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Monday, 19 February, 2024 I 8 Shaban, 1445
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BARRISTER GOHAR REGRETS DESPITE WINNING 180 NA SEATS, PARTY’S SUCCESS WAS NOT REFLECTED IN RESULTS
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ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
HE Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Sunday demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the ‘rigging revelations’ made by the former Rawalpindi commissioner. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside PTI General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that the party had “struggled” for elections in the country. “The PTI made efforts for having free, fair and timely elections in the country where everyone was granted a level-playing field, except her.” He then lamented how efforts were made to keep the party out of the electoral arena. “But you all saw how on Feb 8 people heeded Imran Khan’s call and turned out in huge numbers to vote,” he said. Gohar said that the PTI had won “180 seats” in the National Assembly; 42 seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 115 in
Punjab, 16 in Sindh, and four in Balochistan. However, he went on to say that the party’s success was not reflected in the results of the Feb 8. “We were given one seat in Balochistan, three are due. In Sindh, we did not get a single seat, they are all due. In Punjab, around 50 seats are due.” He further asserted that after the votes cast on Feb 8 were counted, there was a deliberate delay in announcing the provisional results. “An our majority in Punjab was diluted. Our majority in Sindh removed and the seats in Balochistan were also reduced. This is why, from day one, we have only one demand — that results be declared in accordance with the Form 45.” Another layer of controversy was added to the already disputed Feb 8 elections on Saturday after Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa of involvement in ‘rigging’ — a claim denied by the electoral watchdog and the
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OMAR AYUB KHAN ASSERTS PARTY WOULD FORM GOVTS IN CENTRE, PROVINCES
CEC should tender apology or be ready to face article 6: Haleem Adil Sh
KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh on Sunday said that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) should tender an apology to the nation or be ready to face Article 6 for the “stealing mandate of the public.” Addressing a press conference in Karachi, flanked by PTI Sindh general secretary Advocate Ali Palh and others, he said that the CEC first all failed to hold elections within time, committing “contempt of people and their mandate.” Haleem Adil Sh said that yesterday Commissioner Rawalpindi exposed the “worst election fraud.” He said he himself spent 171 days in jail, where he was put in a death cell and faced more troubles than Kalboshan Yadav. The PTI leader said on Feb 8, the nation and the Captain emerged victorious, but despite this fact, the PTI’s victory was changed into defeat. “We have all Form 45s of Karachi and all this data is put on the Internet.” He said all Form 45s of his constituency NA238 are present with him.” He said the media was given Form 45s from every
top judge. These allegations came almost a week after the polls on a day when PTI and other political parties decided to kickstart their nationwide anti-rigging campaign, claiming they were deprived of their mandate through “massive rigging”. The commissioner, who has now been transferred to the Services and Gen-
Dar confident of ‘breakthrough’ in talks with PPP on govt formation ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Former finance minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ishaq Dar on Sunday hinted at a significant development expected in talks between the coordination committees of his party and the PPP on Monday. Ishaq Dar, heading the PML-N coordination committee, indicated that the upcoming meeting, the fifth meeting between the two parties, could lead to a breakthrough, although he refrained from divulging specifics. “Consultation on various proposals was underway till yesterday,” Dar stated, suggesting ongoing deliberations between the parties. He further remarked that while progress had been made, both sides had yet to finalise key points of agreement. “We are working towards consensus on critical issues,” Dar affirmed, underlining the parties’ efforts to forge a joint declaration regarding the composition of the next government at the federal level. In another statement, senior leader PML-N and Head of Coordination Committee Senator Ishaq
Dar requested the leaders of both the PML-N and PPP to follow the rules laid down between the committees for discussion. He said that it was decided that no member or leader of the coordination committees formed by the two parties will comment on the ongoing process of discussion and the points discussed in it. The final points have not yet been settled between the parties and consultations continued till yesterday on various proposals Four rounds of consultation have been completed and the fifth session has been scheduled tomor-
row, Monday afternoon. He said that a formal joint declaration of both parties will be issued after the consultation is completed. It is not appropriate to discuss anything before the consultation is completed as per the agreed procedure between the two parties. Earlier, there were reports that the PML-N and PPP have reached consensus on establishment of a stable democratic government, which is imperative for the nation. The reports said that agreement has been reached during a meeting of coordination committees of both the parties in Islamabad. During the meeting, several proposals regarding government formation were deliberated. Both parties have agreed to meet again tomorrow to further discuss recommendations and finalize their decisions. Senator Ishaq Dar, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Senator Azam Nazir Tarar and Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan represented the PML-N at the meeting. The Pakistan People’s Party was represented by Syed Murad Ali Shah, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Saeed Ghani, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Nawab Sana Ullah Zehri, Shuja Khan, and Sardar Bahadur Khan Sehar.
Bilawal says Zardari to be PPP’s nominee for presidency THATTA
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari declared on Sunday that former president and party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari would be the PPP’s nominee for the presidency, asserting that Zardari was the only leader who can bring unity to the country. Addressing a rally in Thatta, Bilawal emphasised Zardari’s potential role in extinguishing the “fire of hatred” and safeguarding the nation’s unity, particularly in light of the PPP’s recent electoral success, notably in Sindh province. “I had no stubbornness to sit on the prime minister’s chair. I contested for you, for my people,” Bilawal stated, highlighting the challenges Pakistan faces, including inflation reaching record levels and the prevalence of divisive politics. PPP chairman urged fellow politicians to prioritise the interests of the people over their own, lamenting the detrimental impact of self-serving politics on the federation and its provinces. “All political parties should ponder over Pakistan’s future rather than their individual gains,” he remarked, addressing the ongoing protests against election results and the prevalence of rigging allegations. Regarding the PPP’s approach to addressing griev-
Rs 20.00 | Vol XIV No 232 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
ances, Bilawal outlined the party’s commitment to resolving issues through appropriate channels, including the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), courts, or Parliament, before resorting to protests. “We aim to tackle the challenges faced by the people, particularly flood victims in Balochistan and Sindh,” he asserted, underlining the party’s dedication to serving the populace. Rejecting offers of power-sharing arrangements by PML-N, Bilawal affirmed that the PPP’s focus remained on addressing the people’s concerns rather than securing ministerial positions. “I was offered that they [PML-N] make their prime minister for the first three years, and I become prime minister for the next two, but I refused. We don’t work for ourselves but for the people,” he stated firmly, emphasising the importance of democratic principles and accountability. Responding to claims from rival parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Bilawal reiterated the PPP’s willingness to support those who approach them with genuine concerns, while underscoring the party’s pivotal role in potential coalition governments. “We will talk about the problems of the people, not just seek ministerial positions,” he declared, signalling the PPP’s commitment to constructive engagement within the political system.
polling. He said PML-N showed lack of confidence in the media. He said from 22 NA seats of Karachi, the PTI had won 20 seats and two from three NA seats of Hyderabad. He claimed the party won 40 SA seats from Karachi, regretting the seats of GDA were stolen from interior Sindh. He said Jamaat-e-Islami also won some seats from Karachi. He said Hafiz Naeem showed moral courage by fortifying his seat. He asked Pir Pagara to come out like Soriah Badshah had come out against the British rulers. He demanded to release true results as per Form 45s. Haleem Adil said from NA-219 Hyderabad PTI-backed candidate Mustansir Billah took 52,999 votes and MQM candidate just 18,276 votes, but in Form 47, MQM candidate was termed winner by 55,050 votes. He said from NA-220 Hyderabad, Faisal Mughal of PTI took 52,302 votes and MQM candidate just 41,203 votes, but in Form 47 MQM candidate was termed winner by 64,561 votes. STAFF REPORT
eral Administration Department (SGAD) in Lahore, was scheduled to hold a press conference regarding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) arrangements at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. But instead of the presser, he had an informal chat with reporters in which he made the startling claims.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Social media platform X restricted in Pakistan for 24 hours: Netblocks ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Internet monitor Netblocks has stated that its metrics show that social media platform X has been restricted in Pakistan for 24 hours, “the latest and longest in a series of nation-scale internet censorship measures imposed by authorities as reports of election fraud emerge”. “Metrics show that X/Twitter has now been restricted in #Pakistan for 24 hours, the latest and longest in a series of nation-scale internet censorship measures imposed by authorities as reports of election fraud emerge,” it shared on its X handle. A day earlier Netblocks had reported a nationwide disruption to X “amid escalating unrest and protests over allegations of election fraud, following a highlevel resignation and public admission of vote manipulation by a senior election official”. The development had come after Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattah accused the Election Commission of Pakistan and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa of involvement in ‘rigging’ — a claim denied by the electoral watchdog and the top judge. Earlier on Sunday, the director Bolo Bhi, an advocacy forum for digital rights, Usama Khilji had said that X was inaccessible for many except via select VPNs. “Most users complaining their VPNs are also blocked and internet is slow,” he said, noting that there was no official word from the telecom authority or the IT minister “whose job is to ensure seamless internet access”.
02 NEWS
Monday, 19 February, 2024 | ISLAMABAD
POLL RIGGING: FOUR PARTIES ALLIANCE BLOCK HIGHWAYS AMID WIDESPREAD PROTESTS
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QUETTA
Staff RepoRt
HE four parties alliance on sunday blocked the main highways of Balochistan in protest against alleged rigging in election 2024. The activists of the alliance comprising Balochistan National Party (Mengal), National Party, Pushtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and Hazara Democratic Party blocked main highways of the province, causing traffic jams.
Electricity thieves attack WAPDA team during removal of illegal connection MANSEHRA
Staff RepoRt
A team of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Mansehra was attacked by the residents of Mohallah Wazirabad an area of Lari Adda police station on Sunday while checking electricity theft. According to details, Saifullah along with his sons and accomplices launched an assault on the WAPDA team after they attempted to remove illegal connections. The attack resulted in injuries to several WAPDA team members including XEN Rashid Ahmed Qureshi and Khaki Sub Division Officer (SDO) Danish Khalil. In response to the incident, an FIR has been lodged, and Saifullah has been apprehended with warrants issued for the arrest of other suspects involved. WAPDA employees have called for swift justice in light of the attack.
13 more children die of pneumonia in Punjab
LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
Pneumonia claimed the lives of 13 more children in various districts of Punjab in 24 hours, health department report said on Sunday. According to the report, dry cold weather has resulted in surge in pneumonia cases and 622 more cases patients were detected in a single day. In Lahore, 131 patients were diagnosed with pneumonia in which one child died. The report further stated that the total number of pneumonia cases in Lahore was 6190, while in Punjab, more than 28809 cases have been reported, while the total number of children who died of pneumonia has climbed to 392. Medical experts say that children under the age of two years were at the highest risk of pneumonia. They urged the citizens to protect children from the deadly disease by following precautions in urban dry winter.
President Alvi summons Senate session today ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
President Dr Arif Alvi has summoned a Senate session on Feb 19 (Monday), according to a notification issued by the Senate Secretariat. “In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 54 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President has been pleased to summon the Senate to meet,” it said. It must be noted that the president is bound to convene the National Assembly’s session after the official announcement of election results or issuance of its notification within 21 days, as per the Constitution.
Balochiatan-Sindh highway was blocked for all kinds of traffic near Darakhshan scheme area of Quetta by the workers of Balochistan National Party (Mengal). Central Labour Secretary BNP (Mengal) Musa Baloch and other party activists were also present. The workers of National Party blocked Quetta-Karachi highway near Bhawani area of Hub. Similarly, workers of Pushtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) blocked Quetta-Chaman highway for all kinds of vehicular traffic at the site of Kojak Dara area of district Chaman.
Quetta-Chaman, Quetta, Pishin and Quetta-Ziarat highways were also blocked by the workers of PKMAP in Buleli, Kuchlak, Yaru, Syed Hameed cross and Bostan areas. Meanwhile, Like other parts of the province, workers of Balochistan National Party staged a protest sit-in on QuettaKarachi highway in Mughal Chowk area of Kalat. The leader of Balochistan National Party (Mengal), Mir Qadir Bakhsh Baloch and others were also present. National highways were also closed by the workers of BNP (Mengal) in Turbat,
Hoshab, Surab and Panjgur areas of Balochistan province. Highways were also blocked for all kinds of traffic in Sib, Naseerabad and Bolan areas of the province. A wheeljam strike was observed on PakIran RCD highway in district Noshki. Workers of Balochistan National Party blocked Quetta-Noshki highway near Noshki station. A protest sit-in of four parties alliance was held outside the office of Deputy Commissioner, Quetta/ District Returning Officer at Anscomb Road area of Quetta against rigged election.
In Chaman, a city bordering neighbouring country Afghanistan, a protest sit in of Awami National Party held in progress against rigging in election. Similarly, a protest sit-in of Jamhoori Watan Party was held in Naseerabad area of the province against election rigging. Moreover, the workers of Pakistan Peoples Party also observed a protest sit-in in Naseerabad against rigging in election.
