g
Mi g h c o s t o f l i v i n g , p r i c e h i k e , c i r c u l a r d e b t g I n v i t e s p r o t e s t i n g o p p o s i t i o n t o ‘ c h a r t e r o f r e c o n c i l i a t i o n ’ w h i l e r e i t e r a t i n g ‘ c h a r t e r o f e c o n o m y ’ ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, President of Iran Seyed Ebrahim Raiisi and Foreign Affairs Minister Amirabdolahian on Sunday congratulated Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as prime minister of Pakistan President Xi Jinping expressed confidence that under the leadership of Shehbaz and Pakistan's new government, and the united efforts of all sectors of Pakistan would be able to make new and greater achievements in the cause of national development and progress according to the state-run news agency Xinhua He stressed that China and Pakistan should continue their traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, jointly build an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) continue to deepen their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership build a closer ChinaPakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and create more well-being for the two peoples
PTI ter ms PM’s election ‘illegal’
elections in Pakistan surpassed the previous record of rigging set during the 2018 polls Addressing a presser in Karachi, the JUI-F chief said that the newlyelected parliamentarians are not representatives of the people but a product of rigging He said that the General Elections 2024 is the most rigged polls in the country s history, vowing to carry out a countrywide movement against the same Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the general elections in 2018 were considered the most ‘manipulated polls in the county adding that the record was broken in the 8th
Bar
rister Gohar elected PTI chair man ‘unopposed’ for a second time: Hasan I N V I C T O R Y S P E E C H , S H E H B A Z V O W S T O S T E E R C O U N T R Y T O P R O S P E R I T Y ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) prime minister nominee Omar Ayub Khan on Sunday launched a broadside at the coalition government during the National Assembly session dubbing it fascist regime solely focused on looting country s resources "We did not get the seats that we should’ve gotten so the election of speaker deputy speaker and prime minister has become illegal Omar Ayub said while addressing the assembly Voicing grievances against what he perceived as unfair electoral practices, he said the unprecedented rigging and manipulation of polls results brought a bad name to the country Referring to the members of coalition government in the house as beneficiaries of Form-47 Khan asserted that had the results been announced as per Form-45, PTI would have secured 180 seats in the National Assembly Expressing dissatisfaction with the media coverage Khan remarked "When PM-elect Shehbaz Sharif was speaking, the camera was on him adding that his speech should also be covered live I want to tell the people of Pakistan that the people of the PML-N and other parties sitting here appear to be defeated; their faces indicate that they have been given stolen mandate When a thief is fleeing after stealing there
country, but the allied parties lead-
Fazl insists incumbent parliamentarians ‘product of rigging’
interest of the party’s harmony and unity
February elections Fazl asserted that mounting international pressure forced Pakistan s military establishment to yield, thus influencing the election outcome "The establishment's coercion will indeed be labelled as coercion The establishment has divided its own ranks accommodating some at one place and others elsewhere," he stated, addressing the alleged interference in the electoral process He said that the JUI-F would chalk out a plan for the countrywide movement against what he termed massive rigging in the elections The JUI-F chief said that democracy and parliament are losing dignity after the ‘massive rigging’ in the elections “Sindh and Balochistan assemblies were bought The current rulers will not be recognized by the people as they are the product of rigging, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said W h i l e r e j e c t i n g t
vations
Expressing dismay over the dwindling significance of the Parliament, Fazl remarked, "The Parliament, where we see a mockery of democracy is no longer representative of the people The Parliament which we witness will have some individuals calling themselves rulers They may govern bodies but cannot govern the hearts of the nation "
Despite his inclination to support Mahmood Achakzai the candidate backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-supported Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Fazl indicated that his party s stance compels them to act otherwise He dismissed the prospect of forming alliances with allied par-
were accepted while that of Naveed was rejected Naveed s application was rejected because he contested the Feb 8 general elections against a PTI-supported candidate, after which his party membership was cancelled on Feb 11 Raoof said He noted that a second reason for the rejection was that despite Naveed applying for party membership again on Feb 24, a pre-condition to contesting intraparty elections is to have been an uninterrupted member for at least 6 months Following that Jabbar and Ayub graciously withdrew their applications for the sake of party unity and harmony “Therefore, following the withdrawal, there was no candidate in the field against Gohar [ ] so we have declared him the uncontested winner Gohar Khan has been elected the party chairman unopposed, Hasan said He added that only Omer Ayub Khan had filed nomination papers for the slot of the PTI general secretary And he too has been declared uncontested past two years following its Dec 2 elections which resulted in its electoral bat symbol ultimately being revoked by the Supreme Court following back and forth verdicts by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Peshawar High Court (PHC) Gohar was elected the PTI chairman for the first time in Dec 2 election Prior to that, the PTI held elections in June 2022, which the ECP had annulled on Nov 23, terming them “highly objectionable” Following the decision to schedule the new intra-party polls on March 3, incarcerated PTI leader Imran Khan had nominated Barrister Ali Zafar for the position of chairman, but he refused to accept the chairmanship Hasan stressed that the new intra-party elections were held in accordance with guidelines set out by the ECP, noting that the party s previous two elections “ran into some trouble” with the electoral watchdog Results of other positions are: Ali Amin Gandapur has been elected as PTI President Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Noorul Haq Qadri was elected as vice president and Arbab Jahandad Khan as vice president of the PTI KP
ership preferred interests of the country and resolved to play their role for the bright future of the countrymen Shehbaz said that Pakistan was blessed with immense natural resources and talented young people who could steer it out of the difficulties All the segments of society and political leadership should play their part in those endeavours he stressed He said the economic and social challenges were myriad but at the same time there was an opportunity if they decided collectively to face them The PM-elect said that as per estimates, the budget revenues stood at Rs12,300 billion and after the NFC (national finance Commission) Award distribution the Federal Government was left with only Rs7 300 billion out of which Rs8 000 billion had been paid in interest and services charges showing a deficit of Rs700 billion He wondered that from where they would have to get re-
sources for the development, education, health salaries of the Federal Government employees and the armed forces!
He termed it an unending chain of seeking loans after loans and a grave situation for about 250 million people of the country Referring to the protest of the opposition members, he regretted that there should be ‘a reign of realization rather than making noises in the House adding the history would decide over such tactics The newly elected prime minister further said that the country had sought about Rs 80,000 billion external, internal and private debts in the past The issues at hand required a deep surgery and introduction of reforms in the system and various sectors he said expressing the confidence that his senior party leadership along with allied parties would get rid of the crippling loans trap
C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 03 C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 03 C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 03
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
U H A M M A D Shehbaz Sharif, the newly-elected prime minister on Sunday spelled out a number of initiatives to net the runaway inflation high cost of living price hike circular debt in the energy sector and foreign debts, and expressed the optimism that though the mounds of challenges existed, but were not insurmountable In his maiden speech in the National Assembly the prime minister-elect also offered an olive branch to the protesting opposition members with a charter of reconciliation besides reiterating his insistence on pursuing a charter of economy After being elected as the 24th premier of Pakistan PM-elect Shehbaz Sharif vowed to steer the country out of multifarious crises with the help of allied parties in his second tenure in the top office Shehbaz Sharif won the prime minister s election on Sunday after obtaining 201 votes against his PTI-backed opponent from the Sunni Ittehdad Council (SIC) Omar Ayub Khan who managed to secure 92 votes Following the results announcement by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Shehbaz Sharif hugged his elder brother and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, who was widely expected to become the prime minister following the Feb 8 elections but stepped aside for reasons “unknown in favour of his sibling ” Shehbaz Sharif said that after the general elections they had two options ahead of them; either to protect their politics or to save the
R s 2 0 0 0 | Vo l X I V N o 2 4 6 I 8 Pa g e s I La h o r e E d i t i o n In par tnership with Profit M o n d ay 4 M a rc h 2 0 2 4 I 2 2 S h a ' b a n 1 4 4 5 KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday said that the people of Pakistan do not recognize the incumbent parliament as it is a product of rigging , insisting that records of manipulation and rigging made during 2018 elections were broken in Feb 8 2024 polls “2024
e
h e y w o
h e e l e c t i o n results across the country the JUI c h i
f s a i d t h a t t
u l d g o t o the parliament with severe reser-
ties citing an inadequate environment for a grand alliance We will be where the opposition benches are We will go to Parliament and protest," he asserted JUI-F chief pledged to engage with provincial councils and workers in Karachi to devise a nationwide strategy for change
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was elected as the chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) unopposed for a second time while Omar Ayub as central general secretary in the intra-party elections, Raoof Hassan, party s information secretary announced on Sunday Announced results of the intraparty elections at a press conference here PTI s information secretary Raoof Hassan said that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was elected as the chairman of PTI without facing any opposition in the intra-party elections “Omar Ayub secured the central general secretary position while Dr Yasmin Rashid clinched the presidency of Punjab unopposed he informed He told the reporters that some party members withdrew their applications for the position of chairman in the
He noted that initially there were four applications for the position from Ashraf Jabbar, Omar Ayub, Naveed Anjum Khan and Barrister Gohar Three applications winner the PTI spokesperson said This is the third time PTI has conducted intra-party polls over the
is fear on his face Khan added The PTI leader highlighted recent protests held by the party against alleged electoral malpractice, revealing that cases were filed against 80 PTI members in Lahore alone He criticised the coalition s claims of democracy in light of these actions
S p e l l s o u t i n i t i a t i v e s t o r e i n i n e v e r - r i s i n g i n f l a t i o n , h
Xi, Iranian President congratulate Shehbaz Sharif
PSpeaking
The
Sirajul Haq demands election audit , labels government ‘fake’
speaker said the ECP has not yet decided on the reserved seats of the PTI “If these seats are counted the total seats of the PTI amounts to 235 Dogar continued Meanwhile Jamshed Dasti said they have been defeated squarely on February 8 The [new] government would prove to be a disaster for the country, he added An anti-people government would not last long he said and added that the government formed by those who have been rejected by the people would spell doom for the country We are fighting them inside parliament and outside We have faced their highhandedness We will not let Shehbaz Sharif gov-
ernment run for six months, Dasti stated
Another senior PTI leader Sardar Latif Khosa clarified that their party’s protest against rigging and irregularities in the
PDP seeks completion of three energy projec ts to provide lifeline to energy-star ved countr y
KARACHI
S ta f f R e p o R t
Completing three major albeit lingering electricity and gas pipeline projects would provide a lifeline to energy starved Pakistan and the new government must give the topmost priority to these vital national projects said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday He said it is the bad luck of Pakistan that successive governments due to covert pressure of international lenders deliberately lingered on the CASA-1000 TAPI and IP Gas or Peace pipeline He said the Central Asia-South Asia power project, commonly known by the acronym CASA-1000, is a $1 16 billion project currently under construction that will allow for the export of surplus hydro-
PML-N stole public mandate to come into power: Zar taj Gul
electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline also known as Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline, is a natural gas pipeline being developed by the Galkynysh – TAPI Pipeline Company Limited with participation of the Asian Development Bank
The pipeline will transport natural gas from the Galkynysh Gas Field in Turkmenistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan and then to India Construction on the project started in Turkmenistan on 13 December 2015 while construction of the Afghanistan-Pakistan section of the pipeline was held in February 2018
Proponents of the project see it as a modern continuation of the Silk Road
(1 724 mi) pipeline to deliver natural gas from Iran to Pakistan Altaf Shakoor said it is heartbreaking to note that the outgoing caretaker government decided to complete the remaining section of IP Gas inside Pakistan and the new government must not abandon this initiative There are also signals of start of work on CASA-1000 in Afghanistan which is surely a positive development Altaf Shakoor warned that the enemies of Pakistan would fight tooth and nail to get failed or delayed these crucial gas projects as they know that an energy-sufficient Pakistan would easily break the debt trap which means the end of the slavery of this nation He urged the
Closer scrutiny of seized K arachi-bound ship deflates Indian propaganda
ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t India’s propaganda concerning the seizure of a Karachi-bound ship at Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva Port has been discredited upon closer examination
According to Kashmir Media Service allegations suggesting links to Pakistan s nuclear program have been found to be entirely unfounded and concocted, representing nothing more than an attempt to undermine specific businesses through misrepresentation
The CMA CGM Attila-a Maltaflagged commercial vessel was seized on the baseless charge of transporting a dual-use consignment with probable links to Pakistan’s nuclear programme
Among the products withheld is a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine a standard piece of equipment used for precise manufacturing in a variety of industries, including the automobile sector While there have been claims about the potential use of CNC machines in military applica-
tions it is important to remember that such machines are routinely used for legitimate fabrication purposes and are not restricted objects A thorough review of the equipment’s specifications reveals that it is widely used for commercial purposes
As regards needful documentation all shipment-related transactions were undertaken through transparent banking channels and fully documented The shipment was intended for import by a Karachi-based commercial company that specializes in selling parts to Pakistan s automobile industry There is no convincing evidence to substantiate any suspicion of illegal intent
PN deploys helicopters in flood-hit Gwadar to expedite rescue & relief operation
Death toll from pneumonia rises to 456 in Punjab
S ta f f R e p o R t
The Caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce
Gohar Ejaz has highlighted the need to
rates for
s industrial sector Dr Ejaz emphasized
crucial role of energy prices in
growth and competitiveness He argued that maintaining the current price of 9 cents per unit is essential for the survival and sustainability of Pakistani industries The Minister stressed the importance of not burdening industries to
other sectors He pointed out that the
sector plays a vital role in the national economy by generating employment, boosting exports, and reducing reliance on imports Dr Ejaz expressed optimism that the incoming govt will address this issue and ensure continued access to affordable electricity for industries This support he believes will empower them to operate more efficiently and contribute significantly to Pakistan s economic prosperity
