45 in National Assembly constituencies including NA6, NA-10, NA-41, NA-43, NA-44, NA-71, NA-150, NA-151, NA-209, NA-242 and several others hitherto. Musaddiq went on to say that PTI’s workers and polling agents were subjected to torture by the police and all sorts of attempts to sabotage and disrupt the polling process. He urged that the electoral watchdog should take the notice of these incidents and ensure provision of Form 45 to the candidates sans any further delay. Musaddiq demanded that the electoral body should take strict action against the staff involved in these irregularities and punish them.

Despite earlier assurances to businesses and voters, govt keeps internet off g

BUSINESSES WERE AFFECTED ALONG WITH ELECTION CAMPAIGNS AS CELLULAR SERVICES REMAINED OFF INTERNET SHUT DOWN PROFIT ABDULLAH NIAZI

Rights organisations, politicians, businesses, and international observers all cried foul as the federal caretaker government went back on its earlier assurances to keep internet services up and going. Amnesty International made a statement one hour after polls closed at 5PM calling the barring of cellular services calling the decision to suspend telecommunications and mobile internet services on an election day “a blunt attack on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.” “It is reckless to impede access to information as people head out to polling stations on the heels of devastating bomb blasts and what has been an intense crackdown on the opposition in the lead up to the elections in the country,” said Livia Saccardi, Interim Deputy Director for South Asia at Amnesty International. The shut down of the internet took place in suspicious circumstances on election day. Earlier, an order of the Sindh High Court had directed the government and the PTA to ensure uninterrupted internet services till the polling day. Despite this the caretaker interior minister had told a press conference that they would only shut down internet services if a certain district requested it because of the security situation. However, voters all over the country woke up to cellular services being shut down which made life difficult for camp officers of different political parties, especially the PTI whose candidates are running as independents in this election. The PTA had earlier said it had not yet received any instructions from the government regarding an internet shutdown and that internet services would work without

any interruption on Thursday. Because of this, many businesses and individuals whose livelihoods are attached to internet services also remained unable to go about their days. One of the groups most immediately affected by internet shutdowns are gig workers. These are daily workers that earn their money on platforms such as Careem, Foodpanda, and Indrive. These people require stable internet access through mobile phone data to do their jobs. Over these days, Foodpanda and services such as Careem were out of service because their captains and riders had no way of accepting rides/orders or of following maps. To put things in context, there are over 13000 foodpanda and Bykea riders, 30,000 Uber and Careem captains, and around 12,000 Foodpanda home chefs whose daily wages are dependent on broadband data. Similarly, the shutdowns also have a serious impact on freelancers. A large number of Pakistanis work for foreign clients remotely on platforms such as Fivver and Upwork providing services ranging from coding to content writing and search engine optimization. The gig-economy is an emerging sector in Pakistan. Freelancers in the country earned around $400 million in both 2021 and in 2022 which accounts for about 15% of Pakistan’s total $2.6 billion ICT (information-communication-technology) exports. On top of this, Point of Sale (POS) machines, often known as debit/credit card machines, use sims to establish a network connection and make digital payments. The severance of mobile internet signals has rendered these machines temporarily obsolete, limiting everyone to cash payments only. Back in May 2023 when former prime minister Imran Khan had been arrested, internet services had been shut down. Back then Reuters had reported that Pakistan’s main digital payment systems fell by around 50% the day after former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest. HBL,

A policy abyss OPINION

AMMAR H. KHAN

Pakistan is stuck in a lowgrowth trap. The population is growing at a rate of 2.5 percent per annum, while economic growth remains sluggish, and doesn’t even cover population growth rate. At least 40 percent of children aged under five in the country are stunted, while there are more than 20 million children out of school. Inflation continues to erode purchasing power, with price levels having more than doubled in the last five years. Productive capacity of the country continues to diminish, while consumption makes up almost 100 percent of total GDP, largely financed by foreign-currency denominated imports. Electricity consumption per capita has remained flat in the last five years, while electricity is simply not affordable for either households, or industries to generate economically competitive products. As the population grows, and productive capacity dwindles, national output remains largely a function of importdriven consumption, rather than investments, or exports. A lopsided economic model that can only generate growth given availability of foreign currency, mostly through external debt, funded by a mix of multilateral institutions, and friendly countries, who may also be fed up with never ending demand for rollovers, and more debt. Economic growth is beholden to the availability of external debt – in the absence of which growth crashes to below population growth levels, wiping out incomes, and purchasing power in the process. Despite deterioration on most economic, and social indicators, the political parties competing in the general elections have little to offer in terms of any policy guidance, or plans that can pull the country out of the low-growth trap. The manifestos by all major, and even minor political parties are a collection of wish lists, with no plan on how those wishes can be brought to fruition. If wishes were horses, our political parties would be unicorns – but we are effectively stuck with a collection of geriatrics with nothing to offer in terms of a coherent economic plan, or policy framework. Absence of a coherent economic plan, and absolutely no focus on development of a policy framework that can provide guidance on how the country can remove itself from a low-growth trap has led to a situation where political parties do not have anything to offer. The political leadership is still stuck in the 1990s, and has yet to enter the twenty-first century. None of the political parties have any dedicated economic or social policy wings. In absence of such discourse even within political parties, any political party that is able to make a government does not have any plan to fix any problem. It then takes a few months, or quarters to do firefighting, get into an inevitable program with the IMF, and then maybe start delivering. By the time any elected government gets to a point where it can start enacting sound long-term policy, it is already too late, considering the way democratic governments are transitioned out. Absence of policy direction at political party level eventually leads to reactive decision making by the government, wherein now the elected government remains beholden to vested interests of those operating the system. Due to the same, the ability to develop policies with a long-term orientation remains absent, further strengthening the status quo. In absence of any policy thought, or long-term orientation towards a consistent policy framework, the bureaucracy continues to operate with the philosophy of kicking the can down the road – and the same has been happening for decades at this point. Eventually the road gets rocky, and that rocky road leads to the end of a cliff. The country is on the rocky road right now, the can doesn’t have much more distance to cover. If the bureaucracy, and the political leadership continues to kick the can down the road, it will eventually lead to the end of the cliff. Policy inaction, and inability to take decisions continues to succumb to the population of this country to abject misery, and it is only going to get worse. Policies developed have a pro-rich tilt, largely to serve vested interests of a few thousand households, rather than the millions of households that exist in the country. Absence of a long-term sustainable policy framework will continue to serve interests of the prorich tilt, while pushing everyone else over the cliff into an abyss. It is time that political leadership, or the shadow leadership that exists understands that we cannot kick the can down the road anymore. The country does not have much time left. The demographic dividend will become a demographic liability, and today’s problems will compound to become much bigger existential problems. We can either work towards a country that exists for everyone, and makes everyone healthy and prosperous, or we can work towards serving the interests of a few thousand rent-seeking households.

High voter turnout reflects public commitment to country’s future: PM ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Thursday congratulated the nation on the “successful” and “peaceful” conduct of general elections, noting that high voter turnout clearly reflected the public commitment to shaping the country’s future. “The participation and enthusiasm of the people of Pakistan have been the cornerstone of this democratic exercise. The high voter turnout is a clear indication of public commitment to shaping the future of our country,” the prime minister wrote on his X (erstwhile) handle. He appreciated the efforts of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), interim provincial governments, armed forces, civil armed forces, police, law enforcement agencies, election staff, media, and all those institutions and individuals who contributed to the conduct of the free and fair elections.

PM Kakar said that the momentous occasion was not just a testament to the resilience and strength of the country’s democratic processes but also the indomitable spirit of the Pakistani people. He said that the voices, expressed through the votes, would contribute to the fortification of the country’s democracy, and for that, the people of Pakistan deserved every bit of appreciation. The premier said that despite few incidents of terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the efforts of armed forces, civil armed forces, LEAs, civilian administration and ECP for conducting free and fair elections across the country were commendable. “Their unwavering commitment to their duties has been instrumental in the smooth conduct of the elections.” He said that in the face of adversity, the people of Pakistan had shown remarkable courage and determination.

He said that the institutions’ resolve in the aftermath of the recent terrorism incidents, continuing to participate in the electoral process, was a powerful statement against the forces that sought to destabilise the nation. It underscores our collective desire for peace, stability, and prosperity, he added “Once again, I congratulate the nation on this historic achievement. May this election be a harbinger of a brighter, more prosperous future for Pakistan,” the prime minister remarked. Visit to polling stations of twin cities Earlier in the day, caretaker Premier Anwaarul Haq Kakar visited various polling stations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as the voting process for General Elections 2024 is underway across the country. The prime minister took a round of the polling stations in G-6 sector of Islamabad and Arid University of Rawalpindi and others. He also talked to the polling staff and inspected the voting process as well as the fa-

cilities provided to the voters. The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the security and the facilities for the voters.

He interacted with the voters, and shook hand with them, who also had photographs with him.

SOLANGI TERMS ENTHUSIASTIC TURNOUT OF VOTERS’ TESTAMENT TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY

Friday, 9 February, 2024 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

ARETAKER Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi has said that the enthusiastic turn out of voters in the general elections was not only a testament to the strengthening democracy in the country but also marked a significant milestone in its history. In a policy statement on elections, he congratulated the entire nation on successful completion of polling process of the general elections 2024 and said today the nation had witnessed another historic event in the democratic journey. Murtaza Solangi said, “People

across Pakistan participated in the process in large numbers demonstrating their commitment to democracy, their national responsibility and belief in the power of vote.” “The smooth conduct of the elections is attributed to the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders and it is my privilege to extend my gratitude to all those who played a pivotal role in this democratic exercise”, he added. The information minister specially thanked the international media, observers, local media and journalists covering the electoral process. “Your presence and coverage has been instrumental in ensuring transparency and credibility shining a light on integrity of electoral process at global stage”, he said.

Solangi also thanked the armed forces, civil armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilian administration for their unwavering commitment and diligence in providing safe and secure environment for the electoral process. “Their dedication ensured that the polling process was conducted peacefully allowing every citizen to exercise their right to vote in peace and safe environment”, he said. Furthermore, he extended appreciation to the Election Commission of Pakistan for its exemplary conduct and management of electoral process. Tireless efforts and dedication of the ECP to uphold democratic values and ensuring free and fair elections was commendable.

“The professionalism and integrity displayed by the commission has been crucial in reinforcing the confidence of public in democratic electoral process”, said Solangi. He said that in the moment of achieving a great benchmark, the nation should raise hands to pray for those who became victims in yesterday and today’s incidents. May Allah bless their souls in eternal peace and may the nation stands united for benefit from their ultimate sacrifice. “As we move forward, let us all pledge to continue to supporting and strengthening our democratic institutions and process.” “Together, we will build a stronger and more prosperous and democratic Pakistan for the future generations”, he remarked.

Nawaz Sharif 'ka show muk gaya', says Faisal Vawda LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda said that a “surprise” took place in Karachi as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is leading on more than expected seats in the metropolis as the results are pouring in of the Pakistan general elections. While speaking on Geo News live election transmission, he said that if the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) sits in opposition with independent candidates, the entire country will be “destroyed” in 67 months. He added that a “sale of independents” has been set up and “traders” have arrived in Islamabad. “What I have been saying will prove to be true in the next 72 hours,” said Vawda. “It was expected that the independent candidate would have the upper hand,” he

said, adding that Junejo's tenure [in 1985] should be remembered when looking at the Independent candidates’ game.” He added that the PTI's popularity is based on its own popularity and hatred of the Pakistan Democratic Movement

UN Chief urges Pakistani politicians to maintain ‘calm’ as votes are being counted UNITED NATIONS app

UN Secretary-General Antonio Thursday urged Pakistani political leaders and society segments to maintain a “calm atmosphere” as the results of the elections are being tabulated. “I continue to follow the situation in Pakistan closely, including the general elections that took place today,” the UN chief said in a statement e-mailed to APP. “I am also concerned about reports of incidents of violence and casualties, and the suspension of mobile communications services,” he said. “As Pakistan awaits the results of the elections, I encourage all political leaders and society segments to maintain a calm atmosphere, as well as refrain from the use of violence and any actions that could increase tensions. “It is important that all candidates and supporters to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are fully respected in the interest of the Pakistani people and resolve any disputes that might arise through established legal procedures.”

(PDM) government. Vawda has insisted that he is not surprised by the results so far announced from unofficial sources, saying he has been predicting the same for several months now in different television talk shows.

He said the “Go Nawaz Go” just happened with no conspicuous majority for any single party, adding: "Nawaz ka show muk gaya [Nawaz's show is over"]. "The dispensation emerging as a result of the current election is bound to fall apart if Nawaz Sharif insists on becoming premier for the fourth time with a coalition supporting him with PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari sitting in the opposition along with the independents." The former PTI leader raised alarm, saying the political parties have already hit the ground, upping the antes for the purchase of independents, however, he asserted that known figures like Salman Akram Raja will not jump the ship. Flexing his prediction muscles, Vawda said that trade has already settled as the recognised faces would be seen on the opposition benches but the unrecognised faces who won their seats on the PTI backing would join the treasury benches.