FAFEN urges ECP to audit election results, proposes three-stage methodology ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has proposed a three-stage methodology for the audit of election results, urging the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to scrutinize the results of constituencies that have been duly challenged by political parties and candidates at the appropriate legal fora using data analytics and forensics to establish the legitimacy of the outcome of General Election (GE) 2024. Such an audit must include representatives nominated by the political parties concerned as well as independent observers to ensure the transparency and credibility of the process. FAFEN has been advocating since 2013 for the Election Commission to conduct scrutiny of results of all constituencies before the notification of winners in an effort to strengthen the integrity of election outcomes and to minimize the post-election disputes that linger on in election tribunals beyond legally stipulated deadlines. The post-GE-2024 situation warrants an urgent and prompt response by the Election Commission to ascertain the veracity of the claims of illegalities and irregularities by political parties and candidates, and as a prerequisite to establish that the GE-2024 results truly reflect the will of the people. FAFEN’s proposed audit was a technical investigation that was purely based on the physical evidence i.e. official election documentation available with the Election Commission under Section 99 of the Elections
Act, 2017. These documents include: tamperevident bags containing (a) the packets containing the ballot papers each of which shall be sealed with the seal of the Presiding Officer or, if opened by the Returning Officer, with the seal of the Returning Officer; (b) the packets containing the counterfoils of issued ballot papers; (c) the packets containing the marked copies of the electoral rolls used in the poll; (d) the packets containing the Ballot Paper Account; (e) the packets containing results of the count, provisional and final consolidated statement of results of the count and final consolidated results; (f) the packets containing the Tendered Ballot Papers included in the count; the Tendered Ballot Papers excluded from the count; the Tendered Votes List, and the Challenged Ballot Papers included in the count; the Challenged Ballot Papers excluded from the count; the Challenged Votes List; and the Spoilt Ballot Papers; and (g) such other papers as the Commission may direct. FAFEN’s election result audit methodology comprises the following three stages: The first stage involves assessing the availability, authentication, completeness and correctness of the election documentation including the result forms, and the consistency of information within and amongst these forms. The second stage involves ascertainment of material effect of unverified forms on election outcome and taking corrective action. The third stage involves determination of the omission and commission and accountability of election officials. For the conduct of election, the Com-
mission performs its duties through its staff as well as with the support of the human resources taken from the executive and judiciary. The extensive logistical undertaking involved in conducting general elections for both federal and provincial assemblies requires the deployment of hundreds of thousands of officials seconded by the federal and provincial governments. For GE2024, nearly 1.5 million election and polling officials were appointed. These officials managed the election operations including the counting, tabulation, and consolidation of results, which has led to controversies and disputes. The election process entails an exhaustive list of forms to be maintained to document every step of the process including the results. This documentation establishes an entire trail of the results to refer to in case of any controversy. However, these forms are never referred to after their preparation, save in case of an election petition that also remains undecided in many cases for several years. Since most challenges to election results revolve around Form-45 and their subsequent consolidation, FAFEN urges the ECP to also clarify the legality of multiple copies of the forms that are generated on the Election Day. Under Election Act, 2017 and corresponding rules, there are multiple copies of Form 45: 1) copy sealed by the Presiding Officer in a temper-evident bag that is placed in the bag of election material; 2) picture of Form-45 transmitted by the Presiding Officer to the Returning Officer through mobile app; 3) original copy
Heavy rain, snowfall forecast for upper parts of country ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Rain and snowfall alert with landslides was issued on Sunday by Met office for the lower and upper regions of the country besides rain with thunderstorms in various areas of Punjab during next 24 hours. Met office said a strong westerly wave approached western parts of the country and may grip upper/central parts of the country from Sunday. There is a possibility of heavy rain and snowfall in Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch and Havelian regions of Azad Kashmir. The Met department expressed the possibility of landslides in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Guliyat, Kashmir, Skardu and Gilgit Baltistan’s areas due to rain and snowfall. There were chance of light rain in parts of Karachi.
Mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country. On Sunday partly cloudy to cloudy weather with rain-wind/thunderstorm (snow over mountain) is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region, Islamabad, Punjab, northern Balochistan. Met office said rainwind/thunderstorm (snowfall over mountain) is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, north Balochistan, Murree, Galliyat and upper/central Punjab. Gusty winds are expected in Sindh and Balochistan. Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) was expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Buner, Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan,
Pakistan to join global celebration of World Social Justice Day tomorrow ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan will join the international community in commemorating World Social Justice Day on February 20th. This annual event serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat poverty, promote access to decent work, and champion equal opportunities for all. To mark this crucial day, various organizations across the country, including government entities, NGOs, and charitable institutions, will host a range
of programs and events. These initiatives aim to raise awareness among the public about the significance of social justice and its role in building a more equitable and inclusive society. The theme for this year’s World Social Justice Day is “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice.” This theme underscores the need to identify and dismantle obstacles that hinder individuals and communities from reaching their full potential and enjoying their fundamental rights.
Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan during next 24 hours with occasional gaps. Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm was also expected in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur during next two days, while light to moderate rainwind/thunderstorm in Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan on Sunday and Monday. Rain-wind/thunderstorm was also likely in Balochistan’s areas including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel and Kohlu in next 24 hours. In Sindh dry weather with strong gusty winds was likely during next 24 hours.
While the specifics of the planned events are yet to be unveiled, Pakistan anticipates a lineup encompassing public awareness campaigns through various media channels, educational seminars and workshops facilitating discussions on poverty eradication and inclusive development, community outreach initiatives to address specific societal needs, and advocacy efforts directed towards policymakers to prioritize social justice measures in national policies and programs. World Social Justice Day offers a pivotal moment for introspection on the strides made in advancing a fair and equitable society, while also acknowledging the persistent challenges requiring sustained efforts and collaboration.
sealed in a temper-evident bag by the Presiding Officer for physically delivering it to the Returning Officer; 4) copy that is affixed by the Presiding Officer outside the polling stations; 5) copy that is retained by the Presiding Officer for own record; 6) copy sealed in a temper-evident bag by the Presiding Officer for dissemination to the District Election Commissioner; 7) copies that are given by the Presiding Officer to polling agents at the polling stations; and 8) copy that is given by the Presiding Officer to the observer. The Elections Act, 2017 does not establish which copy will be considered legal in case the available and produced copies are different and duly signed and there is a dispute. FAFEN has also called upon the Election Commission to encourage the political parties and candidates to promptly reach out to it with their complaints of illegalities and violations of the Elections Act, 2017. According to Section 9(1) of the Act, if, from facts apparent on the face of the record and after such enquiry as it may deem necessary, the Commission is satisfied that by reason of grave illegalities or such violations of the provisions of this Act or the Rules as have materially affected the result of the poll at one or more polling stations or in the whole constituency including implementation of an agreement restraining women from casting their votes, it shall make a declaration accordingly and call upon the voters in the concerned polling station or stations or in the whole constituency as the case may be, to recast their votes in the manner provided for bye-elections.
Political reconciliation necessary for saving democracy: Shakoor KARACHI
Staff RepoRt
Urgent political reconciliation is necessary to save the fragile democracy of our country, as growing controversies have posed very serious threats to the whole electoral system, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday. He said that many countries have faced the experience of a hung parliament but they have not made the whole electoral system controversial. He said that the recent controversy over Rawalpindi commissioner’s claims has created immense polarization in our country which is not a good omen for our weak economy. Altaf Shakoor said that the present polling system has once again failed to serve our democracy. We really need proportionate electoral system in which the elite class would have a lesser role to manipulate voters. He said in the present system smaller political parties have no chance to fight big parties backed by the rich people but in the proportionate electoral system they would have a better chance to reach the parliament. He urged all political parties to cut a deal in broad national interest and form a national government to solve the problems of Pakistan. He said a weak parliament would not help fight the ongoing economic crisis. He said we need to break the chain of debt burden and it could only be done with political harmony. He said his party, PDP, is fully ready to lead the political reconciliation process if the other stakeholders are ready for it.
Parting is such sweet sorrow City NoteS M.a. Niazi NE of the follow-ups of the recent election has been the resignation of a slew of party chiefs. As opposed to the previous tradition of people hanging on to dear life to the post of party chief (usually because they had founded it), we’ve had a slew of resignations. There have been two resignations coming in from those who left the PTI, condemning its May 9 actions and now they have finally come to the final and apparently optional part of the formula, which was to leave politics altogether. One of them was Jahangir Tarin, who had lost both the seats he contested, who founded the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party. Normally, that should have meant the end of the party, but since it has a couple of seats in the National Assembly, it needs to drag on its existence. I’m sure party President Aleem Khan will
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find things to do. But Jahangir Tarin wants no more of it. Pervez Khattak has also decided to resign, with the PTI-Parliamentarians failing to secure a single seat at either the federal or provincial level. The party has apparently proved as tuberculosis as him. Though Jamaat-i-Islami Amir Sirajul Haq has resigned, it is to be seen if that resignation is genuine or not. One might remember when the Jamaat contested as the Pakistan Islamic Front back in 1993. Since 1988, it might be remembered, the Jamaat had contested as a minor partner in the IJI. The Amir then was Qazi Hussain Ahmad, who led it in its solo flight. Well, it crashed and burned, winning just a couple of seats. Wazi took responsibility ans resigned, but contested and was re-elected Amir, remaining until 2009. Jamaat Karachi Emir gave up his Karachi provincial seat, saying the PTI guy had been elected. However, I’m not sure he got the seat. I don’t think seats are in the gift of whoever wins it. There has to be a byelection. Actually, that is also the case with the office of the Jamaat Emir.
I wonder if there is anything for the PTI to learn in the stroke that Indian filmstar Mithun Chakraborty has suffered. Mithun was at his height around the time Imran became captain of the Pakistan cricket team, and his iconic film Disco Dancer was released the same year Imran led a tour to England the first time. The title song of that movie had the immortal lyrics ‘I am a disco dancer.’ I wonder if Mithun could lipsync to that song now. It’s as if the PTI had a stroke on May 9, and like Mithun, who has recovered from his stroke, has managed to do well in the election nonetheless. Still, I’m not sure the PTI has got everything going in its favour even where it has won an overwhelming victory. They’ve picked Ali Amin Gandapur for CM. The only thing good that can be said about him is that he comes after Pervez Khattak and Mahmood Khan. He is probably makes a change with his fashion design degree, which is definitely a change from Mahmood Khan who had a master’s in agriculture. However, that makes both less educated than Usman Buzdar, who as
everyone knows, has a doctorate in subatomic particle physics. The question, going by the track record, seems to be when he will desert the PTI, not if. The PML-N choice for Punjab waa Maryam Nawaz, which would make her the first woman in Pakistan to head a province. She doesn’t have to do too well, for her
comparison is with Usman Buzdar, which means that the bar isn’t very high. Of course, India seems ahead, because it has had 16 women CMs so far. Of them, two have been Muslims. And the longer serving one of them, Mehbooba Mufti, was also both the daughter of a predecessor and a Kashmiri. Like Maryam.
APHC EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER CONTINUED OPERATIONS BY INDIAN TROOPS IN IIOJK
Monday, 19 February, 2024 | ISLAMABAD
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ISLAMABAD
sTAFF REPORT
HE All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has expressed deep concern over the continued cordon and search operations and house raids on the peace and freedom-loving people and activists by the Indian troops and other intelligence agencies in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the APHC in a statement issued in Srinagar said the continued operations were aimed at terrorizing the freedom and peace-loving people in the territory. The statement said the youth are being continuously arrested and summoned to police stations, adding all these pressure tactics have failed to deter the freedomloving people of Kashmir from pursuing their legitimate demand for right to self-determination.
PTI demands judicial probe into Pindi commissioner’s ‘revelations’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
According to Chattha, he was disclosing the information about alleged irregularities in the election on the call of his conscience. He also accused CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa of being a part of the “rigging plan”. He said that he had decided to resign and took responsibility for supervising the theft of public mandate by changing the results of 13 National Assembly constituencies in six districts of Rawalpindi Division. He said that he had decided to resign and took responsibility for supervising the theft of public mandate by changing the results of 13 National Assembly constituencies in six districts of Rawalpindi Division. Chattha alleged the candidates who were “losing” the elections “were made to win” and that the process to justify the manipulated results was still going in “an organised manner at some offices”. Both the CJP and the ECP rejected the allegations, with the former saying the Supreme Court only dealt with election-related petitions. Commenting on the allegations by Chattha, Gohar said the remarks had corroborated what the party had been saying all along. “This is the first time a commissioner is raising his voice according to his conscience. And he said that he made sure candidates who lost were made to win while those who won were made to lose. This corroborates what we have been saying,” he said. “That is why the PTI demands that a judicial commission is formed and an inquiry is conducted. And not just an inquiry, but those [involved] should be made to join the inquiry,” he said, adding that the report of such an inquiry should also be shared with the people. In response to a question, Gohar asserted that the party was not calling for the resignation of the chief justice. Omar Ayub Khan, the PTI’s candidate for prime minister, asserted that the party would form governments in the Centre and the provinces. He recalled how some had commented that the party would not have candidates or polling agents for the elections. “We had the highest number of candidates who filed their nomination papers, polling agents were also present […] and PTI won 180 [NA] seats,” he said. Omar said that the objective of party-backed candidates who won the Feb 8 polls would be to go to the assemblies and take steps for the release of Imran, Bushra Bibi, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pervez Elahi as well as women workers and activists. Commenting on Chattha’s remarks, Omar noted that a commissioner was a “very important position”. He called for a fresh Form 47 to be issued in accordance with the results calculated in the Form 45. He further said that the “rigging” carried out against the party was the “mother of all rigging” and was rejected by the party. Regarding Chattha’s claims, Omar said that a judicial inquiry should be conducted involving independent judges. “And those who have been named by the Rawalpindi commissioner should not be a part of this inquiry.” Noting that CJP Isa had been named, he called on the top judge to “not become a part of the Supreme Court bench”. He further said that there should be a free and fair judicial inquiry so that the people could see that one’s mandate could not be stolen. In response to a question, he reiterated that the party desired an independent inquiry and that those “accused” by Chattha should not part of this inquiry.
The APHC said Jammu and Kashmir is neither a law and order problem nor a land dispute that can be resolved by military and brutal acts. Contrary to this, it added, Kashmir is purely a political dispute that has been recognized by the United Nations and its Security Council as an issue of right to self-determination. The statement, taking a dig at the socalled and puppet Hindutva Bharatiya Janata Party regime for its heinous criminal record in IIOJK, said the freedom and
peace-loving people of Jammu and Kashmir only want their political and birthright to self-determination, which is a peaceful and democratic formula for settlement of the lingering Kashmir dispute. The statement appealed to the United Nation’s Secretary General, António Guterres, to help settle the Kashmir dispute according to the resolutions of the World Body and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and put pressure on India to stop human rights violations in IIOJK.
