TPTI calls NA Speaker, Deputy Speaker election sans allocation of reser ved seats ‘unconstitutional’
As the first order of business Sadiq held elections for his deputy Pakistan Peoples Party s (PPP) Syed Ghulam Mustafa and SIC s Junaid Akbar took part in contest for the slot
The
Pakistan
right’ to make decisions about its
90 votes against rival Ibadullah Khan from the PML-N Gandapur who had served as a federal minister during the PTI government was nominated for the coveted slot by imprisoned party founder Imran Khan last month He contested polls on a National Assembly seat (NA44) and a provincial seat (PK-113) in Dera Ismail Khan In KP, PTI-backed candidates in a comfortable majority to form the provincial government
The PTI leader was also among the party leaders who were sent to jail in the aftermath of the May 9 riots
On Friday, the KP Assembly convened to vote for the coveted slot of the provincial chief executive and saw Gandapur securing a comfortable victory The session began a little later than scheduled Otherwise calm pro-Imran Khan slogans continued to echo in the house throughout the session which was boycotted by the JUI-F
In his victory speech after the CM elections today, Gandapur asserted that he had become the chief minister in an “independent capacity” and lamented how his party was not even given a “playing field let alone a level playing field” in the February 8 general elections
We do not want to carry out politics of revenge he said But at the same time the PTI leader also stressed that we know how to snatch our rights Gandapur said he was ready for a probe into the allegations of rigging in the general elections “Come here and conduct an investigation on the basis of Forms-45 ” he stated
You can open [investigate] whichever constituency you want he said I am putting the entire province before you [ ] we hope that every democratic politician would say that the mandate should be returned because stealing a mandate is akin to betraying the public and violating the Constitution,” Gandapur said in the fiery speech He also demanded the immediate resignation of the chief election commissioner claiming that the Election Commission of Pakistan had failed to fulfill its responsibility Gandapur also urged the Supreme Court to set up a judicial commission to probe the allegations of rigging The PTI leader further stated that Imran Khan was languishing in jail today only because he exposed a foreign conspiracy before the public Today the entire nation knows who is elected and who is selected, Gandapur said Talking about the May 9 riots, he said around nine first information reports were registered against him on the day “If you find any evidence against me come and arrest me the PTI leader said He demanded that a judicial inquiry should be held into the May 9 events and the
In par tnership with Profit S a t u r d a y, 2 M a r c h , 2 0 2 4 I 2 0 S h a ’ b a n , 1 4 4 5 R s 2 0 0 0 | Vo l X I V N o 2 4 4 I 8 Pa g e s I I s l a m a b a d E d i t i o n ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
HE PML-N-led coalition’s candidate for speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq secured a comfortable win on Friday following a 91-vote lead over PTIsupported Aamir Dogar in the election for the vital post Sadiq secured 199 votes out of the 291 cast with one vote declared invalid PTI-backed candidate Amir Dogar got 91 votes Meanwhile, Ghulam Mustafa Shah, the candidate fielded by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Shah secured an impressive 197 votes demonstrating strong support from fellow parliamentarians Competing against him was Junaid Akbar of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), who garnered 92 votes, securing the second position in the election A total of 290 votes were cast out of which 8 were rejected as invalid Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq administered oath to the newly-elected deputy speaker soon after his election This is the second time that he has become the speaker Sadiq had served as the speaker from 2013-2018
in the 14th National Assembly
votes
lawmakers
The polling for the election of the National Assembly speaker has been completed and the counting of
is underway in the session that has been marred by protests of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC)
Sadiq was administered oath by outgoing Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf After the oath-taking, the new speaker took charge of the house forthwith
NA session was convened today to elect the speaker and deputy speaker during which opposition lawmakers chanted slogans against alleged rigging in the Feb 8 polls Before the session started SIC s parliamentary party meeting was held in the house s lobby where they vowed to continue their protest in the assembly This is the second consecutive day that SIC has been protesting in the National Assembly over rigged results As the session began, Speaker Ashraf asked if there were any new members present who had missed the oath-taking a day earlier As no new members came forward the speaker then gave the floor to PTIbacked Omar Ayub Khan to speak on a point of order The lawmaker alleged that foreigners were present in the house People who got fake mandate have entered the house, hence, they should be expelled, said Omar, adding that prisoner number 804”, the number assigned to PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail should be brought to the Assembly The MNA who had a sore throat said they would raise their voice even if their throat is sore or slit PML-N-Led coALITIoN GrABS SPeAKer, dePuT y SPeAKer SLoTS IN NA ‘ E L E C T I O N R I G G I N G’ P P P ’ s S a r f r a z B u g t i e l e c t e d ‘ u n o p p o s e d ’ a s B a l o c h i s t a n c h i e f m i n i s t e r QUETTA S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti has been elected as Balochistan chief minister (CM) unopposed as no other contestant had submitted nomination papers besides him Sarfraz Bugti, who served as former caretaker interior minister, submitted four nomination papers for Balochistan’s chief minister ’s slot to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office The election for the Balochistan chief minister position was scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) He has been elected unopposed as no other lawmaker has submitted nominations paper for the slot PPP and PML-N had jointly nominated Sarfraz Bugti as their candidate for the top slot of the leader of the house in line with the formula decided to form government at federal level and coalition government in Balochistan The politician had resigned as the caretaker interior minister in December last year and joined the Bilawal Bhutto-led party
Ali Amin Gandapur elected KP chief minister, demands justice for Imran and par t y PESHAWAR A Z I Z B U N E R I Amid intense sloganeering, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Friday elected PTI s Ali Amin Gandapur as the 22nd chief minister of the province The PTI leader clinched an overwhelming victory with
PTI’s
the saga
all
PTI
released
otherwise action
Gandapur
end terrorism in KP
said
the government would ensure every person in the province would be able to sleep in peace Talking
the economic situation of KP, Gandapur said
he would focus on increasing the revenue of the province and reducing the burdens on the poor segments “We will give property right to inheritance free legal assistance to women he promised adding that the government would also invest in trade and business development to create employment Gandapur also announced that health card in the province would be restored from the first day of Ramazan ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T In a significant move preceding Sunday’s premiership elections in the National Assembly Nawaz Sharif the supreme leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) paid a visit to the residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-eIslam-Fazl (JUI-F) The meeting underscored a dialogue between the two former coalition partners as they navigate the political landscape Welcoming Nawaz Sharif along with other prominent members of the PML-N including Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, and Rana Sanaullah, Maulana Fazlur Rehman extended a warm reception Representing the JUI-F were Ghulam Ali, Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, and Noor Alam Khan Sources privy to the discussions revealed that Nawaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman engaged in a one-on-one meeting lasting for about an hour The deliberations primarily centred on political matters concluding with both leaders departing in an amiable mood Addressing the media post-meeting, Rana Sanaullah, a senior leader of the PMLN expressed satisfaction with the outcome We have endured challenging times together and have consistently sought guidance from Maulana Fazlur Rehman, he stated Our association has weathered the storm during the PTI government, with Maulana’s support ” Sanaullah emphasised the cordiality observed during the meeting, asserting that there was no animosity between the two parties “Maulana Fazlur Rehman remains our beacon Our earnest endeavour is to retain his counsel and ensure its efficacy he affirmed Dispelling speculation Sanaullah clarified that Nawaz Sharif s visit was not aimed at garnering votes from Maulana Fazlur Rehman but rather to deliberate on the nation’s prevailing political climate He underscored mutual respect between the leaders highlighting their willingness to consider each other s perspectives Sanaullah also lauded Mahmood Khan Achakzai as a revered and patriotic figure, hinting at potential engagement between PML-N and Achakzai C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 03 N a w a z m a ke s n e w b i d t o w o o F a z l t o j o i n c o a l i t i o n ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
Foreign Office (FO) on Friday said that no country could give directions to Pakistan to investigate allegations of rigging in the February 8 elections insisting the country believes in its “sovereign right to make decisions about its internal matters Pakistan is a vibrant democracy and there are mechanisms in place inside Pakistan where Pakistani people can resolve any issue pertaining to questions relating to elections or any issue relating to the democratic process in Pakistan, remarked FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at the weekly briefing in Islamabad She was responding to a question about the US government’s repeated statements asking Pakistan to probe into the ballot fraud I believe no country can give directions to Pakistan Pakistan is an independent and sovereign country We believe in our own sovereign right to make decisions about Pakistan’s internal affairs she added Besides the US government s reaction, a number of US congressmen wrote a letter to the Biden administration, urging the White House not to recognize the new government in Pakistan till election fraud allegations are probed Yes we understand that such a letter has been sent by some Congressmen to the US Secretary of State This is a communication between public officials in the United States and is not addressed to the Government of Pakistan We therefore have no comments to offer on such letters, the spokesperson said Mumtaz also declined to comment on the letter written by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) requesting the Washington-based lender to negotiate only with a legitimate government On the arrest of four individuals believed to be Pakistanis for allegedly transporting weapons to Yemen from Iran, the spokesperson said that Pakistan was in contact with the US authorities “We have seen the press release issued by the US Department of Justice indicating the said charges We are in touch with the US Embassy in Islamabad and our mission in Washington to ascertain more facts regarding the incident and to provide consular access to the individuals following confirmation of their nationality she added The suspects were detained on January 11 in an operation conducted by the US Navy Seals off the coast of Somalia in the Arabian Sea The main suspect identified as Muhammad Pehlwan was charged with transporting weapons to the Houthis in Yemen The other three were accused of giving false information The spokesperson said that there were no bases for speculative reports that certain countries had already conveyed their concerns to Pakistan over its move to start work on the long-delayed multibillion-dollar Iran gas pipeline project
real beneficiaries of
should be exposed Gandapur also stated that
the
leaders falsely implicated should be
within a week and warned that
would be taken
also promised to
and
that
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that
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reiterates its ‘sovereign
nal matters g AYA Z S A D I Q G E T S S P E A K E R, G H U L A M M U S TA FA D E P U T Y S P E A K E R ’ S S LOT S g PTI VOWS NOT TO LET NEWLY-ELECTED NATIONAL A SSEMBLY FUNCTION ‘ UNTIL PROVISION OF DUE RIGHTS ’ ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Spokesperson termed the election of Speaker Deputy Speaker and Prime Minister from the fake incomplete National Assembly without the allocation of the reserved seats for women and minorities as unconstitutional Reacting over the election of the NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker sans allocation of the reserved seats PTI Spokesperson stated that the speaker and deputy speaker elected with the help of the mandate thieves would not have any constitutional status He said that the constitution was trampled under their feet one again by electing NA speaker from a fake incomplete National Assembly, as they reached the house fraudulently after stealing public mandate PTI Spokesperson categorically stated that according to Article 51 of the Constitution the House cannot be completed without the allocation of the reserved seats for women and minorities as per the proportion to the representation of each political party in the National Assembly He recalled that a total of 23 PTI backed members were being deprived of their constitutional right of the reserved seats under a nefarious scheme; however PTI Spokesperson that the nation would not succeed any such malicious plot come what may He went on to say that the group of mandate thieves unlawfully occupying the august house was cognizant of the fact that the allotment of PTI backed candidates’ reserved seats as per the constitution would turn their artificial victory into defeat PTI Spokesperson pointed out that those who took fake oath after stealing public mandate knew that they did not reach the house with the power of the public vote but through criminal facilitation of the corrupt and biased Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
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Mohammad Khosa takes helm as CEO of PepsiCo in Pakistan, Afghanistan PR OFIT
Mohammad Khosa has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PepsiCo to oversee its operations in
and
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post Khosa expressed his deep gratitude and humility saying I am extremely grateful and humbled to announce that I have taken on the responsibility of leading our business in Pakistan and Afghanistan ” He emphasized the honor he feels in leading such a prestigious organisation renowned for its commitment to innovation excellence and resilience It is a matter of great honor for me to lead an organization as esteemed as PepsiCo known for its dedication to innovation, excellence, and resilience, he stated Khosa shared his enthusiasm for working with the company’s talented teams and partners to stimulate growth, encourage innovation, and achieve outstanding results in these dynamic markets I am incredibly excited to collaborate with our talented teams and partners to drive growth foster innovation and secure remarkable achievements in these vibrant markets, he said Reflecting on his decade-long journey with PepsiCo, Khosa remarked on the potential and opportunities that lie ahead “Having been a part of the PepsiCo family for over ten years I have witnessed firsthand the immense potential and opportunities that await us Together we will build on our solid foundations, continue to enchant consumers with our iconic brands, make a meaningful difference in our communities, and set the standard for our employees and stakeholders,” he added This appointment marks a significant step for PepsiCo in strengthening its leadership team and expanding its market presence in South Asia
Satu day 2 Ma ch 2024 | ISLAMABAD 02 NEWS PR OFIT N e w S D e S k