Violation of election code sparks concerns in Lahore’s NA-125 LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

In Lahore’s constituency NA-125, reports have emerged of a violation of the Election Commission’s Code of Conduct. Concerns were raised regarding instances in Raiwand where voters were observed taking pictures with their mobile phones after casting their votes. The specific incident involved citizens capturing images of their ballot papers, a practice strictly prohibited by the Election Commission. It’s worth noting that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had explicitly banned the possession of mobile phones within polling stations to maintain the integrity and secrecy of the voting process. The violation of the Code of Conduct has raised concerns about the sanctity of the electoral process in NA125. Instances like these undermine the principles of fair and transparent elections that the Election Commission strives to uphold. Authorities are expected to investigate the matter

thoroughly and take necessary measures to ensure compliance with electoral regulations in order to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.

Pak-Russia satisfied with similarities of views on global strategic issues ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan and Russia have expressed their satisfaction with having a large-scale similarity on several issues of global strategic stability, regional security including matters related to arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation. During the 14th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability held in Moscow, the two sides expressed readiness to continue close coordination at relevant international platforms. Pakistan and Russia also emphasized the importance of regular meetings of the Consultative Group, a joint statement issued by the spokesperson of the foreign office said on Thursday. The 14th round of the Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability was held under the chairmanship of Additional Foreign Secretary (Arms Control and Disarmament) Mohammad Kamran Akhtar and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs S.A. Ryabkov. The parties had an indepth exchange of views on international security and regional stability challenges, as well as on various aspects of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. The two sides discussed issues related to the agenda of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, the Conference on Disarmament, the IAEA and the OPCW. The issues concerning biological, space and international information security, as well as new and emerging technologies, including the military use of artificial intelligence, came under discussion at length. It was agreed to hold the 15th meeting of the Group next year in Islamabad.

Political forces, digital rights group term internet, cellphone service suspension ‘inherently undemocratic’ ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Global internet watchdog NetBlocks described the suspension of internet and mobile phone services as “inherently undemocratic,” which the Interior Ministry claimed aimed at maintaining law and order situation during polling for the election 2024. Similarly, political parties including the PTI and PPP and Human Rights Commission of Pakistan flayed the government’s decision to suspend mobile phone services nationwide. They termed the suspension of internet and cellphone service as a violation of the Sindh High Court orders, which had directed the interim government against any such move on election day. A statement from the interior ministry said that “precious lives have been lost” in recent militant attacks and such “security measures are essential to maintain the law and order situation and to deal with potential threats”. NetBlocks, a global internet watchdog, said data confirmed a disruption to mobile phone and internet services “corroborating widespread user reports of outages”. “The ongoing election day internet blackout in Pakistan is amongst the largest we’ve observed in any country in terms of severity and extent,” NetBlocks director Alp Toker told media. “The practice is inherently undemocratic and is known to limit the work of independent election observers and cause irregularities in the voting process.” The election has already been marred by allegations of pre-vote rigging, and pollsters have predicted a low turnout following the jailing of former prime minister Imran Khan and the hobbling of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-

Insaf (PTI). Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, said it was “an ominous start to election day”. “It’s clear, based on the steps they took as soon as the polls opened, that the powers that be remain concerned about the PTI’s possible electoral impact. Especially its turnout potential,” he said. Mobile phone services were not disrupted in 2018, when analysts said security concerns were greater, with a bombing at an election rally killing more than 140 people. On that election day, more than 30 people were killed in a blast in Quetta claimed by a chapter of the Islamic state. Pakistan’s authorities regularly cut access to mobile phones during major protests or during festivals when religious tensions rise, to prevent militants from communicating with each other. Jammers are also used to prevent bombs being triggered via mobile phone. Internet and access to social media has been disrupted several times during the election campaign, coinciding with opposition online live-streams. The government blamed the outages on “technical difficulties” but the PTI said it was an attempt to disrupt their campaign, which has already been heavily sidelined. PTI information secretary Raoof Hasan told the outage “will impede the work that our activists are doing on the ground to get people to the polling stations”. “The physical space given to us has been completely cut out so we are totally dependent on connectivity through the net,” he said. According to the Federal Interior

Ministry, mobile phone and internet services were suspended across Pakistan to maintain law and order situation in election 2024. “As a result of the recent incidents of terrorism in the country precious lives have been lost, security measures are essential to maintain the law and order situation and deal with possible threats, hence the temporary suspension of mobile services across the country,” the interior ministry said in a message on X (formerly Twitter). The suspension of internet and cellular services affected the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) 8300 SMS service. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja had ordered the police chiefs and chief secretaries of all provinces to put security on high alert following terror attacks in Balochistan on the eve of general elections. PTI CONDEMNS SUSPENSION OF MOBILE, INTERNET SERVICES The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly criticized the nationwide suspension of mobile phone and internet services on Election Day, denouncing it as an assault on democracy. A spokesperson for the party lambasted the Election Commission of Pakistan, accusing it of failing to uphold the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. “The termination of mobile phone services on election day is a blatant attempt to disenfranchise voters and suppress turnout,” the PTI spokesperson asserted. “It represents a systematic conspiracy to deprive citizens of their constitutional right to vote.” Citing concerns over electoral rigging, the spokesperson contended that the shutdown of communication services was designed to obscure any evidence of malpractice at polling stations. “The

Election Commission is turning a blind eye to the erosion of democratic principles occurring right under its nose,” they added. In a resolute tone, the PTI spokesperson declared, “The nation will not tolerate such orchestrated efforts to subvert the electoral process.” Meanwhile, Independent candidate Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, contesting from National Assembly Constituencies NA 47 and 48, voiced strong opposition to the decision to suspend mobile phone services across the country, labeling it as the onset of electoral fraud. In his statement regarding the mobile phone service suspension, Khokhar expressed concern over the disconnection of communication channels between candidates, agents, and election machinery, deeming it excessive. He emphasized that such actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process and are incompatible with the principles of fair and transparent elections. HRCP SAYS SUSPENSION AFFECTED VOTERS’ RIGHT TO INFORMATION HRCP demands immediate restoration of internet, cellular services across country The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded the immediate restoration of internet and cellular services across the country. In a post on social media platform X, it said: “The ongoing disruption to services has occurred despite the Sindh High Court’s direction to the caretaker government to ensure uninterrupted internet services on polling day.” “With the PTA claiming it has received no instructions from the government to block internet services, there is a worrying lack of transparency about where, when and how long the disruption will continue, thereby affecting voters’ right

to information and potentially the transmission of results,” the HRCP said. It added that those behind the outages should be identified and held responsible. ECP ISSUES SHOW CAUSE NOTICES TO FOUR NEWS CHANNELS The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) over violation of the election code of conduct issued show cause notices to four electronic media news channels on Thursday. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had complained that Geo News, ARY News, GNN and Dawn News had violated ECP code of conduct and PEMRA law by conducting exclusive interviews of leaders of various political parties. PEMRA has given the management of the news channels seven days to file a reply in personal hearing after which further action would be taken.Moreover, the PERMA issued directives to the satellite news channels to strictly follow the code of conduct issued under Election Act 2017, otherwise, they would face action. Meanwhile, former climate change minister Sherry Rehman filed a petition in Lahore’s election commission against the suspension of mobile and internet services. Speaking outside the electoral watchdog’s office, Rehman expressed concern at the internet outage on election day and demanded that services be restored “urgently”. The PPP leader said that suspending the internet services would “negate democracy and the polling process”, emphasising that candidates needed an internet connection to remain in touch with their polling agents. “Our entire communication system depends on the internet. How will polling agents convey their complaints to us.

Friday, 9 February, 2024 | ISLAMABAD

NEW GOVT WILL HAVE TO APPROACH IMF FOR ANOTHER PROGRAMME, SAYS SHEHBAZ

newS

ISLAMABAD

staff report

AKISTAN Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday asserted that a new government following elections would have to pursue another programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), emphasising major decisions to strengthen economy. Speaking to a private news channel, the former prime minister said that the new government following elections will be compelled to undertake major decisions, urging voters to choose his party for economic stability.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the need for comprehensive economic reforms, saying that the restructuring of the economy is the need of the hour to address broader issues facing the national economy. Expressing deep concern over terror attacks in Balochistan, he noted that such incidents wanted to instill fear among voters. He highlighted that past decisions inadvertently provided opportunities for terrorists, emphasising the collective sacrifices made by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. The PML-N president acknowledged the sacrifices made by security forces in fighting terrorism and emphasised Pakistan’s role in global peace efforts. Shehbaz Sharif painted a bleak picture

of Pakistan’s economic situation, cautioning that the nation’s economic foundation remains fragile, potentially requiring another IMF programme if his party does not win the elections. He pointed out that the PDM-led federal government saved Pakistan from default. “The country’s economy has to be built on a strong foundation”, he added. The PML-N president further said that whoever gets the opportunity to rule, should privatise the loss-making institutions. In response to a question, Sharif said that Nawaz Sharif will be the prime ministerial candidate for the party if the PMLN secures a simple majority. “And if we failed to secure a simple majority, consultation will be held for premier slot,” he added.

Earlier in Jan, the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) board approved a roughly $700 million loan for Pakistan under a $3 billion bailout. The IMF’s completion of its first review of the programme and the board’s decision brings the total

Interior Minister satisfied with law & order during elections ISLAMABAD

staff report

Caretaker Minister for Interior Dr Gohar Ejaz Thursday expressed satisfaction on the conclusion of the process of polling for General Elections 2024. In his statement issued here, he announced with immense satisfaction that the overall security situation across the country remained generally stable to ensure the peaceful conduct of free and fair elections. The minister said that he acknowledged the unwavering dedication and professionalism of the security forces, law enforcement agencies, and police personnel for holding elections in peaceful manners. These forces were deployed extensively and in large numbers, ensuring the smooth conduct of the electoral process, which was a testament to their commitment to democracy and the people of the country, he added.

President, spouse cast vote in Karachi KARACHI

staff report

President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday cast his vote and urged the countrymen to exercise their voting right saying that the country needed their opinion as never before. The president, who reached the polling station along with his family members, awaited his turn in the queue and cast his vote. President casts vote; urges countrymen to exercise their right Later, he wrote on his X timeline, “The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has asked for your personal advice through your vote to elect representatives to the National & Provincial Assemblies.” He said it was everyone’s Islamic, constitutional and civic responsibility to vote.President casts vote; urges countrymen to exercise their right “We as a family reached our polling station, stood in line and have voted and urge all of you to come out and exercise your right. Pakistan needs your opinion as never before,” he remarked. First Lady Begum Samina Alvi also cast her vote at her respective polling station.

Dr Gohar specially congratulated to all the security personnel who played a critical role in facilitating a peaceful voting environment. Their deployment covered even the most far-flung areas of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, interior Sindh, and Punjab, underscoring government’s commitment to ensuring every citizen’s right to vote in a secure atmosphere, he said. The minister said that despite a few isolated incidents, the overall situation remained under control, demonstrating the effectiveness of the security measures. Smooth conclusion of the polling process underscored commitment of the Armed Forces, Civil Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies to providing a peaceful environment for voters, enabling them to exercise their democratic right without fear, he added. Earlier, Caretaker Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ijaz visited polling station on Adiala Road Thursday along with the federal secretary for Interior, Aftab Akbar

Durrani. The Minister reviewed the polling process and also interacted with the voters. He said casting a vote was a national duty and it should be performed by every citizen with utmost responsibility. The caretaker government, he said, was in the final stages of discharging its duties and “Inshallah soon elected representatives of the people would take over the reins.” He appreciated the steps taken by the Election Commission of Pakistan and the local administration for conducting elections in smooth, friar and transparent manner. ECP RESOLVES 75 ELECTION COMPLAINTS The Centre Election Monitoring and Control Center of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has addressed 75 complaints related to the general elections. Haroon Shinwari, head of the Monitoring Control Centre, stated that the complaints were generally minor, primarily concerning disputes and altercations among workers, all of which were promptly resolved on-site,

Barrister Gohar claims leading on more than 150 NA seats PESHAWAR

staff report

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has claimed that the party was leading on more than 150 National Assembly (NA) seats. In a video message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Barrister Gohar said the PTI will form governments at the Centre and in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) after today’s ‘landslide’ victory. The PTI chairman also thanked the people of Pakistan for participating in elections in huge numbers. He also expressed concern over the sluggishness in election results, saying that as per Election Act, the results should be announced by 2am. It is pertinent to mention here that PTI candidates are contesting elections independently as the party was stripped off its iconic symbol – bat – over ‘unconstitutional’ intra-party elections. Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan

State TV, private channels, and local media initiated the process of results announcement, but progress has been slow, with results from certain constituencies in Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa still pending. Although results are coming in from interior Sindh, the results in the provincial capital and the country’s largest city, Karachi, are emerging at a slow pace. Similarly, in the largest province of the country, Punjab, results are also being received slowly. The wait for results is ongoing from KP and Balochistan. Concerns and reservations have been expressed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf regarding this delay. CEC commends successful election Following the conclusion of polling in the evening, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja expressed his gratitude and congratulated the nation on the successful conduct of the election. In a special message, he thanked the people of Pakistan for fulfilling their constitutional and national responsibility, state news channel PTV reported. Sultan Raja extended his appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the electoral process, including federal and provincial caretaker governments, political parties, security agencies, police, civil administration, Pakistan Army, media, voters, polling staff and election members and their staff. He expressed confidence in the responsible conduct of the returning officers and urged them to fulfill their duties diligently, ensuring timely ordering and delivery of results. Armed Forces felicitate nation on peaceful elections Earlier, the Armed Forces of the country on Thursday extended heartfelt felicitations to the nation on generally peaceful and violence-free conduct of general elections. “The armed forces alongside other Law Enforcement Agencies are proud to have played a pivotal role in providing security during the conduct of the sacred electoral process, in aid of civil power, and in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan,” an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said. With the deployment of 137,000 army personnel and civil armed forces at approximately 6,000 selected most sensitive

polling stations and over 7800 quick response force teams (QRFs), a safe and secure environment for the public was ensured,” it added. Despite 51 cowardly terrorist attacks, mostly in KP and Balochistan, aimed at disrupting the electoral process, the soldiers remained resolute and effectively ensured peace and security across Pakistan. As many as 12 people (including 10 personnel of security forces and law enforcement agencies) embraced, Shahadat, and 39 others have been injured in these attacks. Through proactive intelligence manoeuvres and swift action, many potential threats were neutralized, underscoring the unwavering commitment of our security agencies to protect the democratic rights of our citizens. During various operations, 5 Terrorists were also killed. “Gratitude is owed to other law enforcement agencies that worked hand in hand with the armed forces to safeguard the democratic process. It is our fervent hope that our sacrifices will not be in vain and this election will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening democracy in Pakistan and that it will pave the way for the realization of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan,” it said. The armed forces remain dedicated to upholding peace and security in the country and stand ready to provide unwavering support in safeguarding the democratic traditions of our state, the ISPR said. MASSIVE TURNOUT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WITNESSED In constituencies 47 and 48 massive turnout of minorities was witnessed on Thursday as many persons with disabilities (PWDs) came out of their houses to cast votes. According to the presiding officer of the constituency of 47, the turnout of the females was almost 60 percent and the women cast their votes peacefully, “We have separate corners for the senior citizens and the person with disabilities for the general election”. She said that it was witnessed that PWDs were eager to vote for their leaders. A senior citizen Bashiran Manzoor mother-in-law of a person with disabilities named Huma Faisal said both the ladies came to cast their vote for the better future of the country. She said that it is our national obligation to cast a vote for our country’s progress.

disbursements under the Standby Arrangement (SBA) to about $1.9 billion, the fund said. Pakistan is operating under a caretaker government and the IMF loan programme, approved in July, helped avert a sovereign debt default.

