parties on the basis of I N TO DAY S IS S UE E C P r E j E C T s P T I - B A C k E d s I C ’ s P l E A s E E k I n g r E s E r v E d s E AT s I n n A M A J O R B LO W Asif Ali Zardari ‘seeks’ MQM-P’s suppor t for presidential election ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan People s Party (PPP) co-chairman and nominee for president Asif Ali Zardari sought Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan s (MQM-P) support for the presidential election According to the ECP schedule, polling for the presidential election will be held on March 9 from 10 am to 4 pm The nomination papers’ scrutiny is being held on March 4 whereas the final list of candidates for the presidential elections will be displayed on March 5 at 1:00 pm Sources privy to the development said, Asif Ali Zardari telephoned MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, a day earlier, to seek his party’s vote in the presidential election Siddiqui said he will respond after consultation with the party the sources said Meanwhile it is also being said PPP delegation will meet MQM-P soon to seek support Separately Asif Ali Zardari s nomination papers for the presidential elections were approved as
seats won by political parties the order said and directed the office to calculate the quota of reserved
accordingly D I
The
of
political AT T E N T I O N Some readers have complained that they are not getting the magazine with their newspaper copy Please call or WhatsApp us at the following number to register a complaint Contac t: 0307-7338168 ir fan farooq@pakistantoday com pk
accepted ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T President Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif took was sworn in as 24th prime minister of the country here on Monday President Dr Arif Alvi administered the oath to the newlyelected prime minister in a ceremony held at President s House Islamabad Several dignitaries including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir attended the ceremony The oath taking ceremony also witnessed the presence of leaders of the country s mainstream political parties such as Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Mutahidda Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) among others Present in the ceremony were PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan Maryam Nawaz, Murad Ali Shah and Sarfraz Bugti Ambassadors and diplomats from different countries were also present at the venue Following the oath-taking ceremony, the prime minister was presented with a guard of honour Shehbaz Sharif was elected as the prime minister on Sunday retaining the title after his 16month-long stint in the top coveted position from April 2022 to August 2023 This is the second time that Shehbaz will serve the nation as the premier after receiving 201 v o t e s a g a i n s t h i s P a k i s t a n Te h r e e k - e - I n s a f ( P T I ) - b a c k e d Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) opp o n e n t O m a r Ay u b K h a n w h o got 92 votes in a ruckus-marred s e s s i o n o f t h e P a r l i a m e n t ’s lower house Shehbaz Sharif takes oath as countr y ’s 24th premier g 4 - 1 V E R D I C T D E C L A R E S S I C ‘ N OT E N T I T L E D ’ TO R E S E R V E D S E AT S g PTI VOWS TO CHALLENGE ECP ’S VERDICT ON RESERVED SEATS
papers for
used as the basis of Imran’s conviction and subsequent punishment Qaiser further stated that a judicial commission should be formed to probe allegations of rigging in the Feb 8 polls We want to invite all those parties that have concerns about these elections, whether they are Balochistan’s political parties or Sindh’s or Punjab or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s We will bring everyone together for the Constitution s supremacy for an independent judiciary for civilian supremacy, the PTI leader added ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday accepted the nomination papers of Asif Ali Zardari and Mahmood Khan Achakzai for the upcoming presidential elections Both leaders submitted their papers over the weekend for the polls that are slated to be held on March 9 Zardari is the nominee of the allied parties while Achakzai is the PTI’s pick for the coveted post PPP leader Farooq H Naek who went to the commission s office for scrutiny of the nomination papers said that nobody raised any objection to Asif Zardari s candidature Later speaking to the media, Naek said that Asif Zardari enjoyed the support of required number of national and provincial lawmakers and expressed the optimism that he would go on to become the country’s president for the second time The odds are in favour of Asif Zardari despite Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) strong candidate against the PPP leader The SIC had nominated veteran politician from Balochistan, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) President Mahmood Khan Achakzai as their candidate for the presidential election Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf s (PTI) election winners had now joined the SIC Though the numbers are in favour of former president Asif Zardari but the mere nomination of the seasoned Baloch politician has turned the race quite interesting PTI founder chairman Imran Khan has endorsed Mahmood Khan Achakzai as their nominee for the constitutional petition On March 5 candidates successfully nominated will be able to retrieve their papers and the ECP will simultaneously release the final list of presidential contenders Voting for the presidential election is scheduled to take place on March 9 at the Parliament House and the four provincial assemblies The chief justices of the high courts will serve as the presiding officers for the presidential election IHC Chief Justice Amer Farooq has assumed the role of presiding officer at the Parliament House in Islamabad for the upcoming election It is pertinent to note that Achakzai won the National Assembly seat from NA-266 in Chaman