HE Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has raised concerns over the proposed blanket ban on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Pakistan P@SHA emphasizes that while it is essential to implement regulatory measures for national security such a ban could negatively affect Pakistan s economy and its growing reputation in the technology and innovation sectors T h e a s s o c i a t i o n h i g h l i g h t e d t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f V P N s f o r b u s i n e s s e s a n d i n d i v i d u a l s w h o r e l y o n d y n a m i c I P s f o r t h e i r o p e r a t i o n s s t a t i n g t h a t t h e b a n c o u l d h i n d e r e c o n o m i c s t a b i l i t y a n d d e t e r b o t h f o r e i g n a n d d o m e s t i c i n v e s t m e n t s , c r u c i a l f o r r e a c h i n g P a k i s t a n ’s I T e x p o r t t a rg e t s According to P@SHA the banking sector could face severe financial challenges due to restricted access to VPNs impacting their ability to conduct international transactions effectively This situation could threaten the government’s ambition to achieve a $15 billion export target and the efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to enhance the ease of doing business in the country In response, P@SHA is engaging with regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to find a middle ground that meets regulatory requirements without compromising business needs T h e a s s o c i a t i o n p r o p o s e s t h e formation of a joint working group with t h e P a k i s t a n Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n A u t h o r i t y ( P TA ) t o m a i n t a i n u n i n t e r r u p t e d i n t e r n e t s e r v i c e s w h i l e addressing security concerns P@SHA suggests implementing a more nuanced approach to IP whitelisting and establishing comprehensive monitoring processes to ensure that businesses depending on whitelisted IPs can operate without obstacles Additionally, the association recommends that the PTA adopt advanced login tracking mechanisms as an alternative to the blanket ban, allowing for effective monitoring of VPN usage while preserving their essential functions P@SHA calls on all stakeholders to consider the wider implications of the ban and work together to develop a regulatory framework that supports innovation and entrepreneurship within Pakistan’s IT industry aiming for the sector ’s sustainable growth and development P@SHA WARNS AGAINST POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF VPN BAN ON PAKISTAN’S IT SECTOR The KSE-100 index closed the month ( F e b r u a r y ) w i t h a 4 2 % i n c r e a s e e n d i n g a t 6 4 5 7 9 p o i n t s d e s p i t e e x p e r i e n c i n g f l u c t u a t i o n s a m i d political uncertainties and anticipation of general elections The index recorded a monthly fluctuation range of 4,706 points, reaching a low of 59 873 points during the period According to a note from AKD Research the conclusion of elections and the finalisation of key political positions have mitigated political turmoil, contributing to market stability In the context of the MPC setting the central bank maintained a status quo stance for the fifth consecutive month However, it is anticipated that the first policy rate cut might occur during the MPC meeting in April 2024, if the CPI inflation drops below the 20% threshold The month also saw discussions on the legitimacy of the general elections from both domestic and international outlets, wherein the PTI’s founder wrote a letter to the IMF asking to investigate the poll s results However the IMF expressed readiness to collaborate with the new government This comes as the final tranche of $1 billion from the IMF s program is due in March 2024 Market activity measured by the average daily traded volume (ADTV) decreased by 35% to 190 5 million shares However market capitalisation increased by 2 13% to $27 1 billion The pharmaceutical sector emerged as the top performer with a 10 3% return driven by regulatory decisions on medicine pricing and deregulation efforts Other notable sectors included leasing companies (9 8% MoM), fertilizers (8 3%MoM), transport (7 9%MoM) and automobile assemblers (7 1%MoM) On the downside major declines noticed during the month were in mutual funds (-9 8%MoM) vanaspati and allied (-6 1%MoM) and textile companies (4 3%MoM) Stock market gains 4.2% in Februar y amid political, economic volatility g A s s o c i a t i o n h o l d s t h a t t h e b a n c o u l d h i n d e r e c o n o m i c s t a b i l i t y a n d d e t e r b o t h f o r e i g n a n d d o m e s t i c i n v e s t m e n t PR OFIT N e w S D e S k Symmetry Group Limited a leading digital technology and experiences company announced on Friday that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Aletheia-AI a Singapore-based startup Aletheia-AI specializes in computer vision, deep learning, artificial intelligence data analytics machine learning video analytics and retail space analysis Symmetry Group said in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) This recent collaboration aims to boost our revenue and is expected to enhance the company s AI capabilities and open doors to new market segments for intelligent systems and data-driven insights read the notice Symmetry Group has expanded its footprint significantly in recent months On Wednesday, the company announced securing two new clients for its digital services which include Jazz (Pakistan Mobile Communication LTD) and Prism Services Holdings Limited based in the Caribbean Earlier on February 14 Symmetry Group announced a collaboration with three prominent brands including English Biscuit Manufacturers (Gluco & Sooper Biscuits), JS Global Limited, and Nando’s Pakistan for their digital services The company said that new clientele will generate an additional Rs 20 million and Rs 58 million in revenue respectively within a year Symmetry Group s recent acquisition of digital services of Hashoo Group (PC & Hotel One) Jaffer Consultancy and Circles Life Asia Technology also anticipates generating a revenue of Rs 30 million annually Symmetry Group partners with Singapore -based AI startup PR OFIT N e w S D e S k The Sindh government in partnership with the World Bank, announced plans to invest $100 million in renewable energy initiatives focused on solar and wind power This collaboration aims to generate approximately 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity to combat the effects of greenhouse gases and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters in Pakistan The announcement was made during a seminar in Karachi titled Significance of Renewable for Karachi & Export Industry: Cost of Inaction ehfooz Qazi, Director of Alternative Energy for the Sindh Government shared the details at the event which was a joint effort by Renewables First and the Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (PRIDE) In addition to the World Bankfunded projects, the Sindh government is progressing on setting up 500 MW solar power projects 400 MW hydrogen power projects and waste-to-energy projects These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to provide low-cost energy solutions amidst the country’s struggle with inflation Qazi highlighted the government’s policy to offer affordable land for renewable energy projects and mentioned ongoing collaborations with K-Electric, Karachi s primary electric supply company K-Electric has already established two wind energy projects of 25MW each in the Hub area and is utilizing the wind corridor in Gharo for further development As per KE stance it is dedicated to reaching a 30% renewable energy target by 2030, as outlined in it s plans that consider local conditions and demand KE has not yet reviewed the Renewables First white paper which was received last night noting that it s input was not sought in its development Consequently, KE choose not to participate in discussions that are not genuinely constructive and exclude important stakeholders The seminar also featured insights from Hammad Ali an analyst at Renewables First who emphasized the potential savings of up to $4 51 billion over seven years if K-Electric shifts its focus from thermal power generation to renewable sources The current reliance on thermal power has led to significant financial losses due to missed opportunities in renewable energy adoption Former NEPRA chairman Tauseef Farooqi criticized the lack of planning in Pakistan s power sector and advocated for a competitive, transparent market mechanism under the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contracts Market Programme Somanul Haq Programme Director of Net Zero Pakistan discussed the pressure on Pakistan s export industry from global supply chains and the increasing demand for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) in the country highlighting the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions S indh govt, WB par tner to invest $100m in renewable energy SBP injects Rs8 09trn into market through OMOs PR OFIT N e w S D e S k The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) injected a total of Rs 8 09 trillion into the market through two types of Open Market Operations (OMOs) on Friday The SBP received and accepted bids worth Rs 7 9 trillion for reverse repo OMO from commercial banks for both 7-day and 28-day tenors at a rate ranging from 22 04% to 22 06% per annum respectively The Shariah-compliant Mudarabah-based OMO for the 07-day tenor received four quotes with a range of 22 10 to 22 08% All four quotes were accepted with a cut-off rate set at 22 08% A total amount of Rs 190 billion was offered and accepted in Mudarabahbased OMO However, there was no bid received for the 28-day tenor during this operation The SBP has been using OMOs as a tool to manage the liquidity conditions in the market and to influence short-term interest rates On Thursday, the SBP mopped up Rs 753 3 billion from the market through a reverse repo OMO This was the first time in more than five months that the central bank withdrew money from the market
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a d d s R s 1 9 0 b i l l i o n Over 7.7m eligible children to be administered polio drops in vaccination campaign: Eoc PESHAWAR S ta f f R e p o R t Emergency Operations Center Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has finalized all arrangements for National Immunization Days (NID) wherein more than 7 7 million children under the age of five will be vaccinated against polio across the province While the first phase of the campaign has already been launched in Lakki Marwat and D I Khan from Feb 26 targeting over 0 6 million children, approximately 7 1 million children will be vaccinated in rest of the province in the second phase of the drive which is planned to be launched from March 3 A supplementary dose of Vitamin-A will also be administered to the eligible children during this campaign The decision to this effect was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Special Secretary Health for Polio Eradication/EOC Coordinator Abdul Basit here in Provincial Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) on Friday The meeting was attended by Deputy Coordinator EOC Muhammad Zeeshan Khan team leader UNICEF WHO & NSTOP officials of health department and relevant officials from communications and operations Addressing the meeting, Special Secretary Health for Polio Eradication/EOC Coordinator Abdul Basit said that the government is fully committed to eradicate the menace of polio virus from the region and will leave no stone unturned to secure the future of our children Emphasizing the significance of vaccinating every eligible child in every campaign, he stressed upon the vigilant supervision and monitoring of the vaccination drive at all levels to ensure the quality of the campaign and identify gaps during the drive On this occasion he appealed to all segments of society particularly the parents elders religious scholars civil society organizations and the media to come forward and extend their full support to the national cause of polio eradication so that the dream of a polio-free Pakistan may come true
g Re v e r s e r e p o O M O a c c o u n t s f o r R s 7 9 t r i l l i o n, S h a r i a h - c o m p l i a n t O M O
THindu teacher acquitted in blasphemy case af ter five -year battle for justice
braced for downpours A day earlier Sinch Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah declared a rain emergency in the province and declared Friday a half day for all government and private offices including educational institutions All local bodies, hospitals, the water board, Karachi Electric (KE), and cantonments have been instructed to be prepared for any situation
The latest advisory by PMD said “rain/thunderstorms with few heavy falls” are expected in northern Sindh from February 29 to March 2 and the same conditions are likely to prevail in other parts of Sindh from March 1 Heavy falls may generate urban flooding in lowlying areas Fishermen of Balochistan are advised not to venture into deep sea till March 1 while those of Sindh are advised to remain careful during the forecast period ” The PMD elaborated that a westerly wave is prevailing over Balochistan and adjoining areas of Sindh and under the system s influence rain/thunderstorm with few heavy falls likely in Kambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur and Dadu till tomorrow morning” The same prediction was made for other parts of the province but added that “mainly
i n a l p r i n c i p l e o f l a w t h a t w h e n t h e p r o s e c u t i o n f a i l s t o e s t a b l i s h t h e c a s e a g a i n s t t h e a c c u s e d b e y o n d a r e a s o n a b l e d o u b t a n d t h e r e a r e f a c t s a n d c i r c u m s t a n c e s l e a d i n g t o an inference other than the guilt of the a c c u s e d i t s b e n e f i t h a s t o g o t o h i m n o t a s a m a t t e r o f g r a c e b u t a s h i s r i g h t s a i d t h e j u d g e m e n t T h e r e l a t i v e s c o m m u n i t y m e m b e r s a n d f r i e n d s o f t h e t e a c h e r h a v e e x p r e s s e d c o n c e r n s o v e r h i s s e c u r i t y a s t h e y b e l i e v e h i s l i f e i s i n
d a n g e r H e w a s f a l s e l y a c c u s e d o f b l a s p h e m y i n 2 0 1 9 a n d i n c a r c e r a t e d f o r n e a r l y f i v e y e a r s , b u t h a s f i n a l l y b e e n a c q u i t t e d a n d o r d e r e d t o b e r e l e a s e d b y t h e c o u r t , ” s a i d S u k h D e v H e m n a n i , a b o a r d m e m b e r o f t h e S i n d h H u m a n R i g h t s C o m m i s s i o n We a r e t r y i n g t o a r r a n g e s e c u r i t y f o r h i m a n d h i s f a m i l y h e t o l d m e d i a a n d a d d e d t h a t t h e c o u r t r e s e r v e d t h e v e r d i c t i n t h e c a s e d u r i n g i t s l a s t h e a r i n g b u t r e l e a s e d t h e v e r d i c t t o d a y “ H i s l i f e i s i n d a n g e r a s a n y o n e c o u l d h a r m h i m ” H e m n a n i s a i d a d d i n g t h a t ‘ m i s i n f o r m a t i o n ’ regarding the case could cause trouble f o r t h e t e a c h e r A s t u d e n t o f t h e s c h o o l , Muhammad Ihtisham, had complained to his father that the school owner had a l l e g e d l y p a s s e d d e r o g a t o r y r e m a r k s a g a i n s t P r o p h e t M u h a m m a d ( P B U H ) I n a v i d e o t h a t w e n t v i r a l d u r i n g t h e i n c i d e n t I h t i s h a m s a i d t h a t h e h a d c o m p l a i n e d t o o t h e r t e a c h e r s a b o u t
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announces to form new political par t y
t h e r e m a r k s b u t h e w a s t o l d t o k e e p q u i e t I t h e n a p p r o a c h e d m y f a m i l y h e s a i d P r o t e s t e r s h a d t h e n g a t h e r e d a t t h e A - S e c t i o n P o l i c e S t a t i o n a n d d e m a n d e d t h e p o l i c e t o r e g i s t e r a n F I R a g a i n s t t h e t e a c h e r T h e F I R w a s l o d g e d l a t e e v e n i n g t h a t d a y A f t e r t h e a c c u s e d s a r r e s t t h e s c h o o l h e s t a r t e d i n G h o t k i c i t y w a s c l o s e d a n d h a n d e d o v e r t o a n o t h e r o w n e r w h i l e s o c i a l a n d p o l i t i c a l a c t i v i s t s d e m a n d e d h i s r e l e a s e F o l l o w i n g t h e a l l e g a t i o n s , t h e s c h o o l w a s a t t a c k e d S c o r e s o f p r o t e s t e r s v a n d a l i s e d t h e S a c h o S a t r a m M a n d i r l o c a t e d i n t h e c i t y c e n t r e a n d a t l e a s t f i v e s h o p s l o c a t e d i n J i l a n i M a r k e t w e r e l o o t e d d u r i n g t h e r i o t s T h e m a i n p r o t e s t , w h i c h a t t a c k e d t h e s c h o o l , w h e r e t h e i n c i d e n t reportedly occurred was allegedly led b y M i a n M i t h o o s e l d e r b r o t h e r M i a n A s l a m M e a n w h i l e t h e c i t y
a d m i n i s t r a t i o n a n d l a w e n f o r c e r s s e e m i n g l y r e m a i n e d i n d i ff e r e n t a n d f a i l e d t o p r o v i d e s e c u r i t y t o t h e t e m p l e o r d i s p e r s e t h e p r o t e s t e r s T h o u s a n d s o f s u p p o r t e r s o f t h e M i a n b r o t h e r s h e l d a s i t - i n o n t h e m a i n r o a d s a n d m a r c h e d t o w a r d s t h e s c h o o l T h e p r o t e s t e r s r e p o r t e d l y t h r e a t e n e d H i n d u f a m i l i e s w h o r e m a i n e d c o n f i n e d t o t h e i r h o m e s We e v e n a s k e d o u r k i d s n o t t o c r y, a m e m b e r o f t h e H i n d u c o m m u n i t y t o l d m e d i a “ I t w a s a n i g h t m a r e We w e r e i n a s t a t e o f m e n t a l t r a u m a a n d n o t s u r e i f w e c o u l d m o v e o u t f r e e l y h e s a i d a d d i n g t h a t t h e p r o t e s t e r s w e r e r o a m i n g t h e s t r e e t s , s h o u t i n g s l o g a n s a g a i n s t t h e m a n d t h e i r r e l i g i o n I n o n e o f t h e v i d e o s t h a t w e n t v i r a l f o l l o w i n g t h e r i o t s , M i a n A s l a m i s s e e n l e a d i n g t h e p r o t e s t B u t
NA to elect leader of house on Sunday
PML-N-led coalition grabs speaker, deputy speaker slots in NA
PR OFIT N e w S D e S k
HE Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reported a provisional collection of Rs 681 billion for February 2024 falling Rs 33 billion short of the month s Rs 714 billion target equivalent to a 4 6% shortfall The tax collection target for February 2024 was anticipated at Rs 714 billion but the target was Rs 681 billion leading to a Rs 33 billion deficit This follows a Rs 9 billion shortfall in January 2024 marking the second consecutive month of missed targets this fiscal year However, the revenue collected in February 2024 saw a 32% rise from the same month in the previous year moving from Rs 519 billion in February 2023 to Rs 681 billion The government has prepared eight backup revenue plans to raise an additional Rs 18 billion monthly, if FBR’s revenue does not meet expectations during 2023-24 FBR exceeded its eight-month collection target of Rs 5 83 trillion showcasing a 30% increase primarily due to stronger performance in the earlier months of the fiscal year As the fiscal year progresses, the tax authority remains under pressure to meet its annual target of Rs 9 415 trillion Despite setbacks, there was an increase in income tax collection by 41% amounting to Rs 2 76 trillion in the first eight months However sales tax and customs duties collections have been identified as weak areas needing improvement TAX FILING PLUNGES In a relevant development, the number of income tax return filers in the country has seen a significant decrease of 35% or 2 1 million in February, falling to just under 3 9 million compared to the previous tax year The tax authority added 840 000 new filers this year demonstrating some progress despite the overall decline This reduction in filers spans across companies, associations of persons, business individuals, and the salaried class, highlighting widespread challenges in tax collection efforts The interim government had outlined ambitions to increase the number of tax filers to 6 5 million by June 2024 as per commitments made to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Efforts included the establishment of district tax offices to broaden the tax base However the actual figures as of the end of February show a stark shortfall with only 3 88 million tax returns filed indicating a failure to meet these targets Despite earlier attempts to reform the FBR and enhance tax compliance, the interim government faced hurdles in implementing measures against non-compliant sectors such as the retail industry and mobile phone users who fail to file tax returns The challenges included proposed but unimplemented taxes on retailers and the suspension of mobile phone connections for non-filers These unexecuted initiatives reflect the difficulties in expanding the tax net and enforcing compliance 03 newS Sat rday 2 March 2024 | ISLAMABAD FBR FALLS SHORT OF FEBRUARY TARGET BY RS 33 BILLION KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t A H i n d u t e a c h e r c h a rg e d w i t h b l a s p h e m y i n 2 0 1 9 i n t h e G h o t k i d i s t r i c t o f S i n d h w a s o r d e r e d b y a c o u r t t o b e r e l e a s e d i m m e d i a t e l y i f n o t w a n t e d i n a n y o t h e r c a s e I n t h e j u d g m e n t , t h e c o u r t a c q u i t t e d t h e a c c u s e d o n t h e g r o u n d s t h a t t h e p r o s e c u t i o n f a i l e d t o e s t a b l i s h a c a s e a g a i n s t t h e a c c u s e d I t i s a c a r d