70 injured in clashes during polling in different cities ISLAMABAD

staff report

Amid the polling process for general elections 2024, there were reports of clashes, and violence at various constituencies between the rival political workers in several cities. As a result, more than 70 political workers of various political parties got injured and polling process remained suspended for hours. PLM-N and an independent candidate clash at Kot Sarwar Shaheed in Kot Addu Tehsil of district Muzaffargarh. At least 16 people were injured when PML-N candidate Amjad Pervaiz and an independent candidate Murtaza Raheem Khar’s workers resort to firing. Police reached the spot and shifted the injured to nearby hospital. The polling process resumed after the situation came under control. Meanwhile four people were injured in a firing incident at PS66 Gujranwala. Polling was stopped after the incident. In Taxila NA54, there were reports of a clash between PTI and PML-N workers. More than 10 people got injured. SSP Kainat reached on the occasion and posted additional force around the stations to control the situation. Meanwhile, a suspected man wearing police uniform tried to enter the polling station in Peshawar and was taken into custody.A quarrel was seen in NA29 Peshawar. Police said polling process was stopped at Budhbir polling booth after clash between rival political parties. Police resumed the election process after an hour.

Groom, donkey-riding voter exercise their right LAHORE

staff report

announced the “winners” of two seats for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly as per unofficial results. The commission said that independent candidate Samiullah Khan won PK-76 after securing 18,888 votes, according to results from 37.62 per cent of the polling stations. As for PK-6, independent candidate Fazal Hakeem Khan took 25,330 votes. The two are PTIbacked candidates.

Delays spoil the party for PTI backed independents CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

SEVEN SECURITY PERSONNEL MARTYRED IN KP, BALOCHISTAN At least seven security personnel were martyred in separate attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan on Thursday, officials said. As per details, the explosion occurred in Garah Aslam area of Kulachi which targeted a police vehicle. According to police officials, the dead bodies and injured have been transferred via a helicopter to DI Khan. According to police, four police officials were martyred in an attack on a police patrol in ID Khan area. Local police chief Rauf Qaisrani said that bomb blasts and firing targeted a police convoy in the Kulachi area, adding the area had been cordoned off and further investigation was underway. In a statement, interim KP Chief Minister Justice (retd) Arshad Hussain Shah condemned the attacks in Tank and Dera Ismail Khan. Media reports said one person was killed in a firing incident in Tank, although no official has commented on the exact number of casualties or the nature of the incident. The chief minister said that such incidents would not deter police from performing their duties, affirming that the nation and the state were standing with the law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, two Levies and police personnel were martyred in Balochistan’s Kharan area. Kharan Deputy Commissioner Munir Ahmed Soomro told the media that the incident occurred when a Levies vehicle hit a landmine on the way to a polling station. The official said seven security personnel were injured in the incident. Those in critical condition have been moved to Quetta, DC Soomro added. MOHSIN DAWAR WRITES LETTER TO CEC Meanwhile, National Democratic Movement (NDM) Chairman and former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja regarding the “very serious and concerning security situation in Tappi, North Waziristan in NA-40”. The letter, which was posted on Dawar’s account on X, stated that militants had been issuing threats to locals and the polling staff in the constituency. “Three of our female polling agents very narrowly escaped attacks […] in the morning of the polling day on Feb 8,” he

A groom cast his vote at a polling station in NA-205 in Mehrabpur on Thursday. The groom cast his vote and said it's a memorable day for as he is now going to bring his bride home, but the vote is a trust that had to be paid. Moreover, Chaudhry Allah Rakha of PP-145 Begumkot, reached the polling station on his donkey to cast his vote. Allah Rakha says that vote is a trust, it must be given. He said that he did not work today just for casting vote. On the other hand, a large number of young voters as well as disabled and elderly voters are heading to the polling stations to cast their votes in almost all the constituencies across the country. Police personnel come forward to help disabled people at polling stations. A disabled elderly woman reached the polling station to cast her vote in Sarai Alamgir.

said, claiming that the “Taliban in the area have taken control of the polling stations”. Dawar further stated that he had written a letter regarding the situation to the district returning officer but said it was “ignored”. “The election commission has to take urgent notice of the situation and take necessary action to ensure the safety of the locals and the polling staff,” he added. FOUR RECEIVE BULLET WOUNDS IN NA-59 In Chakwal, at least four people received bullet injuries during an armed clash between two groups at an election camp of a political party in NA-59 Chakwal constituency. As per details, the incident took place outside a polling station in Akwal area. Meanwhile, the voting process was halted temporarily at the polling station. Rescue officials shifted the injured to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Talagang. ARREST WARRANT FOR 114 GOVT EMPLOYEES IN KARACHI Furthermore, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered the arrest of 114 government employees of East Zone in Karachi for violating the orders of the commission and wilful absence from election duty. Returning Officer (East Zone) Ghulam Azfar Mahesar issued the arrest warrant. He informed the DIG East and SSP East to form teams and conduct raids throughout the night to arrest the absentee staff. The DIG East said that the polling material has not yet been received by the polling staff, which may disrupt the election process and affect the compliance with national work in the general elections. He said that it is a violation of the effective electoral process of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and that the absentee staff will be arrested in any case. The accused include polling staff of provincial and national constituencies, lecturer engineers and senior officers of Karachi University, senior school college teachers, auditors, SBCA officers and officers belonging to various departments of Sindh government. The DIG East said that action will be taken as per the orders of the ECP. CLASH BETWEEN POLITICAL PARTIES’ WORKERS IN ATTOCK’S NA-49 On the other hand, tensions escalated in constituency NA-49 in Attock as clashes erupted between supporters of the PML-N

and PTI, leading to suspension of polling activities temporarily at Govt Boys High School Bhangi Hazrao and Polling Station UC Office Northopa. Later, the workers of the PML-N and PTI were forced out from the polling stations, causing a delay of approximately five hours before voting could resume at both locations. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, law enforcement authorities dismantled a PTI camp in the Civil Lines area of Rawalpindi. PTI swiftly filed a petition with the Regional Police Officer (RoPP-19) in protest against the demolition of their candidate’s camp. Mengal claims of authentic reports about fake Form 45 Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal on Thursday claimed that he had authentic information regarding fake Form 45. Akhtar Mengal alleged that anarchy was created at some polling station and Election Commission needs to look into the issue. However, responding to the BNP chief’s statement, Balochistan Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai rejected the allegations. He said that if Akhtar Mengal has proofs about fake Form 45, then he should produce it before the concerned authorities, otherwise avoid spreading the disinformation. INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE DANIYAL AZIZ ARRESTED IN NAROWAL During polling, Narowal witnessed a dramatic turn of events as independent candidate Daniyal Aziz Chaudhry was apprehended in NA-75, prompting his wife Mahnaz Akbar Aziz to speak out, alleging her husband’s abduction. According to reports, Daniyal Aziz cast his vote earlier in the day before being detained by police. Mahnaz Akbar Aziz asserted that her husband was forcibly taken into custody and subjected to torture. The arrest follows a notice issued by the Election Commission to Daniyal Aziz for violating the electoral code of conduct in NA-75 Narowal. The Election Commission convened on February 10, 2024, to address the matter, declaring that the final notification of Daniyal Aziz’s success in the general election would be contingent upon the Commission’s decision. The decision was taken in the light of the findings of the District Monitoring Officer of Narowal, who reported repeated violations of the code of conduct by Daniyal Aziz, along with his failure to respond to issued notices or pay a fine of Rs50,000.

04 COMMENT

The patriotic duty has been done

Friday, 9 February, 2024

…And now for the result

The polls have taken place as scheduled, with no surprises

Onwards to a not-so-certain future

T least Pakistanis have shown enough maturity to have a peaceful poll. The government may make as many security arrangements as it likes, but people being sensible enough to assemble at polling stations, get in line (which they seem to avoid for any other activity) and go through the polling process, shows that they have kept their end of the bargain. The threat posed by militancy showed itself in the attack in Quetta on Wednesday, but it could not stop the poll. Now it is up to the Election Commission of Pakistan to count all of those millions of votes, and give the nation the 342 members of the National Assembly, both the 266 directly elected members, and those elected on reserved seats. That National Assembly will then proceed to elect one of its members Prime Minister. Similarly, the provinces will elect chief ministers. The newly elected chief executives will then give the country governments which will tackle the problems facing the country, secure in the mandate that they will have just received. However, going by past experience, while the electorate may take a breather from politics, the new Assemblies will not. Immediately after they take oath, they will have to proceed to the election of a new President, the incumbent’s term having expired in September. As soon as that is over, the newly elected assemblies will have to elect replacements for the half of the Senate retiring in March. The parties will also by then be in the middle of the inevitable by-elections which will follow Thursday’s election, as members elected to more than one seat take oath for only one seat. It would not be going too far to say that the election marks the start of a spurt of political activity. This is quite apart from the jockeying for position, the deals, the trade-offs and even the betrayals that will mark the filling not just of the PM’s and CMs’ slots, but those of president, and of the federal and provincial cabinets. However, perhaps the caretakers should remember that they will not be remembered so much for their deeds, as for how smoothly Thursday’s poll went. It is to be hoped that the result will be a functioning polity, with a government able to handle the various problems of the country, but that is up to the people of Pakistan, not the caretakers.

At Penpoint M A NIAZI

HILE the nation participated in the great patriotic exercise of polling yesterday, in a vote which may determine the direction is going in, and while the contours of the future government may already be visible, it is difficult to avoid the feeling of Pakistan merely being on a democratic bandwagon, as it is just one of the 47 countries going to the polls this year, involving about half of the world’s population. The region is seeing a rash of elections: the Maldives had its presidential election in September, and Bhutan and Bangladesh its parliamentary poll in January, while both India and Sri Lanka have elections towards the middle of the year. Of course, the world’s most watched election will probably be the US election in November, where it seems that the 2020 contest is heading for a repetition, while the British election, which is not due until next year, but is likely to be held in December. Though not a very strong body, the European Union’s parliamentary polls are due this year too. An interesting pair of contests is to be held in both of the contestants in the Russia-Ukraine War. Presidential elections are due in both, and while it seems Russia will be going ahead in March as scheduled, Ukraine is a little doubtful, being under Martial Law. In both countries, the incumbents are eligible to run again, with the votes likely to be an assessment of how well they have done as war leaders. In the local context, the voters will have to assess which party is best able to manage the economy. To focus within that, the electorate will have to ask about which party is going to do its best at bringing down the inflation rate. Note that no one looks for an actual roll back of prices. At the moment, however, it seems that no party has any idea of how to stop the rise, or reduce the speed at which they rise. Perhaps because no one has a solution, the parties are basing their campaigns on their leaders. The PTI is probably the worst off, not even having its own symbol, but the message is that party chairman Imran Khan must become PM, even though he has been convicted thrice, is in jail, and is not a candidate for the National Assembly. What is to happen after he becomes PM, is not spelled out. Presumably the same milk and honey will flow as when last he was PM. Similarly, the PML(N) seems to be campaigning on the basis of its being the vehicle for the return of Mian Nawaz Sharif as PM, the fourth time he will have the job. Its message seems to be that he is adept at fixing the economy. That is about as far as an actual economic programme has been presented, even though much of the sheen has been taken off that message by the performance of the recent PDM government, where the PML(N) had charge of the economy, and where its reputation as a good economic manager was ruined. Worst of all was the sight of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, sent expressly from London by Mian Nawaz, failing to halt the collapse. The

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Iran takes a step closer to the Middle East venture M. A. Niazi

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PML(N) has so far refused to present a plan, raising the suspicion that Senator Dar may come back as Finance Minister. The PPP has been the most up-front of the parties, with a concrete economic programme. However, that programme seems to be a bundle of promises, all of which require money. It is not explained where the money is going to come from. The implicit message, that the IMF might not be obeyed, is also a subtext. The general assumption seems to be that the new government will have to engage with the IMF, in the hope of getting a programme which will succeed the present Stand-By Arrangement, which is expiring in March, and which merely covered the caretaker period anyway.An unfortunate development for Pakistani governments has been that the risk of default is always hanging over their heads, and the need for foreign exchange is now driven by debt servicing needs. At the same time, none of the major parties has given out any details of its tax policy, beyond the PML(N) and PPP setting tax-to-GDP targets beyond the present. As the IMF lays great emphasis on the tax-to-GDP ratio, that target might be seen as the parties trying to placate the IMF in advance. However, neither indicates how that target would be achieved. Clearly, there is no incentive to recommend steps that might not be approved by the IMF. Of course, there is also the ‘selection’ factor. The PML(N) is widely predicted to win, not because of the strength of its manifesto, or the track record of either of the Sharif brothers, but because it has been vaguely hinted that foreign donors would prefer him as PM. Foreign donors, that is, Gulf countries and China, are doubly important, for not only are they sources of foreign investment, but of bailouts whenever past sins (loans) start catching up with us.