M d y 4 M h 2024 | LAHORE 02 NEWS ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t
A K I S TA N
member Malik
on Sunday that the PTI mandate was stolen in a bid to
country of the benefits of a quiet revolution that took place on February 8
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Aamir Dogar said
“deprive the
to media at the Parliament House before the assembly session to elect prime minister, he said the PTI mandate was stolen on February 8, asserting the party had won 180 seats as the nation voted for the ideology of the PTI founder
PTI nominee for the office of
Feb 8 polls result was their constitutional right but it mustn t be labeled as rowdyism He asserted that the party was struggling for the prevalence of democracy, rule of law, and public justice Meanwhile Ali Muhammad Khan affirmed that today was the day of tough competition between Form-45 and Form-47 the day of real and forged mandate referring to the election of the coveted seat of the prime minister of Pakistan He added that the real victory would be the victory of the people’s mandate and truth whether the rivals won by rigging and malpractices He stressed that the PTI founder would be victorious and would take the throne of the prime minister of Pakistan one day Moreover Zartaj Gull hit out at its political rivals PML-N, stating they were mandatelooters She claimed that the real victor was the PTI founder and Form-45 in the Feb 8 polls It must be noted that PTI has nominated Omar Ayub for the office of prime minister and asserted that the party wasn t awarded with its due seats in National Assembly Just before the election of PM of Pakistan today, leaders of political parties are busy in heated exchange of words P T I M A N D AT E S T O L E N T O ‘ T H WA R T Q U I T R E V O L U T I O N ’ H A P P E N E D O N F E B 8 : A A M I R D O G A R T HERE was the fascination of a good horror story in following the Afghanistan versus Ireland Test These are the two newest admissions to Test status and though their role should be to provide other teams the opportunity for setting records they can play between themselves And that they did, in what can only be called the Clash of the Microbes Ireland won, thereby proving that they are not the lowest of the low: the Afghans are It was not a match without some dramatic moments Like when the Irish nighwatchman was out on the first day to leave Ireland 94-4, which was still short of Afghanistan s 155, which proved abysmal Interestingly, that nightwatchman, Van Woerkom, showed the international nature of the Ireland team He was born in New Zealand and played firstclass cricket there But it seems he had no hope of making the New Zealand team, so he got an Irish passport because his maternal grandmother was Irish and got into the Ireland team He s not an exception The opener Moor was not just born in Zimbabwe but actually played Test cricket for it Indeed his last Test for Zimbabwe was against Bangladesh, and his first for Ireland was against Bangladesh too Campher was born in Johannesburg and even played for the South African Under-19s before moving to Ireland There s a previous South Africa-UK-dual nationality connection for Sir T C O Brien captained England in a Test against South Africa in February 1896, and then captained Ireland in its inaugural first-class match in 1902 More recently, Eoin Morgan first played for Ireland and then went over to England He went on to captain its ODI side to its only World Cup victory I don t know if the current Irish team drinks hard, but they should, if only to maintain the national reputation But Ireland is like the West Indies, an international team Ireland is divided into the Republic and Northern Ireland which is still part of the UK We thought we had it bad with communalism with the separation from India solving the Hindu-Muslim problem Well, actually, partition had been tried before by the British on Ireland with the Catholic South being given independence in 1921 but the Protestant North remaining in the UK But there s one Irish cricket team Of the eight players born in Ireland to play against Afghanistan, four were born in Dublin which is the South but none from any of the rural areas Four were born in Northern Ireland including two in its capital Belfast which was the scene of some particularly vicious Catholic-Protestant rioting half a century ago Cricket was only played by Protestants It’s a little as if during the lead-up to Independence, Muslims adopted cricket and Hindus football Well Ireland have got their first Test victory Pakistan s first came against India it might be remembered That was the time Pakistan didn t have that much of a problem raising a team And that was the era when Pakistan had some players who had already played for India like skipper A H Kardar and the opening paced Muhammad Nisar We weren t like Ireland grabbing players from other countries Indeed Gul Mahomed, the dashing left-hander, played against Pakistan in the 19652-3 series, and then migrated to Pakistan He was picked for the Test side in 1956 in the only Test against Australia The match is best remembered for Fazal Mehmood s 6-34 and 7-80,, but Gul Muhammad scored the winning runs as Pakistan won by 9 wickets Of course the strangest case has got to be that of Sammy Guillen who kept wickets for West Indies in the early 1950s His last Test for the West Indies was against New Zealand in December 1951 while touring there Next, he played for New Zealand against the West Indies when they next toured in March 1956 Strangest? Most brazen? I personally put it down to the influence of his wife who was a New Zealander An USAF non-comm, Senior Airman Aaron Bushnell set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy to protest its bombing of the Gaza Strip Committing suicide, whatever the cause, is forbidden, and burning oneself is particularly frowned upon That said, it was the first sign of military honour and shown by a member of an allied force Throughout this conflict I ve been a little surprised at the calm indifference of the Israeli Defence Force members who do not seem sickened at their slaughter of defenceless people Of course, it would suit the PTI more if someone burnt himself here the way two jialas did after Bhutto was hanged Instead the PTI installed Ali Amin Gandapur as KP CM while Imran still languishes in jail He has become CM while on bail, which can t be good
among the microbes City NoteS M a N i a z i
Mayhem
LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t Siraj-ul-Haq, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, has openly criticized the legitimacy of the current government, calling it a product of a “fake election and results Addressing the media he emphasized the need for constitutional adherence by institutions for national stability He highlighted the disarray with electoral forms, indicating discrepancies in the election process He pointed out the lack of genuine victory among the declared winners pressing for an independent judicial commission to audit the elections He accused the election machinery of not only stealing votes but also manipulating results and called for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, citing the theft of Jamaat-e-Islami’s mandate as a violation of electoral sanctity
ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Zartaj Gul has said that Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) has stolen public mandate to come into power Talking to a private Tv channel in Parliament House on Sunday, face expressions of the mandate stealers reveal their theft Zartaj Gul said that PTI founder and Form 45 has won the election but those having Form 47 and 49 were celebrating the victory She emphasized that votes of PMLN s leader Ahsan Iqbal should also be checked The PTI leader said that masses have given their decision in favour of her party but PML-N was being imposed through stealing mandate
LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t Five more children died of pneumonia across Punjab on Sunday taking the death toll in about three months to 456 reported on Sunday However no death was reported in Lahore during the last 24 hours As many as 464 new cases of pneumonia have been reported in Punjab during the last 24 hours while 98 new cases were reported in Lahore during one day So far about 456 deaths and 36054 cases of pneumonia were reported in Punjab this year while 73 deaths and 8085 cases of pneumonia were reported in Lahore this year Affordable electricit y rates vital for industrial growth,
Dr Gohar ISLAMABAD
says
Dr
maintain affordable electricity
the country
the
fostering industrial
subsidize
industrial
kilometre
chief of army staff and chief justice of Pakistan to create legal and national security frameworks to safeguard these projects He said as energy security is also part of national security our armed forces are duty-bound to oversee these matters He said the new government must work unitedly for the broader national interests taking on board all patriotic political actors inside and outside the parliament He said Pakistan needs ample energy to break the vicious cycle of poverty and deprivation and these three major gas pipelines would play a commanding role to achieve this target Altaf Shakoor congratulated Main Shehbaz Shlection as the prime minister of Pakistan and urged him to give his ‘Shehbaz speed’ to these lingering projects These projects when completed would not only ensure cheap gas and electricity for domestic and industrial use but also end tormenting load sheddings in our country, he concluded KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t Pakistan Navy continues to extended relief and rescue operations to various small coastal villages of Balochistan affected by recent flash flooding To expedite rescue and relief operations in flood affected areas of district Gwadar Pakistan Navy has stationed helicopters there Pakistan Navy helicopters undertook multiple hops from Gwadar to the flood affected villages of Pishukan and Kappar Relief teams delivered ration bags, clean drinking water and food items near people stranded in their villages Moreover ration and relief goods distribution conducted by Pakistan Navy personnel amongst flood affectees of Gwadar city In addition, large numbers of medical supplies and ration bags have also been dispatched to different other flood-affected villages through road where land connectivity was restored Further in assistance to civil administration Pakistan Navy troops were wholeheartedly undertaking resc u e a n d r e l i e f o p e r a t i o n s u t i l i z i n g a l l a v a i l a b l e equipment and resources In this regard, de-flooding operations were being conducted on various localities of Gwadar city to clear flood water Pakistan Navy was resolutely committed to supporting our flood-affected brethren during this difficult time
However, the Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline, also known as the Peace pipeline, or IP Gas is an under-construction 2 775-
behind the transaction The claims made by Indian security forces and repeated by chosen media sources appear to be part of a larger effort to undermine specific groups Such unfounded accusations not only degrade the reputations of individuals involved, but also demonstrate the dangers of misinformation and arbitrary disruptions in global trade The seizure of the shipment by Indian officials highlights the dangers of assuming policing responsibilities without specific evidence or reasonable reasons Such acts not only strain diplomatic relations but they also establish a dangerous precedent for international trade and cooperation increasing mistrust and uncertainty In reaction to the false claims, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan on March 3, 2024 has stated that such reports are reflective of Indian media’s habitual misrepresentation of facts The seizure is an unjustified action based on unverified claims and misinformation, indicating a botched attempt at tarnishing the global responsible image of Pakistan with respect to its nuclear arsenal as well as India’s never ending obsession with making Pakistan look bad at any forum and failing terribly in the end Maintaining openness fairness and obedience to international law remains crucial for creating confidence and cooperation among nations while preventing further harm to lawful trade and international relations
Xi, Iranian President congratulate Shehbaz Sharif
Mamong his government s famed initiatives
revolutionized
administration focused on upgrading schools, merit-based hiring of
tors, and establishing the Punjab
Endowment Fund supporting over 350 000 deserving students To his credit the innovative programs like the
Schools in South Punjab and the
scheme are also included
Zeevar-e-Taleem program featuring the provision of stipend to over half a million girls of South Punjab Shehbaz Sharif also led an education program for the children of brick kiln workers that resulted in the enrolment of about 100 000 out-of-school children back to schools Shehbaz Sharif s government made significant reforms in the health sector, including the division of health departments into specialized healthcare and primary/secondary healthcare and establishment of new hospitals medical universities and innovative institutions like the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, as well as the country’s first forensic laboratory During the 2011 dengue outbreak in Punjab Shehbaz Sharif demonstrated effective leadership by collaborating with Sri Lankan health authorities to develop a
comprehensive anti-dengue policy which led to control the virus Under Shehbaz Sharif s leadership, groundbreaking initiatives like the establishment of the Information Technology University and the Punjab Land Records Management and Information System revolutionized governance in the province He also championed prowomen reforms during his tenure ensuring enhanced job quotas, inheritance rights, and comprehensive anti-harassment laws in Punjab Since 2018 till becoming the premier in 2022 he has served as the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly advocating for democracy human rights and the rule of law
During his first stint, Shehbaz Sharif s government faced multiple challenges including the historic floods of 2022 which submerged nearly one-third of the country and affected 33 million people leaving an adverse impact on the national economy However the prudent economic policies of his government averted the country s economic default In his recent address at the party s parliamentary session here, Nawaz Sharif appreciated Shehbaz Sharif ’s performance as the prime minister “The way he [Shehbaz] stopped the country from defaulting is unprecedented Nawaz Sharif said
Pakistan’s hosier y expor t to China up 45% in 2023
country equating them to a bottomless pit These challenges are difficult though but not impossible to resolve It is a thorny journey; full of obstacles but the developed nations had overcome all these obstacles ” he observed expressing resolve to lead the country on path of progress and prosperity The newly elected prime minister said that they would strive for a network of health and educational facilities green revolution and construction of infrastructure and factories
To resolve these issues they would utilize the latest technology and innovations, empowerment of women and loans facilities to the youth bulge, adding that he was hopeful to ensure positive effects of these steps trickling down within one year Shehbaz further said that about 500 000 students would be imparted the latest training besides boosting the artificial intelligence and IT exports Farmers prosperity was linked with the country s progress, he said, and announced that fertilizers subsidy would be directly provided to the farmers Solar tube wells programme would be launched for the smaller farmers while seeds mafia would be effaced as the government would import quality seeds, he said, adding that the upcoming government would also work to provide these quality seeds to the farmers for one time free of cost initiative
He also emphasized to work collectively with the support of all provinces to bring revolution in the agriculture sector under the guidelines of SIFC The upcoming prime minister also announced laying of an efficient public transport network through the length and breadth of the country which he viewed as a key of progress achieved by the developed countries
He said that high achievers and performing children would be provided with the scholarships and their expenditures would be borne by the federal government for their education in the world s renowned educational institutions He also underlined the need for
quick and speedy justice system with required reforms in consultations with all the stakeholders
Shehbaz Sharif announced that those jailed women and children who were not involved in heinous cases and completing their prison terms of less than two years would be released and trained with skills to become useful citizens of the society
He lamented that on May 9, unthinkable incidents happened in the country’s history and said that the law would take its course and the responsible involved in those incidents who had hatched conspiracy against the country and its security institutions would have to face it, however, he hastened to add that innocents would be spared The upcoming prime minister also announced