M i a n M i t h o o a f o r m e r m e m b e r o f t h e N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y d e n i e d a n y i n v o l v e m e n t
ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t The holy month of Ramazan is anticipated to commence on March 12 in many Islamic countries, as per a statement issued by the International Astronomy Centre The pivotal conjunction between the sun and moon is slated for March 10 at 9am GMT Nevertheless the sighting of the crescent on March 10 appears implausible from any vantage point across the Arab and Islamic world, whether through direct observation or via telescope, the statement added On March 10, the moon is projected to dip below the horizon shortly after sunset in various cities throughout the Islamic world In Makkah the moon is predicted to set 13 minutes after sunset being 6 hours and 22 minutes old Similarly in Cairo, it is expected to set 14 minutes after sunset, having aged 7 hours and 2 minutes Engineer Muhammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the International Astronomy Centre, elucidated that for a crescent moon to be discernible it must endure for at least 29 minutes be over 15 hours and 33 minutes old and be positioned more than 7 6 degrees away from the sun On March 10 the moon will not meet these prerequisites Hence it is anticipated that most countries will sight the new crescent moon on March 11 with Ramazan set to commence on March 12 Odeh advised that the crescent could be relatively easily observed on March 11, approximately 15-25 minutes after sunset near the western horizon, using the unaided eye According to scholars including Ibn Tariq, Maunder Parwin Elias and astronomical observatorie like SAAO along with researchers Yallop and Odeh the possibility of sighting the crescent on Sunday March 10 seems unlikely based on various criteria for crescent visibility outlined in scientific research As per their opinion, the crescent moon will not be visible on that day across the Arab and Islamic world, whether with the naked eye or using a telescope but the western regions including certain parts of the Americas may be able to sight the Ramazan crescent on March 10 with the use of a telescope Afghanistan Bangladesh India Iran Pakistan South Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia will most likely sight the Ramazan moon on March 11 hence, the first fasting day of Ramazan for them will be March 12 but if not sighted then the first day of fasting will be from March 13 in Pakistan and other South Asian countries R a m a z a n l i ke l y to b e g i n o n M a rc h 1 2 i n m o s t I s l a m i c c o u n t r i e s CONTINUD FROM PAE 01 Ayub reiterated that the House was incomplete as the ECP is yet to announce the allocation of reserved seats in the National Assembly A f t e r Ay u b s p o k e t h e s p e a k e r i n f o r m e d h i m t h a t t h e l a w m a k e r s t h a t were sitting in the House were those who were declared as winners by the Election C o m m i s s i o n o f P a k i s t a n a f t e r t h e February 8 elections He also added that if they had an objection then they should approach the ECP The speaker s comments infuriated the SIC members Following this, the speaker began the process for the speaker s election The voting lasted for at least two hours and chants and slogans could be heard during the process SIC lawmakers that cast their votes chanted slogans in favour of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan as they put their ballot paper in the box set up near the speaker s seat PTI vows not to let newly elected National Assembly function ‘until provision of due rights’ Coming down hard on the ruling alliance Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader and Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) lawmaker Junaid Akbar Friday warned that they would not let the National Assembly function until provision of their due rights The PTI leader made the remarks during his fiery speech at the second session of the newly elected lower house of parliament Taking the floor Akbar said: “We do not recognise this assembly We will neither legislate nor allow it [in the House] The PTI claimed that its mandate was stolen during the February 8 general elections The Imran Khan-founded party termed the polls “rigged” and accused the caretaker government of denying a level playing field in the run-up to elections Firing a fresh salvo at the PPP the PTI leader said: A bazar [of horse-trading] was set up at the Sindh House and consciences [of lawmakers] were bought “Some were threatened, some were shown their videos ” Moving onto alleged discrimination with the PTI the lawmaker said that his party was stripped of its electoral symbol bat in the garb of May 9 mayhem The May 9 riots were triggered almost across the country after the deposed prime minister ’s arrest in the £190 million settlement case Hundreds of PTI workers and senior leaders were put behind bars for their involvement in violence and attacks on military installations During the protests, the miscreants targeted the civil and military installations including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi The military termed May 9 Black Day and decided to try the miscreants under the Army Act The PTI-backed independent candidates were given inappropriate election symbols by the ECP, he added Slamming the establishment, he said two assassination attempts were made on the life of the PTI founder Some 34 PTI supporters were killed on May 9 and FIRs were also lodged against the leadership of Khan-founded party, he added Sedition cases were registered against me and my friends ” Narrating his ordeal in jail, he said: “When I was in jail Na Maloom Afraad [unknown people] used to make phone calls [to police officials] and it was directed that I was not provided with the bed He added: My fault was that I remained firm with the PTI founder The PTI leader also said that there was no Constitution or law in the country Talking about the alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections the PTI leader said that those who suffered defeat as per Form 45s were sitting in the House Drawing the battle in the lower house of parliament, Akbar announced: “We did not come here for reconciliation ” Our votes did not ask us to legislate in the House It was out of the question that they would let anybody sit with peace until the release of their incarcerated leader, the PTI leader told the parliamentarians He also vowed to hold the ruling alliance accountable for “violating” the constitution and harming the country The PTI urged the government and Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to launch a fresh inquiry to ascertain the beneficiary of the May 9 violence MQM-P, PML-N AGREE TO AMEND ARTICLE 140 During the proceedings today a drama unfolded when the MQM-P surprisingly walked out of the house and boycotted the polling process for the speaker PML-N leaders including the nominee for speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq went after them in Committee Room No 2 to win over them to return to the house and participate in the voting process In return the MQM-P demanded a constitutional amendment to empower the local bodies After negotiations, the PML-N acceded to MQM-P’s demand and agreed to a constitutional amendment in Article 140 Ahsan Iqbal and Mustafa Kamal signed the agreement on PML-N and MQM-P s behalf respectively JUI-F BOYCOTTS ELECTION Raising serious reservations over the 2024 election results Jamiat Ulema-e-IslamFazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced that his party would not participate in the elections for the top political slots president, prime minister, and the National Assembly (NA) speaker The JUI-F leader, speaking to journalists in Islamabad Thursday, said his party would sit in the opposition and its lawmakers would abstain from voting during the upcoming electoral events in the assemblies In response to a question regarding JUIF s strategy for a protest movement, he said: Wait for it We will represent the nation soon ”
ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has announced the formation of a new political party by emphasizing that the political parties have to stop calling each other corrupt According to the details, Shahid Khaqan was talking to the media on the current political situation Former prime minister Shahid stated that the political parties are not talking about the country s problems that is why he is forming a new political party He said that the other political parties do not discuss about the solution of the problems even in the current elections campaign there was no discussion on the issues of Pakistan He claimed that the February 8 elections has become a controversial election and it will harm the country because when people lose confidence in the system then there is an alarming situation of the ruling government Khaqan Abbasi further said that the situation of the election is that even the winners have lost hence the only solution is that if all the stakeholders sit together then the country will move forward otherwise there will be more loss
to experience rain, thunderstorms
few heav y spells: PMD KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast on Friday rain and thunderstorms with “few heavy falls” in Karachi and other parts of Sindh as the port city
Karachi
with
dry weather is expected in most districts of the province” tomorrow including Karachi A meeting today was also held by IG Sindh regarding the rain emergency imposed by the provincial government He directed all senior officers to work closely with the Sindh Government and district governments He also instructed the police force to assist the public in emergencies During the meeting on Thursday the CM directed all town chairmen to be vigilant in their respective areas overseeing stormwater and sewerage systems Chief Secretary Dr Fakhre Alam was also instructed to issue a directive to the police to assist the district administration in case of heavy rain The PDMA DG informed the CM about providing the necessary machinery for rainwater disposal to commissioners deputy commissioners and local bodies More machinery and materials would be provided as needed Murad also put Rescue 1122 on high alert and directed K-Electric to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to water board pumping stations and discouraged the practice of switching off electricity during heavy rain ATC acquits Uzair Baloch in APC case KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Karachi has acquitted Lyari gangster s leader Uzair Baloch and his three alleged crime partners in Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) case According to the details, this APC case was 12 years old which was heard in the court today (Friday) The three alleged crime partners who were released includes Zakir Ghulam Muhammad Muhammad Salim known as Mulla Nisar It should be noted that the case was filed on the accusers in April 2012 against the attack on police lines in Kala Kot g I n t e r i m g o v t f a i l s t o b r o a d e n t a x b a s e a s n u m b e r o f f i l e r s d e c r e a s e s b y 3 5 %
ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif and PTI’s Omer Ayub Khan will vie for the prime minister s post as the election of the leader of house in the National Assembly will take place on March 3 (Sunday) According to the schedule issued by the NA Secretariat the nomination papers for the slot of the prime minister could be obtained from the Legislation Branch of the National Assembly and submitted till 2pm on Saturday (March 2) The scrutiny of nomination papers would be completed by 3pm on the same day (Saturday) The election for the prime minister would be conducted through division of members in the house As per the Constitution, before the voting process begins for the slot of prime minister bells will ring for five minutes inside the Parliament House to inform every member in case they are not present in the chamber at the moment to gather inside Once the process begins, the doors will be locked and no one will be allowed to enter or leave the hall till the PM s election is concluded Under the supervision of the speaker, voting will be held through division For example if there are two candidates the speaker will say that whoever wants to vote for candidate A can go to lobby A and whoever wants to vote for candidate B, can go to lobby B If there are three candidates then there can be a lobby C as well At the entrance of the said lobbies there will be a member of the assembly secretariat staff who will record the name of every member of the National Assembly in the register
L H C l a c k i n g J u d g e s a n d s e e k i n g i n d u l g e n c e o f C J P
Shor tage of judges could affect rendering of justice
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
A
Iof this default to accelerate the process of new appointment of judges on vacant seats before his retirement which occurs on March 7
This grave situation in the Lahore High Court seeks the indulgence of the Chief Justice of Pakistan
IN Pakistan we never realized the significance of justice, whereas justice is crucial for society as it ensures fairness, equality and protection of individual rights It promotes social harmony by addressing grievances, resolving conflicts and maintaining a balance that contributes to a stable society Without justice there s a risk of inequality mistrust and social unrest hindering the overall well-being and progress of a society and this grave situation is presently prevailing in our society
The Lahore High Court holds significant importance in our legal system of Pakistan As one of the country’s oldest Courts it plays a crucial role in upholding justice interpreting laws and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights The Court s decisions set legal precedents guide lower Courts and contribute to the development of a fair and equitable and transparent legal system The Lahore High Court’s jurisdiction extends to a populous and influential region, making its rulings influential in shaping legal standards and contributing to the overall stability and governance of Pakistan
The Lahore High Court enjoys its strength of 60 judges fixed by the government which is also an inadequate capacity to meet the demand of Punjab s population and the rising trend of litigations in our society These days Lahore High Court is overburdened as it is working with 40 judges two thirds of its strength and lacking 20 judges This huge deficiency of judges in the Lahore High Court can have substantial repercussions for the judicial system This deficiency may lead to delays in the disposition of cases, a rising backlog of pending matters and increased burden on the existing judges Such shortcomings could hinder the timely delivery of justice affecting the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the legal process To maintain a robust judicial system addressing the shortage of judges is necessary to ensure that pending cases are heard promptly and justly to ensure the rule of law The Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Mr Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti, should take serious notice
The Chief Justice of Pakistan often has the authority to address systemic issues within the judiciary and can play a role in initiating measures for appointment of judges Drawing attention to this matter could lead to actions that help strengthen the judicial system and ensure its smooth functioning
Crises of justice, including the shortage of 20 judges in the Lahore High Court, is a matter that warrants immediate attention of the incoming government The judiciary is a key component of a functional democracy and a shortfall in judicial resources can impact and disturb the timely delivery of justice By engaging with the government there is an urgent need to address this important issue collaboratively Advocating for the allocation of resources, funding and appointment of additional judges can contribute to enhancing the Court’s capacity and consequently the overall efficiency of the judicial system
Certainly the absence of justice in a society can lead to its deterioration Justice serves as a fundamental pillar that upholds fairness, equality and rule of law Without it there s a risk of social unrest, inequality and a breakdown of trust in institutions Injustice can breed resentment, erode social cohesion and create an environment where conflicts escalate Thus the presence of a just legal system is crucial for the stability prosperity and well-being of any society Pakistan faces various challenges encompassing economic, social and political issues These challenges include economic disparities, security con-
E f fo r t s s h o u l d b e m a d e t o
i m p rov e t h e j u d i c i a l s y s t e m a n d s h o u l d fo c u s n o t o n ly o n
i n c r e a s i n g nu m b e rs bu t a l s o o n e n h a n c i n g t h e s y s t e m Ês ov e r a l l e f f i c i e n cy, l ev e r ag i n g t e ch n o l o g y a n d i m p l e m e n t i n g r e fo r m s t o a dd r e s s t h e s p e c i f i c
n e e d s a n d ch a l l e n g e s o f t h e l e g a l l a n d s c a p e .