M A HossAIN

HE conflict between Israel and Hamas has extended into the broader Middle East, escalating the likelihood of a confrontation between the regional power, Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’, and the global power, the USA and its allies. Israel’s continuous unlawful bombardment of Gaza results in new estimates of thousands of Palestinian casualties every day. The Iranian-backed Shiite Quds Force has engaged in highly dangerous strikes with Israel and its patron, the USA, spanning from the Red Sea to Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. This situation is contributing to the evolving political discourse surrounding the right of Palestinians to live peacefully. Now, following the latest militia attack on Tower 22, the US military outpost in Jordan, it is thrusting President Biden into the greatest crisis of his presidency. This is not what the president or his top aides expected or hoped for. Before this, the USA and Iran had avoided directly confronting each other. The US has attacked Iranian proxy forces in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, while Iran-backed militias have targeted the USA and its allies in Iraq and Syria. Tehran has also struck what it dubbed as antiIran groups in Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan. Since the beginning of the Gaza war, it was the first time US troops were killed by enemy attacks in the Middle East, increasing significant pressure on Biden and risking a new war in an election year. The historical rivalry between Iran and the USA traces back to political events, notably the 1953 CIA-backed coup that removed Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. Subsequently, the relations got more strain during the 1979 Iranian revolution and the US Embassy hostage crisis. Ongoing geopolitical challenges, like nuclear programmes and regional influence, has also stoked the flare. Iran has been consistently opposing the presence of US forces in the Middle East. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGC) started building an extensive network of antiWestern and anti-Israel militias in Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen over several decades. Iran provided training and funding to

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gion, positioning additional air defense forces, two Aircraft carrier strike groups, and some 900 additional troops as a deterrent. Iran’s long-cherished strategic aim is to drive US troops from the Middle East, ultimately paving the way for Iran’s dominance in the region. Iran wants to play a decisive geopolitical and geostrategic role in the Middle East’s perspective. On the other hand, Biden is under tremendous pressure to hit back at Tehran. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump criticized Biden for not responding to previous attacks and his appeasement gestures through nuclear talks, recent prisoner swaps, and unfreezing Iran’s funds. The Biden Administration has made a political blunder in offering unconditional support to Israel just after the Hamas raid. Again, Biden would be caught in another political blunder by directly retaliating against Iran. It has been a long-cherished desire by Netanyahu and his extremist cronies to drag the USA into a war against Iran and across the Middle East. The US can’t ignore the ICJ ruling that Israel must stop genocidal activities in Gaza. Moreover, The Palestine and Iran issues have risked the US allies giving the USA carte blanche, especially France, Germany, Italy, and the Gulf states. To counter the asymmetric attrition of the war of Iran and its proxy forces, the US needs a formidable alignment among its allies. Again, Israel’s atrocities may justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and furthermore assist anti-democratic geopolitics on the rise. It would be wise for the Pentagon to address the root causes of Palestine and put forward the two-state solution to the incumbent US legislative machinery.

The writer can be at: writetomahossain@gmail.com

reached

To counter the asymmetric attrition of the war of Iran and its proxy forces, the US needs a formidable alignment among its allies. Again, IsraelÊs atrocities may justify RussiaÊs invasion of Ukraine and furthermore assist anti-democratic geopolitics on the rise. It would be wise for the Pentagon to address the root causes of Palestine and put forward the two-state solution to the incumbent US legislative machinery

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I

The writer is a member of staff

It has generally been agreed by all economists and business community leaders that the country needs political stability above all else. The purpose of the election is to generate that stability. But will it? That the election has been held is movement in that direction. But the quality of the government formed does not lead to much hope.

The USA would commit a second blunder by taking on Iran

these Shiite militia groups, and they are more accountable to the authorities of the IRGC in Tehran than to their respective governments. The Hamas attack against Israel on October 7 was the first step to unfold the Shia domination manoeuvre in the Middle East. Then came Hezbollah’s endeavour to displace 70,000 Israelis with its attack on northern Israel, followed by tens of dozens of IRGC-sponsored militia strikes on US forces in Iraq, Syria, and the Houthis’ attacks against commercial and military shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In Iraq, Tehran wields significant influence on various Shiite militias closely tied to the IRGC. These include Kataib Hezbollah, Harkat al Najuba, Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada, and recently the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. Iraq is also home to the IRGC-funded Badar Organization, as well as Asaib Ahl al Haq. The US has deployed some 2500 troops at various bases in Iraq. In Syria, Iran has a direct presence with the Quds Force, an elite unit of the IRGC. The forces deployed after the 2011 uprising to support the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Syria also hosts the Shiite militia groups named Zainabiyoun and Fatemiyoun Brigades. The US has 800 troops in Syria as part of a mission to defeat ISIS. In Jordan, about 3000 US troops are stationed and facilitate strategic tactical advantages like intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions for Syria and Iraq. Lebanon is home to the most powerful Shiite militia force, Hezbollah. Hezbollah has war experience from the Iraq-Iran war. Yemen is mostly controlled by the Shiite militia Houthi. Hamas in Gaza is a Sunni militia group backed by Shia Iran. Eighty percent of its budget comes from Iran. On the other hand, the Gulf states are also home to US troops. The USA has 13,500 troops in Kuwait, 10,000 in Qatar, over 2700 in Saudi Arabia, and 3500 in the UAE. Turkey has 1465 at Incirlik air base, and Bahrain hosts the Navy’s Fifth Fleet. After Hamas’s incursion into Israel, Biden strengthened the US presence in the re-

Indeed, the impression that the PML(N)) is scheduled to win has been stronger than in any previous election. It should be remembered that this is more the product of paste experience rather than any other reason. Since 1988, the incumbent has always lost. In 1977, we have the only example of an incumbent winning, but the election became so controversial that it is even now quoted as an example. At the same time, it should be noted that there is an international, and a regional, trend towards re-election. However, because of the caretaker mechanism, there is some doubt about who is the incumbent. The caretakers aren’t contesting, nor is the PDM coalition (all its components are contesting as individual parties). The ruling party before that, the PTI, is not even contesting, not having got a symbol; its candidates are contesting as independents. Another way of looking at it is to see whether the government ousted about three years into the tenure was replaced by someone from the same party or another combination. In 1988, 1990, 1993 and 1996, the Assembly had to be dissolved, and the resulting elections led to the incumbent losing. In 2000, as there could be no presidential dissolution, martial law was imposed. The ousted party, the PML(N) was defeated in the 2002 election. In that Parliament, the PM resigned, but going forward, the PMs elected in 2008 and 2013 were unseated, while the one elected i n 2018 was removed by a vote of no-confidence. He was also the only one not replaced by someone else from his party. It thus makes a certain sense that it is being speculated that Mian Nawaz will become PM a fourth time, and then be ousted towards the end of his tenure. While he is Pakistan’s only three-time PM, he also has the unenviable record of being removed from office by all methods except one. He has had his Assembly dissolved by the President (and though it was restored, he was forced to resign), had martial law imposed and been disqualified from the Assembly. All that remains is he be removed by a vote of no-confidence. It has generally been agreed by all economists and business community leaders that the country needs political stability above all else. The purpose of the election is to generate that stability. But will it? That the election has been held is movement in that direction. But the quality of the government formed does not lead to much hope.

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

I belong to a community that has endured unimaginable suffering, where loved ones disappear without a trace, leaving families in perpetual agony and uncertainty. My own family has been torn apart by the forced disappearances that have become a haunting reality for so many Baloch families. The pain of not knowing the fate or whereabouts of my family members is an agony that no words can truly express. The anguish is compounded by the lack of attention and action from authorities and the international community. The systematic targeting of Baloch activists, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens who dare to voice their concerns or demand their rights has led to a culture of fear and despair. We live in constant fear, knowing that expressing our thoughts or advocating for justice could lead to our own disappearance. Despite the immense challenges and threats, it’s essential to shed light on these injustices. We cannot afford to remain silent witnesses to the Baloch genocide. Every missing person represents a shattered family, a silenced voice, and an unaddressed injustice. I implore the global community to hear our cries for justice, to recognise the human rights violations faced by the Baloch people, and to demand accountability for those responsible. It’s time to bring an end to the suffering and uncertainty that continue to haunt the Baloch community. HAMDAN ZIA ISLAMABAD

Property business in Pakistan

PAKISTAN has a growing population and a shortage of houses. The Government does not have the funds or capacity to build so many houses, while the private sector or armed forces sector has not been able to build quickly or reduce the cost of housing over the past many years. During World War 2, the USA faced a shortage of 3.5 Million homes and faced a similar situation. Their Government during President Truman’s time addressed the problem in a low-cost way that got them great results. Pakistan can copy that action to help increase housing in Pakistan as well. President Truman’s Government passed a law that fixed the highest rent of a property at £80 per month, which is equivalent to £1000 in today’s terms. They also fixed the highest price of new homes at £10,000 or £134,000 in today’s terms. Because it became a crime to buy or rent homes at higher prices than set by the Government, the private sector could not sell expensive houses and had to rely on selling a higher number of houses to make a profit. People started constructing cheap, affordable, and similar houses, helping reduce construction costs. While people and companies also stopped investing in properties and instead invested in businesses, helping create many jobs and economic activities for the country. If Pakistan creates a database of all properties, fix the prices of the properties to an average, also fix the price of all new properties that will be developed, stop yearly increases in the value of owned property, fix the price of rents, and allow citizens to access the database to see the actual set price of each property. Then Pakistan will see a reduction in property scams, an increase in affordable housing, an end to family disputes on property, while wealth invested in property will be moved into sectors that create economic opportunities. Many evils and unnecessary work will disappear from Pakistan. SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER ISLAMABAD

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COMMENT 05

Impact of climate change on infectious diseases Friday, 9 February, 2024

As the world heats up, defeated menaces will come back

dr syeda sadaf akber

NFECTIOUS disease distribution involves compound social and various demographic factors. These include human population density and attitudes, community type and position, water force, sewage and waste operation systems, land use and irrigation systems, vacuity and use of vector control programmes, access to health care, and general environmental hygiene. Meteorological factors that impact the transmission intensity of contagious conditions include temperature, moisture, and downfall patterns. Social and demographic factors such as population growth, urbanization, immigration, changes in land use and agrarian practices, deforestation, transnational trips, and breakdown in public health services have been substantially responsible for the recent renaissance of contagious conditions. Global climate change is an extraordinary phenomenon that’s now considered explosively associated with human conditioning. Atmospheric carbon dioxide situations, which have remained steady at 180-220 ppm for the last 420,000 years, are now close to 370 ppm and rising. Due to advancements in meteorology, we’re now able to understand long-term climate changes. A similar understanding might enable the prediction of where and when contagious complaint outbreaks may occur. The effects of climate change on human health in Pakistan are a broad content, covering areas from extreme rainfall events to shifts in vector-borne conditions. Scientists predict an increased frequency of cataracts due to a lower intensity of downfall events and to glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in mountainous re-

gions. In the Himalayan region of South Asia, the frequency of GLOFs rose during the second half of the 20th century, and GLOFs have passed lately in Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Bhutan. Cataracts produce conducive surroundings for multitudinous health consequences performed from complaint transmission. If floodwaters come defiled with human or animal waste, the rate of fecal-oral complaint transmission might increase, allowing diarrhea complaints and other bacterial and viral ailments to flourish. Fecal-oral transmission of conditions is of particular concern in regions, because of limited access to clean water and sanitation. In developed countries, flood tide control sweats, sanitation structures, and surveillance conditioning to describe and control outbreaks minimize complaint pitfalls caused by flooding, but in developing countries, an increase in diarrhoea complaints, cholera, dysentery, and typhoid is of specific concern. Flooding can also contribute to increased vector- and rodent-borne and other contagious conditions. Collections of stagnant water give breeding grounds for mosquitoes, potentially abetting in the spread of malaria. A warmer climate could cause water-borne conditions to become more frequent, including cholera and diarrhoea conditions similar to Giardiasis, Salmonellosis, and Cryptosporidiosis. Diarrhoeal conditions were formerly a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Pakistan, particularly among children. As ambient temperatures increase, bacterial survival time and proliferation, and therefore the prevalence of diarrhoeal conditions, might further increase. Diarrhoeal conditions are largely attributable to unsafe drinking water and lack of introductory sanitation; therefore, reductions in the vacuity of freshwater are likely to increase the prevalence of similar conditions. Rapid urbanization and industrialization, population growth, and ineffective water use are formerly causing water dearth in Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Climate change will complicate the lack of available freshwater as periodic mean downfall decreases in numerous areas. Cholera is a well-known waterborne diarrhoeal complaint that has tormented humankind since ancient times. Molecular ways have shown that bacteria are now hon-