Contribution of Nawab Sadiq in promotion of education commendable: Baligh BAHAWALPUR sTAFF REPORT
Governor of Punjab and Chairman of the Board of Governors of Sadiq Public School, Muhammad Baligh ur Rehman has paid rich tribute to contributions of Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi for promotion of education in the country. This was stated by him while speaking as chief guest of 70th Founders Day (Platinum Jubilee) of Sadiq Public School here on Sunday. Addressing the participants, Muhammad Balighur Rehman mentioned, “Sadiq Public School reflects the vision, dedication, and determination of Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi, who is a great humanitarian responsible for the establishment of this unparalleled institution for great educational purposes and contributed with resources, effort, steps, and words of cooperation.” He said, “This institution can take pride in its glorious traditions and remarkable past. Prominent personalities who have graduated from this institution have excelled in every field of life. Even today, I see many outstanding individuals in this ceremony who have acquired education from this great alma mater.” Governor Punjab said, “All this is due to the significant historical role of this school, which the nation expects will continue to produce individuals of high caliber and maintain the highest standards of moral, intellectual, and physical education that are the hallmark
of Sadiq.” He said, “His connection with Sadiq Public School is longstanding. As the Chairman of the Board of Governors, it is a heavy responsibility for him to play a role in the betterment of this institution.” “Sadiq has played a crucial role in bringing me to this position,” he added. The governor emphasized the importance of both curricular and extracurricular activities in his speech. Additionally, Governor Punjab stated, “Today’s event, the speeches of the head boy and head girl of this great institution, have been extremely impres-
sive.” “On the occasion, he congratulated the students, staff, and especially the parents. “I can confidently say that institutions like this, along with a few others in Pakistan, are crucial in producing leaders of high standards in all walks of life and will continue to do so,” the governor further said. Earlier, Governor Punjab laid the foundation stone for new academic blocks and a new boarding house, expressing hope that the process of developing the complete infrastructure of the school would soon reach completion.
13 tourists’ facilitation centres set up in Murree to help tourists
MURREE
sTAFF REPORT
As many as 13 tourist facilitation centres have been established at various places to help tourists visiting Murree, Galyat, and surrounding areas, according to the district administration. He said that the district administration has urged tourists to get weather updates and traffic-related information before travelling to the area. It has also advised tourists to take all due precau-
tions in Murree, Galyat, and surrounding areas. On Saturday, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Punjab alerted all relevant departments in the above mentioned areas amid the likely heavy snowfall in the regions on Sunday and Monday. Tourists were being given information about weather updates and travel advisories at all entry points of Murree, the spokesperson said and added that strict action was being taken against
The realm of the spiritual SYED AFSAR SAJID
HAHZAD Qaiser’s versatility as an eminent scholar and literary figure draws on philosophy, metaphysics, and poetry. ‘Cobbler of the Soul’ is the second volume of his book of this title. It relates to his spiritual connection with Baba Sufi Muhammad Tufayl, his revered Murshid, and the recollections, reminiscences and recapitulations associated with him. ‘Raqs-e-Khayal’ is Mohsin Kamoka’s maiden publication dedicated to his Murshid late Wasif Ali Wasif It comprises some 34 concise reflective essays on a variety of subjects, mundane and metaphysical.
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COBBLER OF THE SOUL: In the general introduction to the book, Dr. Shahzad Qaiser has posited the tradition of Faqr which is a purely spiritual phenomenon versus Scientism which finds its roots in sense-experience and quantification. Baba Sufi Muhammad Tufayl, his spiritual Mentor, upheld this tradition of Faqr in his professions, actions, and teachings. To quote the author, he (the Baba Sufi) was ‘responsive to the metaphysical and religious traditions for they were essentially based on the metaphysical truth of the Transcendent (God)’. He adhered to the oral tradition and communicated in Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu languages fluently. He also revered many a non-Muslim votary of this tradition like Krishna, Bhagat Kabir, and Baba Guru Nanak for their ‘faith in One God in consonance with the dimensions of God’s Unity’. This volume is split into four parts: 1) Anecdotes, 2) Reflecting back, 3) Mystic tales of wisdom, and 4) Traditional poetry. The writer has incorporated his recollec-
tions, reminiscences, and recapitulations of Baba Sufi’s doctrinal sittings in the tradition of Faqr. He sums up his introductory remarks by saying that Baba Sufi’s ‘quintessential message consists in purifying one’s ‘mirror of the heart’, leading to the transformation of otherness into Oneness’. Emphasis has been laid on the biographical data of the saint interspersed with his major teachings rooted in the primal Islamic constructs of Tawhid, Trust, and Truth together with Faqr, Falah, and Felicity. Thus the Sufi tradition of which Baba Sufi Muhammad Tufayl was a devout votary, deepens our perception of the ‘ideals and realities of Islam’. Prof. Dr. Abdul Khaliq, a leading philosopher and former Iqbal Professor (of Philosophy) at Punjab University, Lahore, in his complimentary flap added to the book, observes that ‘Cobbler of the Soul’ is a multi-faceted document meant to pay a devotional homage to Baba Muhammad Tufayl, its author’s revered Murshid. At the same time, however, it serves as ‘a source of reinforcement and rejuvenation’ of the author’s own person ‘by dint of his continuous remembrance (of his Murshid) recorded in various modes and contexts directly as well as indirectly throughout the book’. Thus ‘he has made him very generously accessible for guidance to the seekers of Truth even now and for all times to come’.
RAQS-E-KHAYAL: The book is a maiden publication of Muhammad Mohsin Kamoka — a judicial officer by profession with a manifest interest in literature, metaphysics, and mysticism. It is dedicated to Wasif Ali Wasif, a revered spiritualist of our times whom Mohsin calls his Murshid or spiritual mentor.
PRs to restore Quetta, Lahore Akbar Bugti Express train in March ISLAMABAD
sTAFF REPORT
Pakistan Railways was all set to restore QuettaLahore ‘Akbar Bugti Express’ next month to facilitate the passengers of the routes and generate more revenue for the department. “The decision to restore Akber Bugti Express train has been taken on the directions of the caretaker Minister for Railways Shahid Ashraf Tarar,” said an official in the Ministry of Railways. The official said the train would facilitate the people of Quetta and Punjab provinces to travel to Balochistan and vice versa. Currently, the Jaffer Express was the only operational passenger train in Balochistan being run between Quetta – Peshawar, besides local Chaman and Hurnai trains. Responding to a question, he said in a bid to accommodate passengers, Pakistan Railways expanded the network of its express trains to 96 last year, running all over the country to better felicitate the commuters. “Before completing the network of 96 trains over the entire railway network, the last year the figure of trains is 86 which will be improved after the concentrated efforts of the department,” he added. The PRs official said the facilities being provided to the passengers at railway stations include waiting rooms, vending stalls, station restaurants, wheelchairs, an information desk, computer reservation facilities, public address system to inform the public about the arrival/departure of trains, provision of paramedics and 1st aid facility, online reservation facility, passenger insurance service and revival of help desks at stations facilities in trains. About punctuality, he said the overall punctuality ratio of trains has improved from 76 to 93 percent in five months owing to close monitoring and stern measures taken by Pakistan Railways at the divisional and ministry levels. “With the punctuality of trains and concrete measures taken by the department in the last five months, the number of passengers has increased by over 20 million, which is ample proof of the department’s achievement,” he added.
MQM-P delegation set for crucial talks with PML-N KARACHI
sTAFF REPORT
parking rules violators. A special control room has been set up to facilitate the people, particularly tourists. In case of any difficulty, the tourists could get help and guidance from the tourist facilitation centres. The tourists could contact Emergency Service, Rescue-1122, Tourism Helpline-1421, or PDMA Helpline-1129 in case of emergency, according to the spokesperson. He added that machinery and human resources were being used to remove snow from the roads. In case of any emergency, the Punjab emergency service, Rescue 1122 could be contacted while the tourists could also use Tourism Helpline-1421, and PDMA Helpline-1129. The tourists should check the vehicles thoroughly before leaving for the journey, the spokesperson said and advised them to keep the necessary items in view of the snowfall. He advised the tourists that in case of any emergency, PDMA helpline 1129 could be contacted. Murree district administration control room numbers 051-9269015, 0519269016, and 051–9269018 could also be used by the tourists for help and assistance. A WhatsApp number 03369804229 could also be used in case of any emergency.
The book comprises thirty-four short essays on divers topics highlighting some important social-cultural, moral, economic, metaphysical, and technological issues bearing on contemporaneity. The cumulative content of the book is an index of its author’s cerebral stance as a writer beside his professional calling as a judge. Because ‘thought never dies’ (Cf. Javed Amir, famed diasporic writer from Pakistan based in US), it moves in gyres which the author of the publication in view terms as ‘raqs-e-khayal’ — a circulatory process of ideation leading to the germination of thoughts forming the material of the present book. In his apt analysis of the book, noted intellectual and jurist Javed Iqbal Bosal observes that it embodies ‘maturity, novelty and purity of thought’ which… leads to the conclusion that ‘objective realization of life’ should be one’s existentialistic end. Truth of thought together with beauty of diction, are its (the book’s) hallmark. Thoughtful study of the book will reveal that its author has between the lines underscored the significance of ‘Ilm’ (knowledge), ‘Amal’ (action), and ‘Ihsan’ (benevolence/goodness) corresponding to ‘Ahkaam-iNazariya’, ‘Ahkaam-i-Far’iya’, and ‘Ilm-ul-Ihsan’, besides discarding hypocrisy, deceit, and vanity. He also maintains that ‘relativity’ is a common denominator of spiritual affinity in Einstein, Bulleh Sah, Ghalib, Iqbal, Keats and Donne. ‘No man is an island entire of itself/Each is a piece of continent/A part of the main’. And now some valued critical opinions appended to the book! Famed scholar and litterateur Dr. Azhar Waheed proclaims that the harmony between soul and body leads to ‘raqs-e-khayal’. Muhammad Amir Munir, an eminent judge and writer, is of the view that a masterly combination of prose and poetry tends to lend a unique literary flavour to its (book’s) content. Noted motivational speaker Qasim Ali Shah also ap-
NEWS 03
A high-level delegation from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is scheduled to meet with the top leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Islamabad on Monday (today), addressing a range of issues, with a particular focus on government formation. The MQM delegation, comprising Senior Deputy Convener Syed Mustafa Kamal, Dr Farooq Sattar, and Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, will engage with PML-N's negotiation committee. Sources have revealed that discussions will revolve around crucial matters such as the formation of the government, the upcoming presidential election, the election of the speaker, and various other political concerns. Although previous meetings between MQM and PML-N covered diverse topics, government formation was absent from the agenda. However, today’s meeting is expected to delve into this crucial aspect. Notably, MQM and PML-N have already found common ground on several significant issues well before the elections. Sources indicate that while MQM has initiated talks with PML-N in Islamabad, the door remains open for other political parties. As of now, there have been no discussions with any other party regarding government formation. The negotiation teams from MQM and PML-N are anticipated to present their final opinions on key matters, including government formation. Subsequently, the top leadership of both parties will make decisions based on these recommendations.
preciates the content of the book and the style of its author. Well-known educationist Khalid Hayat Mamoka terms the book as a rainbow of thought, introspection, observation, and experience, and their transmutation in words and images. Abid Hussain Qureshi, a distinguished jurist, thinks that the book looks like a bouquet of beautiful phraseology, novel ideas, luminous mysticism, and solemn spirituality. Sahir Islam, also a learned member of the judicial fraternity, opines that the magic of Mohsin Mamoka’s words instantly captivates the heart and soul of the reader. Poet Muhammad Nadeem Bhabha commends the maturity and immensity of the author’s thought as evident in the content of the book. Ms. Jazeela Aslam, again a judicial celebrity, in her comments praises the book and raises the hope that the author will further elaborate the subject of ‘gender negativity’ (‘manfi sinfi zehniyat’), cursorily exposed in the present volume, in his next authorial venture. All said, hopefully the book will interest a wide range of reading public for its insightful context and engaging stylistics.
04 COMMENT
Monday, 19 February, 2024
PML(N): Beneficiary vs Victim of rigging
Getting worse
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Liaquat Chattha’s claims are refusing to go away
Who profits?
HE claims of rigging by the Commissioner Rawalpindi, since relieved, Liaquat Chattha, have refused to go away, despite vociferous denials by the Election Commission of Pakistan, and allegations by the PML(N) Punjab President Rana Sanaullah. One immediate consequence has been that attention is no longer focused on the formation of the government, not that that was going all that well, with yet another round of talks between the party leaders ending without conclusion, but with the repetition of the familiar formula of PPP support for the PML(N) candidate for PM, while remaining outside the government. This does not reflect a race after sensation by the media, but the basic prerequisite of a government thrown up by the National Assembly: that the National Assembly reflect the opinion of the nation. If Mr Chattha’s claims are correct, then many of those declared elected were not elected, and their defeated rivals should have been declared elected. There was already a crisis of confidence in the elections, as there was an almost universal refusal to accept the results. As Mr Chattha’s claims only reflect one division, the possibility arises that some or even most of the Punjab’s results are unreliable. It will also have to be accepted by PTI supporters that only Punjab was affected, for the PML(N), which benefited in Rawalpindi Division, was mauled in KP, Sindh and Balochistan, and would probably come out ahead if those results were to be reversed. Already, there have been cries for re-election, but that does not appear a solution. Israel has had similar problems, with five elections since 2019, but with similar results most of the time. However, Israel does not suffer from any doubt about the electoral process. It should not be forgotten that a similar dispute about election results in 1977 ended in a mass protest movement, and led to the Zia martial law. An unfortunate difference is that the opposition is at the moment inchoate, which in turn means that there is no one to talk to. Another problem is that none of the sides involved can really negotiate. The caretaker government says that nothing wrong occurred. Nor does the ECP. The PTI Chairman is in jail. Anyhow, a bunch of independents can’t act for another independent. That all adds up to an explosive situation. The stability that these elections were supposed to bring seems to have disappeared.