In par tnership with Profit Tu e s d a y, 5 M a r c h , 2 0 2 4 I 2 3 S h a ’ b a n , 1 4 4 5 R s 5 0 0 0 | Vo l X I V N o 2 4 7 I 3 6 Pa g e s I Ka r a c h i E d i t i o n ISLAMABAD M I A N A B R A R T H E Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday rejected the application of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) for reserved seats for women and minorities in the National Assembly The SIC, a party backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sought these seats through an application that stirred controversy and led to a prolonged deliberation by the electoral body A five-member bench presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, reached a 4-1 verdict, declaring that the Sunni Ittehad Council is not entitled to reserved seats in the National Assembly ECP member Babar Hassan Bharwana dissented from the judgment in an additional note The ECP maintained that these seats would be distributed among other political parties based on their proportional representation The commission emphasised that reserved seats in the assemblies cannot be left vacant However it s worth noting that ECP Punjab member Babar Hassan Bharwana dissented from the majority decision, expressing disagreement with the allocation of reserved seats to other political parties In the order issued today, a copy of which is available with daily Pakistan Today the electoral watchdog said it had given a deadline of Dec 22 for the submission of nomination papers by political parties for reserved seats It said the deadline was later extended till Dec 24 “The records revealed that the SIC did not submit priority list for the reserved seats for women and non-Muslims it noted highlighting that the party requested the commission for the allocation of seats via four letters after PTIbacked independents joined it The ECP further stated that the SIC did not contest elections for any seat in the national or provincial assemblies and even the party chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza contested the polls as an independent candidate In Article 51 of the Constitution it is clear that political parties that have representation in the National Assembly by way of winning seats would be eligible for the allocation of reserved seats for women and non-Muslims through proportional representation system, the commission said It also cited Section 104 of the Elections Act 2017 which says: “For the purpose of election to seats reserved for women and non-Muslims in an Assembly, the political parties contesting election for such seats shall, within the period fixed by the Commission for submission of nomination papers, file separate lists of their candidates in order of priority for seats reserved for women and non-Muslims with the Commission or as it may direct, with the Provincial Election Commissioner or other authorized officer of the Commission, who shall forthwith cause such lists to be published for information of the public ” Therefore the commission is of the view that in light of clear provisions of Article 51(6) of the Constitution read with Section 104 of the
quota
reserved seats
violation
allocation
reserved seats
Elections Act, 2017 [ ] SIC is not entitled to claim
for
due to having non curable legal defects and
of a mandatory provision of submission of party list for reserved seats which is the requirement of law the ECP order said It rejected the SIC s petition and accepted pleas against the
of
to the council
S S E N T I N G N O T E: Meanwhile, in his dissent note, ECP member Babar Hassan Bharwana said that he “partially” agreed with the other members of the bench that reserved seats cannot be allotted to the SIC as the party had failed to submit priority lists in time “However, I have dissenting views with regard to the allocation of seats by way of proportional representation to the other political parties In my opinion Article 51(6-d) and Article 106(3-c) of the Constitution clearly state that reserved seats will be allocated to the political parties on the basis of total number of general seats secured by each political party from the province concerned in the National Assembly or such reserved seats secured by each political party in the Provincial Assembly, he said Bharwana added that the seats should therefore remain vacant till the time any such amendment in Article 51 or 106 of the Constitution was made by the Parliament
controversy
allocation
reserved seats
intensified
a merger
PTI for this specific purpose
ECP faced criticism for delaying a verdict, leaving the matter unresolved as the National Assembly convened its maiden sitting last week The PTI had previously announced its intention to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court if the reserved seats were allocated to other parties The controversy took another turn last week when the ECP revealed that SIC Chairman Hamid Raza had allegedly written a letter refusing to accept the reserved seats Raza vehemently denied this claim adding a layer of confusion and intrigue to an already complex situation The rejection of the SIC s application by the ECP has added fuel to the ongoing debate about the impartiality and transparency of the electoral process in the country P T I TO C H A L L E N G E E C P V E RD I C T O N R E S E RV E D S E AT S Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday decided to challenge the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the Supreme Court which denied reserved seats for women and minorities to the Sunni Ittehad Council in the National Assembly