a n c e . T h i s b e l a t e d a p p rova l i s s u r e ly d u e t o t h e p r e s s u r e a n d r e a c t i o n t h a t o c c u r r e d i n v i ew o f h i s u n c o n s t i t u t i o n a l d i s c r e t i o n
cerns and governance issues It s crucial for the government, institutions and society to work collaboratively to address these challenges and implement effective solutions Prioritizing justice good governance and inclusive policies can contribute to stability and progress fostering a more resilient and prosperous future for the country
There is an urgent need of judicial reforms in Pakistan and every politician made statements but never ever did anything in this regard A comprehensive reform can strengthen the rule of law instill public confidence and contribute significantly to the overall development and stability of the country s legal framework
A weak justice system can indeed contribute to an increase in corruption, the main issue of Pakistan which is destroying our society and has become an open secret A robust and efficient judicial system acts as a deterrent to corruption by holding individuals accountable for their actions When the justice system is perceived as ineffective or slow it may create an environment where corrupt practices can flourish as wrongdoers might believe they can act with impunity Strengthening the justice system through reforms, transparency and timely resolution of cases is crucial for combating a core issue of corruption and promoting a fair and just society Global ranking for judicial systems also makes a joke of our judicial system which makes us all Pakistanis embrace and particularly the lawyers and judges, it motivates us to rethink our judicial system for more drastic improvement and addition of IT systems to accelerate its performance and delivery While aligning the judicial strength with our population size is a point to be considered to resolve this by combating judicial crises as our population has increased tremendously while we did not enhance our judicial capacity, rather the Lahore High Court is facing acute shortage of 20 judges to meet its sanctioned figure, apart from the fact that is also short of its need, as three seats of the Supreme Court of Pakistan also lying vacant after resigning of Justice Mazhair Ali Naqvi and Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan and the retirement Justice Umar Atta Bundia l which also must be filled without any delay, from the existing Lahore High Court judges Efforts should be made to improve the judicial system and should focus not only on increasing numbers but also on enhancing the system’s overall efficiency leveraging technology and implementing reforms to address the specific needs and challenges of the legal landscape The goal is to ensure that the judicial system effectively serves the growing interest of justice to eliminate the fear of injustice and provide a fair opportunity to flourish every citizen of Pakistan
The writer is an Advocate of Supreme Court Law Professor and member of International Bar Association London and can be reached through akhtaradv@gmail com
Village school
T
Academic year
T
I
Charit y organisations
Raiwind realities
04 Saturday 2 March 2024 COMMENT Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965 I K arachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545 I Web: www pakistantoday com pk I Email: editorial@pakistantoday com pk
concern
the fact that that score is unchanged from last year, and reflects the fact that no effort
being made to make a change
fact that at the moment Twitter is banned reflects even more on Pakistan and shows that those in authority seem to have misunderstood the nature of the Internet
ban is being overcome by VPNs, so the proposal has arisen for VPNs to be banned All this will achieve is making users try to achieve some other software means of accessing the microblogging site It is increasingly clear that those in authority are not yet in the 21st century, and yearn for the old days of preInternet control The problem is that Pakistan’s export competitiveness is only possible by getting on the ‘information superhighway’ thus making old-fashioned control a thing of the past The ideal of the Great Firewall of China is perhaps unattainable, as Pakistan has never been a control society It is the government which must act to ensure that freedom is enhanced not so much because freedom is valuable in itself but because it makes good economic sense
category, with a score of 26 out of 100 Perhaps of more
is
is
The
The
r e p o r t s a w a s l i g h t w o r s e n i n g i n Pa k i s t a n ’s s c o r e
H E government primary school in Mevo Khan Khoso village of Noorpur union council (UC) in Naushahro Feroze district is in a state of utter disrepair The students enrolled in the school are frustrated by the prevalent lack of facilities The school is used by the local influentials as their personal property, while the officials are not in a position to take any action against this illegal activity The authorities concerned should do the needful to provide quality education to the children of the village MOMIN MOHBTI NAUSHAHRO FEROZE
in the commencement of the new academic year in Sindh has posed a significant challenge for privately-run schools across the province While efforts are being made to address the issue of textbooks’ availability, no timely resolution is expected
private
minimise
parents
educational
H E potential delay
In any case, there is no reason why the new academic year for privately-run schools should be jeopardised Uncertainty and delayed government decisions invariably create problems for students parents and school administrations in the
sector The government should ensure that the new academic session is not delayed for private schools Timely action is needed to ensure the overall smooth functioning of the education system, and to
disruptions, creating countless problems for students,
and
institutions
PROF MUHAMMAD RIAZ HAMID KHAIRPUR
often said that we are living in a global village but unfortunately people these days hardly know who live next door and what they happen to be going through and for how long That leaves a lot of people dependent on various charity organisations to sustain themselves I have no hard feeling against such organisations as they are feeding thousands of people in their soup kitchens without any discrimination but what about those belonging to the middle class who shy away from standing in a queue for food to avoid hunger? MALIK UL QUDDOOS KARACHI
T is
W H I L E cities are often celebrated for their modern amenities and cleanliness, Raiwind, despite being the residence of Mian Nawaz Sharif, falls short in essential facilities The city lacks hospitals schools colleges and universities presenting a stark contrast to the usual urban standards Raiwind s streets are perpetually dirty often filled with stagnant water and its unpaved roads lack proper lighting Families in our city find no suitable parks for spending quality time during holidays, painting a disheartening picture It’s imperative for the government not only to enhance existing facilities but also to designate areas for new parks Initiatives addressing street cleanliness and road paving are equally vital Additionally minimizing gas load-shedding can significantly improve the winter experience for residents Achieving these goals would undoubtedly elevate the standard of living in Raiwind Authorities must not only acknowledge these issues but also devise effective solutions for the betterment of our community M AHMAD SAJJAD LAHORE E d i t o r ’ s m a i l 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
N a democratic dispensation the President is under obligation to uphold the constitution under all circumstances and adopt a non-partisan position in political disputes between the ruling and opposition parties without showing any tilt to the party he belongs But it is really regrettable to note that President Arif Alvi has invariably acted as an activist of PTI in all situations by breaching the Constitution The latest unconstitutional indiscretion committed by him is the refusal to accord approval for convening the National Assembly session which must be held within 21 days after the general elections as per Article 91(2) which stipulates The national assembly shall meet on twenty-first day following the day on which the general election to the national assembly is held unless sooner summoned by the President” As is abundantly clear the assembly must meet on the 21st day after the general elections which fell on February 29 He has rejected the assembly on a very flimsy excuse, contending that since the National Assembly is not complete the session cannot be convened until the allocation of special and women seats is announced That is the position taken by his party on the issue So his action is tantamount to supporting the party position rather than sticking to his constitutional obligation The ECP is already seized of the matter and the issue will be decided in a day of so, maybe before this piece is printed Since the results of almost all the 266 general seats have been announced the excuse preferred by the President does not provide a legitimate ground to reject the summary in clear breach of the Constitution There are instances where members of the assembly have taken oath much later than the inauguration of the Assembly, comprising the majority of the general seats Reportedly the government had decided to hold the assembly session on February 29 in any case to avoid violation of the Constitution which would be quite embarrassing for the President if he sticks to his taken position Perhaps it would be pertinent to recall the occasions on which he has been guilty of blatantly violating the Constitution and law at will only to benefit or support the narrative of PTI the party to which he belongs To begin with he deliberately avoided taking oath from Prime Minister-elect Shehbaz Sharif which was his constitutional obligation, by going on sick leave and consequently the acting President, Sadiq Sanjarani, administered the oath He refused to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Cabinet and the onus again fell on Sanjrani He was part of the unconstitutional game plan of PTI that began with the rejection of the PDM s no-confidence motion against Imran Khan by the Deputy Speaker followed by dissolution of the assemblies and declaration of new elections by him It was thankfully declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Pakistan leaving no doubt about the sinister motives of the PTI leadership including the President In fact what they did was a willful breach of the constitution The President also remained involved in the political crisis in Punjab, playing the role of a party loyalist His ill intentions and commitment to support the PTI narrative and stance on different issues were amply manifested by his action to seek the Supreme Court s opinion on Article 63A of the Constitution his reference against Mr Justice Qazi Faiz Isa to the Judicial Council The opinion rendered by the SC bench with a 3-2 majority on Article 63A virtually amounted to re-writing the Constitution which is outside the power of the Supreme Court as also contended by the dissenting judges The opinion aggravated the political crisis in Punjab and the consequent installation of Pervez Elahi government President Alvi also created a bizarre confusion regarding assent to Official Secrets Bill 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2023 which were sent to him and he was supposed to give his approval or otherwise within ten days as per Article 75 of the Constitution which stipulates When a Bill is presented to the President for assent, the President shall within ten days assent to the Bill or in the case of a Bill other than a Money Bills return the Bill to the Majlise Shura (Parliament) with a message requesting that the Bill or any specified provision thereof be reconsidered and that any amendment specified in message be considered He neither gave written assent nor sent it back As the President failed to exercise either of the options in regards to these two Bills they automatically assumed the status of Acts of the Parliament Article 75 does not mention any third option However the President who did not act according to the Constitution took the stance that he had not approved the bills and had asked his staff to return it to the concerned quarters The staff contradicted the President s statement and maintained that the bills were still with him Granted that he did not approve the bills he should have returned them with the objections that he had in writing with his initials which had been the previous practice He committed another unconstitutional indiscretion when he announced a date for elections in Punjab and KPK under section 57(1) of the Election Act, notwithstanding this section pertained to a situation when polls to the National Assembly and four provincial assemblies are to be held simultaneously The President therefore used section 57(1) of the Act in the wrong context Even in case of general elections the presidential authority to announce the date of elections is contingent upon two conditions First as mentioned in the same section the President would announce the date in consultation with ECP and secondly as per Article 48(1) of the Constitution the President shall exercise his authority in accordance with the advice of the cabinet or the Prime Minister So in this case he also by-passed the Prime Minister and the cabinet As is evident the President was actually guilty of vitiating the Election Act as well as the constitution Reportedly the president has atoned for his mistake regarding summoning of the National Assembly session by approval for holding the session on February 29 in line with Article 91(2) One would wish that he had avoided creating a crisis by rejecting the summary in the first instance This belated approval is surely due to the pressure and reaction that occurred in view of his unconstitutional discretion Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail com
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USA in June last year The IPI had highlighted that “the misuse of legal measures against journalists critical of Narendra Modi and his BJP-led government had become more prevalent under his leadership
Similarly, according to a 2022 news story published in The Times of India, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a US-based NGO had called on the European Union “to hold India accountable for press freedom violations
Karan Thapar a distinguished Indian journalist and television commentator, has opined that Modi-led BJP government seems to assert its ability to shape the narrative through media control This concerning pattern poses a threat to the fundamental principles of democracy Thapar s words underscore a growing sentiment within the Indian journalism fraternity that the Modi government s attempts to shape the narrative are compromising Indian media s ability to act as “an effective watchdog ”
One of the glaring examples of BJP government’s narrative management is the suppression of criticism by labelling dissidents as anti-national forces by Prime Minister Modi The journalists, media personalities, civil and political activists who are critical of the Modi government’s policies and actions often find themselves at the receiving end of harassment intimidation and legal actions According to Meenakshi Ganguly Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch (HRW) activists have been held in preventive detention to stop them from organising protests, while critics of the govern-
ment are accused of sedition criminal defamation, or terrorism
The Modi government s approach to shaping public perception also involves influencing the information accessible to the public A clear example of this is the gradual undermining of Right to Information (RTI)
Act 2005 which grants citizens the right to request information from public authorities, with the view to foster transparency and accountability However, the amendments made to it by the Modi government have weakened its effectiveness creating obstacles for both citizens and journalists in obtaining vital information
The Modi government s authority to determine what qualifies as propaganda and fake news raises apprehensions about its possible misuse to selectively target inconvenient truths and dissenting voices One of the most controversial legal frameworks in this context are the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules (ITR) 2021 Introduced by the Modi government, they give the government unprecedented powers to regulate digital news media and social media platforms The Modi government contends that these regulations are essential to combat the dissemination of fake news and misinformation However independent observers perceive them as instruments for manipulating the narrative and suppressing dissent within the digital realm