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Qamar Bashir
HEN the PML(N) President was faced with Mr. Chattha’s startling confession of orchestrating rigging across Rawalpindi division, turning 13 winning candidates into losers, he may have tasked a team of PML(N) stalwarts to strategize response. Some may have advocated vehemently countering his statement while others may have advised against it. Those in favor must have cited PML(N)’s alleged benefit from the rigging and to propose deploying time-tested strategies of character assassinations labeling Mr. Chattha as a lunatic, attributing his claims to a mental breakdown induced by impending retirement pressures. His role during polling and result compilation should be dismissed. Highlighting his affiliation with PTI to portray his statement as a desperate bid for future political relevance. Demanding scrutiny of his character and family, amplifying any moral or ethical lapses. Intensifying the scrutiny of his religious beliefs and finances, exposing any irregularities, investigating into his foreign connections and properties, challenge the absence of concrete evidence supporting his claims, appealing for verifiable proof, leveraging public skepticism by framing the confessions as a politically motivated ploy to discredit PML(N) and manipulate opinion. Portraying PML(N) as a victim of political persecution, emphasizing its commitment to fair elections and democratic principles to undermine the Mr. Chattha’s credibility, create doubts about his confession, and reinforce PML(N)’s innocence in alleged election rigging. Concluding that by discrediting Mr. Chattha and casting doubt on his motives and credibility, PML(N) can effectively undermine his confession and protect the party’s integrity. In contrast to this knee jerk response, some sane members may have proposed to not counter the confession, arguing that the party should emphasize that the conduct of elections falls primarily under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission and the interim government, not the party. Therefore, engaging in a defence against Mr. Chattha’s confession could inadvertently associate the party with the alleged rigging. Any attempt to discredit Mr. Chattha may backfire, as his role in the election process was substantial, as evidenced by his involvement in pre-election procedures and his control over logistical operations, as highlighted in a recent interview with GEO, Charac-
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
EVM: A path to transparency M. A. Niazi
Babar Nizami
Editor Pakistan Today
Editor Profit
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At least this confusion could have been avoided ali Gul leGhari
AKISTAN’S electoral history has been a tale of challenges and aspirations, with each election cycle presenting an opportunity for progress. With the recent General Election on February 8, Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture, poised to embrace the transformative potential of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in its quest for transparent and efficient elections. Manual voting systems in Pakistan have long been associated with exorbitant costs and logistical challenges. The extensive use of paper ballots incurs substantial expenses in printing, transportation, and storage, straining the already limited resources of the state. Moreover, the reliance on manual processes leaves room for human error and manipulation, undermining the credibility and integrity of the electoral outcome. The prevalence of electoral malpractices and violence further compounds the challenge, perpetuating a cycle of distrust and disenchantment among the electorate. In contrast, electronic voting machines offer a viable solution to the shortcomings of manual voting systems. By digitizing the voting process, EVMs streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance transparency. The intuitive interface of EVMs makes voting accessible to all citizens, irrespective of their literacy levels or physical abilities. Real-time tabulation of votes ensures swift and accurate results, instilling confidence in the electoral process and promoting public trust. Moreover, the elimination of paper ballots minimizes the environmental impact and contributes to sustainable electoral practices. The impact of manual elections and rigging issues in Pakistan has reverberated on the international stage, with leading nations and organi-
zations expressing grave concerns over reported irregularities. The USA, the UK, the European Union, and Iran have all called for authorities to investigate the alleged irregularities in Pakistan’s elections, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic norms and principles. The international community’s scrutiny underscores the imperative for Pakistan to address electoral malpractice and enhance transparency in its electoral process. The experiences of neighbouring countries such as India and Bangladesh serve as compelling examples of the efficacy of EVMs in enhancing electoral integrity and efficiency. India, as the world’s largest democracy, has successfully deployed EVMs in its electoral process, significantly reducing instances of fraud and malpractice. Similarly, Bangladesh has embraced EVMs as a means of modernizing its electoral framework, signalling a broader trend towards electoral reform in the region. As Pakistan looks to its neighbours for inspiration, the adoption of EVMs emerges as a pragmatic step towards democratization and progress. Despite the compelling advantages of EVMs, their adoption in Pakistan faces resistance
ter assassination or personal attacks on Mr. Chattha could prove counterproductive, especially considering the attendance of interim government officials at his daughter’s wedding, suggesting a level of camaraderie that may undermine allegations against him. “The party must consider the reactions of other political parties. If PML(N) stands alone in countering Mr. Chattha’s statements, it may suggest to the public that we are attempting to protect our own interests rather than seek truth and justice. We should advocate for a fair and transparent inquiry to uncover the truth, distancing ourselves from any allegations of wrongdoing. This approach would not only demonstrate the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles but also position it favourably in the event that Mr. Chattha provides irrefutable evidence of rigging, allowing us to shift the blame onto the establishment and safeguard our party’s reputation.” After hearing the arguments from both sides, the chairman of PML(N) who is visionary, principled and upright, would have made his decision in favour of justice and fairplay and ethical leadership arguing that countering Mr. Chattha’s statements may appear politically expedient in the short term, it risks compromising the party’s integrity and commitment to upholding democratic values. Therefore, he would lean towards advocating for a fair and transparent inquiry to uncover the truth behind Mr. Chattha’s confession. This decision aligns with the party’s core values of accountability and fairness, demonstrating the public party’s unwavering dedication to ensuring free and fair elections. Opting for an impartial investigation, the party would uphold the principles of democracy and rule of law, regardless of the potential short-term political implications this decision would reinforce the party’s moral standing, serve the best interests of the nation and promote transparency and integrity in the electoral process. Expressing his commitment to fostering a political environment where truth and justice prevail, even if it means facing temporary challenges or setbacks. Acknowledging that most of the parties are protesting against rigging and even PPP has adopted a cautious approach, which would leave PML(N) as the only party countering the confession and therefore would be termed as the beneficiary. Therefore, his decision would prioritize the long-term integrity and credibility of the party, paving the way for a stronger and more accountable democracy in Pakistan. In contrast, the PML(N) leader, who was a beneficiary of the alleged rigging and stand to lose significant political capital and power if an independent
inquiry reveals the truth, his decision would likely lean towards countering Mr. Chattha’s statement saying that the party’s decision to counter Mr. Chattha’s statement would be driven by a strategic imperative to protect the party’s political interests, preserve its power, mitigate reputational damage, and uphold party unity in the face of mounting challenges. He would argue that; the party’s primary concern would be to safeguard the party’s political interests, and maintain a majority in Punjab and the centre. Losing 13 seats as a result of genuine inquiry would pave the way to lose many more seats elsewhere in the country which were won by PML(N) due to rigging. This, he would argue, will significantly weaken the party’s position in both Punjab and the centre, paving the way for the PTI to form governments in these key regions. The party would be able to prevent any independent inquiry which would protect the party’s grip on power, any political upheaval and foreinstall tarnishing the party’s reputation and credibility. It would preserve public trust, maintain the party’s image as a legitimate political force, avoid the repercussions of being implicated in electoral fraud and to weather off any potential political storm and maintain the party’s position of influence. The stark irony lies in the PML(N) leadership’s vehement decision to counter the confession, paradoxically ensnaring themselves as the prime beneficiaries of the alleged electoral wrongdoing they so ardently dispute. In a frenzied attempt to counter the confession, the entire echelon of PML(N) inadvertently spotlights itself as the sole profiteer, tarnishing its own integrity. This zealous, impulsive rebuttal not only erodes the party’s once-stalwart image of justice, fairness, and transparency but also paints it as a defender of the very rigging it purports to condemn. Caught in a desperate struggle for power, PML(N) appears to forsake political, economic, and financial stability, overshadowing the electorate’s will with its own ambitions. Contrary to its proclaimed values, PML(N) sidestepped the demand for truth through an independent investigation led by a globally recognized figure and inclusive of nominees from all contesting parties, a step that could restore faith, ensure impartiality, and guide the nation back to a path of stability and integrity.
The writer retired as Press Secretary the the President, and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Paikistan to France and former MD, Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited
The stark irony lies in the PML(N) leadershipÊs vehement decision to counter the confession, paradoxically ensnaring themselves as the prime beneficiaries of the alleged electoral wrongdoing they so ardently dispute. In a frenzied attempt to counter the confession, the entire echelon of PML(N) inadvertently spotlights itself as the sole profiteer, tarnishing its own integrity.
Editor’s mail
from entrenched political interests and economic constraints. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s advocacy for EVMs in 2021 was met with opposition from the opposition, highlighting the challenges of consensus-building in the political sphere. Moreover, as an underdeveloped nation grappling with economic challenges, Pakistan must carefully consider the financial implications of procuring EVMs. However, the long-term benefits of electoral modernization far outweigh the initial investment, making it a worthy endeavour for the future of democracy in Pakistan. The transition from manual to electronic voting systems represents a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s electoral landscape. By embracing the transformative potential of EVMs, Pakistan can pave the way for transparent, efficient, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of the people. As the nation navigates the complexities of its democratic journey, the adoption of EVMs stands as a testament to its commitment to progress and accountability. With concerted efforts and political will, Pakistan can realize its vision of a vibrant and inclusive democracy that upholds the principles of transparency, fairness, and integrity. The writer tweets @AliGulLeghari1
As the nation navigates the complexities of its democratic journey, the adoption of EVMs stands as a testament to its commitment to progress and accountability. With concerted efforts and political will, Pakistan can realize its vision of a vibrant and inclusive democracy that upholds the principles of transparency, fairness, and integrity.
Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively
Wahi Pandhi College
THE Wahi Pandhi College in Dadu district of Sindh has hundreds of students on its roll, but lacks basic facilities. Power outages are a common occurrence in the area. The absence of alternative energy sources, like solar panels, causes significant inconvenience to both students and the staff. Furthermore, the unavailability of examination forms is hindering the academic progress of the students, as they are unable to complete essential admi- nistrative procedures. The authorities concerned should ensure effective functioning of the college as well as the academic success of all its students. MOHSIN RUSTAMANI WAHI PANDHI
Freelancers in trouble
FOR sure, Feb 8 was not the first time the country faced suspension of internet and mobile phone services. The disruption was but an extension of a negative strategy that always ends up hindering economic activities. Such a shutdown on election day led to lack of authentic information, which, in turn, facilitated anyone busy in floating rumours and disinformation. In late 2023, similar internet disruptions had accounted for a loss of more than a billion rupees in merely 24 hours. With an increasing number of economic problems, coupled with an unmeasurable decrease in the value of the currency, it is crucial to avoid any step that hinders the internet-based economy. Pakistani freelancers bring in precious foreign exchange into the country, and they deserve a better deal. SHAHZADA QASIM GUJRAT
Online payment
IN the age of digital advancement, the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) is stuck with the traditional challan payment method, which requires a candidate to physically submit the fee challan at designated bank branches. Besides, candidates are required to keep the receipt safe for months, and present it at the time of sitting the test. In case of a lost challan, they find themselves navigating the bureaucratic maze of banks to obtain a duplicate. The FPSC should switch to online payment method to save the candidates from physical fatigue. HASSAN KHAN NOWSHERA
Lack of snow
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
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Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I
Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
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THE mountains in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) are covered in massive snow by December every year, but that has not been the case this year. The mountains look deserted and the locals have started to worry about the lack of snowfall. Most of the people in GB depend on glacial water and snow for irrigation and drinking purposes. The locals are unaware of climate change and its disastrous effects. The authorities should educate the locals about the phenomenon and its impacts. They must also take climate-resilient initiatives to mitigate its negative consequences. SHAHID HUSSAIN SKARDU
Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
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COMMENT 05
Natural resources: Conservation, use and reuse Monday, 19 February, 2024
They need to preserved
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Dr raJkumar siNGh
HE conservation of natural resources is a fundamental environmental practice aimed at preserving the earth’s natural assets for current and future generations. It involves the sustainable management and use of natural resources such as water, soil, plants, animals, and minerals. The goal is to ensure that these resources continue to support life and contribute to the well-being of all species, including humans. A. SUSTAINABLE USE: Utilizing natural resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. This involves practices like sustainable forestry, fisheries, and agriculture. B. PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY: Conserving diverse ecosystems, species, and genetic variations is crucial for maintaining the resilience and functionality of the biosphere. Protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, play a significant role in this effort. C. POLLUTION PREVENTION AND WASTE REDUCTION: Minimizing pollution and waste helps protect natural resources from degradation. This includes reducing emissions, managing waste responsibly, and promoting recycling and the use of renewable resources. D. WATER CONSERVATION: Water is a vital resource that needs careful management due to its limited availability in many regions. Practices include efficient water use, protecting watersheds, and treating wastewater. E. SOIL CONSERVATION: Soil is es-
sential for agriculture and supporting ecosystems. Conservation techniques include preventing erosion, maintaining soil fertility, and practicing sustainable farming methods. F. ENERGY CONSERVATION: Reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy sources helps conserve fossil fuels and reduce environmental impact. The challenges, in the way, are significant, especially in the face of climate change and increasing global demand for natural resources, but the collective commitment to conservation can lead to innovative solutions and sustainable practices. The origin and development of natural resources are deeply intertwined with the Earth’s geological, biological, and atmospheric processes over billions of years. FORMATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES: A. WATER: Earth’s water is ancient and has been part of the planet since its early formation or was delivered by icy comets. Over time, it has cycled through the oceans, atmosphere, and land, shaping the planet’s surface and supporting life. B. SOIL: Soil formation is a slow process resulting from the weathering of rocks and the decomposition of organic matter over thousands to millions of years. Biological activity, climate, topography, and parent rock material influence soil characteristics. C. MINERALS: Minerals have formed through various geological processes, including crystallization from magma, precipitation from solutions, and changes in pre-existing minerals under high temperature and pressure within the Earth’s crust. D. FORESTS: Forests have developed over hundreds of millions of years, with trees and plants evolving to adapt to var-
ious climates and terrains. Forest ecosystems are shaped by factors like climate, soil type, and disturbances such as fire and human activity. E. WILDLIFE: The diversity of life on Earth has evolved over approximately 3.8 billion years. Natural selection, genetic variation, and environmental changes have driven the evolution and adaptation of species to various ecosystems. F. AIR: Earth’s atmosphere formed from volcanic gases and was later modified by photosynthetic organisms, which increased oxygen levels, allowing for the development of aerobic life forms. G. FOSSIL FUELS: Coal, oil, and natural gas are organic in origin, formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. These remains were buried under sediment and subjected to high pressure and temperature, transforming them into fossil fuels.
DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES: A. This process has evolved from basic use to sophisticated management and technology-driven exploitation: B. EARLY USE: Early humans utilized natural resources for basic needs like food, shelter, and warmth. They hunted, gathered, fished, and later developed agriculture and domesticated animals. C. AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION: The development of agriculture approximately 10,000 years ago allowed for the more systematic use of soil and water resources, leading to the establishment of settled communities and civilizations. D. INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: The industrial revolution marked a significant shift in the use of natural resources, with a focus on fossil fuels and minerals to power machinery, transport, and urbanization, leading to rapid economic growth but also envi-
Policy and Legislation: Environmental Laws and Regulations: Implementing laws that protect air, water, and soil quality; manage waste; and conserve wildlife and natural habitats.
Wirasat tour: An exciting historical trip through Karachi
I
MUSTAFA ANSARI
have a serious question for the Karachiites - how do you spend your Sundays? The most frequent answer to the question is: nothing, just watching a good show on Netflix, scrolling through countless reels on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, or even sleeping all day long. Thankfully, Team Wirasat, an eager group of A-Level students, executed a historical tour of the prominent landmarks of Karachi. They aimed to conduct a historical excursion with sustainable practices of those historical attractions of the city, which are well preserved, well maintained, and rather unique, i.e., only a few locals know about these attractions. These include the National Museum of Pakistan, the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and to top this off, breakfast of traditional Halwa Puri at Fresco Sweets located in Burns Road, and transportation through the metropolitan culture of the city - Karachi’s very own SL Bus. With their motto of “Discover the Lost Karachi”, five ALevel students, with a group of approximately thirty touring guests, set out to explore these distinctive historical sites, on the 28th of January 2024. These people came from all walks of life, ranging from O Level students, to university graduates, Content Writers, IT Developers, Business Analysts, Data Scientists and other occupations as well - all with the passion to explore the real Karachi. This tour officially started at 11:00 AM and the day’s first stop was breakfast of traditional Halwa Puri at Fresco Sweets, which is a renowned sweet shop, serving customers since the inception of Pakistan. Just think, when the opening of a tour is so sweet, how is the rest of the tour going to be? This breakfast proved to potentially break the ice between the different guests, as well as foster healthy conversations among individuals. After the scrumptious breakfast had been over, the tour officially started with a visit to the National Museum, which contained various galleries, ranging from the prehistoric and protohistoric galleries, each hosting the Indus Civilization artefacts and Gandhara Civilization Sculptures. The museum also houses an Ethnological Gallery with life-size statues of different ethnicities living in the four provinces of modern-day Pakistan. The museum has a collection of seals and statues found at the Mohenjo-daro site. Some galleries show the clothing Muslims used to make, the pottery work done by people, glasses made by Muslims, and the apparatus that was used. Moreover, the museum also has a collection of 58,000 old coins (some dating from 74 Al-Hijra) and hundreds of wellpreserved sculptures. Some 70,000 publications, books and other reading material on Archaeology, including a rare copy of the Shahnamah-e-Firdousi, which translates as the Book of Kings, which tells the stories of kings, their battles, and their defeats. It also includes ancient Persian legends and myths, and one copy of the Mahabharat, which is one of the two major Smriti texts and Sanskrit epics of ancient India revered in Hinduism. Probably, the most impressive feature about this museum, in particular, is that it contains a separate “Holy Quran Gallery”; the National Museum has more than 300 copies of the Holy Quran (all are exactly the same), out of which around 52 rare manuscripts are on display. The organisers of this event had specially invited the CoFounder of Training Impact and Youth Impact, Mr Hamza Naseem Iqbal, as their Chief Guest, who was there to review and explain how possibly these students have put in the effort to promote tourism in their local area. Furthermore, before exiting the National Museum and departing Team Wirasat, as he had another commitment elsewhere; Mr Hamza gave a little prep talk, in which he mainly said that Pakistanis, especially Karachiities lack the culture of visiting museums, and he also acclaimed the organisers, applauding their idea of taking the Karachi residents to a city tour of the less known sites in the city, and through this guided sightseeing, connecting them with the lesser known aspects of the city, and sparking curiosity and interest in exploring and preserving the city’s history.
Moreover, he also interacted with the attendees during the trip and found them surprisingly much more curious to learn about the city than he had expected. The second stop on this tour was the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi and is located near the Empress Market in the Saddar locality in central Karachi. The church was completed in 1881 and was also the first church in Sindh, and can accommodate 1,500 worshipers. The visitors were specially given a guided, extensive tour of the cathedral by the Father, who also gave a short speech explaining the attributes of the Almighty and His many creations. The tourists, hence gained valuable insights into the Christian community in Karachi. Also, the cathedral’s magnificent structure added grandeur, making the tour intellectually stimulating and culturally rich. This was a much-needed initiative to foster inter-faith harmony and understanding of other cultures and religions, something which is sadly missing in today’s world. The last stop on this enticing event was the Quaid-eAzam House Museum, commonly referred to as the Flagstaff House. The historic building consists of arched openings, carved pillars, semicircular balconies and six spacious rooms, which include two bedrooms, two drawing rooms, one study and one dining room. A tile on the roof has the date 1868 embossed on it, the year the house was constructed. The house was named Flagstaff House as the British Indian Army rented it and allotted it to senior officers including General Douglas Gracy, who later became the second commander in chief of the Pakistan Army. The house was purchased by Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1943 from Sohrab Katrak, a former mayor of Karachi, for Rs115,000; Jinnah paid Rs5,000 in advance and then paid the rest later. Jinnah’s retirement plan was to move into the house. Fatima Jinnah lived in the house for longer; she spent 16 years here, and she even contested the 1965 presidential elections from this house. After former president Ayub Khan won the elections, she left Flagstaff House and moved to Mohatta Palace. Inside, the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum contains historical memorabilia of a bygone era, used by the Father of the Nation himself. Furniture, ancient lamps, crockery, and clothes used by the leader are creatively preserved and displayed everywhere. The study is the room that is most elaborately furnished using a reading table and chairs, along with table lamps and essential stationery. Wooden shelves stand tall here, filled with the crockery used by Jinnah and his sisters. While the main house has retained its exterior charm, the annexe has been refurbished, with interior walls being broken down to create a larger hall and the roof being modified to prevent the structure from collapsing. Most of the outhouses have also been converted into storage areas and offices, but one of them was converted into a library in 2003 for the convenience of students and scholars. The gardens have also been redesigned with repairs and restoration work being done to return them to their former beauty and you can even see the vintage cars of Jinnah and his sister on display in the garage, the likes of which are Fatima Jinnah’s 1955 Cadillac Series 62 convertible and her 1965 Mercedes Benz 200. All of this information was given to us by the only tour guide available at the Flagstaff House, and therefore, participants gained a deeper knowledge of the political and historical context through reconnoitring this landmark spot. After exiting the Flagstaff House, the organisers thanked the attendees for taking their time and being part of this galvanising experience, before dropping them at the final pickup and dropoff location of Frere Hall, marking the closure of this event at 3:00 PM. In the end, we must appreciate the endeavour of Team Wirasat, which showed us the hidden pearl that is Karachi. Finally answering the pertinent question for all the Karachiiities: what do you do on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and the answer is simple -you go on an exciting trip with Team Wirasat to discover the Lost Karachi. The writer is a freelance columnist
ronmental degradation. E. MODERN ERA: Today, the development of natural resources involves advanced technologies for extraction, processing, and management. Balancing the use of natural resources with conservation and sustainability efforts is crucial for the health of the planet and future generations. Conservation of natural resources involves various strategies and methods aimed at protecting, managing, and sustaining the environment for future generations: SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: Practices like crop rotation, organic farming, integrated pest management, and agroforestry enhance soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, conserving soil and water resources.
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY: This involves selective logging, reforestation, and afforestation efforts to ensure forests continue to provide timber, habitat, and ecosystem services without leading to deforestation or degradation.
WATER CONSERVATION: Techniques include rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation methods, fixing leaks, and using watersaving appliances to reduce water waste. PROTECTION OF ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY
ESTABLISHING PROTECTEDAREAS: Creating national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine protected areas to safeguard habitats and species from human activities.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: Implementing laws and regulations to protect endangered species and their habitats, combating poaching and illegal wildlife trade. HABITAT RESTORATION: Restoring ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed, such as wetlands, forests, and coral reefs, to their natural state. POLLUTION PREVENTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
ing regulations and technologies to reduce air, water, and soil pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources. RECYCLING AND REUSE: Promoting the recycling of materials like paper, glass, and plastics, and encouraging the reuse of products to reduce waste and conserve resources.
MINIMIZING PLASTIC USE: Reducing the use of single-use plastics and promoting alternatives to prevent plastic pollution in oceans and landscapes. ENERGY CONSERVATION AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Improving the energy efficiency of buildings, appliances, and transportation to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES: Increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Educating the public about the importance of conservation and sustainable practices to encourage responsible behaviour towards the environment. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts, recognizing their traditional knowledge and practices, and involving them in decision-making processes. POLICY AND LEGISLATION
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS: Implementing laws that protect air, water, and soil quality; manage waste; and conserve wildlife and natural habitats.
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS: Participating in international treaties and agreements aimed at addressing global environmental issues, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Paris Agreement on climate change. These methods are not mutually exclusive and are often most effective when implemented in an integrated manner, addressing multiple aspects of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
Corrupt intelligence agencies are greatest threat REDUCING POLLUTION: Implement-
Our intelligence agencies don’t want lawmakers getting in the way of their plans. They don’t want any interruption in the flow of US tax dollars to Ukraine, and they don’t want any curbs on their ability to spy on Americans
I
FEDERALIST
JOhN DaNiel DaViDsON
T was a busy day in Washington on Wednesday as the intelligence bureaucracy tried to foment a national security panic over Russian nukes in space in hopes of ramming through the Ukraine aid package and killing reforms designed to curb its power to spy on Americans. Lest you think that sounds crazy, consider the timing of the panic provocations, which came almost immediately after House Speaker Mike Johnson said he and other Republicans weren’t going to be “rushed” into approving the $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. It also came at the precise moment — just coincidentally! — that the House was debating reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, set to expire in April, that would end warrantless surveillance of Americans, which of course the White House and intelligence agencies oppose. All of it just goes to show that the most serious threat facing America isn’t Russian nukes in space or overseas terrorist plots, it’s the political class in Washington and our intelligence agencies that think they’re above the law. Here’s what happened. On Wednesday, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner issued a cryptic warning about a “national security threat” related to a “destabilizing foreign military capability” so grave that President Biden should declassify all information about it immediately. Soon thereafter, anonymous sources leaked to the press that the threat was about Russia wanting to put nuclear weapons in space. This prompted a flood of statements from Republicans and Democrats that the threat was very serious — but not to worry, they have the situation under control. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters he had already scheduled a briefing with congressional leaders on the matter before Turner made his statement, and don’t worry, President Biden “is going to ensure the security of the American people.” Democrat House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a helpful statement clarifying what all this was really about: “The most urgent national security threat facing the American people right now is the possibility that Congress abandons Ukraine and allows Vladimir Putin’s Russia to win.” Meanwhile, Congress was set to take up proposed reforms to Section 702 of FISA that would put an end to warrantless spying on Americans. The intelligence agencies and the White House have been very clear about their opposition to those reforms and that they would very much like
to keep spying on Americans without having to obtain a warrant. They’ve been using the press to pressure Congress to scrap the reforms. On Tuesday, the FBI shared newly declassified information with Politico revealing it used Section 702 to foil a terrorist plot on U.S. soil last year — a nonetoo-subtle suggestion that if they had to bother with getting a warrant, they wouldn’t be able to stop these kind of terrorist plots. What happened next is telling. Even though the House Republicans who were pushing for the FISA reforms appeared to be winning the debate, in the aftermath of the hysteria over Russia nukes in space, Speaker Johnson pulled the bill and canceled Congress for the rest of the week. It doesn’t take a conspiracy theorist to figure out what happened here. Our intelligence agencies don’t want lawmakers getting in the way of their plans. They don’t want any interruption in the flow of U.S. tax dollars to Ukraine, and they don’t want any curbs on their ability to spy on Americans. The irony here is that the U.S. intelligence community itself has become a far greater threat to our republic than Russia or any other country. As journalists Michael Shellenberger, Matt Taibbi, and Alex Gutentag reported Tuesday, the CIA asked foreign intelligence agencies to spy on more than two dozen Trump associates as early as 2015 and share the intelligence they acquired. This surveillance operation would later be used to launch the Crossfire Hurricane investigation and craft the Russia-collusion hoax. “Until now, the official story has been that the FBI’s investigation began after Australian intelligence officials told US officials that a Trump aide had boasted to an Australian diplomat that Russia had damning material about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton,” the report says. But in fact, the report alleges, U.S. intelligence agencies tasked the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia — the other members of the so-called “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance — to surveil 26 Trump associates identified by President Barack Obama’s CIA director, John Brennan. The purpose of this surveillance wasn’t to discover whether Trump associates were colluding with Moscow. It was to make contacts and create interactions with those people through the Five Eyes agencies and then report those contacts to the FBI as suspicious, thus establishing a pretext for the FBI Crossfire Hurricane investigation. And as we all know, Crossfire Hurricane notoriously abused FISA to spy on Trump associates — to say nothing of its ultimate purpose, which was to destroy Trump’s candidacy and, failing that, his presidency. So please, let’s not get distracted with hysterics about Russian nukes in space. Want to know where the real threat to our country is? It’s not in space or in Moscow. It’s in Washington.