their generous assistance Shehbaz also appreciated the leadership of UAE, Turkiye and Qatar who always supported Pakistan Bilateral relations with Kuwait Bahrain and Iran would also be further cemented he added About Gaza he said that gruesome cruel and gory incidents were heart wrenching which had never been witnessed by the world Israeli worst aerial attacks led to unprecedented deaths and carnage and no global institute was able to stop it as the international community was viewing the grave situation as mere spectators, he regretted In IOJK, Kashmiris blood was spilled and the international community was silent and everyone knew the reasons he said and cited precedents of East Timor and Sudan where the world intervened due to obvious reasons He asked the opposition to join them in adopting a resolution condemning cruelties and gross human rights violations in Gaza and IIOJK Shehbaz Sharif said that climate change was another serious issue faced by Pakistan that was among the worst affected country in the world He recounted that during 2023 their government had distributed Rs100 billion rupees among the affectees and commended efforts of former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Sherry Rehman
two countries, in the light of the deep historical and cultural links, will work harder to strengthen and expand cooperation in order to achieve the desired and befitting level of the relations between the two great nations of Iran and Pakistan
The President stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran was fully prepared to strengthen and deepen all aspects of bilateral relations with the brotherly and neighboring country Pakistan within the framework of its constant policy He expressed hope that the new government of Pakistan will take steps towards the growth and prosperity of Pakistan and prayed to Almighty God for the success of the new government and the happiness and well-being of the honorable nation of Pakistan
Meanwhile Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Amirabdolahian extended his heartfelt congratulations to Shehbaz Sharif for his election as the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
In a statement issued on Sunday, Minister Amirabdolahian expressed his optimism for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan under Prime Minister Shehbaz s leadership He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and collaboration between the two nations for mutual prosperity and regional stability Minister Amirabdolahian’s message underscores the commitment of Iran to fostering constructive diplomatic ties with Pakistan and highlights the shared goals and values that bind the two nations together Kakar congratulates Shehbaz Sharif Meanwhile, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Sunday congratulated Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the prime minister of Pakistan Congratulations to (Shehbaz Sharif) on being elected as the new Prime Minister of Pakistan, Kakar wrote on X He wished the newly elected prime minister all the best as he embarked on the important journey of leadership “May your tenure bring prosperity, progress and unity to our beloved nation ” Kakar remarked NA Speaker felicitates Shehbaz Sharif Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has extended warm felicitations to President of PML-N, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif over his successful election as Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan In a felicitation message on Sunday he said that Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif s successful election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the second time reflects the confidence that leaders of the coalition political parties and Members of the National Assembly have in his leadership abilities Ayaz Sadiq expressed his belief that the newly elected prime minister would lead this nation on the path of development and prosperity as Allah Almighty has bestowed upon him all the qualities of a visionary leader Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah on Sunday extended good wishes to the newly elected Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif by expressing optimism that under his leadership the country would advance towards development and prosperity Congratulating the Prime Minister-elect on his election, the Deputy Speaker emphasized that the election of Shehbaz Sharif, the President of PML-N as the Prime Minister manifests the trust of both coalition partners and the House members in his capabilities
PTI terms PM’s election ‘illegal’
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
"You have snatched our electoral symbol from us, you have snatched the result of Form 45, but we stood, we are standing, and we will stand until Imran Khan takes the oath of prime minister Khan declared Demanding accountability for the violence on May 9 Khan called for a judicial inquiry into the incidents, urging the release of video footage to uncover the truth The session witnessed tension as PML-N leaders, including Atta Tarar Osama Sarwar and Anjum Aqeel rallied around Khan chanting slogans of watch thief However upon a request from Asad Qaiser PML-N MNAs ceased the slogans and returned to their seats
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora elec ted as Pradhan of Pakistan Sikh Guru Dawa Parbandhak Committee
M d y 4 M h 2024 | LAHORE NEWS 03 ISLAMABAD a p p
I A N Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was elected on Sunday as the Prime Minister of Pakistan by securing 201 votes in the National Assembly defeating Omar Ayub Khan of Sunni Ittehad Council who received 92 votes Born on September 23 1951 he is now the twice-elected Prime Minister of Pakistan and thrice-elected Chief Minister of Punjab He is the younger brother of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Quaid Nawaz Sharif, the thrice-elected premier of the country Shehbaz Sharif ’s first stint of the premiership spanned from April 11 2022 to August 14 2023 He was elected by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) by ousting Imran Khan through a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly Coming from a renowned business family, Shehbaz Sharif graduated from Government College, Lahore and served as President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1985 before entering the politics He held positions as a Member of the Punjab Assembly from 1988 to 1990 and a Member of the National Assembly from 1990 to 1993 He later served as Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly from 1993 to 1996 In 1997, he was elected Chief Minister of Punjab and and served till 1999 when as a result of coup his government along with the federal government was toppled Shehbaz Sharif played a leading role in the restoration of democracy in the country and was elected unopposed as Member of Punjab Assembly for the fourth time in 2008, and served as Punjab chief minister for the second time from June 2008 to March 2013 After getting elected on three provincial assembly seats and on one National Assembly seat in 2013 general elections Shehbaz was elected as Punjab Chief Minister for the third time Shehbaz Sharif s dynamic leadership and efficient administration earned him the title of “Shehbaz Speed” from China Under his leadership Pakistan swiftly tackled its energy crisis completing the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant in a record 22 months and implementing three RLNGpower projects
spearheaded the establishment of the Metro Bus
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ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Arshad Farid Khan chaired meeting of the newly elected members of Pakistan Sikh Guru Dawa Parbandhak Committee in Islamabad that unanimously elected Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora as the Pradhan of the committee The meeting also elected Satwant Kaur who became a member woman of the Parbandhak Committee on Sikh Gurudwara for the first time was elected as the general secretary Ramesh Singh Arora told media that he would fulfill his responsibility as a Pradhan in an efficient manner and steps will be taken for the betterment of the Sikh nation He vowed to work for facilitation of the incoming sikhs from all over the world Arora has also credited for first Sikh lawmaker of the Punjab Assembly Pakistan s largest assembly and launching multiple projects for the facilitation of incoming Sikh yatrees from all over the world, including at Kartarpur Corridor General Secretary Satwant Kaur said that the Sikh community in Pakistan representation will do its service for welfare Federal cabinet had approved names of the PSGPC members on February 20 The committee consisted of Ramesh Singh Arora Gian Singh Chawla Sawant Kaur Dr Mampal Singh Sawant Singh from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Harmeet Singh Sahib Singh Tara Singh from Sindh Mahesh Singh and Bhagat Singh from Baluchistan A 13-member committee including three government members was formed Additional Secretary Shrines Rana Shahid Saleem also participated in the meeting held in Islamabad R A M E S H S I N G H A R O R A A P P O I N T E D A S A MB A S S A D O R-AT-L A R G E F O R K A RTA R P U R C O R R I D O R: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora as the ambassador-at-large for the Kartarpur Corridor According to a notification issued on Wednesday, Arora will work on the position in an honorary capacity He is also the central general secretary for the PML-N’s Minorities Wing Arora said Kartarpur Corridor is a pathway of peace whose state-of-the-art infrastructure provides all kinds of facilities to the yatrees visiting from all over the world He said being the ambassador-atlarge, he would promote the soft image of the Kartarpur Corridor, which is a symbol of interfaith harmony “The Pakistani nation is a peace loving nation and we invite Sikhs and Hindus from all over the world including India to come and visit Kartarpur he stressed Arora said the number of local visitors to the visafree corridor, located in the Shakargarh tehsil of Narowal district, has increased in a bid to meet and greet the Sikhs and Hindus visiting from India Commenting on the criticism that Kartarpur has failed to attract much traffic the PML-N leader said that it was the responsibility of the Indian authorities to allow more yatrees to cross over to Kartarpur Corridor The 4 km-long corridor provides visa-free access to Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib on the Pakistani side “Pakistan is a safe country, and we have proved in the past that Sikh and other minorities are enjoying religious rights with freedom in Pakistan We’re also looking forward to more and more visitors to the peace corridor Pakistan has always promoted religious tourism, Arora said K N O W A B O U T S H E H B A Z S H A R I F – T H E T W I C EE L E C T E D P R I M E M I N I S T E R O F PA K I S TA N
FROM PAGE 01 Shehbaz Sharif said other issues included in energy sector as the power sector alone was burdened with Rs2300 billion circular debt while recovery stood around 2800 billion rupees with Rs1000 billion gap About Rs500 to Rs600 billion rupees accounted for power theft whereas circular debt in gas sector reached to Rs2900 billion he added Shehbaz Sharif further said that it was an irony of the fate that the state owned enterprises (SOEs) were incurring Rs600 deficit annually and cited PIA which had been suffering from losses to the tune of 800 billion rupees in debt He maintained that tax evasion and theft in power and gas were matters of gravity for the
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tion adding the nation stood indebted to contributions and sacrifices of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and Benazir Bhutto, as well as other prominent female figures in different sectors as the national progress would not be possible without their involvement The newly elected prime minister said that his government would ensure a business friendly environment and would address issues impacting direct foreign investment and tax collection He said that mafias indulged in tax evasion should be made to pay taxes adding that export zones facilities would also be introduced Shehbaz observed that tax refund delay was a hurdle for the exporters and he would direct FBR to expedite the process, ensuring its payment in ten days He opined that promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was critical for providing jobs opportunities to the rural population and controlling a wave of urbanization All the banks would be made to provide loans to the youth to run their small businesses under a similar parameter, he added The upcoming prime minister said that investors from the brotherly countries might be provided with visa free entry to encourage investment opportunities, besides work on CPEC projects would be accelerated About Pakistan’s foreign policy, he said that they would not become a part of any grey game adding that country s foreign policy would be focused on increasing the number of friendly nations and exploring the prospects for exports He said nothing was impossible and with strenuous efforts Pakistan could become a member of G20 by 2030 Alluding to the bilateral ties with the US he said both countries enjoyed historic ties and they would further strengthen them, similarly, efforts would be made to cement ties with the EU, Gulf and neighbouring countries He particularly mentioned the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the deep affection and fraternal ties the both countries enjoyed and said that they were indebted to
Shazia Mari and other relevant former federal ministers He also warned the oil mafia to immediately convert their businesses into solar power generation and renewable energy network About issue of PTI’s leadership letter to IMF he said that constitutional remedies were available over the election disputes But writing a letter to a foreign institution was nothing less than showing enmity with the country, he said, adding that it also manifested that PTI’s leadership had no trust in the national institutions and parliament Shehbaz invited the opposition to sit together for the polls system reforms adding that during 2018 massive rigging was made He said after a split mandate and under democratic norms, they had invited the Sunni Ittehad Council to form the government In vic tor y speech, Shehbaz vows to steer countr y to prosperity
to completely implement the National
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PTI s government he regretted that for the personal interests, hardened terrorists were brought back and re-
from jails; which was the reason for a surge in recent terrorist incidents To ensure minorities’ rights it was their joint responsibility under the principles as laid down by the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and guaranteed by the constitution of Pakistan, he added He also reiterated ensuring equal rights to the women who comprised about 50 percent of country’s popula-
BEIJING S ta f f R e p o R t Pakistan s hosiery export to China witnessed a substantial surge, marking a remarkable 45% increase in the year 2023 This significant uptick underscores the strengthening trade ties between the two nations and highlights Pakistan s growing prominence in the global textile market, Gwadar Pro reported quoting Muhammad Irfan, Trade and Investment Counselor at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou Several factors contributed to this notable expansion in hosiery exports Pakistan s competitive advantage lies in its robust textile industry which is known for its quality products and cost-effectiveness Overall pantyhose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery export from Pakistan to China in the year 2023 crossed $14 32 million whereas in 2022 it was $9 81 million an increase of 45% Hosiery & footwear made of cotton commodity code (61159500) crossed $11 55 million in 2023 while in 2022 it was $ 7 61 million up to 51%, he mentioned The largest Chinese delegation participated in TEXPO, one of the largest textile exhibitions in Pakistan held last year helped increase Pakistan’s export to China This year the exhibition will also be held and I m hoping a big increase in bilateral trade in 2024 Mohammad Irfan stated He further said that with the momentum gained from this surge, Pakistan is well positioned to capitalize on the evolving dynamics of international trade and further enhance its economic standing on the global stage PM’s address to bring economic, social revolution: Dr Musadik ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, Dr Musadik Malik on Sunday said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif ’s address in the National Assembly would bring economic and social revolution to the country Talking to the media at the Parliament House he said that after the formation of the coalition government, revolutionary measures would be taken for the provision of maximum relief to the common man He urged the NBP and other private banks to provide loans to talented youth to establish their small and medium businesses that would pave the way to create employment opportunities Dr Musadik said the prime minister announced immense programmes to ensure economic stability, adding that the tax should be collected directly He said that Shehbaz Sharif had prioritized the agriculture sector in his speech adding that quality seeds would be provided to farmers to enhance production Replying to a question he said that strict actions would be taken against the allegedly involved in harassment of women, adding that the coalition government would actively work for women’s empowerment by launching various projects for them
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01 Chinese Premier Li Qiang of the State Council also sent a congratulatory message to the newly-elected premier I R A N I A N P R E S I D E N T, F M E X T E N D C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S TO S H E H B A Z: Meanwhile President of Iran Seyed Ebrahim Raiisi Sunday congratulated Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the new Prime Minister of Pakistan
a message, the President expressed his confidence that the
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S h e h b a z S h a r i f ’s e l e c t i o n t h e s t a r t o f a n e w e r a o r a re t u r n t o t h e p a s t ?