Since 2014, the BJP government has used various other legal frameworks such as counterterrorism laws national security statutes regulations governing foreign funding and income tax laws to target its detractors In February 2023, the offices of the BBC in New Delhi and Mumbai were raided
by Indian tax officials in an apparent reprisal for a documentary titled India: The Modi Question ’ The two-part documentary highlighted Modi’s dismal track record as regards to protecting the Muslim community during the 2002 Gujarat riots The documentary was instantly blocked across India by the BJP government using ITR 2021
The Editor-in-Chief of News Click Prabir Purkayastha, an independent digital news platform, along with its HR Manager Amit Chakravarty were booked on 3 October 2023 by the Delhi Police under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967 on the fabricated charges The houses of 46 journalists belonging to the same organization were also raided The BJP government employs different types of pressure techniques and tools in an effort to make independent Indian journalists fall in line According to a joint investigation report published by Amnesty International and The Washington Post on 28 December 2023, India s government has recently targeted high-profile journalists with Pegasus spyware,” to snoop on them A police case was registered under UAPA on 10 October 2023 against Arundhati
T h e d e t e r i o r a t i o n o f p r e s s f r e e d o m i n I n d i a d u r i n g t h e B J P g ov e r n m e n t e x p o s e s M o d i Ês a u t h o r i t a r i a n s t y l e o f p o l i t i c s , w h i c h i s c o n t r a r y t o A r t i cl e 1 9 ( 1 a ) o f t h e I n d i a n C o n s t i t u t i o n . T h e A r t i cl e cl e a r l y g r a n t s a r i g h t t o f r e e d o m o f s p e e c h a n d e x p r e s s i o n t o I n d i a n c i t i z e n s . T h u s , f a i l u r e o n t h e p a r t o f t h e I n d i a n s t a t e t o g u a r a n t e e t o a l l i t s c i t i z e n s t h e f u n d a m e n t a l r i g h t t o f r e e d o m o f s p e e c h a n d e x p r e s s i o n c o n s t i t u t e s a v i o l a t i o n o f t h e I n d i a n C o n s t i t u t i o n . I t i s fo r t h i s r e a s o n t h a t I n d i a w a s cl a s s i f i e d by t h e V- D e m I n s t i t u t e a s a n „ e l e c t o r a l a u t o c r a c y ‰ .
Fro m M a rc h 2 0 2 2 to J u l y 2 0 2 3 , t h e UA E co n f i s c ate d a s s e t s wo r t h m o re t h a n D h 1 . 3 b i l l i o n a n d i s s u e d f i n e s t h at a d d e d u p to D h 1 9 9 m i l l i o n i n t h e f i r s t h a l f o f l a s t ye a r to co m b at m o n e y l a u n d e r i n g
ORoy, a renowned Indian author and social activist, and former Kashmiri professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain, using a 13-year-old complaint for allegedly delivering “provocative speeches” at a conference organized by the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners under the banner of Azadi – The Only Way on 21 October 2010 in Delhi In that speech, Arundhati Roy had underscored that democracy entails more than just the act of voting; it encompasses the rights to question and dissent ” The police case filed against them in October 2023 on the basis of the 2010 complaint accused both Arundhati Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain of disrupting social harmony and acting in public mischief, but more seriously, of sedition Ilavenil Meena Kandasamy, a well-known Indian poet and fiction writer, underscored in her opinion piece published in The Guardian on 20 October 2023 that this police case was absurd and a deadly threat to freedom of expression in India
The assault on press freedom, carried out through strategies of narrative management, has not only lowered the morale of the journalistic community in India but also jeopardized their lives properties and careers The deterioration of press freedom in India during the BJP government exposes Modi s authoritarian style of politics, which is contrary to Article 19(1a) of the Indian Constitution The Article clearly grants a right to freedom of speech and expression to Indian citizens Thus failure on the part of the Indian state to guarantee to all its citizens the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression constitutes a violation of the Indian Constitution It is for
t r a n s f o r m i n g t h e n e w s b u s i n e s s
Saturday 2 March 2024 COMMENT 05
V E R the past several years, the UAE has been pushing to ensure financial transactions in the country are legitimate, transparent and that everyone’s money and savings are secure Through constant monitoring and diligence authorities have clamped down on illicit financial flows all the more stringently to align with global standards and comply with the best practices On Friday the strength of UAE s financial system was acknowledged when the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a Paris-based international body, recognised the country s progress in tackling financial vulnerabilities and removed it from a “grey list” that it was put on in March 2022 along with two dozen other countries Welcoming the FATF move Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Minister of Foreign Affairs said: This success is the outcome of significant and distinguished efforts by relevant ministries, the federal government and local entities The UAE took on a whole-of-government approach to achieve this Some of the steps taken in this period include scrutinising financial investigations more thoroughly prosecuting where necessary improving co-operation among international bodies and putting in place stringent measures where virtual asset regulation is concerned Not only that from March 2022 to July 2023, the UAE confiscated assets worth more than Dh1 3 billion ($354 million) and issued fines that added up to Dh199 million in the first half of last year to combat money laundering Taking consistent action in fully securing its financial frameworks reflects on the efficiency with which the UAE has been able to achieve this goal It also speaks of the political will to tackle global financial menaces such as money laundering and illicit financing The FATF’s clearance is likely to lead to even greater foreign capital inflows and investment Usually, when a country is placed on the FATF’s grey list capital flows decline In the UAE s case however the total value of foreign direct investment increased 10 per cent year on year to $22 7 billion in 2022 Unsurprisingly perhaps this can be attributed to the country s position as a world-class financial hub and the reputation it has steadily built Speaking to The National about the various benefits of being taken off the list Jonny Bell director of financial crime compliance and payments at LexisNexis Risk Solutions said they included heightened foreign investment into the UAE expanded international trade facilitated by improved credit agreements, decreased dependence on foreign lending and reduced exposure to money laundering As more people settle down to the safety and quality of life that the UAE provides, authorities understand the importance and the responsibility of keeping the country’s financial frameworks secure and robust This has come as a result of constant vigilance that will need to be kept up at all times As technologies evolve groups with ulterior motives operating from any part of the world, are able to exploit them for nefarious purposes Vigilance involves continuing to apply international best practices – a process the UAE clearly takes seriously as it remains focused on not just growing but also diversifying its economy to weather all potential threats in the future
removal
financial
A C C O R D I N G to the research methodology used by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) for compiling the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) “Press freedom is the ability of journalists to select produce and disseminate news in the public interest independent of political economic legal and social interference, and in the absence of threats The press plays an important role in safeguarding the rights of the citizenry by reporting on governmental shortcomings and excesses A free and independent press can be an efficient tool for keeping an eye on the misuse of authority and abuse of power making it the proverbial fourth pillar of the state, the other three being the executive, the judiciary and the legislature India, the world’s largest democracy, has been ranked at 161 out of 180 countries in WPFI 2023 It is a 21-point slip since Narendra Modi s coming into power as Prime Minister in 2014 The index highlights the challenges faced by press and news media in India and underscores issues such as violence against journalists, frequent internet shutdowns and legal harassment” as contributing factors to the deteriorating state of press freedom in India
Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party government s crackdown against journalists and mediapersons has raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom in India The International Press Institute, a global network of editors media executives and leading journalists had urged President Joe Biden to address concerns pertaining to press freedom in India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi s official state visit to the
The merit in UAE’s
from the
‘grey list’
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this reason that India was classified by the V-Dem Institute as an “electoral autocracy,” in its 2023 report titled Defiance in the Face of Autocratization
writer is Research Officer at the Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh Th e B J P m ove s I n d i a towa rd s a co nt ro l l e d p re s s Your report maintains that far from being a technology of the future, AI is already in the newsroom It’s not just in the newsroom it’s in news organizations more broadly and newsrooms are one part of that If you consume news on a phone or computer and get any kind of article recommendation in most cases, that is AI and machine learning The end user is less aware of the use of AI in journalism in the production of news, like discovering information in very large datasets which we’ve seen with the Panama Papers which helps investigative reporters find stories in these big reams of data Or something fairly common like recording me and then having AI transcribe it Other specific uses? The Daily Maverick in South Africa feeds original long-form content into AI systems that spits out summaries in bullet point form In the days before AI you would have to have a journalist write that summary and write those bullet points Another is you can have articles read to you by an AI-generated voice Instead of reading on your phone, or if you re visually impaired, having a synthetic voice read to you becomes possible with the help of technology, and also possibly at scale What sort of road map for the adoption of AI in newsrooms do you see? Do you see expanded use in crunching big data sets? Grinding out formula stories like corporate earnings reports? AI illustrations? AI copy desks? It will be an ongoing appropriation, but at different speeds, owing to the individual needs, capabilities cultural mindsets and resources of different news organizations and newsrooms So an organization with a strong footprint in data journalism will likely use AI to drive more or deeper coverage on this front, whereas a newsroom that is focused mainly on churning out superficial fluff pieces will likely use it to that end Uses that will cut across are those that all newsrooms share in some ways AI transcriptions are already standard and everyone needs to copy edit or reformat content for different products and channels or illustrate and visualize content so these uses will increase The same for content recommendation or dynamic paywalls This was already on the rise, and I would be very surprised if this did not increase in the future What is going to be really interesting and most difficult to predict are the more creative ways newsrooms will find to serve their audiences with the help of AI not just in terms of good journalism that people will actually want to consume (and pay for), but also in formats that especially younger or currently underserved audiences will find appealing What can human journalists do that AI can’t? Things like gaining someone’s trust, building up a connection to a source maybe over months maybe over years in some cases which might not even lead anywhere in the beginning and then at one point you call them up and they say I have a p i e c e o f i n f o r m a t i o n f o r y o u T h a t s n o t s o m et h i n g a n y A I s y s t e m c a n d o a t t h e m o m e n t b ecause it relies on human interaction and building rapport over a longer period of time That’s not something you can do from typing a prompt into ChatGPT You have to have boots on the ground with their eyes and ears and going around and seeing what s happening How will AI improve journalism? That AI will improve journalism is not a foregone conclusion If managers and editors decide to use it to help reporters do their work in a better way that would be a quality improvement But the decision has to be to made to use the technology for that end It s not something that happens automatically The opposite is also possible if you re a news organization mainly interested in reaching lots of people, but not necessarily interested in quality journalism, as was the case in the recent CNET’s example [in which the site published shoddy AI-written pieces] It basically comes down to what news organizations decide what to do with it Publishers might use it to boost quantity not quality? Any increase in efficiency and resources will generate an increase in resource consumption AI can allow journalists to spend more time on the really valuable tasks You can automate transcription with AI make summaries with AI But instead of giving you time to do more in-depth stuff your editor might have you write 10 stories a day instead of five because technology speeds you up It s not necessarily all driven by technology, even though technology enables these different scenarios How should journalists relate to the current AIs? As a knowledgeable colleague? A sometimes reliable source? Or a lousy intern who fakes most assignments given to him? The answer to this question depends on the kind of AI system we are talking about as there is no one single AI at work in news organizations Instead, AI is best understood as an assemblage of different techniques systems and approaches used in different places and for different tasks I also try not to anthropomorphize them: They are computer systems Admittedly, very good ones, but they are not human But if we whittle this down for the sake of argument to journalists and how they make use of chatbots such as Bard, Claude or ChatGPT, caution is advised The underlying large language models are nondeterministic by nature so you can get different outputs even with the same prompt and they are prone to errors But depending on the task this is more or less of a problem I would not blindly trust them if I were searching for information, but they are rather good at tasks such as copy-editing or summarizing In any case I’d always double-check One pipe dream of the early internet era was a Daily Me news site tailored to individual tastes That never came Will AI build it or is having a news product that other people have more desirable than having a customized one? Ha! Well, in some ways, there is a bit of the “Daily Me” already right? Recommendation systems driving things like Apple News or Google News use machine learning in other words AI to tailor content to individual interests and increasingly publishers around the world are doing the same in their apps or on their websites So we are going down that route already In terms of how this is received, the picture is somewhat ambiguous There are academic studies indicating that news recommenders are viewed as fair and useful as human editors while others show that people are generally skeptical of any kind of recommendation and tailoring and that they fear missing out on things other people get to see What we do know is that those with higher trust in news and institutions are more likely to be happy with automated recommendations tailored to their interests, too Meanwhile news organizations automatically tailoring and recommending news can sometimes clash with editors desire to set agendas through the stories they place It s a mixed picture without a clear answer One of your findings is that AI will reinforce existing inequalities among news outlets, with wellresourced ones outracing the less If you are a larger news organization you have the time to invest in research and development attract and retain talent and build a customized AI If you re a small organization you re more a technology taker than a technology maker That s one way we see winners and losers The big news organizations, like the New York Times and Axel Springer [owner of POLITICO] can engage in direct negotiations with Microsoft and Google This is not the case with the Oxford Mail or the Offenbach Post which was my local newspaper in Germany We ve seen this power imbalance emerging in recent weeks with the squabbles over questions of copyright and the use of news to do data training If you are larger, you have an advantage because you can afford to go to court [editor ’s note: like the New York Times] Is it likely that Big Tech will be able to use its power to cement control over news information? In many ways, it s already done that, if you look at the ways news is distributed by Google and Meta There is already a sort of dependency AI is already used to sort information to curate information on the platforms of those very companies and will increasingly be rolled out more deeply If you become a technology-taker rather than a technology-maker you are dependent on cloud computing infrastructure from places like Microsoft They hold all the cards if they decide to raise prices or change the conditions of licensing and accessing deals You are at the short end of the stick in many ways For many users, AI is a black box whose workings they don t understand What problems does that present for newsrooms that become AIdependent? If you don t know where the information comes from, that can create problems One could expose you as a journalist or an organization to copyright infringement or plagiarism If you don t quite know how these systems work if you don t know when they work where they failed what exactly they do That can create problems in the journalistic process, of course, and in the way we consume information Jack Shafer is Politico s senior media writer H o w A I i s a l r e a d y