John Daniel Davidson is a senior editor at The Federalist. His writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Claremont Review of Books, The New York Post, and elsewhere. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Pagan America: the Decline of Christianity and the Dark Age to Come, to be published in March 2024.
06 NEWS
RUSSIA TAKES AVDIIVKA FROM UKRAINE, BIGGEST GAIN IN NINE MONTHS
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MOSCOW/ KYIV AGENCIES
USSIA on Sunday said it had full control of the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka after Ukraine withdrew though Moscow said that some Ukrainian troops were still holed up in a vast Soviet-era coke plant after one of the most intense battles of the war. The fall of Avdiivka is Russia’s biggest gain since capturing the city of Bakhmut in May 2023, and comes almost two years to the day since President Vladimir Putin triggered a full-scale war by ordering the invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s defence ministry said its troops had advanced 8.6 km (5.3 miles) in that part of the 1,000-km (620-mile) front line, and that Russian troops were pressing forward after a deadly urban battle that has left the town an almost completely depopulated wreck. Ukraine said it had withdrawn its soldiers to save troops from being fully surrounded after months of fierce fighting. Putin hailed the fall of Avdiivka as an important victory and congratulated Russian troops. After the failure of Ukraine to pierce Russian lines last year, Moscow has been trying to grind down Ukrainian forces just as Kyiv ponders a major new mobilisation
and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appoints a new commander to run the war. “The head of state congratulated Russian soldiers on this success, an important victory,” the Kremlin said in a statement on its website. But Russia said some Ukrainian forces were still holed up at the Sovietera coke plant, once one of Europe’s biggest, in Avdiivka, which is key to Russia’s aim of securing full control of the industrial Donbas region. “Measures are being taken to completely clear the town of militants and to block Ukrainian units that have left the town and are entrenched at the Avdiivka
Curtain falls on two-day tent-pegging extravaganza LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
A two-day tent pegging competition organised by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) at the Fortress Stadium concluded on Sunday, its spokesperson said. Neatly dressed skilled horse riders, both men and women, across the country gathered over the weekend to compete at the “Chief Minister Tent Pegging Championship” to show their mettle. This included professional riders as well as participants from the police and paramilitary forces. According to the spokesperson, the majority of the participants were from interior Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where tent pegging is hugely popular within the local communities. Ancient military tactic turned modern sport, the roots of tent pegging are debated, with some suggesting ties to Alexander the Great or the Persian empire. However, historical records link its origin to Indian cavalry during the British Raj. PHA Director General Muhammad Tahir Wattoo extended a warm welcome to the chief guest, caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, at the venue. During the closing ceremony, Mr. Naqvi presented prizes to the winning teams and individuals. Mr. Wattoo pointed out that tent pegging, an important sport for warriors in history, is now a key part of PHA’s sports activities. He also stressed the crucial role of government patronage in ensuring the survival and flourishing of tent pegging. PHA, he added, is committed to expanding opportunities for sports and recreational activities for the residents of Lahore.
China to step up patrols near Taiwan after 2 killed in deadly boat incident BEIJING
AGENCIES
China on Sunday said it would step up law enforcement patrols in waters near Taiwan after two Chinese nationals died in a boat incident involving Taiwan’s coast guard. A Chinese boat was carrying four people when it capsized on Wednesday near the Kinmen islands while pursued by the Taiwanese coast guard. All four on board were thrown into the water and two of the crew later died. The Chinese coast guard said it would “carry out regular law enforcement patrol operations” in the area. The patrols are intended to “further maintain the order of operations in relevant waters and protect the safety of fishermen’s lives,” Gan Yu, a spokesperson for the Chinese coast guard, said in a statement. China has condemned democratic Taiwan for the incident and urged the island to release the two surviving members of the boat crew, who were detained. Taipei in turn blamed Beijing, saying the boat was “within prohibited waters” around the Kinmen islands — a territory administered by Taiwan but located just five kilometres from China’s city of Xiamen.
Coke and Chemical Plant,” Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said. There was no public comment yet by Ukrainian authorities on this. Russian state television showed blue and yellow Ukrainian flags being taken down in Avdiivka and Russia’s white, blue and red tricolour flag raised, including over the coke plant. Russia cast the Ukrainian withdrawal as rushed and chaotic, with some soldiers and weapons left behind. The Ukrainian military said there had been casualties but that the situation had stabilised somewhat after the retreat.
Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering the full-scale war after eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces on the one side and pro-Russian Ukrainians and Russian proxies on the other. Avdiivka, which is called Avdeyevka by Russians, has endured a decade of conflict. It holds particular symbolism for Russia as it was briefly taken in 2014 by Moscow-backed separatists who seized a swathe of eastern Ukraine but was then recaptured by Ukrainian troops who built extensive fortifications. WEAPONS SHORTAGES: US President Joe Biden had warned that Avdiivka could fall to Russian forces because of ammunition shortages following months of Republican congressional opposition to a new US military aid package for Kyiv. A White House statement said Biden called Zelenskiy on Saturday to underscore the US commitment to continue supporting Ukraine and reiterated the need for Congress to urgently pass the package. The White House said the withdrawal had been forced upon Ukraine “by dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction,” that had forced Ukrainian soldiers to ration ammunition and resulted in “Russia’s first notable gains in months”.
17 years on, India denying justice to Samjhauta Express attack affectees ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Despite lapse of 17 years, the Indian government continues to deny justice to the families of victims of the Samjhauta Express terrorist attack despite availability of evidence. On February 18, 2007, 68 persons, mostly Pakistanis, were killed in bomb blasts in Samjhauta Express, a cross border train service between Pakistan and India, said a report released, today, by Kashmir Media Service. The report maintained that the bombs were planted by Hindutva terrorists with connivance of Indian secret agencies. The report deplored that the Indian government continues to deny justice to the families of victims of the heinous act despite availability of evidence. It said that the bombs were planted by Hindutva terrorists in the connivance with the Indian secret agencies to malign Pakistan. The report maintained that acquittal of those involved in blasts showed Hindutva extremists enjoy impunity under Modi-led BJP/RSS/VHP and Bajrang Dal govt in India and that the Indian court decision in this regard was a reflection of Indian state policy to protect the Hindutva terrorists. Despite the passage of 17 years, families of victims of Samjhauta Express terrorist attack still await justice while the Indian court ac-
quitted four culprits involved in Samjhauta Express blast owing to their Hindutva connections The Samjhauta Express bombing was a false flag operation aimed at maligning Pakistan while the Indian secret agencies like RAW have staged several Samjhauta Express blasts like false flag ops to defame Pakistan. The international community and peace-loving countries must realize that the RSS-backed Hindutva BJP government is a threat to global and regional peace. It deplored that the Indian court acquitted four Hindu terrorists despite having evidence of their involvement in the heinous act, adding the court acquitted four culprits owing to their Hindutva connections. It pointed out that the court decision came even after a Hindu extremist leader and affiliated with
RSS, Swami Aseeman and confession during the investigations of having been a part of the incident. The report maintained that acquittal of those involved in blasts showed Hindu extremists enjoy impunity under Modi-led fascist Indian government and that the court decision in this regard was a reflection of Indian state policy to protect Hindu terrorists. It lamented that Indian agencies had blamed a Pakistan-based group despite seeing a clear Hindutva link to the Samjhauta blast. The report said that Samjhauta Express bombing was a false flag operation aimed at maligning Pakistan. It pointed out that the Indian secret agencies had staged several Samjhauta Express blasts like false flag operations to defame Pakistan, adding the world must realize that the RSS-backed fascist BJP regime is a threat to global peace.
Netanyahu could surprise Israelis with Hamas deal next week
TEL AVIV: Israel has sent negotiators for truce talks in Cairo as requested by U.S. President Joe Biden but they did not go back for further talks because Hamas’ demands were “delusional,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. On the other hand, as per unverified online reports, Benjamin Netanyahu could surprise Israelis with a Hamas deal for the release of hostages in the next week. Netanyahu also said Israel would not give in to “international dictates” regarding a statehood agreement with the Palestinians, which he said could only be reached through direct negotiations without preconditions. The Egyptian and Qatari-mediated talks to try to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of over 100 Israeli hostages being held in the Hamas-ruled territory have yet to produce results. A round of inconclusive talks in Cairo ended on Tuesday. Asked during a press conference on Saturday why Israeli negotiators did not return for further talks, Ne-
tanyahu said: “We got nothing except for delusional demands from Hamas.” Those demands, he said, included ending the war and leaving Hamas as it is, freeing “thousands of murderers” from Israeli jails, and even demands regarding a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem known as the Temple Mount in Judaism and the Noble Sanctuary in Islam. He said Israeli representatives in Cairo “sat and listened and there was no change. I wanted to say not a millimeter – but there was not a nanometer of change.” Netanyahu said there was no reason for them to go back “until we see a change”. Adding pressure on Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas, thousands of Israelis gathered outside the military headquarters in Tel Aviv in support of the hostages still in Gaza. They held up photographs and signs calling for their release, including one that read: “Time is running out!”
Monday, 19 February, 2024 | ISLAMABAD
‘Delhi Chalo’: Farmers March continue on fifth day in India NEW DELHI
AGENCIES
Indian farmers’ march continued on the fifth day as thousands of farmers, led by 250 farmer unions, gathered and protested for guaranteed minimum prices, debt relief, crops, and policy reforms, in the outskirts of New Delhi. As per Indian media reports, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ograhan) also announced to protest outside the residences of three senior BJP leaders in Punjab. According to Economic Times, another farmers faction, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), also announced plans to escalate their protest against the BJP’s Modi government’s anti-farmers policies. Bharatiya Kisan Union Punjab former chief minister Amarinder Singh, BJP’s Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar, and senior leader Keval Singh Dhillon are ready to stage outside the homes. It is pertinent to note that India has been heading towards general elections this year amid the allegations of anti-Muslim and anti-minorities policies by the center government of India led by BJP. The Hindutva party is expecting to get a third term in office at times when India’s PM has inaugurated the Ram Temple on the site of the Babri mosque violating the basic rights of Muslims, which are the largest minority in India. Declaring its support for farmers with the “Delhi Chalo March”, the union will also protest at hundreds of toll plazas across India. Bharatiya Kisan Union Tractor Rally led by Gurunam Singh Charuni will take out a tractor rally today in solidarity with the Delhi Chalo March. The Delhi Chalo March, which started on Tuesday, has been stopped for the fifth day by the security personals in the border areas of Shambhu and Khanuri Despite the heavy-handed tactics of the Modi government, it has been announced that the march will continue until the demands of the farmers are accepted.
Mushahid hopes Pakistan can join BRICS with Russian support
MOSCOW AGENCIES
Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Senator Mushahid Hussain has hoped that Pakistan could join the BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation being evolved into a cohesive geopolitical bloc, and welcomed ‘Russian goodwill for Pakistan’. The Senator is visiting Russia on the invitation of the ruling ‘United Russia’ party, during which he met Former President Dmitri Medvedev (who’s number two to President Putin) and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, a news release here received said. He also attended the newly-formed International Forum for ‘Freedom of Nations’ where he was elected as a Member of the Forum’s 20-member Standing Committee. The Forum was organized by the United Russia party. Senator Hussain co-chaired the Forum’s plenary session where Foreign Minister Lavrov spoke and Senator Hussain had a comprehensive exchange with former President Dmitri Medvedev, now Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia. Senator Hussain and Dmitri Medvedev discussed Pakistan-Russia relations, the situation in Afghanistan, the war in Gaza, and the ‘unlimited possibilities for Pakistan-Russian collaboration in the region, particularly on energy & economic connectivity’, adding ‘Pakistan core interests are linked to this region, where Russia is a key factor’. Senator Hussain told Mr Medvedev that the probable election of President Trump in the US Presidential elections in November 2024 would qualitatively change the region’s geopolitics. Senator Hussain said he found ‘tremendous goodwill’ for Pakistan in all official and popular circles in Moscow. During the visit, Senator Mushahid Hussain also delivered a lecture at the Russian Diplomatic Academy, the first prominent Pakistani to be invited to address the Diplomatic Academy in 50 years. The topic of the talk was ‘Pakistan and the changing regional scenario’. Senator Hussain during his talk also highlighted the fact that there’s ‘no fundamental conflict of interest’ between Pakistan and Russia‘, therefore, ‘Pakistan has remained neutral on Ukraine, abstaining on voting in the United Nations on this issue’. He welcomed growing relations between Pakistan and Russia especially in the field of energy, connectivity, education, regional security including Afghanistan and cooperation at multilateral fora including SCO and UN.
Lifesaving medical care collapsing under Israeli assault in Gaza: WHO GAZA
AGENCIES
The largest remaining hospital in southern Gaza is “barely functional”, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Friday, amid reports of intense attacks by Israeli forces. There have been reports of damage to Nasser Hospital’s orthopedic unit, reducing its ability to provide urgent medical care, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic, told reporters at a press briefing in Geneva. “More degradation to the hospital means more lives being lost,” he said. According to the UN agency, of the 36 hospitals in the war-ravaged enclave, only 11 are functioning. There are also reports that several patients have died during the Israeli operation. The Israeli military has alleged that Hamas was holding hostages or withholding the bodies of Israelis within the Al
Nasser compound, situated in Khan Younis. The hospital has been providing lifesaving services to the most critically ill and has been a refuge to countless civilians displaced from elsewhere in the Gaza Strip, it was pointed out. Jasarevic added that WHO was trying to gain urgent access to the complex. “We really need to get there to bring fuel so [the] hospital can continue to function and those patients who are still there can continue to receive medical care,” he said, also stressing the need to assess the conditions of patients and for their safe referral to other facilities. “We have been saying all this time…that patients, health workers, and civilians who are seeking refuge in hospitals deserve safety and not a burial in those places of healing,” he added. Meanwhile, intense Israeli bombardment from air, land and sea continues to be re-
ported across much of the Gaza Strip, resulting in further civilian casualties, displacement and infrastructure damage, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. “Widespread ground operations and heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups also continue to be reported, especially in the centre of Khan Younis and east of Deir al Balah,” OCHA noted in a flash update issued on Friday. Between the afternoon of 15 February and 11:00 AM on 16 February (local times), according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, 112 Palestinians were killed, and 157 Palestinians were injured; and since 7 October, at least 28,775 Palestinians were killed in Gaza and a further 68,552 reported injured. OCHA also relayed reports that intensified airstrikes on Rafah and statements by Israeli officials of a ground operation, have led
to the movement of people sheltering there towards the town of Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza. Over half of Gaza’s population is
crammed into Rafah, which is located at the southern end of the strip, in an area that represents just a fifth of the enclave’s land area.