AS expected, Mian Shehbaz Sharif won the election for Prime Minister as the National Assembly gave him 201 votes, versus 92 for Gohar Ayub That amounts to a two-thirds majority, but is still short of the requirement of 224 making the total membership of the House Still it is within striking distance and the majority is a striking improvement on Mian Shehbaz s wafer-thin majority during his previous government, when he had just the bare minimum The PTI/Sunni ittehad Council took part in the election, despite its reservations about the 23 reserved seats it is claiming, but which the Election Commission has still not given Even if those seats were indeed filled other seats would be left vacant such as one where a candidate died or where one person (like the new PM himself) had won more than one seat Still, the Mian Shehbaz government faces two great tests soon, and will depend on the 70 seats of the PPP to achieve at least one of them
The first test will be to negotiate a new package with the IMF The present Standby Arrangement was negotiated by Mian Shahbaz when he led the PDM coalition that replaced the PTI, and the caretakers merely implemented it IMF programmes have grown in importance ever since friendly countries, notably China and Saudi Arabia, have made an IMF programme a condition for lending to Pakistan The second test will be to pass a budget incorporating the promises made for the new package For that it will need PPP support The PPP’s 70 MNAs voted for Mian Shehbaz, but the party has not accepted any Cabinet positions, and insists it will support the government from the outside It will wait until Asif Zardari is reelected President before it does anything about its support The refusal by the JUI(F) to support the new PM is also not a good omen
The new government is beset by many challenges right from the get-go Attention has now shifted to cabinet formations, which will then be succeeded by the hurlyburly surrounding the presidential election on March 9, and then by jostling for party tickets in the coming Senate elections The PM’s initial speech sounded the right notes and showed an awareness of the economic problems facing the common man but did not indicate any major steps which would change things It is to be hoped that this awareness is not dulled by the politics involved in keeping his coalition together
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
T h e H o u t h i - I r a n c o n n e c t i o n
Jihad forming what they call the Axis of Resistance
TThe regional dynamics are intricate
efforts This slogan not only motivates their followers but also declares their intentions, connecting them to a broader anti-Western sentiment beyond Yemen s borders They frame their struggle as resistance against external control
ON January 18, the leader of Yemen s Houthi movement, Abdul-Malek al-Houthi, spoke on TV about the US-UK airstrikes on Houthi targets and the Biden Administration labeling them as a terrorist organization
Al-Houthi criticized the designation linking it to protecting Israel and accused the USA of supporting Israeli actions He focused on the Houthi alliance with Iran and their stance on regional issues, particularly the Palestinian cause The Houthis are trying to gain support by emphasizing their opposition to Israel and the USA deflecting from their local conflicts
Al-Houthi’s speeches often use emotional language to connect with the audience portraying the Houthis as fighters against oppression They strategically use broader Arab and global themes to garner sympathy and support beyond Yemen s borders, even though their main goal is advancing their own interests within Yemen In Middle Eastern conflicts, leaders often use bigger regional problems to get people on their side For example Saddam Hussein the former leader of Iraq talked a lot about the Palestinian struggle to make him look like a defender of their rights During the Gulf War in 1990-91, he attacked Israel to get support from Arab countries by connecting his government with a cause that mattered to people in the Arab world Similarly Osama bin Laden the founder of alQaeda used the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to explain and get support for his actions He criticized the USA for supporting Israel and talked about the suffering of Palestinians as a reason for his call to fight His focus wasn’t really on supporting the Palestinian cause, but more on using a deeply emotional issue to gather support for al-Qaeda’s bigger goals
Now the leader of the Houthi movement is also using the Arab-Israeli conflict and the US-Israel alliance to gain support By connecting these issues it makes the Houthi actions seem more acceptable to those who care about the Palestinian cause This strategy helps shift attention away from the immediate problems in Yemen and the issues with Houthi leadership It might also attract support from people outside Yemen
The Houthi slogan expresses their beliefs and readiness for conflict with Western powers They are taking advantage of current tensions to increase their
In their messages the Houthis establish credibility by presenting themselves as defenders of Yemeni values and marginalized people They use historical and religious references to align their cause with respected figures and events, asserting authority and appealing to a sense of justice The Houthi leader urges supporters in the USA and Europe to intensify social media campaigns against airstrikes on Houthi military targets portraying it as a humanitarian cause to hide their true war-driven agenda
The impact of Houthi rhetoric on the Yemeni population is complex It can foster loyalty among those feeling marginalized, creating a sense of unity However, it can also instill fear by emphasizing external threats justifying the Houthis’ actions Their emotionally charged speeches play a role in recruitment particularly in regions like Hodeidah
The Houthis criticize Yemen s government and the PLC questioning their legitimacy in engaging with international actors They claim it reflects subservience to foreign interests, notably Israel and the United States This forms part of their propaganda to position themselves as defenders of Yemeni sovereignty and the Palestinian cause aiming to erode the legitimacy of the Yemeni government among its people
In simpler terms the Houthi movement and Iran share a strong alliance in supporting Palestine and opposing Israel Iran has a history of backing Palestinian causes and resisting Israeli influence, and this aligns with the Houthi movement’s stance The relationship benefits the Houthis strategically but it primarily serves Iran s broader goals in the region Iranian leaders including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasize the importance of supporting Palestine and criticize Arab governments normalizing relations with Israel They also express support for resistance groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic
While this alliance provides advantages for the Houthis, it may lead them into conflicts beyond Yemen, diverting attention and resources from their main objectives The growing international scrutiny and isolation of the Houthis complicate their position In response to pressure the Houthis are likely to use a strategy of buying time while making demands a tactic they have employed in the past In essence the Houthi-Iran alignment serves Iran s regional ambitions, and the Houthis may face challenges in the long run due to their association Despite outward appearances, the Houthis are likely navigating a complex interplay of geopolitical realities to safeguard their interests and maintain control The Houthis are a group that has a big impact on the politics of different places They can disrupt shipping and energy markets, making it more expensive and causing problems The world needs to be careful and pay attention to what they say and do The Houthis can influence people’s opinions by portraying themselves as victims and being defiant so it’s important to respond carefully In the Middle East Arab nations are trying to be careful in their dealings with the Houthis who are supported by Iran The Houthis see themselves as the main force against Israel and believe it is part of their resistance
The relationship between the Houthis and Iran is strong and understanding this is crucial for creating realistic strategies for peace It s important to have a balanced approach to the Houthis recognizing their involvement in Yemen s conflict and the wider implications The focus should be on peace, supporting local efforts for dialogue, and strengthening local governance By addressing the issues that make people support the Houthis like economic problems and lack of services and by combining security measures with political empowerment there can be a way to reduce the influence of the Houthis and work towards stability in Yemen and the region
The writer has a PhD in Political Science and can be reached at akramzaheer86@yahoo com
The relationship between the Houthis and Iran is strong, and understanding this is crucial for creating realistic strategies for peace . ItÊs impor tant to have a balanced approach to the Houthis, recognizing their involvement in YemenÊs conflict and the wider implications. The focus should be on peace, suppor ting local effor ts for dialogue, and strengthening local governance . By addressing the issues that make people suppor t the Houthis, like economic problems and lack of services, and by combining security measures with political empowerment, there can be a way to reduce the influence of the Houthis and work towards stability in Yemen and the region.
Hear tfelt humour
“B U L B U L AY ” the iconic Pakistani sitcom stands as a testament to enduring entertainment and cultural significance With over 700 episodes spanning a remarkable 14-year run this beloved show has captivated audiences with its humour, wit, and charm A comprehensive note of appreciation is warranted to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of “Bulbulay” to Pakistani television
First and foremost, “Bulbulay” has etched itself into the hearts of millions of viewers across Pakistan and beyond Its enduring popularity is a testament to the show s ability to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds Through its clever storytelling relatable characters and hilarious antics Bulbulay has become a cherished part of countless households, bringing joy and laughter to viewers week after week
One of the most commendable aspects of Bulbulay is its exceptional longevity and consistency Sustaining a sitcom for over 14 years is no small feat yet the creators cast and crew of “Bulbulay” have managed to keep audiences entertained and engaged throughout its extensive run This achievement speaks volumes about the talent dedication and creativity of everyone involved in the production of the show Moreover Bulbulay has made significant contributions to Pakistani television by setting new standards for comedic storytelling Its innovative format, sharp writing, and memorable characters have inspired a new generation of writers, actors, and directors, shaping the landscape of Pakistani entertainment for years to come The show’s success has also paved the way for other sitcoms and comedy series further enriching the diversity of content available to viewers
In addition to its entertainment value Bulbulay deserves appreciation for its cultural impact and influence Through its portrayal of everyday life family dynamics, and social interactions, the show has become a mirror reflecting the joys and challenges of Pakistani society Its ability to tackle relevant issues with humour and sensitivity has sparked important conversations and fostered greater understanding among viewers Last but not least “Bulbulay”
Karachi unveiled
o n o f h o a r d e r s a n d s m u g g l e r s a s w e l l a s t h e d e c i s i o n t o t u r n o f f u t i l i t i e s i n t h e e v e n t t h a t t a x e s a r e u n p a i d o r i f a t a x p a y e r i s n o t r e g i s t e r e d e v e n t h o u g
04 Monday 4 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
owes much of its success to the talented ensemble cast whose chemistry comedic timing and stellar performances have been instrumental in bringing the show to life From the iconic duo of Nabeel and Mehmood Sahab to the unforgettable characters of Khoobsurat, Momo, and Siddiqui, each member of the cast has left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans “Bulbulay” stands as a shining example of excellence in Pakistani television, deserving of the highest praise and appreciation As it continues to entertain audiences with its humour and heart “Bulbulay” remains a cherished part of Pakistan s cultural fabric leaving behind a legacy that will be fondly remembered for generations to come DR INTIKHAB ULFAT KARACHI
I am writing to draw attention to some pressing social issues persisting in our beloved city, Karachi I believe that shedding light on these matters is crucial for raising awareness and prompting positive change Among the various challenges facing Karachi the issue of poverty and inequality remains a significant concern in various parts of the city I urge authorities and community leaders to collaborate on initiatives addressing the root causes of poverty and striving for inclusive development The increasing rates of unemployment pose a threat to the social fabric of Karachi With a growing population and limited job opportunities, policymakers need to focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities Moreover the state of public healthcare in Karachi requires urgent attention The government must allocate resources effectively and improve healthcare infrastructure to ensure that every citizen has access to essential medical care I would like to emphasise the importance of community engagement and awareness campaigns to effectively address these issues SAMEERA FURQAN KARACHI 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
O address inflation through fiscal policy, a government can consider measures like reducing public spending, increasing taxes, or implementing policies that promote savings and investment Adjusting the fiscal account requires a balanced approach to ensure economic stability There is a discussion about the fundamental causes of inflation and the efficacy of traditional tactics to combat it because global inflation has persisted despite extraordinary action by central banks The idea that monetary policy is the only effective way to combat inflationary pressures is false; fiscal policy also plays a significant role in controlling inflation In my opinion Pakistan s fiscal policy is the primary cause of inflation Reducing inflation requires addressing the structural deficiencies in fiscal policy In The Fiscal Theory of Price Level John Cochrane makes the case that “stronger fiscal-monetary policy will be needed to control inflation in light of the large debt and deficits as the current inflation spurt appears to be clearly related to the massive fiscal expansion of the Covid-19 recession So fiscal policy correction is important to remedy inflation The prevailing notion of inflation targeting is irrational he argues and it provides central banks with no guidance should inflation or deflation materialize This is an increasingly evident point of contention The IS-LM [investment saving-and liquidity preferencemoney supply] intuition, which dates back to the late 1970s and has been expanded to explore expectations acting on their own is the foundation used by central bankers The new Keynesian models that have dominated academia for the last 30 years are not taken into consideration in their analysis Narratives of great power and complex technical manipulation are presented, which deviate significantly from economic models or reliable empirical data The problem is that while private wealth is concentrated in a small number of hands it is increasing together with our national debt Pakistan requires a recalibration more than others, possibly because it is dealing with complex forms of conventional and unconventional inflation such as debt-flation shrink-flation and greed-flation which are symptoms of structural deficits and post-covid-19 pro-cyclical policies as well as regional conflicts that are both communal and transnational When government expenditure surpasses revenue from taxes, there is a structural deficit The main area of government expenditure balance where we are falling short of the IMF’s target of 0 4 percent of GDP is the structural deficit But the soaring expenses of debt servicing are added to the principal balance The cost of debt servicing rose to 74 percent in FY 2023 of FBR tax revenues, in FY2024 they are likely to rise closer to 90 percent In this situation the sovereign s inelastic demand for debt to cover its deficits has meant that using monetary policy as the only tool to control inflation has not only failed, but also proven counterproductive Given the scarcity of available funding sources and the unavoidability of funding needs the government does not adjust interest rates in order to finance its deficits The significant fiscal deficits have essentially offset monetary tightening Therefore, debt-flation the increase in the money supply due to the government’s need to finance its deficit is what is causing inflation Due to global liquidity issues and downgrades in credit ratings by international agencies external funding sources have dried up In other words, the domestic banking sector is funding almost 95 percent of the fiscal deficit At present, there is a nearly 25 percent funding source for public domestic debt relative to bank deposits which is primarily attributed to liquidity injections by the central bank As of 2023 average inflation was nearly 4 5 times higher than the regional average and it remained high at about 30 percent Diminution in short-term money obligation can’t be accomplished through rebuilding, as I have contended already Any endeavor to rebuild obligations without updating the financial account will be short-lived and have grave results on the by and large economy We can t get carried away with brief interwoven like neighborhood cash obligation rebuilding; presently is the time to require taking the bull by the horns, ie, monetary account rebuilding Based on economic redistribution a “progressive social agenda of inclusivity and tolerance ought to be implemented Taxing the extremely wealthy and tax-exempt industries of real estate, retail, and agricultural should be the first step Perhaps this crisis presents the finest chance for us to address these shortcomings The handy notion of “trickle-down” programmes has to be dispelled The wealthiest will continue to get untargeted subsidies and tax breaks which will further exacerbate the inequities It s difficult to collect taxes However, it appears that the recent tax collection campaign, which included the prosecution of hoarders and smugglers as well as the decision to turn off utilities in the event that taxes are unpaid or if a taxpayer is not registered even though they have taxable income is having some success Regarding spending the time has come to support public-private partnerships for privatization, pension management, and government-sponsored development initiatives The writer is a freelance cloumnist F i x f i s c a l a c c o u n t t o t a m e i n f l a t i o n I n f l a t i o n c a u s e d b y t h e n e e d t o f i n a n c e g o v e r n m e n t d e b t i s p a r t o f t h e p ro b l e m haDisa rafique Mughal I t Ês d i f f i c u l t t o c o l l e c t t a x e s H o w e v e r, i t a p p e a r s t h a t t h e r e c e n t t a x c o l l e c t i o n c a m p a i g n , w h i c h i n c l u d e d t h e p r o s e c u t i
h t h e y h a v e t a x a b l e i n c o m e , i s h a v i n g s o m e s u c c e s s
D r M u h a M M a D a k r a M Z a h e e r
L e v e r a g i n g C P E C - 2 ’ s A g r i c u l t u r e c o m p o n e n t
Q a m a r B a S h i r
T37 percent to 44 7 percent, significantly bolstering the national economy This remarkable surge would be fueled by increased output reduced waste export opportunities and job creation across various industries underscoring agriculture s crucial role in the nation s economy and the livelihoods of its citizens
The new government, facing significant financial challenges with a debt obligation of over $25 billion, equivalent to the entire yearly exports of the country needs to prioritize the agricultural component of CPEC 2 0 as the cornerstone of its economic strategy to directly address the crucial issue of stabilizing essential food prices China and Pakistan, with a view to deepen cooperation in the agriculture sector, had established a Joint Working Group and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2018 aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity technology adoption, and value addition, leading to food security and economic prosperity The JWG had held various meetings, focusing on crucial areas such as capacity building, germplasm resources exchange agriculture product processing modernization technology extension fisheries sector boosting and establishing Foot-and-Mouth Disease-free zones in Pakistan The JWG also prioritized enhancing the skills and knowledge of Pakistani farmers, improving crop and livestock varieties reducing post-harvest wastage facilitating technology transfer ensuring livestock health and enhancing access to market information and trade opportunities
In addition, several protocols were signed to export agricultural commodities from Pakistan to China and involve Chinese
businesses in Pakistan s agriculture sector Chinese enterprises like M/s Royal Group and CMEC had initiated projects for genetic improvements in buffalo and dairy farming, and large-scale farming and processing industry for chili crops respectively
Additionally Qingfa Seeds has introduced high-quality seed production methods for canola crop and established farmer training centres, focusing on modern farming techniques and advanced oil extraction facilities While significant milestones have been achieved they have fallen short of expectations To achieve the full potential of CPEC2 a high level of political commitment is required from both the newly elected government and the establishment Additionally, all stakeholders must agree to expedited implementation This should be coupled with simplification of procedures creating a corruption-free environment streamlining bureaucracy fostering public-private partnerships and ensuring transparency and communication These factors are key to building trust and ensuring the successful implementation of CPEC-2 Foremost, the government should negotiate with China for the swift transfer of technologies related to high-yielding drought-resistant crops This can provide immediate relief by boosting domestic production of essential food items in the next planting season Additionally, prioritizing training programs for farmers on these new technologies will ensure their effective utilization
The government should clearly communicate to China its focus on immediate relief measures Negotiations should prioritize projects with a faster turnaround time that directly impact essential food items This approach will not only address the immediate needs of the population but also lay the foundation for
By implementing these comprehensive strategies, Pakistan can open its agricultural sector to the world, attracting investment, exper tise , and new markets. This will lead to a revitaliz ed agricultural sector, a boost to the national economy, and ultimately, a more robust and sustainable food system for the nation.