SIC, a party backed by the(PTI, sought these seats through an
stirred controversy
“The seats in the National Assembly shall not remain vacant and will be allotted by proportional representation process of led to a prolonged deliberation by the electoral body A five-member bench presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja reached a 4-1 verdict declaring that the Sunni Ittehad Council is not entitled to reserved seats in the National Assembly The ECP maintained that these seats would be distributed among other political parties based on their proportional representation The commission emphasised that reserved seats in the assemblies cannot be left vacant In his address during a Senate session following the verdict, PTI’s Barrister Ali Zafar said that the ECP’s decision is a stab in the back of democracy He emphasised that it is the responsibility of the National Assembly and provincial assemblies to elect senators, the president, the prime minister, and the chairman Senate, and incomplete assemblies cannot fulfil these elections He said that Section 6 (D) of the Constitution s Article 51 mentions that political parties will be allocated reserve seats based on their success ratio He highlighted that according to the Constitution, if an independent candidate joins a political party that party is entitled to reserve seats adding that SIC should have been allotted 29 seats in NA
seats
surrounding the
for the SIC
after
with the
The
The
application that
and
no objection was raised over his nomination “We have required numbers to win the election Asif Zardari will be elected the president again Farooq H Naik said Earlier the lawyers of Asif Ali Zardari and Sunni Ittehad Council s presidential candidate Mehmood Khan Achakzai reached the election commission for scrutiny of presidential nomination papers
Bilawal endorses PTI’s call for judicial inquir y into May 9 riots
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
During his inaugural address at a session of the recently convened National Assembly, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari voiced his support on Monday for the PTI’s proposal for a judicial investigation into the May 9 riots He made these comments in relation to the recent suggestion by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to establish a judicial commission to examine the tumultuous demonstrations that ensued nationwide following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on May 9 last year “I call upon the chief justice Supreme Court of Pakistan (Justice Qaez Faiz Isa) to fo rm [a judicial commission] and see who are the beneficiaries [of May 9] Gandapur had said in a fiery speech after being elected the chief executive of KP Speaking on the floor of the lower house of the Parliament today, Bilawal said he endorsed Gandapur ’s demand But at the same time, he stated that the result should be accepted by everyone, including the Imran-led party It is not possible that someone attacks our institution and the memorial of our martyrs and we forget it the ex-foreign minister said We cannot take our politics forward unless we address this issue and this is why the PPP appeals to the prime minister to form a judicial commission [ ] Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa should form the commission ” he added Bilawal went on to say that an extensive investigation into the May 9 events would bring clarity I will call for the punishment [of those proven guilty] and I will call for the release [of those who are innocent], he said The PPP leader also extended support to the PTI regarding the latter ’s demand for a probe into election irregularities In his hour-long speech which was disrupted by noisy protests from the opposition benches the PPP leader backed PM Shehbaz Sharif s call for a charter of national reconciliation Not only do we endorse it but also appeal to our friends from the opposition that they take part in this process,” said Bilawal He also congratulated the newly elected chief ministers of all four provinces and highlighted the need for them to play their role to save Pakistan s democracy and economy Pointing toward the opposition he said: The people of Pakistan are tired of poverty, unemployment and inflation [ ] they did not give you their vote for you to come here and abuse each other and create a ruckus ” Bilawal further stated that Pakistan was in dire need of judicial and electoral reforms expressing his party s willingness to partake in conversations regarding the same Meanwhile PTI-backed lawmaker Asad Qaiser asserted that neither his leader Imran Khan nor the party would bow down In an impassioned speech on the floor of the house, he said: “I want to make this clear; that time of fear has passed We have come out of all situations headstrong ” Qaiser also demanded that the Supreme Court constitute a judicial commission on the cipher controversy, which is at the heart of the PTI s allegation of foreign involvement in the party s ouster “Our party’s stance on it is clear; that the Supreme Court constitutes a judicial commission ” he said lamenting that cipher was
Zardari, Achakzai’s nomination
presidential election
A F T E R R A I D AT A C H A K Z A I ’ S H O U S E
against the incident on Monday (today) He added that the PkMAP and its leadership could not be intimidated by such actions Addressing the NA session today, the PkMAP chief maintained that his house was raided for “talking about the supremacy of Parliament”
mad Khan also condemned the raid commenting If we keep moving in circles and continue to fight the 250 million people will continue to suffer