The growing folly of ‘big oil’ demonization

Critics have dismissed these investments as greenwashing, arguing that they are not serious investments in the transition to a low-carbon economy

RCM

Nick Loris

S American tech companies dominate the S&P 500 while facing challenges from fresh-faced startups and increased global competition, the saying “innovate or die” has never felt truer. This is particularly true in the energy sector as companies try to meet growing energy needs while also hitting climate goals. Major oil and gas companies are going to be instrumental in addressing both problems. While many people remain skeptical about their intentions, major oil and gas companies are increasingly investing in clean energy projects. They are pouring funds into wind, solar, and bioenergy ventures and are also actively participating in research and development into cutting-edge technologies. For example, Chevron has invested in several renewable power projects and is backing several startups for batteries and long-term energy storage. Shell is partnering with NuScale, a small modular reactor company, to explore clean hydrogen production. Exxon has investments in lithium projects, advanced biofuels, hydrogen, and carbon capture, including ownership of 1,300 miles of pipeline to transport CO2. BP has a diverse portfolio of low- and zero-carbon energy projects. Collectively, capital expenditures from oil and gas companies into clean energy totaled some $20 billion in 2022, with billions more in R&D. These investments could pay huge dividends to bring abundant, affordable, and clean power to consumers. Large energy companies, leveraging their engineering and technical expertise, sizeable R&D budgets, and global reach, are uniquely positioned to accelerate the deployment of clean-energy technologies. This cross-pollination of expertise accelerates the development and implementation of innovative solutions, ultimately benefitting consumers. Critics have dismissed these investments as greenwashing, arguing that they are not serious investments in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Exxon’s attempt to develop a low-carbon biofuel made from algae is one such example. The company recently pulled the plug on algal biofuels after spending $350 million since 2009. If that were greenwashing, that’s one long, expensive con – one in which they duped the Department of En-

ergy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory as it conducted some of the research, communicated optimism, and will continue basic research on algae strains. The reality is some investments in clean energy technologies will pay off and others will not. In October 2021, Hertz made a big commitment to electric vehicles, saying it would purchase 100,000 Teslas, 175,000 EVs from General Motors, and another 65,000 from Polestar. Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady led the campaign, saying, “I’ve been driving an EV for years and knowing Hertz is leading the way with their electric fleet speaks to how the world is changing and the way companies are approaching being environmentally and socially conscious.” Earlier this year, though, Hertz announced it was selling off a third of its EV fleet to purchase cars that run on gas. It expects to take a $245 million loss. Hertz’s effort was not greenwashing, but rather an investment that didn’t go as planned. Free, competitive markets provide opportunities for firms to provide products that consumers need while allowing uncompetitive, uneconomic projects to go the way of Blockbuster Video and the fax machine. Specious claims of deceit and greenwashing have resulted in lawsuits from states and litigious activists. In 2020, Delaware’s Attorney General Kathleen Jennings filed a lawsuit against 30 oil companies and the American Petroleum Institute, claiming that Big Oil’s investment in clean energy and climate solutions was greenwashing. The state’s Superior Court’s Judge dismissed the claims “with leave to amend with particularity” because Delaware “failed to specifically identify alleged misrepresentations for each individual defendant.” If skeptics have the evidence, they should bring it. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has rules on the books that protect against fraud and greenwashing, and if companies are legitimately and intentionally deceitful, they should be penalized. Until then, the allegations are hollow. It’s also essential to recognize that the world’s energy demand is still predominantly met by fossil fuels, which will be critical to meeting growing energy needs and eradicating energy poverty. Expecting major energy companies to cut ties with oil and natural gas production is not feasible or pragmatic. Nor is it good for the environment. If American and European producers cede ground to state-owned despots, the environment will end up worse off. Rather than dismissing big oil’s investments in clean energy as greenwashing, we should encourage and monitor these initiatives, hold corporations accountable, and recognize the positive contributions they make for energy affordability, energy security and higher standards of living around the world. They will be necessary players for a world with greater energy access and fewer global emissions.

oured as naturally being in submarine surroundings, with bacterial population peaks in spring and fall in association with plankton blooms. The discovery of Vibrio cholerae in the natural ground, with a dormant state between pandemics, changed the understanding that this complaint had only a mortal force. A relationship has been observed between the increase in the oceanface temperature and the onset of cholera pandemics, with the cholera outbreaks following the seasonal rise and fall in the ocean-face height and temperature. Malaria is one of the most serious and complex public health problems. About 400500 million cases of malaria and further than 1 million malaria-related deaths occur periodically. Several factors have caused the global renaissance of malaria, including the emergence of germicide and medicine resistance, human population growth and movement, land-use change, and deteriorating public health structure. Changes in temperature, downfall, moisture, and impunity situations also affect malaria transmission. All these factors can interact to affect adult mosquito consistency and the development of the plasmodium parasites within the mosquito. Both the parasites and the mosquito that houses the parasites are susceptible to temperature changes. At temperatures near the physiological forbearance limit of the parasites, a small increase in temperature can kill the parasites, thereby dwindling malaria transmission. At lower temperatures, still, a small increase in temperature can greatly increase the threat of malaria transmission due to increased figures of mosquitoes. Other environmental changes can also affect malaria transmission. Deforestation might elevate original temperatures and changes in casing types

Foliage lowers ground position temperatures near structures, reducing the structuresÊ cooling cargo, energy conditions, and greenhouse gas emissions.

might change inner temperatures where vectors spend utmost of the time resting. Deforestation, foliage concurrence, and irrigation can form open pools preferred by malaria vectors and therefore increase transmission. In South Asia, malaria is one of the most material exemplifications of the increased circumstances of a vector-borne complaint. Malaria was formerly one of the most important vector-borne conditions in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka; but changes in temperature and rush patterns have the potential to expand the geographical range of malaria into the temperate and thirsty corridor of South Asia. In Pakistan, malaria distribution is anticipated to expand to advanced authorizations and mounds. Because the relationship between climate and complaint distribution is complex, in some areas adding temperatures may circumscribe malaria transmission. Reductions in transmission intensity in aboriginal areas might lead to lesser proportions of the population losing impunity, performing in pandemics after years. Climate change might affect other conditions aboriginal to Pakistan. These include mosquito-borne conditions similar to Chikungunya fever and dengue, parasitic conditions similar to Leshmeniasis, lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, and tickborne conditions, which may procession changes in transmission intensity or shifts in their geographical ranges due to the impact of climate on the applicable vector populations. Climatic factors might also impact mortal pests, a bacterial complaint carried by rodents and transmitted by fleas. Temperature and rainfall are important determinants of rodent population abundance and distribution. Combined with the influence of temperature and moisture on flea survival and development, changes in any of these climatic factors may affect changes in pest prevalence. The arboviral conditions of Chikungunya and Dengue may also be affeced by climate, as both are transmitted by the common vector Aedes aegypti. The exertion, abundance, distribution, and capability to transmit contagions are determined by temperature and crowding. As a developing country with a high population density, Pakistan might witness numerous human health hazards because of climate change. These goods could include contagious conditions similar to malaria, chikungunya, and water-borne ailments. Monitoring the spread of contagious con-

ditions will bear early warning systems, which have both health and profitable benefits. Increases in extreme rainfall events will also have health consequences. Deportations due to the loss of casing, hunger, and injuries are some of the adverse issues to the population. Healthcare providers will need to address the primary position of the negative health issues associated with climate change in Pakistan. Physicians should anticipate adding cases of contagious conditions. There will probably be a rise in demand for emergency drug services similar to critical and itinerant care. Arising vector-borne conditions may first appear at these emergency care facilities. Expanded surveillance conditioning could describe shifting patterns of complaint distribution so that the emergency department staff would be apprehensive of arising pitfalls. Numerous other fields of health care in Pakistan could be impacted by climate change, including family practice, internal drugs, paediatrics, geriatrics, and psychiatry. The health care practitioners can learn lessons, many of which apply to providers in Pakistan. These include informing professional associates and the wider community about the health consequences of climate change and championing carbon reductions to promote human health. Several recommendations have been made for health system preparedness, some of which apply to health care systems. These include undertaking energy checkups, pursuing energy and water conservation, and energy-effective construction. Contingency plans for indispensable styles of energy generation during electricity knockouts, particularly during the summer months, will boost preparedness for these events. To reduce waste, we can establish different options to reclaim and buy recycled products, collect and reclaim nitrous oxide and anaesthetic wastes, and dispose of waste locally. Using native foliage and planting trees on point can alleviate the heat-islet effect. Foliage lowers ground position temperatures near structures, reducing the structures’ cooling cargo, energy conditions, and greenhouse gas emissions. Such measures improve human health by reducing groundlevel smog formation. Smog leads to respiratory symptoms and illness. Native vegetation requires less water and attracts beneficial insects, thus eliminating pesticide use.

Dollar madness sweeps Egypt

The writer has a PhD in microbiology and is a public health advocate

Black market speculation is led by businessmen, importers, traders, workers in the banking sector and exchange companies, in addition to Egyptians abroad, who are looking for the greatest possible gains by avoiding transferring their money through oﬃcial channels

“W

MIDDLE EAST MONITOR MahMoud hassaN

HAT’S the dollar exchange rate?” has become the most asked question on the Egyptian streets. It has been accompanied by dramatic changes in the prices of goods and commodities, scarcity of foreign currency and an insane wave of record high prices. Meanwhile, everyone is in anticipation of the decision to liberate the local currency exchange rate. The dollar exchange rate was more than 70 pounds in the black market over the past few days, compared to 31 pounds in official banks, with a 130 per cent gap between the two rates. On Sunday, the exchange rate in the black market fell to less than 60 pounds bridging the gap to 100 per cent, but still maintaining confusion and chaos in the market.

DIFFICULT CRISIS: What is making the situation worse is the scarcity of foreign currency and the government’s inability to provide dollar bills. Other factors include also traders’ tendency to speculate on prices of dollars, gold and properties, some food suppliers’ tendencies to stockpile on basic commodities to make more profits and some people stockpiling on basic commodities for fear of a rise in prices or decrease in supply. According to a banking source who spoke to Middle East Monitor, the US dollar is being exchanged at more than one price, depending on the amount that is being exchanged. Last week, it reached 74 pounds (about two and a half dollars), which is more than double its value in the official market (30.9 pounds). The source added that the rate may drop to below 60 pounds ($2 on the official rate) for a few days or weeks, but it will go up again because of the state of uncertainty and lack of credibility of the country’s economic policies. Other causes would be the delay in receiving the IMF loan and the uncertainty regarding the expected date of floating the pound and forming the new government. Black market speculation is led by businessmen, importers, traders, workers in the banking sector and exchange companies, in addition to Egyptians abroad, who are looking for the greatest possible gains by avoiding transferring their money through official channels. They’re doing so for fear of bank restrictions and to benefit from the large price difference in the black market. The Egyptian government itself buys dollars from the markets, especially with the decline in the main sources of foreign currency, such as the Suez Canal, tourism and remittances from Egyptians working abroad. Meanwhile, the government needs to pay off 25 per cent of its foreign debts (about 42 billion dollars out of a total of 165 billion dollars), during this year. One of those dealing with a government bank told Middle East Monitor that he faced great complications and difficulty when he tried to withdraw an amount of money in dol-

lars, which his brother transferred to him from abroad. Bank officials tried to pressure him to withdraw the money in local currency. S.A. had a different experience when he tried to deal with an exchange company which is approved by the Central Bank of Egypt. He went to exchange some dollar bills into LE, but he was asked to give all his information including his phone and ID numbers and sign a paper that explains where he got the money from, how much it was and how he got it. He added: “I got worried and scared as for why they would request all this information even though I did not go to the black market. I asked them why they’re collecting these details, and they told me that it was the Central Bank’s instructions.” He also told us that, because of this, he would not be going to any bank or exchange company again. Such procedure is frightening and makes people lose their sense of security, and can make investors anxious, fearing the possibility of seizing their dollar savings.

LIMITS FOR WITHDRAWALS: The crisis became clearer when people found out that there are limits to how much money they can withdraw from banks and ATMs, whether in dollar bills or in LE. This caused a state of fear, not only among investors, but also ordinary people who can no longer withdraw their salaries or parts of their savings all at once, but rather must do that in instalments over several days. Egyptian billionaire and businessman, Naguib Sawiris, commented sarcastically on the Central Bank’s new regulations. He posted on his official page on X saying that “the Central Bank refusing to give exceptions to customers, whether individuals or companies, who wish to withdraw more than the daily cash allowance of 150,000 pounds (about 4,850 dollars), would push everyone to keep their money at home.” During a tour of several ATM machines in central Cairo, we saw that the maximum withdrawal limit at one time went down from 8,000 pounds ($260) to only 4,000 ($130), in ATMs belonging to giant banks, such as the National Bank and Banque Misr (affiliated with the Government), and people cannot make more than one transaction per day. Banks operating in Egypt had limited the use of ATMs to a range of 50-300 dollars per day when it comes to transactions in foreign currency. This was due to the deficit in foreign assets at the Egyptian banking sector, which reached 27.2 billion dollars by the end of December of last year according to data from the Central Bank of Egypt. Last month, five Egyptian banks imposed new restrictions on cash withdrawals and spending abroad, including Al Baraka Bank and the Egyptian Gulf Bank. They completely stopped cash withdrawals from abroad, while the International Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank Egypt reduced the daily limit to $50, according to Bloomberg.