C a n b o m b i n g e a s e t e n s i o n s i n t h e R e d S e a ?
M ay b e f ro m t h e U S p e r s p e c t i ve, t h e wo r l d i s o n e b i g j u n g l e a n d ‘e l e p h a nt s’ c a n re a c h f o r f r u i t h owe ve r t h e y s e e f i t, e ve n i f by s t a m p i n g o n co u nt l e s s ‘a nt s’
Tand leukemia in the region
From 2016 to 2019 3 833 civilians in Syria were killed directly by bombings of the US-led coalition and half of the victims were women and children According to the US Public Broadcasting Service, the so-called most accurate air strikes in history” on the city of Raqqa alone resulted in the deaths of 1 600 Syrian civilians Ironically all those efforts to prevent humanitarian crises from happening ended up creating humanitarian disasters The New York Times, citing more than 1,300 classified Pentagon documents, said that a large portion of airstrikes launched by the US since 2014 had “serious intelligence flaws ” such as sloppy and hasty reconnaissance unclear targets and deaths of countless innocent civilians including children
Do we have a way out of this vicious cycle?
Yes, if we discard the US way and get back on the right track:
First: Address the root cause of tension Deescalate the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by advancing the two-state solution and effectively implement relevant UN resolutions
Second: He who tied the knot should untie it Parties directly involved, namely Israel, Hamas and the Houthis need to exercise restraint and think rationally Displacing the Palestinian people and forcing them to migrate is morally wrong and endless strategic blackmail will only drag the situation into an abyss
Third:
The author is a commentator on international affairs writing regularly for
long-term agricultural sustainability
Side by side, the government should leverage CPEC 2 0 to collaborate with China on setting up infrastructure projects for the transportation and storage of agricultural goods Negotiating subsidized tariffs for transporting essential food items from production centres to major consumption areas will reduce costs and ensure wider availability of affordable staples like wheat, sugar, and oil Additionally negotiations should focus on the development of cold chain infrastructure within the CPEC 2 0 framework This will minimize spoilage of fresh vegetables fruits, and milk and would cover all parts of food production and distribution, from the provision of agriculture input like seeds and fertilizers, to farms and processing, to storage and transportation It also includes plans for cold-water fish farming in Northern Pakistan areas with an abundant variety of freshwater fish habitats To truly revitalize Pakistan s agricultural sector, the new government needs to adopt a broader strategy alongside CPEC 2 0 Firstly, the focus should be on cultivating water-efficient high-value crops like fruits vegetables and nuts These crops not only cater to the demands of waterscarce Middle Eastern countries but also provide lucrative export opportunities
Creating a business-friendly environment for foreign investment through simplified regulations, tax breaks, and dedicated agricultural investment zones will attract foreign companies to invest in processing facilities controlled-environment agriculture and modern irrigation systems
Secondly, encouraging Public-Private Partnerships between Pakistani and foreign companies in areas like contract farming, seed development and knowledge sharing will leverage foreign expertise while benefiting Pakistani farmers with better technology and market access Promoting cooperative societies among small-scale farmers will enable them to pool
R e t h i n k i n g ‘ c
resources, negotiate better prices, and adopt modern practices more easily
Thirdly, providing training programmes for farmers on efficient irrigation soil management and post-harvest handling will empower them to maximize yields and minimize losses improving overall productivity
Negotiating trade agreements with water-scarce Middle Eastern and Western nations for the exchange of agricultural products and technology will open up new markets and opportunities
Facilitating technology transfer from Western countries in areas like precision agriculture, data-driven farming, and drought-resistant crop varieties will enhance efficiency and long-term sustainability Developing a strong national brand for Pakistani agricultural products highlighting quality freshness and sustainable production practices can attract premium prices in international markets
By implementing these comprehensive strategies, Pakistan can open its agricultural sector to the world, attracting investment, expertise, and new markets This will lead to a revitalized agricultural sector a boost to the national economy and ultimately a more robust and sustainable food system for the nation
This strategic approach while complemented by other essential measures, offers the most powerful path towards achieving food security and alleviating the burden on the nation T R A N S PA R E N C Y A N D O V E RS I G H T: By strategically leveraging CPEC 2 0 s agricultural components the new government can expedite improvements in essential food production storage and distribution This will lead to increased availability and lower prices, providing much-needed relief to the Pakistani people
The writer retired as Press Secretary the the President and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Paikistan to France and former MD Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited
i v i l i s a t i o n ’
LI K E the railway and the telegraph, western civilisation was invented in the 19th century It had located its noble roots in classical Athens and Rome and from then so the story went white Europeans embarked on a smooth progression of gradual sophistication and enlightenment that culminated, not coincidentally, in the
A radical new histor y of the ancient world that challenges modern chauvinism
nub of whether if there are no monolithic civilisations there are still distinct cultures Sometimes Quinn seems to deny that there are Even liberal notions of multiculturalism , she complains, assume the existence, indeed value, of individual ‘cultures’ as a starting point ” But then her own story of continuous “cultural exchange” between peoples around the Mediterranean only makes sense if there are different cultures to begin with; otherwise everything is just a vast heterogeneous soup Quinn does elsewhere speak of “cultures” herself – for instance, “early alphabetic cultures” in Egypt and elsewhere “The idea that the Mycenaeans and Minoans were separate civilisations is less than a century old she notes They were initially just rival names for the same bronze age Aegean culture seen from different perspectives This Aegean “culture”, she clarifies, was not “a single Aegean civilisation” but rather comprised lots of small populations competing and exchanging ideas Isn t that true one might wonder of every broad culture or even civilisation ? It is plain, at any rate, that identity in that age was fluid and at least partly a matter of choice A fragment from a lost play by Euripides describes Kadmos the founder of the city of Thebes thus: born Phoenician he changed his stock to Greek ( Stock here translates the Greek genos from which we have the word genes ) Culture itself, too, is never created de novo but grows out of wider influence “There is no doubt ” Quinn shows in a fascinating passage about Homeric echoes of earlier epics that the earliest works of Greek literature preserve traces of encounters with a bigger world of song in other
Doubtless, though, those fusty 19th-century gentlemen historians were blinkered, in the same way that we shall appear blinkered to historians a century hence Quinn makes this point beautifully when discussing the stories of warrior women in the Steppe in the first millennium BC which were long dismissed as fantasy by scholars There was no room in civilisational thinking for cultures run aggressively and successfully by women,” she observes “In recent decades however more than one hundred women s graves containing axes swords and occasionally armour have come to light in Russia and Ukraine If the strong version of Quinn s thesis –that separate cultures don’t even exist – is dubious, the weak version, that “there has never been a single pure western or European culture remains a valuable point and her book is full of little gem-like shifts of perspective Constantine for example is described as introducing an Asian god (the Christian one) into the Roman empire Of classical Athens, she writes: “Like pederasty and public nudity democracy was a distinctive local practice that worked to distinguish some Greek-speaking communities Later the Crusades she argues were not a clash of civilizations but rather took place in a world where culture has no natural location” Most of all, this book triumphs as a brilliant and learned challenge to modern western chauvinism To the extent that we have inherited classical culture Quinn reminds us it is in a rather perverted form (She thinks and I agree with her, that we should adopt some practices of Athenian democracy such as election by lottery, which “undermined cynical populism” ) In the end readers might agree that it’s probably best not to speak of civilisations clashing or otherwise Let s use the word only in the singular to describe something that, as Gandhi once said, would be a good idea
How the World Made the West by Josephine Quinn is published by Bloomsbury (£30)
Monday 4 March 2024 COMMENT 05
H E Red Sea one of the busiest shipping routes for global trade, has been churning since the end of last year In November 2023, in a show of support for the Palestinians the Houthis in Yemen launched attacks on ships linked to Israel passing through the Red Sea In the following months the US and the UK carried out large-scale airstrikes on military targets and infrastructure in Yemen, further escalating tensions in the region The impact of tensions in the Red Sea is not limited to this region but has been felt across the world as the Red Sea-Suez Canal route is crucial for international shipping of goods and energymore than 20,000 big cargo vessels take this route annually Harassment of civilian ships by the Houthis and violent response from the US and the UK have seriously jeopardized the security of shipping lanes and hence destabilized global production and supply chains ING statistics show that in early January 2024, 90 percent of the container ships on this route were forced to change course causing several weeks of delays in ocean-going supplies and a sharp rise in freight rates Unsurprisingly when a main shipping artery malfunctions the global market suffers from a stroke, if not a long-time paralysis Harassing civilian vessels on international waters is wrong But it is also a gross violation of international law to bomb a sovereign country without authorization from the UN Security Council The attacks by the US and the UK run counter to the spirit of exercising prudence and restraint manifested in numerous UN Security Council Resolutions on international and regional conflicts The status of the US already being a party to the conflict with the Houthis also deprives it of the excuse of self-defense But still, the US resorted to its typical way of conflict resolution-violence Any reasonable person would know that reckless military action never helps protect the safety of commercial vessels freedom of navigation or human rights Military strikes that test the other side s red line never bring peace or prosperity, but only cause more civilian casualties and worsen the security dilemma Using violence may be cruel but it is efficient in international relations in the eyes of cynical US politicians Maybe from the US perspective the world is one big jungle and elephants can reach for fruit however they see fit even if by stamping on countless ants If you review the overseas operations of the US carefully, you will find that unilateral bombing is a habitual US reaction to “troubles” it encountered In March 1999 more than 2 000 innocent civilians were killed and nearly one million displaced as a result of NATO bombings in the Balkans which were conducted without a UN mandate Over 31,000 depleted uranium bombs were dropped, causing a surge in cancer
out of self-interest
Major powers should play a responsible role Countries like the US need to change their mindset and strive to shift the global agenda from war and peace to development and prosperity rather than taking advantage of chaos
its greed
obsession
translate its rhetoric about protecting human rights and so on into action
In fact, it is not so difficult for the US to contribute-it only needs to put aside
and
and
Xinhua
China Daily, Global Times, etc
News, CGTN,
H E immediate challenge facing the new government of Mr Shahbaz Sharif will be to provide urgent relief to the people bearing the brunt of high petroleum and commodity prices soaring unemployment rates and hyperinflation
economic and financial advisors of the PML(N) and establishment are most likely considering a range of measures to alleviate these hardships These measures may include stabilizing essential food supplies through targeted agricultural support streamlined procurement processes steady flow of food items to the market, providing targeted subsidies, improving distribution channels and enhancing transparency in supply chains This is besides providing direct relief measures such as cash transfers and utility bill assistance Instead the government should prioritize leveraging the agricultural components of CPEC-2 to provide self-sustained, permanent relief to the common man This is crucial, considering that roughly 34 5 percent of Pakistan’s population or approximately 69 58 million to 81 38 million people are in need of immediate relief Addressing agriculture-related challenges through CPEC-2 becomes even more pronounced when considering the scale of the population affected In Pakistan, the agriculture sector is of paramount importance, as it directly or indirectly employs between 62 percent and 64 percent of the population which translates to roughly 99 million to 103 million people Contributing approximately 18 5 percent to 22 35 percent of Pakistan s GDP, the agricultural sector holds immense potential for growth Doubling its efficiency and productivity could propel its contribution to a staggering
The
A re a d y m a d e o p p o r t u n i t y r i p e f o r ex p l o i t at i o n
glories of the British empire That’s not quite how it all got started, argues ancient history professor Josephine Quinn in this fascinating account of the cultural and martial doings around the Mediterranean in the two millennia BC and thence up to the middle ages For her civilisational thinking itself is the enemy, not only in historiography but in modern geopolitics Samuel Huntington’s The Clash of Civilizations (1996) for example notoriously predicted that future wars would occur not between states but between monolithic and homogeneous civilisations such as the western , Islamic , African or Sinic (Chinese) But “western civilisation” would not exist without its Islamic, African, Indian and Chinese influences To understand why Quinn takes us back in time beginning at the bustling port of Byblos in Lebanon in about 2000BC It was the middle of the bronze age which inaugurated a new era of regular long-distance exchange Carbon dating techniques applied to recent archaeological findings provide compelling evidence about just how globalized the Mediterranean already was 4 000 years ago Welsh copper went to Scandinavia and Cornish tin as far as Germany, for the forging of bronze weapons Beads of Baltic amber, found in the graves of Mycenaean nobles, were made in Britain A thousand years later trade up and down the Atlantic seaboard meant that Irish cauldrons became especially popular in northern Portugal With such relentless trade and travel comes, naturally, cultural commingling Overseas exchange meant that Cretans could pick and choose from different cultural options and they did ” Quinn remarks Cultural appropriation was not yet an affront; indeed it could be a strength as we learn later from Polybius s remark about the upstart Romans: They are unusually willing to substitute their own customs for better practice from elsewhere ” The book is rich in marvellous detail and succeeds in making the pre-classical world come to life There is something of the modern wheedling teenager in the complaining minor royal who ends a letter to the king of Egypt with the line Send me much gold” This is one of the “Amarna” letters
the monarchs of Egypt Cyprus Babylon et al which Quinn
reveal the importance of contact and communication between what are usually seen as separate ancient cultures or civilisations But did anybody ever think that ancient cultures existed in hermetical separation, with no contact between them? Here
to the
languages Meanwhile, she writes: Like the Israelite Exodus from Egypt in the Hebrew Bible, the Iliad is a story about a joint expedition in the distant past that brought a people together as a community told in a language they share It doesn t seem intellectually criminal then to describe a people brought together as a community , with a shared language, as a culture Perhaps the argument is not that cultures don’t exist but simply that they had to be invented; that they are socially constructed Well yes: how else could they come into being? Meanwhile it didn t take until the 19th century for the idea of the west to arrive, as Quinn notes The earliest known version of a binary polarity setting Europe against Asia” she observes is found already in Herodotus’s tales of the Persian wars; and Frankish Christians began thinking of themselves as European in the wake of the Arab conquest
between
says