The
TARIquE AHmED AbRO POLITICO MAGAZINE J AC K S H A F E R THE NATIONAL E D I TO R A L
Felix M. Simon, a doc toral candidate at Oxford, recently published a white paper about AI’s journalistic future that eclipses many early studies
U44 dead in Bangladesh restaurant fire
a recent Security Council resolution seeking a
Guterres said
geopolitical divides have “transformed the veto power into an effective instrument of paralysis of the action of the Security Council I am totally convinced that we need a humanitarian ceasefire and we need the unconditional and immediate release of hostages and that we should have a Security Council able to achieve these objectives ” Guterres said EU chief Ursula von der Leyen Friday tweeted: Deeply disturbed by images from Gaza Every effort must be made to investigate what happened and ensure transparency Humanitarian aid is a lifeline for those in need and access to it must be ensured We stand by civilians, urging their protection in line with international law
NYPD cricket team visits CPO; meets ICCPO
‘Targeted for his Muslim identit y’: DDA razes house of rat miner who saved 41 trapped workers
BEIJING M i A n A b r A r
President Xi Jinping said young officials are successors to the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and called on them to stay true to the Party s founding mission work hard and take on their historical task on the new journey Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission made the remarks in an important instruction conveyed at the opening ceremony of a training program for young and middle-aged officials at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance) on Friday Xi urged them to remain confident in the Party s new theories and actively put them into practice They should yield concrete results in enhancing their understanding of Marxist theory and the ability to apply them in practice, he said They must
actively practice loyalty and honesty toward the Party, and must make their political stance clear said Xi He called on them to strictly abide by the Party s political discipline and rules always be honest do solid work, and maintain a high degree of unity with the CPC Central Committee at all times They should be selfless and dedicate themselves to improving the well-being of the people Xi said stressing that they must always put the people first and have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well
Xi also encouraged them to better shoulder responsibilities be keen on reform and innovation dare to confront difficulties and be capable of overcoming obstacles and continuously break new grounds in their work They should also do their part in promoting a sound political ecosystem and maintain the spirit of self-reform said Xi Party organizations at all levels should educate manage and oversee officials strictly and cultivate reliable successors who can shoulder the responsibility of building a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee addressed the opening ceremony Stressing that Xi s important instruction is an action guide for young officials to become more competent Cai urged young officials to strengthen theoretical study and apply their study outcomes into the practice of fulfilling duties
Biden calls on Trump to unblock migrant plan during dueling border visits
TEXAS: U S President Joe Biden on Thursday called on Donald Trump to help unblock a plan languishing in Congress to cut migrant crossings as the pair took part in dueling visits to the border over a top issue ahead of November ’s election Biden was in the town of Brownsville Texas across the Rio Grande river from Mexico where he criticized Republicans for rejecting a bipartisan effort to toughen immigration rules after Trump told them not to pass it and give the president a win Ag e n c i e s
Saturday 2 March 2024 | ISLAMABAD 06 NEWS
ISLAMABAD s tA f f r e p o r t According to the details the New York Police Department s (NYPD) cricket team visited the Central Police Office Islamabad and met with Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan a public relations officer said He said that, Islamabad Capital Police officers and cricket team members were also present on the occasion During the meeting various matters were discussed including the inauguration of sport events ICCPO Dr Akbar Nasir Khan said that the purpose of the cricket event is to boost the morale of police personnel attract them towards healthy activities, and promote mental and physical well-being along with law and order duties He emphasized that sports bring refinement in character, maturity in roles and contribute to a healthy society He further mentioned that such initiatives help to reduce the gap between the police and the public and sports are essential for improving health Moreover he expressed that in the future, such sports activities will continue to foster better cooperation among different departments ISLAMABAD p r o f i t Oil prices rose on Friday and were set for weekly gains as markets awaited an OPEC+ decision on supply agreements for the second quarter while weighing fresh U S European and Chinese economic data Brent futures for May were up $1 43 or 1 75% at $83 34 a barrel by 1334 GMT The April Brent futures contract expired on Feb 29 at $83 62 a barrel U S West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for April rose $1 54, or 1 97%, to $79 80 a barrel WTI is on track for a 4 3% increase this week, while following the switch in contract months Brent is around 2 1% higher than last week’s settlement price A decision on extending OPEC+ cuts is expected in the first week of March sources have said with individual countries expected to announce their decisions “Sticking to the voluntary production cuts until the end of the year would be a strong signal and should therefore be seen as price-positive Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said An extension only into the second quarter, on the other hand, is likely to be priced in and should therefore not move prices significantly,” he added A Reuters survey showed the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries pumped 26 42 million barrels per day (bpd) in February up 90 000 bpd from January Strong expectations of Saudi Arabia keeping term prices of crude it sells to Asian customers little changed in April from March levels also underpinned the market on Friday On the demand side Chinese manufacturing activity shrank for the fifth straight month in February, an official survey showed E u r o z o n e i n f l a t i o n f e l l i n F e b r ua r y a c c o r d i n g t o E u r o s t a t , b u t b o t h the headline figure and core inflation, w h i c h s t r i p s o u t v o l a t i l e f o o d a n d f u e l p r i c e s j u s t m i s s e d a n a l y s t s e xp e c t a t i o n s Supporting prices the U S personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index showed January inflation in line with economists’ expectations on Thursday, reinforcing market bets for a June interest rate cut The process of disinflation is reassuringly under way therefore smart money is currently on a June rate cut, PVM analyst Tamas Varga said in a note on Friday
il
UNITED NATIONS Ag e n c e s
O
rises almost 2% as markets await OPEC+ decision
N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wants an independent probe into the deaths of more than 100 people seeking humanitarian aid in Gaza as various countries expressed their concern over the incident Israel has disputed the account provided by officials in the Hamas-run enclave Germany also demanded an investigation, while French President Emmanuel Macron said he was angered by the shooting and demanded “truth and justice” regarding the role of Israeli soldiers in the incident Gaza health authorities said Israeli forces on Thursday (February 29) shot dead more than 100 Palestinians as they waited for an aid delivery, but Israel blamed the deaths on crowds that surrounded aid trucks, saying victims had been trampled or run over At least 112 people were killed and more than 280 wounded in the incident near Gaza City Palestinian health officials said Israel disputed the account provided by officials in Hamas-run Gaza, which has been bombarded by Israeli forces for months since the Palestinian militant group’s deadly rampage in southern Israel on October 7 GUTERRES ‘SHOCKED’ S p e a k i n g i n S t Vi n c e n t a n d t h e G r e n a d i n e s a h e a d o f a r e g i o n a l s u mm i t , G u t e r r e s s a i d h e w a s s h o c k e d b y t h e l a t e s t e p i s o d e i n t h e c o n f l i c t , i n w h i c h P a l e s t i n i a n a u t h o r i t i e s s a y o v e r 30 000 civilians have
killed since O c t o b e r 7 Responding
failure
been
to questions on the
of
ceasefire,
worsening
NEW DELHI Ag e n c i e s In a startling development, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) which works under Narendra Modi-led Indian government demolished the residence of rat miner Wakil Hassan a key figure in leading the team that heroically rescued 41 individuals from a perilous situation in Uttarakhand s Silkyara tunnel Wakil Hassan, who spearheaded the team of rat miners instrumental in the rescue last November found his home in Khajuri North East Delhi demolished by the DDA The demolition has shocked many given Hassan s celebrated role in the recent rescue mission His leadership and bravery during the Uttarakhand tunnel crisis earned him widespread recognition and praise Vakil and his wife, Shabana, were not at their residence when DDA officials arrived in the neighbourhood “They knocked at our door and said that they are our neighbours but I didn t open it said Aliza Hassan s daughter They were talking rudely When I didn t open the door they said that they ll
them to wait for papa
into the house They hit my brother and took him away
Munna Qureshi uncle tried to stop them, they slapped him” she
break it I asked
But they broke
When
added
DHAKA Ag e n c i e s At least 44 people were killed and dozens injured after a fire blazed through a seven-storey building in an upscale neighbourhood in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka late Thursday, authorities said “So far 43 people have died from the fire ” Bangladesh’s health minister Samanta Lal Sen told foreign media after visiting the Dhaka Medical College Hospital and an adjoining burn hospital Police inspector Bacchu Mia said one more person died at Dhaka s main police hospital to bring the death toll to 44 Sen said at least 40 injured people were being treated in the city’s main burn hospital “None of them are out of danger ” he told media Fire department official Mohammad Shihab said the blaze originated in a popular biriyani restaurant in Dhaka s Bailey Road at 9:50pm Thursday (1550 GMT), and quickly spread to the upper floors, trapping scores of people Firefighters brought the blaze under control in two hours, he said Theyrescued 75 people alive, a statement from the fire service said Fire officials told reporters they suspected the inferno was caused by a gas cylinder blast at the restaurant It raced through the upper floor quickly as there were restaurants in almost all floors of the building They use gas cylinders, one fire officer, who did not give his name, said The government has ordered a probe into the incident The Bailey Road building houses mainly restaurants along with several clothing and mobile phone shops G LO B A L C A L L F O R G A Z A A I D C O N V O Y D E AT H S P R O B E ; E U C U T S U N R W A F U N D S X i Jinping urges young officials to take on historic al task on new journey
Pakistan S ociety of Nephrology Holds 14th
Biennial Conference at SIUT
K A R A C H I: The 14th Biennial Pakistan Society of Nephrology (PSN) conference is currently underway at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), bringing together renowned nephrologists from across the globe The four-day
further strengthening their professional development
The 14th Biennial PSN conference appreciated the endorsement of international and regional societies with sponsorship provided by the pharmaceutical industry PR
Misguided Advoc ac y for Tax Hikes Facilitates Illicit Cigarette Manufac turers to Evade
OGDCL Rolls Out its ESG Polic y to Promote Sustainable Prac tices
Par ticipants Grill O rganizers on Major L apses in Renewables Energy S tudy on K arachi
therefore advised
are for
only and should not be
set
raised immediate
This upfront
tured a wide range of speakers including, Shariq Raza - Chief Technical Officer at the Energy Department Government
Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal MD visits S audi Embassy
British Council Pakistan announces 7th edition of
its foundational lapses
The study, marked by a disclaimer stating, "The information presented in this technical report is based solely on publicly available data and resources While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented herein, we (Renewable First) can not guarantee
cerns among seminar participants about the reliability and depth of the analysis and conclusions presented Held under the banner Significance of Renewables for Karachi & Export Industry the closed-door seminar saw a gathering of industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from the export and manufacturing sectors They voiced their apprehensions over the study s reliance on potentially outdated or incomplete data and the absence of a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process in its preparation During the event, which fea-
and solar projects has drastically decreased in the past decade, and Pakistan has also witnessed substantial cost reductions in Renewables
Muslim countries urged to speak to Israeli PM for an immediate ceasefire in G aza
3rd edition of Khi Awards celebrates Karachi’s heroes
Riphah International University joins hands with HRSG
Job