PRICES CLIMB TO RECORD HIGHS: As a result of the dollar madness, record

rises in the prices of gold, iron, electrical appliances and other commodities continue. They change every day, or rather, every hour, to the point where sales can be stopped until a phone call is made with authorised agents or suppliers to find out the new price of a commodity. A sample of prices can help show the extent of the high prices in the Egyptian market, starting from the price of 21 karat gold, the most popular in Egypt, which exceeded 4000 pounds (about 130 dollars) per gram. Then there is iron, at 63,000 pounds (about 2 thousand dollars) per ton. An air conditioner costs LE 35,000 (about $1,132), a refrigerator is LE 30,000 (about $1,000), a washing machine is LE 25,000 (about $800), a kilo of beef is LE 420 ($13.5), a kilo of chicken is LE 110 ($3.5), a kilo of lentils is LE 80 ($2.5), a kilo of beans costs LE 60 (about $2.50) and a litre of milk costs LE 50 ($1.6). Some store owners temporarily close their stores in anticipation of price increases, or they sell goods at a relative increase as a hedge against any rise in the price of the dollar, while some companies are selling their goods in dollars, which has fuelled the black market. Muhammad Saeed, an electrical appliances shop owner, says that companies such as Toshiba, Kiriazi, and Fresh stopped sales for 3 weeks and have not supplied any electrical appliances in anticipation of the flotation decision, and until prices stabilise. This increased prices by 25 to 40 per cent on average.

POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC REFORM: While the government media is cheering the imminent resolution of the dollar crisis, economic researcher, Omar Siraj, expects it to persist. He says that Egypt’s crisis is not only economic and will not be solved by flotation, repayment of debts or by obtaining an IMF loan that may reach $10 billion or a package of European financing and Emirati investments. Rather, the crisis is primarily political, due to the expansion of the President’s powers, the army’s monopoly on economic activity, the absence of the role of Parliament, and the suppression of the media. He called for urgent political reform, followed by economic reform that includes raising production rates, reducing import expenses, increasing exports and stopping useless projects. Successive Egyptian governments have been experimenting with the flotation solution, since the 1960s until the first quarter of 2023, and it has not succeeded in solving the exchange rate problem, according to economist, Mamdouh El-Wali, who believes that the main problem of the Egyptian economy is the fact that there are insufficient dollar resources that cannot cover the need for foreign currencies, which is expressed in Egypt’s merchandise trade balance with the countries of the world. This balance has been in deficit since the 1970s, which necessitates the need to bridge that gap by increasing production in the agricultural and industrial fields, achieving self-sufficiency and then achieving surpluses that can be exported, taking into account that Egyptian industries are more than sixty per cent dependent on imported items.

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XI JINPING, PUTIN EXCHANGE CHINESE NEW YEAR GREETINGS BY PHONE

BEIJING

MIaN abRaR

HINESE President Xi Jinping on Thursday held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin ahead of the Chinese New Year. It has become a fine tradition for him and Putin to exchange greetings by the turn of the year, review the achievements of the development of bilateral relations, and jointly look forward to the future, said Xi. Noting China and Russia withstood many tests together in the past, Xi said that their relations embrace new development opportunities in the future. China stands ready to work with Russia to make the global governance system more just and reasonable, and is also ready to strengthen international multilateral coordination with Russia, practice the true multilateralism, and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and economic globalization that benefits all, so as to make positive contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said. For his part, Putin said that Russia firmly abides by the one-China principle, and opposes any dangerous act that provokes China on the Taiwan question. XI JINPING EXTENDS SPRING FESTIVAL GREETINGS Chinese President Xi Jinping, on behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, extended Spring Festival greetings to all

Friday, 9 February, 2024 | islamabaD

Chinese Thursday at a reception in Beijing. Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered a speech at the gathering at the Great Hall of the People, greeting Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and overseas Chinese. The outgoing Year of the Rabbit marked the beginning of the full implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress on all fronts, Xi said, noting that the country faced an exceptionally complicated international environment and arduous tasks of reform, development, and maintaining stability. “We pooled strength from Chinese modernization, kept in mind both domestic and international imperatives, overcame multiple difficulties and challenges, and made solid progress on a new journey toward building China into a modern socialist country in all respects,” Xi said. Li Qiang presided over the reception. Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng were also present at the event. Over the past year, China adhered to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability and promoted economic recovery, Xi said. Listing the progress made, Xi said the country’s total grain output reached a new high, employment and prices have been kept generally stable, and breakthroughs were made in scientific and technological innovation. Reform and opening up continued to deepen in China, and a new round of reform of Party and state institutions has been basi-

cally completed, he said, adding that the country’s ecological environment continued to improve, and new steps have been taken on modernizing national defense and the armed forces. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attend a Spring Festival reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, February 8, 2024. /Xinhua Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attend a Spring Festival reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, February 8, 2024. /Xinhua Xi also praised deepened efforts on exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance and fighting corruption. By putting the people first, authorities worked hard to address the pressing difficulties and problems that concerned people most, and made all-out efforts in responding to natural disasters and advancing post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, thus maintaining overall social stability, Xi said. “We actively support Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into the overall situation of national development, firmly oppose separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ and interference by external forces, and vigorously defend our country’s sovereignty, security and development interests,” Xi said. Lauding China’s solid efforts on advancing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, Xi said the country has added certainty and positive energy to a

world of change and disorder. Xi said that looking back at all the hard work over the past year, we have more deeply realized that building a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization is not only a bright road for the Chinese people to pursue a better and happy life, but also a just way to promote world peace and development. Xi pointed out that the year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and is a key year for achieving the goals and tasks in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). He stressed the need to adhere to the general tone of the work that seeks progress while maintaining stability, effectively enhance economic vitality, prevent and resolve risks, improve social expectations, consolidate and enhance the positive trend of economic recovery, continue to improve people’s livelihood

Gaza ceasefire hopes alive with more talks planned President Alvi greets Ilham Aliyev on his victory in Azerbaijan’s presidential elections ISLAMABAD

Staff RePoRt

President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday congratulated Ilham Aliyev on his decisive victory in Azerbaijan’s Presidential elections. Conveying best wishes to Azerbaijan’s president, the president said his leadership continued to inspire progress and stability. “Pakistan looks forward to strengthening enduring friendship and cooperation,” he added.

Women voters prohibited to cast vote in Swabi, Talagang areas SWABI

Staff RePoRt

Women voters at a village of NA-20 in Swabi district have been banned to cast vote. The locals have prohibited women to exercise their right to vote in Adeena village of Swabi district. According to reports, the election staff has been present at the polling station, while women voters are not being sighted. It is said that around 6,000 women in Adeena village have not been allowed to use their right to vote in the election. Moreover, in NA-59 in Punjab, women voters were found absent at polling stations in conservative Talagang district of Potohar region.

INP

ageNcIeS

Mediators from the U.S., Qatar and Egypt scrambled to forge a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in their fourmonth-old war in the Gaza Strip after America’s top diplomat on a Middle East mission said there was still hope for a deal. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he saw room for negotiation, and a Palestinian Hamas delegation led by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya was due to travel on Thursday to Cairo for ceasefire talks with Egypt and Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected Hamas’ latest offer, calling it “delusional,” and Hamas urged Palestinian armed factions to go on fighting. “There are clearly nonstarters in what (Hamas has) put forward,” Blinken said on Wednesday at a late-night press conference in a Tel Aviv hotel, without specifying what the nonstarters were. “But we also see space in what came back to pursue negotiations, to see if we can get to an agreement. That’s what we intend to do.” Before heading back to the U.S., Blinken was due to hold meetings in Israel on Thursday, including with family members of hostages still held in Gaza who have clamoured for Netanyahu to make winning their freedom his top priority. Hamas that rules Gaza, proposed a ceasefire of 4-1/2 months, during which all hostages held in Gaza would go free, Israel would withdraw its troops from Gaza and an agreement would be reached on an end to the war. The Hamas offer was a response to a proposal drawn up by U.S. and Israeli spy chiefs and delivered to Hamas

last week by Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Israel would be willing to let Hamas military leader Yahya Sinwar go into exile in exchange for the release of all hostages and an end to the Hamas government in Gaza, a half-dozen Israeli officials and senior advisers have told NBC News. Israel began its military offensive after Hamas militants from Gaza killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages in southern Israel on Oct. 7. Gaza’s health ministry says at least 27,585 Palestinians have been confirmed killed, with thousands more feared buried under rubble in Israel’s offensive since then. In the only truce to date, lasting a week at the end of November, 110 hostages were released and Israel freed 240 Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu, whose domestic popularity is at rock bottom, faces public pressure to continue working with international mediators toward an agreement in Gaza.

Two children killed in blast near polling station in Panjgur PANJGUR

At least two children killed in another blast occurred near a polling station Washbood Panjgur during the voting for election 2024. According to police officials, the polling was stopped at the Government High School Malik Abad polling station after the blast. The security personnel were summoned to the scene of the explosion.

Balochistan launches large-scale solar projects under CPEC ISLAMABAD

WASHINGTON

Staff RePoRt

and well-being, as well as maintain overall social harmony and stability. Underscoring the need to deepen reform across the board, Xi said efforts must be made to encourage entrepreneurship and creativity among all members of society, injecting great vigor into Chinese modernization. As the totem of the Chinese nation, dragon is deemed strong, fearless and benevolent, Xi noted. He highlighted that dragon not only embodies the spirit of ceaselessly pursuing self-improvement, hard work and enterprise of the Chinese nation for 5,000 years, but also demonstrates the determination and aspiration of hundreds of millions of Chinese people to build China into a strong country and realize national rejuvenation. Xi expressed the hope that in the Year of the Dragon, all Chinese people will pioneer and forge ahead with great endeavor and dedication, collectively writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

Earlier on the day, at least five cops martyred and two others sustained injuries as explosion occurred near police vehicle in Kulachi DI Khan. As per details, the explosion occurred in Garah Aslam area of Kulachi which targeted a police vehicle. The dead bodies and injured were transferred via a helicopter to DI Khan. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja had ordered the police chiefs and

chief secretaries of all provinces to put security on high alert following terror attacks in Balochistan ahead of general elections 2024. Polling began at 8 am and continued uninterrupted till 5 pm as more than 128 million voters cast vote to elect their representatives for the national and provincial assemblies for the next five years in what appears to be one of the most unpredictable general elections in Pakistan’s political history.

Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki inaugurated an extensive solarization project of converting of various public department buildings including educational, institutions, healthcare facilities and civic departments over renewables that will provide clean, affordable and uninterrupted power supply to the public facilities of Balochistan. The Balochistan government, with the support of Chinese government, has completed the solarization of 12 educational institutions, computer labs & hospitals that have been equipped with modern solar power facilities. The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong participated in the inaugural ceremony and expressed his views through video link held at Chief Minister s secretariat, Gwadar Pro reported on Thursday. Pakistan's total solar installed capacity was 1.24 GW by 2022, representing a 17 percent increase over 2021. The government has proposed many initiatives to increase the share of solar energy in the country. By now, Pakistan s Solar Energy Market is estimated to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49.68 percent from 1.30 gigatonnes in 2023 to 9.77 gigatonnes in 2028. In the specific case of Balochistan, according to the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program, Pakistan's total technical solar and wind potentials are 2,900 GW and 340 GW, respectively. Additionally, Balochistan has the potential to implement greater than 14 GW of Renewable energy within 5-10 years through least-cost pathways, including PV utility scale plants of 9,500 - 11,500 MWp. Balochistan's geography, irradiance, and location make it one of Pakistan's most high-potential provinces, with respect to renewable. Decentralized microgrids paired with solar generation could be used to increase reliable electricity access for rural residents. While microgrids generally only provide basic electrification (high quality lighting and charging of a mobile phone), it is able to do so for multiple households at a significantly lower cost over in the long run. An estimated 36 percent of Balochistan is electrified, so this pairing has immense potential for the province. In the future, the province is poised to become the country s most booming solar power growth hub. In a remarkable turning point, International Energy Agency (IEA) recently reported solar energy is set to attract more capital investment than traditional oil for the first time ever. In 2023, an average of approximately USD 1 billion per day (USD 380 billion for the year) are being invested in the solar industry, exceeding investment in oil production for the first time (USD370 billion for the year).