we get
GUARDIAN S t e v e n P o o l e
GLOBAL TIMES X i n P i n g
Tcountries to achieve common development and improve people’s well-being Spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Liu Jieyi said here on Sunday The last decade of practice has fully demonstrated that
interests of peoples of all countries Liu made the remarks during a press conference held by the CPPCC National Committee, China s top political advisory body
Mentioning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor the China-Laos Railway and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway he said various livelihood projects have helped Africa Asia the South Pacific Latin America and the Caribbean to improve med-
ical infrastructure and promote rural poverty alleviation Over the past 10 years the Chinese government has signed more than 240 documents on Belt and Road cooperation with more than 150 countries and more than 30 international organizations, he noted
The CPPCC National Committee has communicated with more than 200 institutions in 50 countries and established new ties with 41 foreign think tanks and 12 civil organizations building consensus to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said
The CPPCC National Committee also conducted in-depth research and put forward opinions and suggestions on green low-carbon and sustainable development as well as solidarity and cooperation between China and other developing countries added Liu He said China s national political advisors believe that the long-term positive trend of the country’s economy, which is resilient with great potential and vitality, will continue to be consolidated and strengthened in the future China s economy picked up on the whole in the past year as the country has
that officials first claimed that “dozens o f G a z a n s w e r e i n j u r e d a s a r e s u l t o f p u s h i n g a n d t r a m p l i n g d u r i n g l o o ti n g , t h e n s a y i n g t h a t t a n k s i n t h e a r e a t r i e d t o d i s p e r s e t h e m o b w i t h a f e w w a r n i n g s h o t s ” In a video statement posted on X, the Israeli armed forces spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari claimed: Hundreds became thousands and
withstood external pressure and overcome internal difficulties The main targets for economic and social development were achieved and high-quality development showed solid progress Liu added He said this year the CPPCC National Committee will continue making contributions and providing suggestions for realizing the goal of Chinese modernization
The committee conducted in-depth research and investigation and provided indepth consultation on political affairs to fulfill its responsibilities in 2023 He said the 14th CPPCC National Committee has focused on making suggestions on the Chinese path to modernization in a wide range of fields, including China s rural revitalization, development for private enterprises, building
the country’s ecological civilization enhancing the influence of Chinese civilization and improving policy systems to boost birth rates
This year the CPPCC National Committee continues to focus on the goals and tasks of Chinese modernization and make advice and recommendations in accordance with the major decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee the major strategic needs of the country and practical issues in development he said Besides Liu said the CPPCC also keeps enriching the form of consultation to improve its quality and gives full play to the unique strengths of consultative oversight throughout the political advisory body’s work
Since the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee 94 consultation activities have been held with a total of 5,087 participants and 1,602 people making speeches, fully reflecting the opinions and suggestions of the general public, he added
The National Committee of the CPPCC is the country s top political advisory body It will hold its annual session from March 4 to 10 lasting six days
Summoning youth in police station act of state terrorism: APHC
170 people exec uted in attacks on Burkina Faso villages: regional prosec utor
OUAGADOUGOU
A G E N C I E S
Around 170 people were executed in attacks on three villages in northern Burkina Faso a week ago, a regional prosecutor said on Sunday as religious violence flares in the junta-ruled country
On that same day February 25 separate attacks on a mosque in eastern Burkina and a Catholic church in the north left dozens more dead Aly Benjamin Coulibaly said he had received reports of the attacks on the villages of Komsilga, Nodin and Soroe in Yatenga province on February 25, with a provisional toll of “around 170 people executed”
The attacks left others wounded and caused material damage the prosecutor for the northern town of Ouahigouya added in a statement without apportioning blame to any group
He said his office ordered an investigation and appealed to the public for information
Survivors of the attacks told AFP that dozens of women and young children were among the victims
Local security sources said the attacks were separate from deadly incidents that happened on the same day at a mosque in the rural community of Natiaboani and a church in the village of Essakane
Authorities have yet to release an official death toll for those attacks but a senior church official said at the time that at least 15 civilians were killed in that attack Burkina Faso has been grappling with a violent insurgency waged by rebels affiliated with Al-Qaeda and
the Islamic State group that spilt over from neighbouring Mali in 2015
The violence has killed almost 20 000 people and displaced more than two million in Burkina Faso one of the world s poorest countries situated in the Sahel a region wracked by instability
Anger at the state s inability to end the insecurity played a major role in two military coups in 2022 Current strongman Ibrahim Traore has made the fight against rebel groups a priority Coordinated attacks
There were several attacks on February 25 notably against a military detachment in Tankoualou in the east, a rapid response battalion in Kongoussi in the north and soldiers in the northern region of Ouahigouya
In response, the army and members of the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP) a civilian force that supports the military launched operations that were able to neutralise several hundred terrorists according to security sources At the beginning of the week Security Minister Mahamadou Sana described the wave of attacks as coordinated This change in the enemy s tactical approach is because terrorist bases have been destroyed as well as training camps and actions were carried out to dry up the enemy’s source of financing as well as its supply corridors said Sana Mosques and imams have in the past been the target of attacks blamed on religious extremists Churches in Burkina have also at times been targeted and Christians have been kidnapped The ACLED analysis group says that 439 people were killed in such violence in January alone
Russia says Ukraine attacked C rimea with 38 drones
SRINAGAR: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference has condemned summoning youth to police stations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and termed it another manifestation of the worst form of state terrorism by the Hindutva BJP regime According to Kashmir Media Service, the APHC spokesman, Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas in a statement in Srinagar said the Indian BJP government is using militaristic tactics to stifle the voice of freedom and punish those who are peacefully striving for freeing their homeland from Indian illegal occupation He pointed out that all brutal acts, including the arrests of pro-freedom leaders and activists, of the Indian BJP regime would fail to deter the Kashmiri people from continuing their legitimate freedom struggle He maintained that the right to self-determination is a fundamental right of the Kashmiri people and they would continue their struggle for the realisation of the inalienable right The spokesman reiterated the Kashmiris demand from the United Nations Secretary General and the global community to implement the World Body’s resolutions on Kashmir and hold a free and fair plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir
Zelensky urges Western air defence as Russian attacks kill 11
Monday 4 March 2024 LAHORE 06 NEWS BEIJING O U R C O R R E S P O N D E N C E
partner
with a shared future
to the trend of human
progress and serves
H E high-quality Belt and Road cooperation provides huge opportunities for
building a community
for mankind conforms
development and
the common
GAZA CITY A G E N C I E S A UN team has reported seeing a large number” of gunshot wounds among Gazans after Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinian civilians scrambling for food supplies near an aid convoy killing 115 people and wounded more than 750 The aid convoy deaths pushed the number of Palestinian dead in Gaza since Oct 7 to 30,320, mostly women and children Hossam
Safiya, director of Gaza City’s Kamal Adwan Hospital said all the casualties it admitted were hit by bullets and shrapnel from (Israeli) occupation forces There are contradictions within the I s r a e l i c l a i m s ; B B C N e w s r e p o r t e d
Abu
Rafah;
wounded
gunshot wounds
UN chief
t u r d a y w h e n a n I sr a e l i a i r s t r i k e h i t a t e n t i n R a f a h , i n Gaza’s south where people have been seeking refuge from Israel’s devastati n g b o m b a r d m e n t A n o t h e r 5 0 p e o p l e w e r e w o u n d e d i n t h e s t r i k e n e x t t o a h o s p i t a l i n t h e Te l A l S u l t a n a r e a o f Rafah One of the dead was a medic at the hospital “The strike hit one tent, where people took shelter directly shrapnel came inside the hospital where I and friends were sitting we survived by a miracle a witness said by phone from the area And in the territory s north, three people searching for food in farmland in Beit Hanoun were killed by Israeli strikes C E A S E F I R E U N C E RTA I N T Y The killings came amid uncertainty over whether negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire would resume on Sunday US President Joe Biden has said he hopes a ceasefire will be in place by the time Ramazan begins on March 10 or 11 Two Egyptian security sources said Israeli and Hamas delegations were expected to arrive in Cairo on Sunday to resume indirect talks However, Israel’s Ynet news agency, citing an unnamed senior official reported that Israel would not send a delegation to the Cairo talks until it received a full list of prisoners held in Gaza who were alive
things got out of hand 11 killed as airstrike hits tent in
Hamas-Israel talks set to continue in Cairo A UN team visited some of the
from the aid incident in Gaza City’s Al Shifa Hospital on Friday and saw a large number of
a spokesperson for
Antonio Guterres said The hospital received 70 of the dead and around 200 wounded were still there during the team s visit 11 PA L E S T I N I A N S K I L L E D Separately, at least 11 Palestinians w e r e k i l l e d o n S a
KYIV A G E N C I E S Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the West to rapidly deliver more air-defence systems as a wave of Russian missile drone and artillery strikes killed at least 11 people Eight were confirmed dead, including a child and a baby, after an overnight drone strike on the southern port city of Odesa, a regional official said Separate shelling attacks on the frontline regions of Kharkiv in the northeast and Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south killed another three people Ukrainian officials said Russia continues to hit civilians, Zelensky said in a post on social media We need more air defences from our partners We need to strengthen the Ukrainian air shield to add more protection for our people from Russian terror More air-defence systems and more missiles for air-defence systems save lives Ukraine is currently on the back foot in the two-year war as a crucial $60 billion aid package is held up in the United States Congress In Odesa a ninestorey building was destroyed as a result of an attack by Russian terrorists , Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said in a Telegram post Saturday Around 10 people were still unaccounted for with almost 100 rescuers set to continue a search and rescue operation overnight Footage from the scene showed several floors of a residential building collapsed and its facade ripped off Ukraine s air force said falling debris from Russian drones it had shot down fell onto residential buildings in both Odesa and Kharkiv The attacks came as Russia sought to press its advantage on the battlefield Kyiv has acknowledged that it is heavily outgunned and outnumbered facing ammunition shortages and aid delays Half of all promised Western ammunition arrives late the defence minister has said Russian forces have advanced westwards following last month s capture of the key eastern town of Avdiivka, seizing several small villages in recent days KUALA LUMPUR A G E N C I E S Malaysia is pushing for a renewed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, the transport minister said on Sunday, as the 10th anniversary of its disappearance in one of the world’s greatest aviation mysteries approaches Flight MH370 a Boeing 777 carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew, vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014 Malaysian investigators initially did not rule out the possibility that the aircraft had been deliberately taken off course and debris some confirmed and some believed to be from the aircraft, has washed up along the coast of Africa and on islands in the Indian Ocean Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said US seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity had been invited to discuss its latest search proposal after two previous failed attempts The Malaysian government is committed to the search (for MH370) and the search must go on Loke said at a remembrance event on Sunday Malaysia engaged Ocean Infinity in 2018 to search the southern Indian Ocean, offering to pay up to $70 million if it found the plane Malaysia China and Australia earlier had ended a fruitless two-year A$200 million ($130 46 million) underwater hunt in January 2017 Loke said Malaysia would talk to Australia about cooperation in resuming the search once Ocean Infinity’s proposal is approved by Malaysia s cabinet VPR Nathan whose wife Anne Daisy was onboard the flight said Ocean Infinity s proposal, which includes a no find, no fee option, was welcome “We want the search to carry on but we also have to be realistic We cannot expect the government to spend billions (on the search) Nathan said Jiang Hui a Chinese national whose mother was a passenger on MH370, called on Malaysia to provide relatives with the latest information it received As long as there is communication we can avoid misunderstanding said Jiang who is among family members who filed a lawsuit in China demanding compensation over the plane s disappearance A Beijing court began compensation hearings in November More than 150 Chinese passengers were on the flight with relatives demanding compensation from Malaysia Airlines Boeing aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce and the Allianz insurance group among others MOSCOW A G E N C I E S Russian air defence systems destroyed all 38 drones that Ukraine launched at the Crimean Peninsula early on Sunday Russia’s defence ministry said after reports on Ukrainian and Russian social media of powerful explosions in the port of Feodosia The Russian defence ministry did not say whether there was any damage or casualties in its statement on the Telegram messaging app Road traffic near Feodosia was significantly restricted Russian-installed officials in Crimea had said earlier Traffic on the bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula to the Russian mainland was halted for couple hours before resuming at around 0140 GMT Russian-installed officials in Crimea said on Telegram R u s s i a n a n d U k r a i n i a n s o c i a l media cited Feodosia residents as reporting powerful explosions were heard in the area of the seaport and a n o i l d e p o t a t a b o u t 2 a m l o c a l t i m e o n S u n d a y ( 2 3 0 0 G M T o n Saturday) Reuters was not able to independently verify the reports of explosions There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials The Crimean Peninsula which Russia annexed from Ukraine in a move condemned by Kyiv’s allies in 2014 and the Black Sea that the peninsula borders have become a crucial theatre in the two-year war Ukraine s increased air and sea drone attacks on Russian military targets there have damaged or destroyed ships and naval repair yards in the port of Sevastopol and struck other targets US poll shows voters doubt Biden’s leadership and favour Trump NEW YORK A G E N C I E S A new US poll shows that many voters are increasingly put off by President Joe Biden s leadership, while former President Donald Trump has garnered relatively high support ahead of November ’s presidential election In survey results released Saturday by The New York Times and Siena College 47% of 980 registered voters said that they strongly disapprove of Biden s handling of his job the highest figure for this rate in any Times/Siena poll during his presidency The national poll, conducted in February, also shows Biden’s 43% of support trailing behind Trump’s 48% a potential warning sign for the Democratic president At 81 Biden has faced criticism for being the oldest sitting president in U S history He has also received pushback for his handling of the current conflict in Gaza, where health officials say that more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s assault since October Biden has remained a strong supporter of Israel Meanwhile, 77-year-old Trump has more successfully unified support within his party as he seeks to retake the White House despite his recent legal losses and upcoming trials According to the Times/Siena poll Trump has the support of 97% of people who say they voted for him in the 2020 election, while Biden is winning just 83% of his voters from four years ago Ten percent of the 2020 Biden voters said they would now vote for Trump the poll found Meanwhile growing outrage over President Biden s support for Israel in its relentless bombardment of Gaza is prompting Arab-American and Muslim voters to declare that they intend to stay away from the polls In Michigan, where early primaries was held, one-time Biden’s Muslim supporters sent his administration a strong message by voting “uncommitted” even as the president’s aides scrambled to meet and mend broken ties with community leaders B R I C O O P E R AT I O N P R O V I D E S H U G E O P P O R T U N I T I E S F O R PA R T N E R C O U N T R I E S : C H I N A ’ S T O P P O L I T I C A L A D V I S O R Y B O D Y M any aid distribution vic tims were shot in G aza: UN M alaysia says MH370 search must go on, 10 years af ter plane vanished