Monday, 19 February, 2024 | ISLAMABAD
CORPORATE CORNER Fly Jinnah inaugurates first int’l flight connecting Islamabad, Sharjah
KARACHI: Fly Jinnah celebrated the inaugural flight of its first international route from Islamabad, Pakistan, to Sharjah, UAE with a dual ceremony at Islamabad International Airport before departure and at Sharjah International Airport, where the aircraft received a warm welcome upon arrival. The inaugural flight carried onboard Fly Jinnah’s senior leadership along with a group of travel agents, media, and social media personalities among others. The inaugural ceremony at Sharjah International Airport was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute and followed by a welcome ceremony at Sharjah Airport attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador in the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi in addition to senior management representing Sharjah International Airport and Air Arabia. Speaking on the occasion, the spokesperson of Fly Jinnah said: “Yesterday marked a significant milestone for Fly Jinnah as we inaugurated our first international flight after a successful year of domestic operations. Sharjah’s location serves as a perfect gateway to the United Arab Emirates with its proximity to the rest of the country. This step also reflects our unwavering commitment to providing our passengers with more travel options as we look forward to expanding our network to more exciting destinations”. PR
‘Pakistan Cultural Corner’ established at Borisov Central Library in Minsk
MINSK: As part of the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and Belarus, Ambassador of Pakistan to Belarus Sajjad Haider Khan and Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee Mr. Nikolai Shvaibovich jointly inaugurated a “Pakistan Cultural Corner” in Borisov Central Library. This corner showcases a collection of Pakistani artwork, literature, and artifacts, introducing the cultural and artistic heritage of Pakistan. Over the past three years, the Embassy has been actively promoting collaborations by hosting various artrelated events including master classes by prominent Pakistani Artists at the Borisov Central Library. The event was attended by the Head of the Cultural Department of Borisov District Executive Committee Ms. Skakun Natalia, representatives of Borisov District Executive Committee, the Pakistani diaspora, Mass Media representatives, and library staff. As Pakistan and Belarus look forward to further strengthening their bilateral relations, initiatives like the Cultural Corner signify the eagerness and commitment of both countries to establishing more meaningful cultural, artistic, and educational collaborations. PR
Breeders urged to use latest technology for high yielding, climate, insects resilient crops
FAISALABAD: Renowned world wheat genetics and genomics scientists, and founding Director Wheat Genetics Resources Center, Kansas State University US, Prof Dr Bikram S Gill has urged the young breeders to work with a great burst of energy for introducing high yielding, climate and insect resilient crops by using emerging technologies in order ensure food security and feed the ever increasing population of the world. This was stated by him while addressing a public lecture on emerging technologies for crop improvement in Pakistan at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad on Sunday. For nearly 50 years, Gill's research has focused on conserving wild and ancient grains and utilizing them in the breeding of modern wheat varieties, particularly bread wheat that were more nutritious and diseaseresistant and high-yielding. Prof Dr Bikram S Gill said they had world large range of the genotype of the wheat that was available for the scientists of the globe. PR
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INTERIM GOVT ACHIEVES 13, OUT OF 15 GOALS, SET FOR IT SECTOR PROMOTION: DR SAIF NEWS
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
INISTER for Information Technology and Telecommunication Dr. Umar Saif has said the caretaker government had successfully achieved 13 goals, out of 15, set to promote the IT sector and increase its exports within a brief period of 5 months. In a video message, he said, “We have achieved 13 out of 15 important targets for the promotion of the IT & telecom sector in a short period of 5 months in the caretaker set-up. The forum of SIFC will prove to be a great support for the upcoming elected government in building and developing the country, and the elected government will also reap the benefits of the measures we have taken during the caretaker period.” “We worked with the SIFC and the State Bank to make a significant policy intervention, allowing IT companies to keep 50% of their export revenue in dollars in an account in Pakistan and make
their international expenses without any restrictions from this amount,” he further explained. He said that with this decision, allowing the retention of 50 percent in dollars, the country’s IT exports have increased by 32 percent in the last 60 days. Dr. Umar Saif highlighted that the establishment of the Telecom Tribunal fulfills a longstanding demand of the
telecom sector. The specialized Tribunal will now handle telecom sector disputes and cases instead of the High Courts, aiming to expedite the resolution of legal issues and facilitate rapid progress in the telecom sector. According to the minister, the Ministry of Law will nominate the chairperson and members of the Tribunal.
Pakistan’s earns $1,454m from IT services’ export in six months ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan earned US $1,454.881 million by providing different Information Technology (IT) services to various countries during the first six months of the current fiscal year 2023-24. This shows a growth of 8.98 per cent as compared with the US $1,334.969 million earned through the provision of services during the corresponding months of the last fiscal year 2022-23, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported. During the months under review, the export of computer services grew by 10.32 per cent as it surged from US $1,064.579 million last year to US $1,174.481 million during July-December 2023-24. Among the computer services,
the exports of software consultancy services witnessed a nominal decrease of 180 per cent, from US $3.394 million to US $3.333 million this year while the export of hardware consultancy services surged by 3.401 per cent, from US $391.570 million to US $404.875 million. The export of repair and maintenance services however decreased by 39.15 per cent from US $1.530 million to US $0.930 million whereas the export and imports of computer software services surged by 2.79 per cent, from $302.376 million to $310.807 million. Meanwhile, the export of information services during the months under review dipped by 19.72 per cent from US $2.180 million to US $1.750 million. Among the information services, the exports of information-related
services increased by 3.64 per cent, from US $0.687 million to US $0.712 million whereas the exports of news agency services however decreased by 30.48 per cent, from US $1.493 million to US $1.038 million. The export of telecommunication services increased by 3.89 per cent as these went down from US $268.0210 million to US $278.650 million, the data revealed. Among the telecommunication services, the export of call centres services increased by 12.14 per cent during the months as its exports increased from US $107.006 million to US $119.994 million whereas the export of other telecommunication services witnessed a decrease of 1.58 per cent, from US $161.204 million to US $158.656 million during this year, the PBS data revealed.
IIUI hosts grand finale of Quran memorization contest, Mehfil-e-Qirat ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The final of the All-Pakistan Memorization of the Qur'an (with Tajweed) competition and the international Mehfil-e-Qir'at was organized by International Islamic University's Public Relations Department and Ittihad Al-Qura Pakistan Al-Alami. The competition held in the Faisal Mosque of IIUI, was participated by 15 hufaz who made it to the finals after the competition between 500 children from schools and madrasas across Pakistan. In Mehfil e Husn e Qirat, famous Egyptian Qura Sheikh Samir Bilal and Sheikh Yasir Saraya as well as Pakistani Qurra including Yasir Sohail Tareen recited. Hafiz Moeedullah of Pishin district of Balochistan won the competition and was given an Umrah ticket as a prize. The second position and 20,000 cash prize went to Hafiz Muhammad Nauman of Haripur, while the third position along with 10,000 cash prize was won by Muhammad Mujahid, a student of Lodhran. In the concluding ceremony, Nasir Farid, Head of
Public Relations Department of International Islamic University, Chairman of Ittihad Al-Qura Qari Muhammad Zaman Usmani and Ulema distributed prizes to the winners. Chief Judge Maulana Qari Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, Azad Kashmir, Maulana Qari Abdul Sattar Shah, Abbottabad and Maulana Qari Abdul Qayyum Batalvi of Attock District performed the duties of judges. Speaking on this occasion, Incharge of Public Relations IIUI, Nasir Farid said that the main objective of the International Islamic University is the promotion of Islamic teachings, free from sectarianism and purely focused on research. He said affiliation with the Qur'an is the source of success in this world and the hereafter. He added that Qur'an is a book of action and we can pay our respect and love to it only by practically including it in our lives. He said that Faisal Mosque is a gift from Saudi Arabia to the people of Pakistan and recently, with the personal interest of H.E. Nawaf Al-Maliki, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi government has announced funding for the renovation of Faisal Mosque. He said the entire Pakistani nation is grateful to him.
The Chairperson must be a Judge of the High Court or a lawyer with 15 years of experience, he said. Similarly, the Tribunal will have 2-member technocrats, whose number may be increased or decreased from time to time. The minister believes that this specialized approach will lead to faster and more efficient resolution of disputes, contributing to the overall advancement of the telecom industry. He said, “The effective implementation of the Right of Way Policy, the Special Investment Council has removed all departmental hurdles, and all decisions in the interest of the country and the nation have been approved without delay.” He said that the ministry is concurrently establishing a research and development fund to support mobile phone manufacturing companies and facilitate the growth of the mobile phone manufacturing sector. Dr. Umar Saif said that the first standardized quality test for the 75,000 information technology graduates will be conducted soon.
K.H.A Business & IR hosts dinner to celebrate Pak-China-Turkiye friendship
KARACHI: K.H.A Business and International Relations hosted a dinner in honor of the Consulate General of China, Yang Yundong and the Consul General of Turkey, Cemal Sangu, to celebrate PakChina friendship marking the completion of 73 years of diplomatic relations and also to celebrate the New Year of China. A cake cutting ceremony was held during the event. Among the attendees were President of K.H.A Business and International Relations, CEO Kafeel Hussain Group, and renowned architect Kafeel Hussain, Consul General of Oman Engineer Sami Al Khanjari, Consul General of Indonesia Dr. June Kuncoro Hadiningrat, Consul General of Malaysia Herman Hardynata Ahmad, Consul General of Japan Hattori Masaru, Diplomats from Qatar, UAE & Indonesia, President Pakistan Tax Bar Association Anwar Kashif Mumtaz, President Karachi Business Forum and Think Tank Rashid Ahmed Siddiqui, along with other prominent business personalities and dignitaries of the city. Addressing the gathering, President of K.H.A Business and International Relations, CEO Kafeel Hussain Group, and renowned architect Kafeel Hussain stated that Pakistan is keen on enhancing relations with countries worldwide. He emphasized the strong fraternal ties between Pakistan, China, and Turkey, and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen them further. He also stressed on the vast opportunities for business and investment in Pakistan and expressed their endeavor to promote investment in the country while facilitating businessmen from both China and Turkey with information about incentives and other facilities available in Pakistan. Kafeel Hussain further mentioned the potential benefits of collaboration among all Asian countries in boosting the economy, which could lead to more pleasant relations between Pakistan and other nations. Consul General Yang Yundong mentioned that Pak-China friendship is exemplary, citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a vital contributor to both countries' economies. He
Repeated rise in gas, power prices leave trade, industry uncompetitive: PIAF LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Industrial & Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has observed that the repeated increase in the gas and electricity prices to an unbearable level by the interim government has left the trade and industry uncompetitive; blaming it for trapping the country in the IMF plans. PIAF Chairman Faheemur Rehman Saigol, strongly opposing gas price surge, said that the gas tariff hike has threatened the industrial sector, besides increasing un-
employment, saying that the every government had poor economic policies that unleashed the free fall of rupee against the dollar, ensuing in input cost escalation to pull down the manufacturing growth. He warned that the continued escalation of gas prices could result in the closure of numerous industries, amplifying unemployment rates and diminishing Pakistan’s export capabilities, appealing to the government to reverse this decision promptly and establish a fixed gas price of Rs1800 per mmbtu for industries. Emphasizing the need for the government to explore
and provide affordable energy alternatives for the industry, he stressed that such measures are crucial for ensuring the competitiveness of Pakistani products in the global market. As the industrial sector grapples with the ramifications of the gas price hike, PIAF leader’s stance advocates for the preservation of industrial stability and the prevention of potential economic setbacks for Pakistan. The PIAF Chairman condemned the recent increase in gas tariff as approved by the Economic Coordination Committee and the caretaker govt. He has demanded the government to take back the decision of hike in gas.
KLF concludes on high note of ‘from words to actions, building sustainable world’ KARACHI STAFF REPORT
The 15th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) continued to captivate audiences as it entered its third and final day of striving for sustainability through literature. While the enriching discussions and cultural insights marked the day, the evening glittered with literary legends like Zehra Nigah, Iftikhar Arif, Kishwar Naheed, Muneeza Shamsie being awarded with shields for their outstanding contributions. The day was punctuated with interesting discussions such as a panel titled In Pursuit of an Ethical State featuring Syed Kaleem Imam, Shahab Usto, Mazhar Abbas, and Huma Baqai sharing their thoughts on how societies can endeavour towards creating ethical frameworks within their governance structures. Pakistani literature in the English language has gained immense popularity and the session Coming of Age: Pakistani English Language Literature moderated by Claire Chambers explored the evolution, significance, and contemporary trends with Muneeza Shamsie, Salman Tarek Kureshi,
Maniza Naqvi, and Taha Kehar. To discuss the challenges of Karachi, Masood Lohar moderated the session Urban Dialogues: Decoding Karachi’s Dynamics, chaired by Arif Hasan. The discussion between Murtaza Wahab, Tariq Alexander Qaiser, and Afia Salam was well received by the audience. Murtaza emphasised the importance of open dialogues he said, “I endorse the need for civilian participation in local administration. I invite every Karachiite to collaborate with me in whatever capacity they can for a Karachi we can all be proud of.” Sanjay Rajoura, Mustafa Chaudary, Murtaza Chaudry, and Faysal Chaudry engaged the audience in their session Hansna Mana Hai. To discuss the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors that contribute to resilience, Shaha Tariq was in conversation with Imran Yusuf exploring mental resilience via the power of hypnotherapy. Another session that engaged the audience was Climate Change and Sustainability – a discussion on actions with youth and teachers. The session By the Swaying Palms and the Mangrove Creek: Poetry in English, cel-
ebrated the beauty and essence of poetry written in English. Salman Tarek Kureshi indulged in a conversation with Sophia Bano, Minaa Shahzad, Zarmina Raza, Farida Faizullah, Moeen Faruqi, Moosa Gardezi, and Sanayya Saleem. The session Film: The Power of Storytelling was moderated by Saba Karim Khan. The panellists Sanam Saeed, Faryal Mehmood, Abid Aziz Merchant, Muhib Mirzaand Bee Gul highlighted the unique ability of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thoughts through the art of storytelling. Mujahid Barelvi conducted the session Election 2024: Aik Naya Zawiya. It was a thought-provoking session where Justice (retd) Anwar Mansoor, Shaiq Usmani, and Shaheen Salahuddin shared their ideas and views. Ghazi Salahuddin, Jibran Nasir, Harris Kahlique, and Afia Salam were a part of the session, Human Rights and Wrongs. Jibran Nasir said, “As Pakistanis we need to understand that human rights go way beyond religious freedom-they are the constitution for ethical and civilised dynamics for an evolving society.”