Chinese welcome Year of Dragon with confidence amid nation’s growing int’l prestige BEIJING

Staff coRReSPoNdeNt

Chinese welcome Year of Dragon with confidence amid nation’s growing intl prestige China’s top leader as well as diplomats from around the world have extended greetings for the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, to all Chinese people around the globe and also publicized, introduced and promoted Chinese culture to the world. Experts said that China played a constructive role for world peace and global recovery in 2023, and in the new year, or the Year of the Dragon (dragon, also known as “loong” in China), there is a lot more that needs to be done and China will continue cooperating and coordinating with its partners worldwide to further contribute to peace and development of mankind. hinese President Xi Jinping, on behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, extended Spring Festival greetings to all Chinese Thursday at a reception in Beijing, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered a speech at the gathering at the Great Hall of the People, greeting Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and overseas Chinese. This year’s Spring Festival falls on February 10. Lauding China’s solid efforts on advancing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, Xi said the country has added certainty and positive energy to a world of change and disorder, and demonstrated its sense of responsibility for building a community with a shared future for mankind. As the totem of the Chinese nation, dragon is deemed strong, fearless and benevolent, Xi noted. Dragon not only embodies the spirit of ceaselessly pursuing self-improvement, hard work and enterprise of the Chinese nation for 5,000 years, but also demonstrates the determination and aspiration of hundreds of millions of Chinese people to build China into a strong country and realize national rejuvenation, Xi said. Xi expressed the hope that in the Year of

the Dragon, all Chinese people will pioneer and forge ahead with great endeavor and dedication, collectively writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, a number of world leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, extended their greetings to the Chinese people and communities, as this year’s festival will be the first since the UN General Assembly decided to list the Lunar New Year as a UN public holiday. On Thursday, Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged greetings of Chinese New Year over phone. Xi said it has become a fine tradition for him and Putin to exchange greetings by the turn of the year, review the achievements of the development of bilateral relations, and jointly look forward to the future. The abundance of good wishes not only reflected the influence of Chinese culture globally and its contribution to world peace and prosperity, but also showed the international community’s heightened expectations for future cooperation with China given its important role in global affairs, experts said.

The world has increasingly realized that China is probably the only major power that still stays away from conflict and upholds a neutral and fair stance on hot spot issues and multilateralism without bias. China is also one of the biggest world economies with great certainty, potential and resilience, and is the country with the

strength and sincerity to improve and reform the world order, experts said. Also Chinese people nowadays are living all around the world, and all of this means China and Chinese culture are receiving greater respect and China is also becoming increasingly confident as it opens wider to the world, experts said.

Friday, 9 February, 2024 | ISLAMABAD

Kashmir needs UN attention: Dr Fai WASHINGTON, D.C STAFF REPORT

The Chairman of Washington-based World Forum for Peace & Justice, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, has said that the unresolved Kashmir dispute, which is the main cause of tension in South Asia, needs the attention of the United Nations. Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai in a statement issued in Washington appreciated the UN’s priority areas for action for 2024 put forward by Secretary General (SG), Antonio Guterres, on Wednesday. Among other things, the UN Secretary General said, “In today’s troubled world, building peace is Humanity’s Greatest Responsibility,” and that “Humanity is strongest when we stand together.” Dr Fai said while we appreciate the principle stand that SG articulated on August 10, 2019 that Kashmir dispute must be resolved under the UN Charter and applicable UN Security Council resolutions. He expressed surprise over the omission of Kashmir from the list of priorities of the United Nations for 2024 alongside terrifying and frightening situations in Gaza, Ukraine, Sahal, Libya, Horn of Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti, Western Balkans. “This omission in the priority list for 2024 can have serious and significant consequences. It will embolden India’s intransigence toward Kashmir and provide ammunition to its propaganda. Such an error of omission can encourage India to carry on its campaign or terror and violent repression in Kashmir. It is hard to believe that this could have been the aim of SG,” he said. The Kashmiri leader said, we recognize that the Government of India would have raised objection, had SG included Kashmir in the list of priority areas for action for 2024. However, Kashmir is internationally recognized as a ‘disputed territory’ whose final status is yet to be resolved. He said it is a historical fact that the dispute over the status of Kashmir can be settled only in accordance with the will of the people, which can be ascertained through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite, also accepted by India. Dr Fai conveyed to the UN Secretary General that the oppressed, suppressed, and persecuted people of Kashmir are looking towards him to play a role in protecting their rights and ultimately persuade India and Pakistan to initiate a peace process with the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people to settle the conflict for the sake of international peace and security.

APPG stands with Kashmiris, calls for action on humanitarian crisis LONDON

STAFF REPORT

POLLING IN BALOCHISTAN WRAPS UP AMIDST LOW VOTER TURNOUT, SECURITY CONCERNS NewS

In a significant development, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir (APPG) in the United Kingdom Wednesday expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and urged the UK government to address the prevailing humanitarian crisis. The meeting, chaired by Member of the British Parliament (MP) Debbie Abrahams, underscored the pressing need for international attention and intervention in the region. Participants at the APPG meeting expressed grave concerns over the ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK, as highlighted by the Pakistan High Commission in London via a social media post. Pakistan High Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Faisal provided a comprehensive briefing to the parliamentarians on the dire situation in IIOJK, emphasizing the suffering endured by the Kashmiri populace due to gross human rights violations perpetrated by Indian occupying forces. Dr. Faisal expressed gratitude towards cross-party parliamentarians for their support and unwavering commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in IIOJK. He also extended appreciation to the members of the APPG for their steadfast dedication to advocating for the right of self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. During the session, concerns were raised regarding the plight of millions of Kashmiri women, many of whom have become half-widows as a result of their husbands being forcibly disappeared in IIOJK. Additionally, Dr. Faisal highlighted apprehensions regarding the fate of Yasin Malik, expressing fears that he may face a death sentence in an appeal scheduled for February 14th in the Indian apex court.

QUETTA

STAFF REPORT

HE polling in Balochistan concluded on Thursday amidst tight security protocols, yet marked by a conspicuous low voter participation throughout the province. Supporters of various political parties were actively present near polling stations, guiding voters in casting their ballots. Despite the palpable absence of enthusiasm, voters exercised their right to vote, expressing mixed sentiments. Waris Baloch, a resident of Saryab Road in Quetta, lamented the diminished excitement and people’s interest in these elections compared to his childhood experiences. He attributed the decline in participation to the perceived disappointment with political leaders. Contrarily, Mohammad Hussain from Hazara Town, Quetta remarked on the significant turnout, including active female participation. His observation contradicted the overall trend of low participation reported in other areas.

Provincial Election Commissioner Mohammad Fareed Afridi had reassured the public of an uninterrupted and peaceful polling process throughout the province. However, reports surfaced regarding journalists being denied coverage within polling stations, a move strongly condemned by the Balochistan Union of Journalists.

A fully functional control room, tasked with monitoring the polling process and addressing immediate complaints, was set up. Despite the absence of reported complaints, the Balochistan Chief Secretary emphasised the continuous review of arrangements for free, fair, and peaceful polls. The election process, supervised by

the District Election Commissioner and Returning Officers, unfolded from 8:00am to 5:00pm without any interruptions. Stringent security arrangements, including police levies and FC personnel at polling stations, were implemented to ensure the safety of voters and election staff. Jan Achakzai, the Caretaker Information Minister of Balochistan, reiterated the government’s commitment to a peaceful electoral process. He reported that polling was conducted peacefully, and citizens exercised their right to vote, emphasising that anti-peace elements faced defeat in both Pashtun and Balochdominated areas. Despite the overall calm, the information minister expressed condolences for the tragic incidents that took place a day earlier in Pishin and Qila Saifullah. He deplored the attempts by miscreants to target Pashtun-majority areas to influence the election process, emphasising their failure in these nefarious designs. The minister concluded by highlighting that such elements do not represent the resilient people of Balochistan.

Imran Khan, Pervaiz Elahi utilize postal ballots to cast votes RAWALPINDI

STAFF REPORT

The postal ballot polling on Wednesday concluded at Central Jail Adiala, with the imprisoned founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, exercising his voting right through a postal ballot. A total of fifteen prisoners, among them Imran Khan and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, participated in the postal ballot voting process. However, despite pleas from former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, the prison administration was unable to secure the postal ballots. Imran Khan finds himself incarcerated with a tally of four criminal convictions, three of which were pronounced just last week. Due to these legal setbacks, he is prohibited from participating in elections or assuming any public office. The sentences handed down include terms of three, 10, 14, and seven years, all to be served con-

currently. Furthermore, Imran Khan faces an extensive legal challenge, with over 150 additional legal cases pending against him. He remains incarcerated ahead of February 8 (today’s) vote. Out of the 145 prisoners who applied to vote via postal ballots, only fifteen, including Imran Khan and Pervaiz Ellahi, managed to obtain the necessary materials for casting their votes.

A designated location within the jail was earmarked as a regular polling station for the postal ballot voting. Due to the high-profile status of Imran and Elahi, postal ballots and voting materials were sent to their cells, where they marked and submitted their votes. It is worth noting that a total of 145 prisoners, including the founder of PTI, former Punjab chief minister, former foreign minister, and former interior minister, had submitted applications to the prison administration to exercise their voting rights via postal ballots. However, due to the failure of the prison administration to receive the postal ballots, approximately 130 prisoners, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Sheikh Rasheed, were unable to partake in the electoral process. The cast votes have reportedly been dispatched to the District Returning Officer (DRO) at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the prescribed manner.

Pakistani celebrities cast votes, urge fans to follow suit in General Elections 2024 ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has written a letter to the Sindh Election Commission complaining about prepoll ringing. Jamaat-e-Islami wrote to the commission alleging the sacks containing the boxes of ballot papers were torn off. “Ten boxes of ballot papers vanished,” the JI said in the letter, adding this happened in the polling station of NA -238 and PS 102 and presiding officers concerned were too informed. The JI urged the election commission to take action and address the issue.

CTD lady constable martyred in hit-and-run accident ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) lady constable, Sana Babar was martyred in hit-and-run accident in the federal capital on Thursday. According to details, unidentified vehicle hit the lady constable on Kurri Expressway while she was heading to joint election duty in NA-46. Sana Babar dies on the spot in the accident and driver responsible sped the scene. The body was shifted to hospital where it was handed over to heirs after legal formalities. The police registered a case into the incident and started search for accused.

STAFF REPORT

As Pakistanis across the country head to the polls for the 2024 General Elections, influential figures from the showbiz industry are leveraging their social media platforms to encourage voter turnout. From established veterans to rising stars, celebrities are urging their fans to exercise their right and choose the nation’s next leader. Leading the charge is Humayun Saeed, who declared “Pakistan Zindabad!” on X (formerly Twitter), passionately calling on the public to “go and vote for a better Pakistan, vote for Pakistan.” Usman Khalid Butt echoed the sentiment on his X account, simply stating, “Today is a beautiful day, go out and vote.” Hamza Ali Abbasi shared a picture on X confirming his vote, while Ayeza Khan took to Instagram, reminding followers to “get your polling station and constituency information by messaging your ID card number to 8300” before casting their ballot. Fatima Effendi, alongside her husband Arsalan, posted a selfie on Instagram, urging fans to “pay your

JI writes to Sindh election commission about pre-poll rigging

dues” by voting. Sana Fakhar did the same, posing the question, “Which party will you vote for?” on her Instagram story. Veteran actress Atiqa Odhu proudly declared her vote for PTI with a picture of her inked thumb, while Maryam Nafis shared a photo with her husband on X, accompanied by a Quranic verse emphasizing faith in Allah. Adnan Malik, star of the popular drama “Sadeqe Tumre,” also documented his vote on Instagram, while Mawra Hussain, known for her work in both Pakistan and India, posted a video expressing her excitement to participate in the elections.

With 17,816 candidates vying for seats in 855 national and provincial assembly constituencies, including prominent political figures, the stakes are high in this year’s elections. The Election Commission reports that over 128.5 million eligible voters, including 23.5 million new voters aged 25, will have the opportunity to shape the country’s future. These celebrity voices serve as a powerful reminder of the significance of this democratic process. As the nation votes, their message urging participation resonates with millions, highlighting the importance of civic engagement in shaping a brighter future for Pakistan.

Two terrorists of banned SRA held with explosives KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

Two terrorists of banned Sindh Revolutionary Army (SRA) were arrested besides recovery of explosive material during joint operation here on Thursday. The police and sensitive agencies personnel on an intelligence tip-off conducted joint operation in Memon Goth area of Karachi. During operation, two terrorists of banned SRA performing duty as security guard in factory were arrested with explosives. The detainees in the preliminary investigations revealed they were given task to install a bomb at election office or a polling station.

Voters in Lahore’s NA-122 face diﬃculty locating polling stations LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

In the electoral district of NA-122, the electoral process descended into widespread confusion and frustration as numerous voters encountered significant difficulty in finding their designated polling stations. This situation, characterized by many as the “policy of scattered votes,” intensified suspicions of orchestrated electoral manipulation. Adding to the turmoil was the absence of mobile signals in several areas, exacerbating the challenge of communication and coordination. The heated competition for the National Assembly seat in NA-122 involves prominent figures, with PML-N’s Khawaja Saad Rafique and PTI-backed Sardar Latif Khan Khosa vying for victory. Reports emerged from different polling stations that the voting process started late due to the non-availability of polling agents and overcrowded rooms designated as polling booths. This delay added to

the growing concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. In particular, the situation turned tense at multiple locations, including Ghazi Road in front of Divisional Public School, Defense Lyceum School, The Intellectual Vision High School, Government Girls School (Charrar Village), Gorsi School, and others. Residents of Defense Housing Authority (DHA) expressed frustration as they struggled to find their assigned polling stations. Noveen Akhtar, Iftikhar Ahmed, Snobia Umar, Sajjad Haider, and other voters voiced their grievances, claiming that they were unable to locate their polling stations despite their attempts. Some alleged mistreatment, stating that being supporters of PTI founder Imran Khan had led to their difficulties. Muhammad Akbar, a resident of AskariX, expressed bewilderment at the situation, stating that he had come to Ghazi Road to cast his vote but was unable to comprehend the logic behind the confusion.