PHA opens floral and gif t shop at Racecourse Park
NEPR A green-lights key renewable energy projec ts for KE territor y
NHA restores traffic on 9 major roads in rain-affected areas of Balochistan
IESCO imposes Rs539.23m fine on pilferers during anti-power-theft drive
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan, Japan enjoying rich histor y of diplomatic relations: Japanese CG
07 NEWS Monday 4 March 2024 | LAHORE CORPORATE CORNER LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has opened a decorated flower shop at Racecourse Park in Lahore, marking a strategic move to expand its commercial footprint and transform the local floral industry, a spokesperson confirmed A brainchild of Director General Muhammad Tahir Wattoo the PHA Flower Shop as it is called stands just around the entrance of Racecourse Park to enable visitors and passersby to collect elegant floral gifts The shop offers not just bright bouquets and boxed flowers but also a variety of related gift products The pricing structure is designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring affordability for individuals across various societal strata the spokesperson said He was of the view that in addition to events such as weddings people buy flowers to stay connected to family members and friends PHA also operates arguably the largest government-owned commercial nursery in the provincial metropolis, located at the strategic location of Gulberg Opened in September of last year, the project aims to make horticulture more accessible, intending for the nursery to offer everything under one roof According to the spokesperson the department under its incumbent director general Mr Wattoo has gone on an aggressive plantation drive planting over half a million saplings throughout the city in the past calendar year alone It also developed two Miyawaki forests in Johar Town and Mehmood Booti, each spread over an acre, and several smaller urban forests The Miyawaki technique originating from Japan aims to intensify green coverage within confined spaces
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T A S the holy month of Ramazan is just around the corner like other parts of the country, the twin cities have witnessed a hectic activity of Ramadan shopping where buyers of all age groups were heading towards their nearest grocery marts and markets to buy essential kitchen items Sales promotions and subsidized rate kitchen items announced by the government during the holy month of Ramazan are common practices where citizens are taking advantage and rushing to stores to fulfill the needs for preparation of upcoming holy month said a report aired by a private news channel Women citizens alongside their enthusiastic kids are also seen busy in choosing Ramazan related food items, said a worker in a grocery store Retailers and shopping complexes across the country have started to get ready for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, making several promotions and offers of different consumer goods at competitive prices to attract more customers, said another citizen Many consumers are keen to buy their essentials ahead of the month especially when it comes to nuts juices dried fruits and frozen and canned items to avoid rush hours during the month while delaying the purchases of fresh meat, poultry, and vegetables until needed, said another family Ramazan was around the corner and he had khajla and pheni on top of his shopping list for his family said another citizen A vendor said that the top-selling items in the month of Ramazan are khajla, pheni and chickpeas as people prefer to eat these in sehri and iftar Moreover, a family expressed concern that during Ramazan, some businesses are there that always want to make extra profit by hoarding the essentials and raising their prices The government must pay special attention to it, the family demanded 10-year of Pakistan Star tup Cup: Celebrating US-Pak par tnership in promoting entrepreneurship KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T TiE Islamabad and the US Embassy celebrate the 10year milestone of the Pakistan Startup Cup Pakistan s biggest startup competition with a capstone event The event marked a decade of US and Pakistan partnership fostering innovation, growth, and success in the entrepreneurial landscape of Pakistan The first ever all inclusive event for persons with disabilities served as a pivotal moment bringing together representatives from the government corporate sector investors Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) startups and winners of the Pakistan Startup Cup, and diverse stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem G R O C E R Y M A R T S , LO C A L M A R K ET S T E E M I N G W I T H S H O P P E R S A H E A D O F R A M A Z A N MPF hosts event KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T The Memon Professional Forum (MPF) recently arranged an event in collaboration with Commecs College at Karachi Gym Khana On the Occasion Asif Peer, an Eminent name in the IT industry was the chief guest Speakers were eminent professionals in AI from their respective fields Dr Najjia Ashraf is a consultant Dermatologist practicing at South City Hospital Karachi and few were from outside of Karachi Memon Professional Forum has always spread awareness regarding different topics and issues that are important for betterment Knowledge and Education KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T In a significant development the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has granted approval for two of the three Requests for Proposals (RFPs) submitted by K-Electric (KE) for the addition of renewable energy to its power generation fleet These approvals are a milestone in KE's strategic plan to integrate renewable energy into its operations; thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future Under the approved RFPs solar projects would be installed within KE s territory aligning closely with the power utility s commitment to diversify its generation mix with renewable energy resources Moonis Alvi, CEO of KE, emphasized the importance of these
strive towards
goal to incorporate at least 30% renewables into our fleet by 2030, the approval of these RFPs by NEPRA serves as a cornerstone of our ambitious plan The impending commencement of the installation process signifies a tangible step forward in KE s journey towards a greener energy ecosystem With the necessary regulatory approvals in place KE is poised to initiate the implementation phase promptly, aiming at expediting the integration of renewable energy solutions into
system,
adding
this initiative underscores KE
commitment to sustainability
environmental
also contributing
approvals, saying, "As we
the
its
he said,
that
s unwavering
and
stewardship while
to the broader national agenda of transitioning towards clean energy resources Alvi extended his gratitude to NEPRA, and all other stakeholders involved for their support and collaboration throughout the approval process
S TA F F R E P O R T
world about the equal rights of men and women in the light of teachings of Islam He was addressing the concluding ceremony of 4 month-long 65th regular Shariah course for the judges Qazis attorneys law officers and prosecutors organized by Shariah Academy of the IIUI at Faisal Masjid on Sunday As many as 26 participants were part of this course from various areas and departments across the country They covered important topics such as contemporary legal issues international labor law and medical issues related to Islamic law They were also given assignments of book reviews and term papers In the inland tours, the participants visited various courts and relevant ministries across Pakistan In addition the participants visited Turkey and Jorden to exchange experiences and further broaden the exposure by visiting the ministries of justice and courts in both the countries The course participants also visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and perfumed Umrah in the final stage of the course Addressing the closing ceremony Dr Hathal Homoud Alotaibi discussed historic achievements of Muslims in the field of law medical applied sciences and governance He said that the life of the Prophet (PBUH) and the era of Khulfa e Rashideen is a great source of guidance to balance our lives and maintain justice within the society Calling upon the legal fraternity participants, he said they have been given an important responsibility of justice that demands Taqwa and strict obedience to the teachings of Islam while deciding on various issues Islamic legal system has legac y of knowledge: President IIUI Coach360 launches EdTech platform to empower youth KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T Coach360 has launched Skills360, one of the first privately owned EdTech institutes in Pakistan, focused on upskilling the country’s existing and upcoming workforce It aims to empower Pakistan s youth by providing it with essential IT skills for a secure financial future The platform adopts a structured approach to career advancement, offering a simple yet impactful process starting with the selection of a course aligned with an individual s career aspirations Learning is facilitated by industry experts who impart relevant and current knowledge followed by interactive assessments to test and refine acquired skills The uniqueness of Skills360 lies in encouraging real-world application of learned skills, creating a pathway for individuals to start earning At its launch, Skills360 is introducing courses in Graphic Design and CMS (Content Management System) Development to start with with plans to expand its course offerings in the future Speaking at the occasion Burhan Mirza Co-Founder of Skills360 stated Skills360 is not just a learning platform; it is a gateway to financial empowerment
President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Dr Hathal Homoud Alotaibi has said that Islamic legal system has a legacy of knowledge He said that Muslim ancestors guided the
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) during its ongoing anti-power theft campaign has imposed fine of Rs539 23 million on power pilferers Launcher under the supervision of IESCO Chief Dr Muhammad Amjad Khan, the anti-power theft campaign initiated on September 07, 2023 was backed the government and the Ministry of Energy The IESCO detection teams with the unwavering support of governmental bodies provincial administrations and law enforcement agencies have made notable strides in curbing electricity pilferage across its operational circles During the month of February 2024, as many as 311 power thieves were apprehended by these vigilant teams, resulting in fines amounting to 22 9 million Moreover 28 individuals involved in electricity theft were promptly arrested by the police IESCO Chief Dr Muhammad Amjad Khan said that the ongoing campaign has helped to reduce power theft cases and company line losses, coupled with a substantial increase in revenue He reaffirmed IESCO s steadfast commitment to eradicating this menace, vowing no compromise in the fight against power theft Encouraging community participation he urged customers to report any instances of power theft promptly to relevant authorities via the dedicated helpline number 118
S TA F F R E P O R T After continuous hectic efforts the engineers construction experts and workers of National Highway Authority have come out
in opening
highways
motorway affected by heavy rain fall, snow fall
land sliding in Balochistan province
the directive of
Communications Mr Shahid Ashraf
Chairman
Highway Authority
the NHA personnel ensured emergent steps and required heavy machinery was arranged at affected locations The
cials of NHA worked round the clock in coordination with local administration and opened Zhob
Danasar,
pass- Noshki - Nokundi, Quetta - Sibbi - Jacobabad, Karachi - Khuzdar - Quetta Gawadar- Khuzdar - Wangu Hill Coastal highway (Karachi to Gawadar and Gawadar to Gabd) and Hoshab - Naag - Surab national highways to all kinds of traffic It is to recall that NHA officers and staff are on alert to handle any unpleasant such conditions in the country Capital police intensif y action against smoke-emitting vehicles ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T The Capital Police have intensified action against smoke emitting and pressure horns vehicles for the purpose of environmental protection a police public relations officer said He said that following the special directions of the Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan the Islamabad capital police have intensified the crackdown against vehicles causing environmental pollution and using pressure horns In this regard all Zonal DSPs have been directed to take stern action against vehicles involved in polluting the environment Mobile squads of Islamabad capital police have been formed to implement the campaign against the smoke-emitting vehicles These squads patrol in various areas and important boulevards of the city and are directed to take legal action against those vehicles involved in noise and smoke pollution Special squads had been constituted as per the directions of ICCPO Islamabad in order to conduct regular checking and issued fine tickets against vehicles involved in noise or other environmental pollution in the city KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T The Consul General of Japan in Karachi, Hattori Masaru has said Pakistan and Japan enjoyed a rich history of diplomatic relations aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in diverse fields Addressing the Japanese National Day reception on the occasion of the 64th birthday of the His Majesty Emperor of Japan Naruhito here the Japanese Consul General welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed his pleasure in hosting the first National Day reception in Karachi He emphasized the rich history of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan and highlighted recent initiatives aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation He underscored Japan's commitment to working closely with the newly elected government of Pakistan to strengthen ties and foster mutual development Hattori highlighted Japan s long-lasting contributions to Pakistan's economy for a long time and emphasized educational facility renovations and healthcare facility expansions in Sindh and Balochistan provinces reflecting the commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities Sindh Governor Muhammad Kamran Tessori graced the occasion as Chief guest and also extended felicitations to the Japanese People on their National Day At the onset of the event national anthems of both countries were played The event concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting ceremony followed by a delightful dinner featuring a fusion of Japanese and Pakistani cuisines symbolizing the cultural harmony between the two nations A large number of diplomats from different countries stationed here at Karachi including Chinese Turkiye and other nations along with academia civil society, media persons, and social activists also attended the August gathering and enjoyed the event Future of Pakistan is in hands of the youth: Diplomats KARACHI: The diplomats of Germany, China, and Oman expressed hope that democracy will be stable in Pakistan while crediting the performance of the caretaker government and security agencies for holding peaceful elections They however stressed that the future of Pakistan is in the hands of the youth They were talking to journalists at a dinner hosted by prominent businessmen and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Cote d' Ivoire Fazal Karim Dadabhoy in honored of Dr Rudiger Lotz, Consul General Of The Federal Republic of Germany at Dadabhoy house It was attended by former caretaker information minister Ahmed Shah Mohammad Iqbal Memon additional home secretary diplomats from Iran Qatar Thailand Arif Suleiman Dr Mohammad Altamash Kaleem Farooqi Farooq Afzal, MPA, Barrister Halar Wasan, famous anchor Rida Saifee, Urooj Malik, businessmen, industrialists and elite of the city were present ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Volunteers from Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) came together to celebrate World Wildlife Day by removing invasive plant species from the Margalla Hills National Park During the event held on Sunday (March 03) 66 students from various departments of QAU, under the Plantarian Association, participated in the practical activity They cleared widespread invasive species like Lantana camara and Brossunatia papyrifera from Trail 4 of the park, supervised by Dr Shujaul Mulk Khan, an Associate Professor of Ecology, and IWMB volunteers World Wildlife Day was established in 2013 by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation This year's theme Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation highlights the role of technology in protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity QAU students remove invasive plants to mark World Wildlife D ay