07 NEWS Saturday 2 March 2024 | ISLAMABAD PR OFIT N E W S D E S K P A K I S TA N s exports of pearls and precious stones to China saw a significant 47% increase in 2023 showcasing the rising Chinese demand and the potential of Pakistan s gemstone industry Karim Jan a leading gem and jewelry exporter, highlighted the rich mineral resources in Pakistan s northern regions known for producing topaz rubies, emeralds, and sapphires through traditional mining and craftsmanship This growth is attributed to the Chinese market’s appetite for rare and highquality gemstones with Pakistani gems gaining a foothold due to their beauty and craftsmanship The bilateral trade is poised for mutual benefits with Pakistan s gems shining in China s vast market According to Pakistan s Ministry of Commerce exports to China reached $4 34 million in 2023, up from $2 95 million the previous year, a 46 88% increase Specifically, semi-precious stone exports saw a 27 75% rise to over $3 72 million This achievement highlights the global demand for Pakistan s gems and the industry s resilience With a focus on innovation sustainable practices and artisan skill enhancement, Pakistan s gemstone industry is set to maintain its momentum and global presence PAKISTAN’S GEM EXPORTS TO CHINA JUMP 47% IN 2023 g A C H I E V E M E N T H I G H L I G H T S G LO B A L D E M A N D F O R PA K I S TA N ' S G E M S A N D I N D U S T R Y ' S R E S I L I E N C E ISLAMABAD P R The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has taken a significant stride towards sustainability by announcing its Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) policy In response to the growing demand from investors and stakeholders for transparency and accountability in ESG factors, OGDCL's Board of Directors released its comprehensive ESG policy statement on February 27, 2024 The OGDCL ESG policy underscores the company s commitment to environmental stewardship social responsibility and effective corporate governance practices By embracing these principles OGDCL aims to create shared value for sustainable development The policy outlines OGDCL's strategic approach to managing environmental impacts, fostering social inclusivity and upholding high standards of corporate governance OGDCL view the ESG Policy as a crucial first step in embracing more sustainability practices and becoming a responsible, adaptable, and resilient organization The OGDCL ESG policy is aligned with international best practices and reflects the company s commitment to transparency integrity and ethical conduct
CORPORATE CORNER KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T E R A seminar organized by the Islamabad-based private entity Renewables First intended to highlight the challenges and opportunities of renewable energy adoption in Karachi, turned into a platform for critical scrutiny over the significant gaps in study's methodology and findings The report focusing on the broader implications for the city s energy sector faced immediate skepticism from attendees due to
its completeness
timeliness
or
Readers are
that the conclusions and analyses drawn from the data
informational purposes
construed as financial investment or professional advice
the tone for the ensuing debate
admission
con-
of Sindh Zulfiqar Ali Umrani - Head of Sustainability at Ziauddin University and Tauseef Farooqi - Former Chairman NEPRA, participants also raised queries on the former NEPRA’s 4 year tenure for failing to advance the integration of renewable energy into the national grid It was argued in the report that Pakistan has a huge potential to generate electricity from wind with estimates reaching around 50,000 MW while Karachi could not leverage this opportunity Moreover, report claimed that the global Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for utility-scale wind
event, held from February 29th to March 3rd, 2024, features esteemed delegates from the USA UK Canada and Australia sharing their expertise with Pakistani colleagues The PSN represents all nephrologists in Pakistan specialists dedicated to diagnosing and treating medical conditions affecting the kidneys This conference serves as a platform for international, regional, and national experts to share their knowledge and advancements in the field Through plenary talks and symposia participants gain valuable insights to enhance patient care Furthermore the conference will play a vital role in promoting collaboration and networking among specialists, facilitating easy consultations and referrals Additionally, hands-on workshops equip participants with practical skills,
tudent
O ppor tunities The top leadership of HRSG the country s largest recruitment agency led by its Global CEO recently visited Riphah International University s Central Secretariat at Gulberg Greens Islamabad During the visit, discussions were held with Mr Ahmed Nauman Anees, the Director of Human Development Services and his team identifying key areas of interest for collaboration HRSG a global provider of business solutions specializes in optimizing human resources by handpicking bold leaders managing powerful teams, offering HR process outsourcing, premium consulting, and training services The visit signifies a promising partnership that aims to bring about significant improvements in providing job opportunities for Riphah International University students bridging the gap between academia and industry PR ISLAMABAD P R A delegation of important Muslim countries under the flag of OIC should talk to the Israeli Prime Minister for an immediate ceasefire Important countries like Saudi Arabia Turkey Malaysia Indonesia Iran Qatar Egypt Pakistan will have to play a key role This was said by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Aneeq Ahmed, during a meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador Mr Ahmad Rabaei Matters of mutual interest and the situation in Palestine were discussed between the two leaders The religious affairs minister said that Pakistan and Palestine have brotherly relations Pakistan will continue to provide moral and diplomatic support to its Palestinian brothers Pakistan is the first country to support the Palestinian movement and will always continue to do so The Muslim Ummah can reach a solution to the Palestine problem by being united A delegation of important Muslim countries under the flag of OIC should talk to the Israeli Prime Minister for an immediate ceasefire Important countries like Saudi Arabia Turkey Malaysia Indonesia Iran, Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan will have to play a key role We have to work together to restore the concept of Ummah The rulers of all major Islamic countries will have to pledge allegiance to the House of Allah Ahmed Rabaei the Palestinian ambassador posted in Pakistan said that the love of the people of Pakistan for Palestine dates back to the creation of Pakistan We thank Pakistan for its support and solidarity with Palestine in the context of Israeli aggression 70% of those killed in Israeli aggression are children and women, whose number is more than 21 thousand More than 20 000 buildings in Gaza have been demolished by the Israeli occupying forces
to Elevate S
Taxes Anti-tobacco organizations, advocating for a tax increase on tobacco products indirectly support the illicit tobacco industry which causes an annual revenue loss of Rs 310 billion to the exchequer and poses a threat to public health This industry provides cheap cigarettes to the low-income population, which is vulnerable to economic hardships and lacks access to healthcare facilities Instead of urging the government and authorities to take action against illicit tobacco manufacturers and bring them under the vigilance of a track and trace system these organizations are pushing for tax rate hikes on legal tobacco This would only lead to an increased share of the illicit tobacco trade “In a landscape plagued by the prevalence of illicit tobacco trade, causing an annual revenue loss of a staggering Rs 310 billion and posing a significant threat to public health the stance taken by anti-tobacco organizations advocating for increased taxes on tobacco products is not only misguided but potentially detrimental , said Syed Saifullah Kazmi, Head of Investment Banking at Intermarket Securities Limited PR
I S L A M A B A D: Managing Director of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, Syed Tariq Mahmood Al-Hassan, visited the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad upon a special invitation from the Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Al-Maliki The Saudi Ambassador warmly welcomed him during the visit He congratulated Syed Tariq Mahmood Al-Hassan on assuming the position of Managing Director of Pakistan Bait-ulMal The Managing Director of Bait-ul-Mal acknowledged the special interest of the Saudi Arabian government in various social sectors worldwide He stated that the two brotherly countries have always supported each other in difficult times and Saudi Arabia has consistently prioritized the Pakistani economy and social welfare, which reflects the mutual trust between the two nationsy PR
WOW
Women
World Festival
A H O R E: The British Council Pakistan will bring the 7th edition of WOW - Women of the World Festival to the Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore on Saturday 2 and Sunday, 3 March 2024 This is the first edition of the festival to be ever held in Lahore and is organised in collaboration with Standard Chartered Shan Foods UNFPA ECDI Pakistan and Olomopolo Media The festival is free and open for the public The programme for the WOW festival includes one-of-a-kind panels, workshops, film screenings, immersive performances, vibrant marketplaces, and puppet shows and films for children There is a huge line up of performances on day one including popular music artists Natasha Noorani and Eva B The closing performance will be from an ensemble of powerhouse women including Amna Riaz, Romaisa Tariq, Annural Khalid and Natasha Baig featuring Hassan and Roshan Presented in partnership with the WOW Foundation, the theme for the festival this year is Sakhiyan (Friends) an ode to friendship between women and as space to be yourself - where one can reclaim themselves This friendship is explored and celebrated as it unfolds in the world, in digital spaces and forms the web of our lived realities PR Careem and Dow University of Health S ciences join forces to enhance student transpor tation K A R A C H I: Careem, the pioneer of ride-hailing in Pakistan and Dow University of Health Sciences have announced a collaboration aimed at improving student transportation services The partnership will offer discount packages to students as well as introduction of co-branded buses providing convenient and affordable transportation options for students of Dow The collaboration was officially formalized at a signing ceremony hosted at Dow University of Health and Sciences attended by esteemed dignitaries from Dow University of Medical Sciences and Careem Representing Careem were Sana Shakeel Associate Director Business Development, Nuzair Virani, Head of Communications and Amnah Rizvi, Manager Partnerships From Dow University of Medical Sciences, dignitaries present were Prof M Saeed Quraishy Vice Chancellor; Dr Ashar Afaque Registrar; Mr Tariq Shahid Director of Marketing; Mr Umair Zafar Manager of Marketing; Mr Hussain Mirza from the Marketing Department; and Mr Naeem Tahir, Head of Public Relations PR Revolutionizing S afety: inD rive and EFU Life Par tner to launch an 'In-Ride Insurance Cover ’ K A R A C H I: inDrive a prominent ride-hailing service provider has proudly partnered with EFU Life to introduce the revolutionary In-Ride Insurance Coverage for both its drivers and passengers This strategic alliance aims to provide esteemed inDrive customers and dedicated drivers with an enhanced sense of security and reliability during their transportation journeys EFU Life s comprehensive coverage includes protection for various unexpected situations, such as accidental death, permanent total disability resulting from accidents, reimbursement for accidental medical expenses, funeral coverage, ambulance costs related to accidents and a complementary mHealth facility Additionally the plan features a daily payment benefit specifically designed for drivers ensuring the well-being of both passengers and drivers Mr Mohammed Ali Ahmed, MD & CEO of EFU Life, commented, “I am delighted about our collaboration with inDrive which signifies a substantial stride in fortifying safety standards Ride-hailing services are an important segment through which we can include a significant number of lives in the insurance net PR KARACHI P R The closing ceremony for KE’s 3rd edition of the KHI Awards was held today recognizing 44 winners across 14 diverse spectrum of categories – from Safety, Livelihoods & Vocational Training, to Digital Accessibility and Inclusion, and (Primary and Secondary) Healthcare – whose untiring efforts have supported the megacity of Karachi and its people setting an example for others to follow The KHI Awards was conceived as a platform to bring equity and support for those institutions who are at the forefront of driving societal change Many of these organisations experienced a contraction in their inflows as Pakistan faced consecutive crises from COVID-19 to floods, and volatile economic circumstances Since its inception in 2021, the KHI Awards platform has supported 70 social organisations who have further benefitted an estimated 18 million lives The third edition also received a resounding response to call for applications testifying to its credibility Each entry was thoroughly assessed and evaluated by an expert jury gathered from eminent industry and community leaders EY Ford Rhodes Chartered Accountants a member of the accounting firm Ernst & Young Global Limited served as the official auditor to ensure transparency and impartiality throughout the process The jury comprised of notable names such as Shehzad Roy, Jameel Yousuf, Adnan Rizvi, Sarwat Gillani Javed Jabbar Aamina Sheikh and Saad Amanullah – a well-known professional in sustainability and governance initiatives The winners include resilient and altruistic organisations like the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) Lady Dufferin Hospital the Zafar & Atia Foundation Charitable Trust (ZAFCT) particularly focused on enabling health services around Koohi Goth area, SINA Health Education and Welfare Trust, and the likes of Childlife Foundation which are contributing significantly towards public health
-
of
L
AThe
Akhtar
in the first half of the year surged by 58% compared to the same period in the previous year raising concerns over debt sustainability
The completion of the last review of the ongoing IMF programme, which would unlock a $1 2 billion loan tranche is deemed critical by Akhtar
More importantly she advocates for the negotiation of a new medium-term facility with the IMF to anchor and facilitate the execution of challenging
Senate by-elections on vacant seats to be held on March 14: ECP
O U T G O I N G F M U R G E S C O A L I T I O N G O V T T O S W I F T LY P U R S U E I M F B A I LO U T g O U T G O I N G F I N A N C E M I N I S T E R U R G E S E N F O R C E M E N T O F A N S O E P O L I C Y TO E N H A N C E G O V E R N A N C E A N D F I N A N C I A L P E R F O R M A N C E ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Statistics released by the Islamabad-based think tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), reveal intriguing terrorism trends for February 2024 According to PICSS the country experienced 97 attacks resulting in 87 fatalities and 118 injuries While there was a marginal increase in militant attacks compared to January’s 93 incidents, the ensuing casualties slightly decreased, with 90 deaths and 135 injuries reported in January 2024 The PICSS report highlights a significant escalation in violence in Balochistan, juxtaposed with a decline in tribal districts of KP (former FATA) and mainland KP The surge in Balochistan’s violence can be attributed to terror groups such as BLA BLF BRAS etc targeting the election process and related activities, warning against public participation In Balochistan, militant attacks
should explore debt restructuring options Akhtar also urged the next governstraints supporting an upturn in economic performance Manufacturing in particular has shown robust growth, with large-scale manufacturing expanding by 8 2% Looking ahead, the finance ministry anticipates a decline in headline inflation to between 24 5% and 25 5% in February 2024 a slight improvement from previous estimates This expected decrease in inflation is attributed to better crop yields and smoother commodity supply chains, despite recent adjustments in fuel and utility prices Foreign exchange reserves have dipped below $8 billion reflecting ongoing economic pressures including a 21% drop in foreign direct investment Notably, a significant withdrawal of Chinese investment from the power sector has been reported, exacerbating liquidity challenges for Chinese-operated power plants in Pakistan due to unpaid dues