Khosa registered complaints with various presiding officers, but his efforts appeared futile. At The Intellectual Vision High School, a presiding officer explained to Khosa that he had not altered votes and was following the provided list. However, he assisted in locating polling stations for some voters through different apps. Female voters from DHA raised concerns about being directed to polling stations in Charrar village rather than in their locality. This added to the discontent among women participating in the electoral process. Several polling stations, including Gorsi School and Shakar Ganj School, experienced delays in starting the polling process. At Shakar Ganj, the absence of polling agents from both PML-N and PTI-backed candidates caused further complications. At Gorsi School, congested rooms hindered the timely commencement of the polling process. After prolonged discussions, the polling agents of both PML-N and the PTI-backed

contestant were compelled to sit outside the room due to overcrowding caused by elec-

tion staff, further casting a shadow over the fairness of the electoral proceedings.

ADVERTISING AGENCIES SEE LIMITED ENGAGEMENT DURING ELECTION SEASON NEWS

AS CANDIDATES RAMP UP EFFORTS FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS, A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF THEM BYPASS TRADITIONAL AD AGENCIES, LEAVING ADVERTISING INDUSTRY WITH MIXED REACTIONS

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PROFIT

SHAHAB OMER

HE 2024 election proved to be one of the slowest ever, particularly for advertising agencies which saw limited engagement from political parties. The election cycle has seen only a minimal share of campaign activities being allocated to advertising agencies. While this has left some agencies content, others feel that the current elections have not turned out to be as lucrative for their business as expected. Political parties and advertising agencies There was a period in Pakistan when election candidates would organize dedicated teams to effectively manage their campaigns, tasked with holding rallies, corner meetings, distributing printed materials, and organizing processions. These teams were also responsible for delivering press releases to newspaper offices, helping candidates spread their party’s platform and their own messages via news articles. Over time, the role of conducting election campaigns in Pakistan started to transition to advertising agencies. This shift became particularly evident during the 2008 elections, when advertising agencies heavily entered the election campaign scene, earning significant profits. However, in the latest election cycle, although advertising agencies anticipated engagements from politicians and political parties, it has been reported that they received no substantial assignments. In a discussion with Profit, Aitezaz Sarlah, the Executive Director of Creative Junction, highlighted a significantly altered landscape for advertising agencies this time. A key shift came

with the directives from APNS and CPNE, requiring any APNS-accredited advertising agency to prepay for any advertisements broadcasted on television channels or published in newspapers during election campaigns. Sarlah pointed out that advance payments pose a challenge for advertising agencies, which typically operate on credit terms with clients and need time to manage settlements with media outlets. Consequently, traditional campaign efforts were largely absent from advertising agencies’ offerings in this cycle. Moreover, Sarlah noted the difficulty in financial recovery from political parties and candidates post-elections, regardless of their victory or defeat. Winning candidates, he observed, gain enough influence to evade payment, whereas those who lose present the loss as a reason for their inability to settle accounts. Sarlah also mentioned the presence of market players who independently finance political campaigns, confident in recouping their investments through in-

direct benefits or other arrangements, despite the upfront financial burden. According to Sarlah, in the last elections, the campaigns of PTI, PMLN, and Pakistan People’s Party were carried out through various advertising agencies. Yet, Sarlah humorously remarked that the payment process was exceptionally difficult. “Advertising agencies tend to prioritize political parties over individual candidates because a candidate campaigns within a single constituency. However, political parties campaign nationally and have larger budgets, making these campaigns more attractive to agencies. Historically, agencies would offer detailed presentations on marketing the party’s manifesto and the unique promotional materials required. Political parties would set aside a budget for campaigns, which would be visible through newspapers, TV channels, and banners along major roads. This time around, PTI’s conventional campaign is virtually invisible. Only two political

parties, PML-N and Pakistan People’s Party, have recently utilized newspapers and TV channels for campaigning. PML-N’s campaign is overseen by Inam Akbar’s advertising agency. Meanwhile, other candidates and parties are focusing on social media and digital media for their campaigns, bypassing the need for advertising agencies. They have assembled their own teams and directly pay social media platforms to conduct their campaigns. While advertising agencies can still propose and present strategies for more effective digital campaigns to candidates, the profit margins are much lower.” Aitezaz Sarlah clarified that traditional campaigns offered advertising agencies a lucrative profit margin, allowing them to retain a 15% service charge. “For instance, if a political party engaged an agency for a campaign costing one hundred million rupees, the agency could anticipate a profit of fifteen million rupees. Even after offering a five million rupee discount to the client, the client would be pleased, enhancing the agency’s market reputation and attracting more business. Yet, this profit depended on successful payment recovery. Political parties often ran their campaigns on credit, and if they failed to make payments post-election, they might compensate the agency with different projects. Currently, with the shift towards social media campaigns, politicians initially hesitated to directly and upfront pay for video production, messaging, designing, and editing. Nowadays, many politicians prefer to shoot videos on mobile phones and share them on social media, achieving their goals effectively, which is indeed a practical approach.”

General Polls 2024: Pakistan makes stride towards strong democratic system ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Nawaz ‘stopped’ PML-N leaders from responding to Bilawal allegations RAWALPINDI

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and former federal minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s allegations against party Quaid Nawaz Sharif and PML-N were part of his election strategy. While talking with media persons on Thursday after casting her vote in NA-51 Rawat polling station Bourbon, Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Nawaz Sharif had instructed party leaders not to respond to Bilawal’s allegations. She said people have rejected the politics of hate and “we did not abuse anyone in our election campaign.” She said the main election cell of PML-N is in Lahore at 180-H Model Town from where all constituencies will be monitored and all candidates will be contacted and election results will be compiled. All PML-N leaders are instructed to reach Lahore after casting their votes, Marriyum Aurangzeb said. She advised people to vote and choose your favorite leaders because voting is mandatory. Marriyum said “Good time has come for Pakistan and good days will come in Pakistan under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif”. “I have not decided whether I will be in the province or the federal government,” she concluded.

The nation on Thursday reiterated its strong resolve to democracy by exercising their right to vote in the general election 2024 for a smooth power transition to another elected set-up which will eventually contribute to the thriving democratic system in the country. It was the 5th consecutive transfer of power from one democratic set-up to another since the dawn of the 21st century (2002-2024) reflecting the nation’s solid commitment to democracy, democratic values, and norms. No major untoward incident was reported throughout the day and the polling process remained overall peaceful with active participation of the citizens who came out in droves to exercise their right to vote for electing candidates of their choice. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ensured elaborate arrangements in collaboration with security departments and other state institutions to conduct the election in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner across the country. Enthusiastic citizens were seen lined up outside their respective polling stations before the start of the polling process to elect their representatives for national and provincial assemblies. The queues surged gradually throughout the day as passionate voters – males, females, senior citizens and special persons – actively took part in the marathon balloting process in line with their national duty. The nine-hour polling com-

menced at 8:00 am and continued without any break till 5 pm, amid tight security to elect 265 members of the National Assembly and 590 members of provincial assemblies for the next five-year term (2024-29). While casting his vote, President Dr Arif Alvi urged the countrymen to use their voting rights saying that the country needed their opinion as never before. Later, he wrote on his X timeline, “The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has asked for your personal advice through your vote to elect representatives to the National & Provincial Assemblies.” Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar visited various polling stations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, talked to the polling staff and inspected the voting process as well as the facilities provided to the voters. Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi cast the first vote at a polling station in an NA-46 Islamabad-I constituency. Chief Election Commissioner

Sikandar Sultan Raja had been personally monitoring the election proceedings at the Central Election Monitoring Control Center. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), over 128 million registered voters were scheduled to exercise their democratic rights by casting votes for candidates participating in elections for the national and provincial legislatures. The government had deployed over 648,000 security personnel nationwide to ensure the safety of voters, as well as, conduct of fair and transparent polling process. Out of 648,000 security personnel deployed, 137,000 were from army and paramilitary forces, while 511,000 policemen performed duties during the election. An average of seven to eight security personnel manned each of the 90,777 polling stations across the country. In the first tier, the police performed the duty, along with the civil armed forces in the second tier and the armed forces in the third tier.

Friday, 9 February, 2024

PRAYER TIMINGS

PROFIT

The results for the General Election 2024 are continuing to filter in. The weeks to come will see independents swear their loyalties and a government start to take shape. But whoever eventually comes to power will have very little time to settle in. Hitting the ground running will be particularly important when it comes to the issue of food security — perhaps one of the most pertinent issues in the economy that remains untalked about. The new government will have to introduce a budget barely four months into their term in June. Last year’s budget presented by Ishaq Dar was woefully inadequate when it came to addressing the food security conundrum. As an agrarian economy, Pakistan has long relied on the fact that it is capable of producing enough food to fulfil the caloric requirements of its own population, and then have enough leftover to be an exporter. Historically this has been true. Over the past

few years, however, the country has emerged as a net importer of food. Food security is possibly one of the biggest problems facing Pakistan right now. In an international ranking of the Global Hunger Index (GHI) this year, the country ranked 92 out of 116 nations, with its hunger categorised as ‘serious.’ Pakistan currently faces a scenario in which it is largely food sufficient but not food secure. Despite Pakistan being ranked 8th in producing wheat, 10th in rice, 5th in sugarcane, and 4th in milk production, a 2019 report of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed that nearly 37% of households in Pakistan are food insecure. In the four years since the SBP’s report, matters have only worsened. Food price inflation in Pakistan has been in double digits since August 2019. The cost of food has been 10.4-19.5% higher than the previous year in urban areas and 12.6-23.8% in rural areas, according to figures published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Though agriculture is a provincial subject, food security has a national mandate,

as seen in the plethora of agriculture research institutions at the federal level. The 2023-24 budget really doesn’t do much to solve any of these deep rooted issues. The federal government has allocated Rs21 billion in the budget for 2022-23 under a threeyear Growth Strategy for improving the output of crops and livestock, countering

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Farooq Sattar rules out reports of attack on his vehicle 6:50

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KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader, Farooq Sattar has ruled out the reports of attack on his vehicle. In a clarification stated, the MQM-P leader said that he and his security guards were safe and sound and present at NA-244 Sarjani. Farooq Sattar said that on incident of firing on his vehicle took place and any opponent spread the fake news. Earlier, a news on social media stated that two guards of Farooq Sattar were killed and he himself was injured in attack on his vehicle.

JI’s Hafiz Naeem alleges rigging in Karachi’s elections KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi, Hafiz Naeem ul Rehman has alleged that the general elections were rigged in the metropolis. Taking to social media platform X on Thursday, he said, “Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was given free hand to occupy Karachi again.” Hafiz Naeem said that smooth and peaceful polling was held during entire day but elements of MQM entered and occupied the polling stations in the evening.

169 seats hold key to rule National Assembly ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

In the intricate landscape of the National Assembly, the magic number for political supremacy is a straightforward 169 seats for securing a simple majority out of the 336 total seats, which include reserved slots for women and minorities. This uncomplicated majority is the golden ticket that political parties aim to secure to wield influence in the legislative powerhouse. The National Assembly boasts a total of 266 seats, with 265 dedicated to general representation. However, a hiccup in the electoral process arose when the polling for one seat had to be postponed due to the unfortunate demise of a candidate. This incident brought the effective count down to 265 at present. For those keeping score, a party aspiring to clinch a simple majority needs to secure precisely 169 seats. This means having the backing of more than half of the available seats, allowing them to steer the course of legislative decisions in their favour. It is important to note that the significance of these numbers transcends mere mathematics; it represents the power dynamic that can shape the future course of the nation. With the focus on the clear-cut goal of 169 seats, political maneuvers and strategies intensify as parties jockey for position in the race for control. As the political arena heats up, every move and decision takes on heightened importance in the pursuit of this pivotal majority. The nation watches with bated breath as the drama unfolds, knowing that the path to dominance in the National Assembly is defined by a simple, yet powerful, numerical goal of 169 seats.

ECP instructs Provincial Election Commissioners, ROs to announce results within 30 minutes ISLAMABAD APP

The Election Commission of Pakistan instructed the Provincial Election Commissioners and Returning Officers to announce election results within 30 minutes or face serious consequences. The ECP, in a statement, also clarified that various media channels reporting election results based on the Commission sources were inaccurate, as it had not officially released any results.

New govt will face historic food crisis ABDULLAH NIAZI

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climate change impact, promoting smart agriculture, value-addition and agro-processing. It has also announced Rs11bn for the provision of the latest machinery, laser land-levellers and quality seeds for the agriculture sector and enhancing exports of farm produce. In terms of relief, the government has abolished sales tax on tractors,

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

other agriculture tools as well as seeds and has made customs duty zero on import of agricultural tools, irrigation systems, harvesting machines, greenhouse farming and for agro-based industries. It has increased subsidies for fertiliser plants from Rs6bn in the outgoing year to Rs15bn for the year 2022-23, a 150pc hike. A separate allocation of Rs6.0bn has been made as a subsidy for urea compost import. The government has apportioned Rs10bn for agriculture relief initiatives without giving any details in the budget documents. As the new government comes in, they must realise that the country is far from prepared to deal with a food crisis. On the one hand our agricultural productivity is unable to keep up with population growth. Then there is the problem that there seems to be no end in sight to the war in Ukraine which has choked international supply-lines. With no private investment in the country’s agriculture and a climate crisis causing floods and abnormal crop growth, there is a serious need to focus on food security.