ISLAMABAD
successful
nine major national
and
and
On
Federal Minister for
Tarar and
National
Arshad Majeed Mohmand
offi-
- Kuchlak -
Quetta - Chaman, Qila Saifullah- Loralai, Lak-
G
Amid
TParliament House that the competition was between the “original” [Omar Ayub] and “bogus” [Shehbaz Sharif] mandate for the prime minister ’s office It is interesting to note that the three SIC leaders – Gohar Qaiser and Ali – are from the same province – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa –and have been elected to the House from Buner, Swabi and Mardan respectively
Pakistan
HRCP warns Senator against imposing social media curbs
Presidential elec tions: Parliament ’s joint session summoned on M arch 9
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
The joint session of Parliament summoned on
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) earlier announced the schedule for
According to the
polling for the
will be held on March
from 10 am to 4 pm The electoral college for
presidential
of the Senate, National Assembly and four provincial assemblies In the election the Senate and National Assembly’s members votes are counted as single votes The votes cast by the provincial assembly legislators are adjusted so as to give each province an equal share in the election Therefore, each provincial assembly has 65 votes equivalent to the strength of Balochistan Assembly which has minimum number of members
The weightage of the total members of other provincial legislatures
will be decided according to fixed number of 65 It is penitent to mention here that the coalition comprising PML-N, PPP, PML-Q, MQM-P, IPP, BAP, PML-Zia and National Party nominated Asif Ali Zardari for the president’s office Meanwhile PTI and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) nominated Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai for the slot Out of 336, the alliance has 209 seats in the National Assembly so far while the opposition parties have 104 members with the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) being the largest party in the lower house
S indh, Balochistan CMs agree on joint steps to c urb drug smuggling, mafias
‘Perpetrators and planners’ of May 9 riots always sided against countr y’s progress: Marriyum
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday castigated the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders saying that the “mindset of perpetrators and planners of May 9 riots reflected how they always sided against the country s progress Speaking to journalists outside the Parliament House in Islamabad today, she lambasted PTI over allegations regarding election rigging , noting that the result management system (RTS) fell flat and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif ’s mandate was stolen Marriyum Aurangzeb claimed that the PTI-led government ‘looted’ the country for four years Everyone saw in 2013 when there was political uncertainty and they blocked roads when the Chinese President was visiting the country, she added She said the PTI feared that the PML-N government would resolve the people’s problems including inflation, unemployment, and poverty “They [PTI] fear that the country would witness a revolution in health and IT sector she noted Just like [PM-elect] Shehbaz Sharif completed his speech amid the opposition protest we will complete tenure she said, adding: They [PTI] will not change It s not about their faces but their mindset They will continue to make noise ” Marriyum also questioned PTI’s allegations regarding election rigging, asking whether the polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were rigged or not PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif was on Sunday elected as the 24th Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan making history for assuming the office for second
KP CM announces relief package for
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 : 5 0 6 3 0 1 : 3 0 4 : 4 5 6 : 0 2 7 : 4 5 Monday 4 March 2024 news Published by Asad Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965 Email: newsroom@pakistantoday com pk Senate By eleC tIon ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
E PTI-Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) appeared to be divided over the stated position on the nature of the newly-elected National Assembly, as Barrister
were not labeling the House as bogus while Asad Qaiser insisted that the rival parties had a “fake mandate ” Talking to reporters outside the Parliament House on Sunday Barrister Gohar said he was not using the word bogus for the assembly and would not escape the democratic process to leave the field open for the other parties
H
Gohar said they
said they would have their opposition and parliamentary leader We won t boycott, we will compete against them ” But in complete contrast, Asad Qaiser said they were of the view that the rival parties had fake mandate and the person elected as prime minister would not have any legal standing He would be a fake prime minister elected based on fake votes, he claimed and added
upon
the available options Qaiser
right
protest
would exercise the same
like
questioned the mandate
other Similar
Muhammad
the
the reports that the PTI members – who have joined the assemblies under the banner of SIC (Sunni Ittehad Council) after winning the recently held polls as independents – are mulling over boycotting the session convened to elect the new prime minister Gohar
that they would ponder
all
said they enjoyed the
to
and
as he
other party leaders
of
views were repeated by Ali
Khan who told reporters inside
S W O N
L
S S E M B LY B O G U S A S
A I S E R , O T H E R S I N S I S T R I VA L S ’ M A N D AT E FA K E ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan has condemned India’s highhandedness in seizure of commercial goods noting this disruption of free trade underscores the dangers inherent in the arbitrary assumption of policing roles by states with dubious credentials, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said The condemnation comes after media reports about the interception by India on Jan 23 of a Malta-flagged merchant vessel CMA CGM Attila near Mumbai s Nhava Sheva port The Karachi-bound ship from China was boarded, and its cargo was inspected based on what Indians claimed to be specific intelligence inputs Indian customs officials according to statements made to Indian media found an Italian-made computer numerical control (CNC) machine within the consignment, alleging its potential utility in nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, and subsequently confiscated it The FO spokesperson clarified that the item in question was “a commercial lathe machine The intended recipient of the seized machinery has been identified as Cosmos Engineering, a Karachi-based firm that manufactures automobile parts and home appliances The consignment was seized after the port officials had alerted the Indian defence authorities who inspected the heavy cargo and reported their suspicions Officials in India were quoted as saying that the seizure fell under the prevention of possible proliferation by Pakistan and China” According to Indian media reports documents such as the bill of lading and other consignment details purportedly showed that the consigner was Shanghai JXE Global Logistics Co Ltd and weighed 22,180 kilograms “This is a simple case of import of a c o m m e r c i a l l a t h e m a c h i n e b y a K a r a c h i - b a s e d c o m m e r c i a l e n t i t y which supplies parts to the automobile industry in Pakistan, Ms Baloch elabo r a t e d S p e c i f i c a t i o n s o f t h e e q u i pm e n t c l e a r l y i n d i c a t e i t s p u r e l y c o m m e r c i a l u s e T h e t r a n s a c t i o n w a s b e i n g c o n d u c t e d t h r o u g h t r a n s p a r e n t banking channels with all the relevant documentation Criticising the Indian action, she remarked, Such acts also highlight the growing impunity of certain states in violating international norms and taking arbitrary measures in violation of international law
O H A R S AY
’ T C A L
A
Q
am
March 9 for the presidential elections with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in chair According to details the joint session was summoned by NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday, March 9 at 10:00
the presidential elections
ECP schedule
presidential election
9
indirect
election comprises of the members
consecutive time Shehbaz Sharif won the prime minister s election today after clinching 201 votes against his PTI-backed opponent from the Sunni Ittehdad Council (SIC) Omar Ayub Khan who managed to secure 92 votes The magic number to clinch the office of prime minister was 169 votes Since no single party could gain a majority in the assembly Shehbaz has become premier with the support of PMLN s allies – PPPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, BAP, and others
LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly opposed the proposed Senate resolution seeking a ban on all social media warning the members of the Upper House that any such ill-judged measures that violate people s constitutional right to freedom of expression also represent an erosion of democracy In the first instance, such a resolution is as nonsensical as it is impractical With social media platform X having been shut down since 17 February, it is ironic to see that political parties state institutions government representatives and legislators (including Senator Bahramand Tangi who moved this resolution) continue to use X by means of virtual private networks (VPNs) Second access to social media has empowered ordinary citizens to exchange information, earn livelihoods, lobby for their rights and freedoms, hold duty bearers accountable, and mobilize around social and political causes Any attempt to curb digital freedoms wholesale betrays a shocking ignorance of how modern democracies and economies function Finally successive governments have frequently and arbitrarily shut down social media for security concerns even prior to the 2024 elections There is no evidence to suggest that such a step has made society any safer If indeed the Senate is concerned about the future of this country’s youth ostensibly the reason for proposing this resolution its efforts would be better served tackling such issues as youth unemployment access to education and rampant misogyny rather than acting as an outmoded thought-police Where social media is to be regulated to prevent hate speech and incitement to violence against women and religious, ethnic and gender minorities this must be narrowly tailored enforced with transparency and designed with civil society consensus Regrettably giving the state a free hand to regulate social media is futile because it has always perceived this responsibility as an opportunity to censor rivals and dissenters HRCP calls on civil society and digital rights activists to mobilize against all efforts to impose such arbitrary curbs, including reports of a ban on all VPNs and demands that X be restored immediately PESHAWAR S TA F F R E P O R T K h y b e r P a k h t u n k h w a C h i e f M i n i s t e r A l i A m i n K h a n G a n d ap u r o n S u n d a y a n n o u n c e d c o mp e n s a t i o n p a c k a g e f o r t h e a ff e c t e d f a m i l i e s d u e t o r a i n s i n t h e p r o v i n c e The Chief Minister directed the Relief Secretary to compile reports on the losses and damages caused by rains Detailed information about the life and property losses across the province should be collected the Chief Minister s instructed He announced relief checks of Rs1 million for the killed, Rs300,000 for severely injured and Rs50 000 for those who received moderate injuries Financial compensation will also be provided for property damages caused by the rains The Chief Minister has instructed the concerned Divisional Commissioners to coordinate efforts and promptly provide relief to the affected Immediate relief measures are to be taken on an emergency basis focusing on essential needs such as temporary shelter food and other necessities for owners of damaged homes Ali Amin Gandapur directed urgent provision of medical assistance to the injured He also directed to restore the closed roads due to heavy snowfall and rain The Chief Minister has stressed the utilization of all available resources for this purpose In light of any emergency situations preparedness measures should be in place to tackle the challenges effectively, Ali Amin Gandapur asserts He emphasizes that the provincial government stands with the affected during this difficult time and ensures that every possible assistance will be extended to them Acknowledging the shared grief with the families of the deceased, Ali Amin Gandapur expresses solidarity reaffirming that no effort will be spared in providing support to those affected by the calamities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter feit: Spain busts Pak origin gang MADRID A G E N C I E S Spanish police claimed to have made 14 arrests in connection with one million euros ($1 1 million) worth of counterfeit 100 euro bank notes which passed undetected by ATMs and other devices The banknotes produced by the organisation were made by hand were very high quality as they used special inks, watermarks and different elements designed to circumvent the detection mechanisms," said Spanish National Police spokesperson Elisa Rebolo Based in Naples Rome and Barcelona a gang of Pakistani origin distributed the bank notes in Italy France Greece and Spain police said Police said they had arrested distributors at Barcelona airport and the city bus station in both instances carrying 70 000 euros in counterfeit notes The police operation involved forces in Spain, Italy and Greece and began last November after large numbers of counterfeit notes were discovered in Barcelona
high-handedness
condemns India’s
in seizure of commercial goods
ted
rain-affec
families
g F O s p o k e s p e r s o n c l a r i f i e s i t e m i n q u e s t i o n i s “ a c o m m e r c i a l l a t h e m a c h i n e ”
KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T The newly-elected chief ministers of Sindh and Balochistan on Sunday agreed on chalking out joint measures against drug smuggling and mafia operating on the border between the two provinces The consensus was developed during a meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and his Baloch counterpart Sarfraz Bugti held here in Karachi The issues pertaining to drug smuggling on the Sindh-Balochistan border were discussed Syed Murad Ali Shah and Sarfraz Bugti decided to make joint efforts to curb the menace of drugs Chief Ministers of both provinces decided to launch strict action against the lawbreakers on the borders of the two provinces soon Syed Murad Ali Shah also expressed grief over the loss of lives and properties in torrential rain in Gwadar CM Sindh told Sarfraz Bugti that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh had sent seven drainage machines to Gwadar PDMAs of Sindh and Balochistan PDMA are in contact More machinery will be sent to Gwadar if needed, Syed Murad Ali Shah added Speaking on the occasion, Sarfraz Bugti said that water drainage and other rehabilitation measures are underway in Gwadar Meanwhile, both the chief ministers of Sindh and Balochistan also discussed the upcoming presidential elections set to be held on March 9 Earlier on Februaury 28 Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah directed the police to improve their performance and curb street crimes in Karachi by concentrating on the hotspots in the city Presiding over a meeting on law and order on the first day of his third term in office, Murad Ali Shah also passed directives for the revival of all the non-functional check posts established in the Katcha area to control kidnapping for ransom and other hardcore crimes QUETTA S TA F F R E P O R T Around 20 candidates including former chief minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo have received forms for three Senate vacant seats from Balochistan Today is the final day for filing nomination papers for three Senate vacancies from Baluchistan People s Party s seven candidates and PML-N’s five candidates including Mir Dostain Domki have received nomination papers Moreover BAP’s four candidates including Kehda Babar and Bushra Rind ANP s three and one independent candidates have received nomination forms but no candidate has submitted nomination papers The nomination papers can be submitted upto 4:00pm today The candidates list will be released this evening Nomination papers’ scrutiny will be conducted till March 05 while appeals can be filed in tribunals till March 07 The appeals will be decided by March 09 and revised lists of candidates will be issued on same day The candidates could take nomination papers back on March 10 The three Senate seats of Balochistan were vacated after Sarfaraz Bugti Prince Ahmed Umar Ahmedzai and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidery tendered resignations from the upper house The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) 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 one vacant seat in Islamabad two in Sindh and three vacant seats in Balochistan The polling for the by-election will take place on March 14 spanning from 9 am to 4 pm 20 c andidates get nomination papers in Balochistan