Muhammad Azfar Ahsan engaged the panellists in a very dynamic session, The Big Picture: Future of Pakistan. The discussion addressed various aspects such as economic development, political stability, social progress, technological advancements, and geopolitical dynamics. He said, “Critical dia-
logue and collective thinking will bring a holistic perspective on the future of Pakistan from both economic and educational angles. By embracing innovation, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, and prioritising human capital development, we can realise our vision of a prosperous and progressive Pakistan.”
PML-N’S StALWARt AccuSeS PtI of ‘INcItING hAte’ AGAINSt Govt offIcIALS
Monday, 19 February, 2024
PRAYER TIMINGS
NEWS
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LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
HE PML-N leader Malik Ahmed Khan said on Sunday that it was history of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf that it did not accept the election results, accusing the party of “inciting hate” against government officials. Speaking at a presser alongside PML-N leaders Uzma Bukhari and Ata Tarar in Lahore, Malik Ahmad said that the Rawalpindi commissioner — who had resigned from his post after yesterday’s revelations — was a “non-party” to the electoral process. He said PTI forged propaganda of 35 punctures in the 2013 elections, but the party could not prove their allegations in court. He said allegations of former commissioner Rawalpindi were unfunded as he had no connection with the polling process. He claimed the former commissioner must provide proof of his statement. He said the anti-Pakistan campaign was being run by a group from abroad. He said PTI was misguiding the public about election results after the statement of former Deputy Commissioner
Liaqat Ali Chattah. “Neither is he the returning officer nor is he the district returning officer (DRO) […] he has no connection to the entire electoral process. He does not even have any interactive position with the ECP. “He does not have any relation with the election or the tabulation of poll results. He has nothing to do with the entire process,” the PML-N leader said.
Ihc releases written order summoning interim PM in missing Baloch students case today ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Sunday issued the written order after summoning to caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and secretaries of the ministries concerned to court on Monday (today) in the missing Baloch students case. The 4-page written order, authored by IHC’s Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, stated that the prime minister of Pakistan and secretaries of the defence, human rights, and interior ministries should ensure their physical appearance in the February 19 hearing at 10am. During the previous hearing on February 13, the court had directed the interim premier to appear before the bench. At the outset of the previous hearing, the assistant attorney general (AAG) asked the court to adjourn the hearing as the attorney general was unavailable. However, the request was rejected. Justice Kayani further remarked that the death penalty should be awarded to those involved in enforced disappearances. “People involved [enforced disappearance] should be given the death penalty twice,” remarked Justice Kayani. He then asked the caretaker PM to appear in person to explain why a case should not be registered against him. However, the advocate general pleaded to the court that they required more time in the case. But Justice Kayani refused to entertain the government’s plea. This is the second time that PM Kakar has been summoned by IHC. He was last summoned on November 29, 2023, to personally appear before it in the case filed by Advocate Imaan Mazari. However, he did not appear as he was not in the country.
“With the background of all this, a dangerous campaign was started where the photos of various DROs and their families and their children were exposed on social media,” he said. “Hate was being incited in a way that was a threat to their lives,” he said. The PML-N leader said that this followed a pattern similar to the May 9 saga, when violent protests had broken out in the country following the arrest of
PTI founder Imran Khan. “These people are not refraining from their anarchic behaviour. May 9 was a black day in our history,” he said as he recalled the violence. He further said that an employee of the state was the “steel framework of the state machinery”. “You are threatening them, you are threatening their lives. You are saying that the workers of a political party go after them, stop them, attack their offices and homes, you are inciting this,” he said as he called on the government to “preempt this”. Addressing the caretaker government, he said: “What are you waiting for? If you think that there will be no consequences of the incitement, then we are living in cuckoo’s land.” The PML-N leader said that Colombia’s infamous cocaine baron Pablo Escobar had acquired his political position through his “cartels and mafia”. “The PTI has the same character. There is no difference,” he said. He further said that the party was “harassing” government officials, adding that this was just one example of where the party adopted its ideals from.
ECP notifies winning candidates from 36 KP NA seats ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday notified the winning candidates from 36 National Assembly (NA) seats in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP). With the notification, now the returned candidates would have to select a political party affiliation within the next three days. According to the notification, among the declared victors are Sibghatullah from NA-4 Upper Dir, Gohar Ali Khan from NA-10 Buner, and Umar Ayub from NA-18 Haripur. The notification affirmed Asad Qaiser’s success in NA-19 Swabi and Shandana Gulzar’s victory in NA-30 Peshawar. Shehryar Afridi clinched victory in NA-35 Kohat, while Sher Afzal Marwat secured
success in NA-41 Lakky Marwat. Meanwhile, under another notification, the commission also published the name of Ali Amin Khan as Member National Assembly from NA-44 and Member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial
‘Now’ Pindi RPO moves on 15-day leave amidst poll rigging allegations
PPP set to form govt in Balochistan with PML-N’s support: Bugti ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Sarfraz Bugti on Sunday claimed that the party would form its government in Balochistan with the support of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). “The PML-N would be our ally in Balochistan [as it has] given us a clear signal to form our government [in the province],” Bugti said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad along with party’s parliamentary committee members Haji Malik Shah and Sardar Sarbuland Khan. His remarks come as the Bilawal Bhutto-led party is in pole position to form its government in the country’s western province after securing 11 seats in the 51-member provincial assembly, whereas the PML-N bagged 10 seats. Despite engaging in a war of words in the run-up to the elections, both parties, who have previously served as close allies during the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s government, are on the way to once again emerge as key political stakeholders following the PPP’s announcement to back the PML-N’s candidate for the prime minister’s post after none of the two parties managed to secure a simple majority in the polls. The political landscape in Pakistan has been facing a rather unusual uncertainty after none of the parties, including the PPP, PML-N and PTI-affiliated candidates managed to secure a simple majority in the National Assembly in the February 8 general elections.
Assembly PK-113. Additionally, the electoral watchdog through the notification, notified the victories of a member each from the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and MWM in KP.
RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT
A day after Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattah confession to having been involved in rigging the recently concluded general elections, the Garrison city’s regional police officer, Syed Khurram Ali, proceeded on a 15day leave on Sunday. Ali said he and his family were leaving for a 15-day trip to the United Kingdom. On Saturday, the Punjab Information Department invited Commissioner Rawalpindi, along with RPO Rawalpindi, to a press conference regarding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket tournament. Ali’s office then informed that the senior officer had applied for leave before the elections, but was not granted, and approval for leave post-elections was given. The RPO attended the office
on Friday and later the same evening travelled to Lahore. The additional charge of his responsibilities has been taken over by CPO Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani. However, authorities said it is not known whether Ali has left for the UK or still present in Lahore. They added that he has 15-day leave and should rejoin his duty from March 2. Express attempted to contact RPO Rawalpindi Ali but there was no answer. A day earlier, Rawalpindi Commissioner Chatha dropped a bombshell, confessing to his role in rigging the recent elections, a week after polls marred by allegations of manipulation returned no clear winner. Taking responsibility for what he termed a “heinous crime,” Chatha implicated not only himself but also pointed fingers at the head of the election commission and the country’s top judge – thrusting
them into the spotlight. The ‘confessions’ came as the ECP has already been in the crosshairs of several rigging allegations in the aftermath of a tumultuous week and thick clouds of manipulation continue to linger over results, throwing further questions over the legitimacy of the ballots. Chatha, in a stunning admission, announced his intention to surrender to the authorities, acknowledging his role in tampering with the electoral outcome by turning the tables and flipping losers into winners. “We converted the losers into winners, reversing margins of 70,000 votes in 13 national assembly seats,” he told reporters. “For committing such a heinous crime, I will hand myself over to the police,” he said, also implicating Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja and Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa. In a handwritten letter, he expressed his decision to resign from his “post and service,” citing his “deep involvement in serious crimes like mega election rigging 2024”. The letter was directed to Punjab Governor Haji Ghulam Ali, interim provincial chief minister Mohsin Naqvi, and the provincial chief secretary. When questioned about potential “irregularities” in the electoral process and whether local returning officers had caused delays in result transmission, Chatha stated that “‘irregularities’ is a minor word for it.”
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Gas consumers receive ‘inflated’ bills from SNGPL LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Gas consumers in Lahore received inflated bills from the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) sources said. The power distributing company sent on average Rs 15,000 to Rs 90,000 bills to gas consumers and Rs 2000 was added to the bill in terms of fixed charges. The SNGPL sources said that gas is expensive across the world and Pakistan also added the gas tariff and other taxes. Earlier, the power division confessed to overbilling consumers, changing their slabs and damaging meters. The initial report on the NEPRA investigation report revealed concerning findings, indicating that over 4.5 million consumers received bills exceeding 31 days. Additionally, a staggering 381,510 damaged meters have resulted in excessive bills. In July, 846,468 consumers were affected as their slabs were changed with nearly, 2 lac protected consumers moved to the non-protected category. The situation worsened in August, with over 5.574 million consumers receiving bills exceeding 31 days. A significant 825,562 power consumers were affected by changes in billing slabs during this period. Furthermore, the Power division has criticized the NEPRA team’s process, deeming it ineffective and flawed. The report has loopholes related to quality control and data processing. The development came after the Nepra exposed the “most controversial power theft drive” of the power distribution companies (Discos), defrauding consumers of billions of rupees by overcharging them as much as 100 percent.
Wheel jam strike of four parties alliance failed: Achakzai QUETTA
STAFF REPORT
Caretaker Provincial Information Minister Balochistan Jan Achakzai on Sunday said that the wheel jam strike of the alliance of 4 parties has failed. “All major highways are open. Traffic is light on some national highways due to Sunday”, he said in a statement issued here. He deplored that Sardars and Nawabs of Balochistan are punishing the common people to reject the 2024 elections. He said that the alliance should not harm the welfare of the state and people but should resort to legal forums. The people of Balochistan have rejected ethnic nationalism, CM further maintained.
Saad Rafique stresses PML-N should identify, rectify mistakes LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
While citing the example of PTI’s founder Imran Khan and the party’s effective use of social media, Khawaja Saad Rafique on Sunday emphasized that the PML-N should identify its mistakes and rectify them. Addressing party workers, Saad Rafique maintained that there was “no complaint with the chief election commission, but injustice was done to this constituency, my constituency was divided into pieces during the elections”. Praising the PTI social media team, the PML-N leader said that the former premier had the power of a strong digital media presence and reiterated that “our party should identify mistakes and rectify them”. “The Imran project was prepared in 2010, and the seeds of hatred were sown, it should be clear who sowed the seeds of hatred, efforts are being made to weaken Pakistan from abroad,” he said and asked, “How will anyone accept the elections in this atmosphere of bitterness?” “If the PML-N won in Punjab, did no rigging take place in KP, Sindh and Balochistan,” he added. PML-N leader further stated that after years, a chief justice has arrived who “does not believe in the doctrine of necessity”. “Imran Khan wants to keep the chief justice and army chief in his pocket. I ask Imran Khan to identify where the mistakes are, Khan will have to give up politics of hate.
Another independent MPA-elect from Balochistan joins PML-N LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Mir Mohammad Asim Kurd Gello, an independent candidate from Kachhi’s PB-12 constituency, on Sunday met PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and pledged allegiance to the party. Mir Asim Gello held the meeting with the party’s prime ministerial hopeful, Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore. Expressing unwavering confidence in the leadership of PML-N’s supreme leader, Nawaz Sharif, Gello formally announced his affiliation with the party. During the meeting, Shehbaz extended
gratitude to Gello and his associates for their decision to align with PML-N. He lauded their commitment and welcomed them into the party fold. Gello, in turn, emphasised the pivotal role played by Nawaz Sharif and PML-N in the development of Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. “I envision a future where the people of Balochistan thrive in education, healthcare, and overall development,” Gello stated, underlining his aspirations for his province’s progress. Shehbaz reiterated PML-N’s dedication to the advancement of Balochistan, echoing Nawaz Sharif’s deep-rooted concern for the province’s development.
“We are committed to establishing Daanish schools, providing laptops to the youth, and equipping them with IT and other skills,” he affirmed, outlining the party’s agenda for empowering the youth. Highlighting Nawaz Sharif’s vision for Pakistan’s prosperity through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Shehbaz underscored the significance of Gello’s support in addressing the nation’s challenges, particularly those faced by Balochistan. “Your support will be instrumental in resolving the issues confronting the people of Pakistan and Balochistan,” Shehbaz concluded, expressing confidence in PML-N’s ability to spearhead the nation’s development agenda.
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