Security improves in rest of Pakistan as Balochistan grapples with militant onslaught
compared to January totaling 57 attacks resulting in 42 deaths and 72 injuries January had witnessed 33 attacks, leading to 31 fatalities and 50 injuries Notably, 30 out of the 57 attacks recorded by PICSS in Balochistan during February were directed at election activities
The National Party of former Chief Minister Dr Malik and the Pakistan People s Party (PPP) were primary targets, along with attacks on PTI, PMLN, JUI, BNP-Mengal, and BNP-Awami
A discernible pattern emerged revealing that 50 out of the 57 attacks in
Balochistan occurred from February 1st to 8th Only seven attacks were recorded after the elections, underscoring the militants primary focus on disrupting the election process, considering political participation in Pakistan a threat to their cause Of the 57 attacks in Balochistan 30 targeted election-related activities with only three election-related attacks reported in the first eight days from other provinces, one each from mainland KP the former FATA region and Sindh Post-election five attacks targeted politicians with three in former FATA and two in mainland KP resulting in casualties Overall, 33 attacks targeted election-related activities, leading to 35 deaths and 59 injuries In post-election attacks against political individuals five people were killed and eight were injured In contrast, the security situation improved in the rest of the country, with a 54 percent drop in violence in former FATA (merged districts of KP) and a 23 percent reduction in mainland KP In the tribal districts of KP 11 attacks resulted in seven deaths and 17 injuries, compared to 24 attacks, 36 deaths, and 57 injuries in January Mainland KP witnessed 23 attacks with 35 deaths and 28 injuries, showing a decrease in attacks but an increase in human losses compared to January Sindh experienced five militant attacks in February, resulting in three deaths and one injury, while Punjab reported one lowprofile attack with no casualties
US lawmakers urge Biden not to recognise new Pakistan gov t
letter, expressed concerns about pre- and post-poll rigging in Pakistan s recent parliamentary elections They have called for a transparent and credible investigation before recognising a new Pakistani government citing evidence of violations and disruptions on election day All 33 signatories are pivotal progressive Democrats essential for securing President Biden s second term In the recent Michigan primary, he faced a formidable uncommitted campaign led by activists dissatisfied with his Gaza war stance, surpassing Trump’s 2016 margin by over 10 000 votes This development is causing considerable concern for the Biden camp especially as influential Muslim lawmakers in Michigan have also endorsed the pro-PTI letter Muslim members with influence in Michigan, and who signed the letter, are Rashida
Tlaib,
Ilhan
spiked by 72 percent in February
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 PRAYER TIMINGS FA J R S U N R I S E Z U H R A S R M AG H R I B S H A 5:50 6:30 1 30 4:45 6:02 7:45 Saturday 2 March 2024 NEWS Automobile vendor industr y struggles amid rising impor ts of used cars ISLAMABAD G H U L A M A B B A S The automobile vendor industry finds itself in a precarious situation due to low production and the influx of used car imports However with the potential growth from new entrants there is optimism for a boost in the near future The auto sector vendors have urged the government to ensure consistency in policies, citing the supply and demand crisis in the local auto industry, which has led to frequent plant shutdowns of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) adversely impacting vendors Nabeel Hashmi Chairman of Thermosole Industries (Pvt ) Ltd highlighted the continuous turmoil faced by the local vendor industry due to economic conditions, escalating vehicle prices, and political uncertainty “Weak demand and recent LC issues have severely affected current businesses, compounded by heavy imports of used cars ” he stated Despite these challenges there are signs of recovery in the local auto industry after experiencing an average 50 percent decline for 18 consecutive months which bodes well for vendors However, sustainable recovery hinges on the new government, Mr Hashmi added Vendors expressed concerns over their substantial investments in facility upgrades for overall localization including procuring machinery and tools to manufacture metal and non-metal parts locally However these investments are underutilized as plants are operating at less than 60-70 percent capacity due to low volumes and supply chain disruptions
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the election schedule on the six vacant seats in the Senate Six seats were declared vacant when the Senate members were elected as members of other houses These six Senate seats including election schedule for one vacant seat in Islamabad two in Sindh and three vacant seats in Balochistan As per schedule nomination papers can be collected on March 2 and 3 The elections will be held on three vacant seats of Balochistan, two of Sindh and one of Islamabad How Punjab Assembly will elect new Senators? The Punjab Assembly will elect twelve members of the Senate in the month of March The Punjab Assembly will elect members of the Senate on seven general seats two women s seats two technocrat seats and one minority seat On March 8, 2024, 11 senators from Punjab will complete their term Among those who resigned, four senators are from PML-N on general seats Asif Kirmani Mossadegh Malik Rana Mahmoodul Hasan and Khalid Shaheen Butt Two senators of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will retire after completing their term Dr Shahzad Wasim and Waleed Iqbal are among the retirees of Tehreek-e-Insaf PR OFIT G H U L A M A B B A S Pakistan’s trade balance witnessed a significant improvement in February 2023-24 with a remarkable 18 2% narrowing compared to the corresponding month in the previous fiscal year This positive shift is credited to a notable surge in exports coupled with a moderate increase in imports Ministry of Commerce while referring to preliminary data released by the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) claims, exports soared by 30%, reaching $ 2 575 billion in February 2023-24 compared to $ 1 984 billion in February 2022-23 The data further reveals that the trade deficit contracted to $1 628 billion in February 202324, down from $1 990 billion recorded in February 2022-23 For the period spanning July to February 2024 exports witnessed a robust 14 2% growth amounting to $ 20 341 billion in 2023-24 compared to $ 17 815 billion in 2022-23 Conversely, imports experienced a decline of 14 1%, totaling USD 34 213 billion in 2023-24 down from $ 39 810 billion in 2022-23 The trade balance deficit notably narrowed to $ 13 872 billion in 2023-24, as opposed to $21 995 billion in 2022-23, based on preliminary Customs-based data The Government of Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to implementing policies aimed at fostering export-oriented industries expanding export markets and attracting foreign direct investment These endeavors are anticipated to further bolster Pakistan s trade balance in the ensuing months In response to this encouraging development Dr Gohar Ejaz Minister for Commerce remarked This marks the third consecutive month where exports have surged by nearly 30% We observed a 28% growth in December, 27% in January, and now, in February an impressive 30% year-on-year increase ” Dr Ejaz highlighted the diversification of exports noting a 15% rise in Manufacturing & Engineering exports and a notable 70% increase in Agri & Food exports He emphasized, “While this achievement is commendable sustained vigilance is imperative We must remain steadfast in our efforts to enhance competitiveness and streamline trade procedures E x p o r t s s u r g e b y o ve r 2 5 % f o r t h i r d c o n s e c u t i ve m o n t h g G O V T R E A F F I R M S I T S C O M M I T M E N T TO I M P L E M E N T I N G P O L I C I E S A I M E D AT F O S T E R I N G E X P O R T- O R I E N T E D I N D U S T R I E S LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T Renowned anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan has been sent on a five-day physical remand over terrorism charges shortly after being granted bail in a corruption case related to an alleged inflated contract for Dharabi Lake in Chakwal In the terrorism case, an anti-terrorism court judge rejected the Investigation Officer ’s (IO) request for a 15-day physical remand and instead granted a 5-day remand This case involves accusations of arson and stone-pelting at police officials outside the residence of PTI founder Imran Khan in Zaman Park, Lahore Following the court hearing, Imran Riaz stated, “God is greatest, and no one is more powerful than God ” He expressed unwavering faith and determination alleging that the accusations are politically motivated and orchestrated at the behest of a woman, without explicitly naming her (presumed to be newly-elected Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz) B A I L P R O C E E D I N G S I N C O R R U PT I O N C A S E: During the proceedings for the corruption case, the anti-corruption authority requested time to produce the case records The judge, visibly displeased, questioned the need for more time Imran Riaz’s counsel Ali Mian Ashfaq argued that the authorities were using delaying tactics Despite assurances from the anti-corruption lawyer to produce the records promptly, the judge remained adamant Upon the production of records, the additional prosecutor claimed that new sections had been added seeking recovery from the accused The petitioner s counsel countered stating that the charges were baseless and emphasised that the contract for the lake had undergone due process After thorough arguments the judge granted post-arrest bail to Imran Riaz P H Y S I C A L R E M A N D I N A N T I-T E RR O R I S M C A S E: Before the decision on bail in the corruption case, Imran Riaz faced proceedings in the anti-terrorism court The police sought a 15-day physical remand, citing an FIR registered on March 13, 2023, involving charges of stone-pelting throwing petrol bombs and intervening in state matters The accused s counsel highlighted his client s history of being implicated in allegedly bogus cases, emphasising that he was merely covering the incident for Bol TV The defence argued that ample videos were available to establish innocence and the judge granted a 5-day physical remand for further investigation including a requested photogrammetry test The anchorperson maintained his innocence, asserting that the evidence would confirm his non-involvement in the alleged activities PR OFIT N E W S D E S K
S Pakistan navigates through economic instability characterised by unsustainable public debt, outgoing Interim Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar emphasizes the urgency for the new government to secure an early deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a long-term bailout package This move is crucial to sustaining the momentum for necessary reforms, according to Akhtar ’s remarks in the m o n t h l y e c o n o m i c o u t l o o k r e l e a s e d on Thursday
interim finance minister said that market confidence has seen a revival in recent months, leading to an anticipated GDP growth of approximately 3% for the second quarter of the current fiscal year an improvement from the 2 1% growth recorded
the first quarter
in
consolidation
budget deficit
highlighted the pressing issue of Pakistan s public debt which has significantly exceeded the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act (FRDL) thresholds since 2013, undermining the country’s economic stability Despite efforts towards fiscal
the
reforms
With Pakistan’s debt reaching Rs81 trillion and debt servicing costs surpassing net federal income analysts suggest that any forthcoming IMF programme ment to prioritize the restructuring of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the privatization of unprofitable stateowned enterprises (SOEs) like PIA, and the enforcement of an SOE policy to enhance governance and financial performance Despite supportive measures from the privatisation ministry and the finance ministry, progress in these key areas remained elusive under the caretaker government The finance minister attributed the difficulty in managing public debt to poor tax collection escalating SOE losses and the highest interest rates since 1972 Recent policy measures have bolstered market confidence, contributing to a rebound in economic activities The easing of import bans and other restrictions has alleviated supply con-
IHC sentences deput y commissioner, senior police officials for contempt of cour t ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon as guilty of contempt of court and awarded him six-month imprisonment and Rs100 000 fine Pronouncing its verdict on Friday the court also found Islamabad police s SSP Operations Jamil Zafar also guilty and sent him to prison for four months and slapped with a fine of Rs100,000 A single bench of IHC comprising Justice Babar Sattar also awarded two-month prison sentence and Rs100 000 fine to SHO Nasir Manzoor IHC’s Justice Sabar Sattar however suspended the jail sentence of the deputy commissioner saying he is being given a chance to file an appeal against the court verdict The deputy commissioner will be arrested if his sentence was not suspended by filing an appeal in 30 days,” the judge remarked In reaction, Islamabad police officers will challenge the IHC verdict arguing that they and the deputy commissioner used their powers as per law to maintain law and order They said that all are equal before the law and they will take next step in accordance with the law The police officers will continue to work until final decision of the court On the last hearing, the court had reserved the verdict in the contempt of court case saying it will be announced on Friday directing the accused to be present on that day dismissing the plea for exemption from appearance In September last year, the IHC had restrained the deputy commissioner from issuing MPO orders for an indefinite period Justice Babar Sattar had ruled that the Islamabad DC cannot use the powers of Section 3 of MPO for an indefinite period The order was issued during the hearing of a petition against the detention of PTI leaders Shehryar Afridi and Shandana Gulzar I S L A M A B A D D C C H A L L E N G E S S I XM O N T H-J A I L S E N T E N C E I N I H C: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon on Friday challenged the six-month jail sentence awarded in contempt of court case by Islamabad High Court (IHC) As per details the intra-court appeal was filed in Islamabad High Court challenging the singlebench verdict The appeal urged the court to declare the verdict null and void and acquit Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon from the contempt case The IHC single-bench verdict was also challenged by SSP operations Malik Jameel Zafar Earlier in the day the court ruled that DC Irfan Nawaz Memon has been held guilty of misconduct for taking actions that were beyond his authority Moreover,
the Islamabad police SSP (operations) was sentenced to four-month imprisonment besides a fine of Rs100,000 However, the Saddar SP was acquitted of the contempt of court charges SHO Nasir Manzoor was also sent to jail for two months and fined Rs100 000
and Andre Carson Pramila
the chairperson of the Progressive Caucus and who often advocates for the Kashmir cause has endorsed the letter Additionally Chair Emeritus Barbara Lee and Whip Greg Casar have also added their signatures Ilhan Omar serving as the deputy chair of the Caucus, is among the signatories as well In addition to urging caution in recognition, the lawmakers
for State Department officials to gather information about detained political activists and media personnel in Pakistan and
their release
significance
conveying to Pakistani
that US law mandates accountability for acts violating human rights undermining democracy, or fostering corruption
WASHINGTON
S TA F F R E P O R T US lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to refrain from recognising a new government in Pakistan until allegations of election rigging are thoroughly investigated The lawmakers all Democrats like President Biden, in their joint
Omar,
Jayapal,
called
advocate for
They emphasised the
of
authorities
Court sends Imran Riaz on 5-day physical remand in terrorism case