a-half kanal of government-owned land by erecting walls around it The Pashtoonkhwa
Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) alleged on Sunday that the police raided the house of party
yesterday, the party s central secretary general Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal announced a protest
FBR clears outstanding refunds worth Rs65 billion to
Also speaking at today’s NA session PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the raid urging the prime minister to take notice of it The PPP leader called for a prompt investigation and maintained that such attempts were unnecessarily making the presidential election controversial PTI chairperson Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed strong reservations about the raid at Achakzai s house He maintained that the action violated the sanctity and privacy of the lawmaker s house PTI leader Ali Muham-
The JUI-F spokesperson also condemned the police raid on Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s house and termed it regrettable Quetta deputy commissioner – who conducted Sunday s raid in coordination with the local administration police and the revenue department claimed that the raid was to recover an empty plot that happened to be near Achakzai’s residence
“A person was arrested for interfering with the state’s affairs and pointing a weapon at the assistant commissioner he informed The deputy commissioner further maintained that Achakzai had occupied two-and-
Polio worker, policeman injured in Khyber district attack
the recent elections and the people responsible for it in a National Assembly session on Saturday Condemning the raid, Ziaratwal announced protest against the incident on Monday (today) He added that the PkMAP and its leadership could be intimidated by such actions
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl Senator Maulana Hafiz Hamdullah condemned the raid on the house of Achakzai in Quetta Mahmood Khan Achakzai is a senior politicians of the country This cruel action by the administration is intolerable,” Hamdullah said On the other hand former caretaker information minister Jan Achakzai told a separate press conference rejected the allegation of the raid
Oil sec tor reports declining sales amid fuel prices surge
Two Pakistani women achieve top spots in Forbes’ Middle East power list
Tuesday 5 March 2024 | KARACHI 02 NEWS
PR OFIT N e w S D e S k On orders from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Monday cleared outstanding refunds totaling Rs 65 billion to exporters up until March 3, 2024 The FBR said in a tweet on X, “On the directives of the Honorable Prime Minister Mr Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Federal Board of Revenue issues all verified outstanding refunds amounting to Rs 65 billion to exporters up till 03rd March 2024 Refunds issued to exporters will lead to better exports and an increase in the forex reserves of the country, the FBR said Trade organisations and export-oriented sectors have welcomed the move by the newly elected prime minister saying that this initiative will lead to economic prosperity and the creation of more employment opportunities in the textile industry ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t
treasury and opposition parties including the PTI PPP and JUI-F on Monday condemned police raid at the residence of Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chairman and presidential candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai in Quetta A day earlier, the PkMAP alleged that the police raided the house of the party chief without justification and arrested his guard The party claimed the raid was in reaction to a speech delivered by Achakzai in a recent National Assembly session Condemning the raid in a presser
exporters
The
chief and presidential candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai without justification and arrested his personal guard Addressing a press conference at the party s Central Secretariat in Quetta PkMAP Central Secretary General Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal said that a heavy police contingent raided the house of the party chief without any magistrate” in violation of the people’s right to privacy, according to a BBC report He added that the police also arrested a personal guard of Achakzai who was in possession of a licensed weapon The PKMAP leader alleged that the raid came after Achakzai exposed rigging in
N A E C H O E S W I T H C O N D E M N AT I O N
PR OFIT N e w S D e S k The Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) experienced a downturn of 19% monthon-month (MoM) and 8% year-on-year (YoY) in February 2024, as per data compiled by AKD Research Oil sales declined to 1 12 million tons in February 2024 compared to 1 38 million tons in January 2024 and 1 22 million tons in February 2023 The downturn was particularly led by a reduction in Residual Fuel Oil (RFO) sales, which saw a decrease of 3% MoM and 11% YoY The decline in RFO sales was primarily due to decreased demand for power generation and significant hikes in the prices of motor spirit (MS) and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs 12 5 and Rs 11 1 per litre respectively since early December 2023 These adjustments brought fuel prices to Rs 280 for MS and Rs 287 3 for HSD, marking increases of 4 6% and 4 0% compared to December 2023 prices This period s performance marked the lowest sales figures in eleven months indicating a seasonal downturn in demand for petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) typically observed in February 2024 due to lower working days The aggregate sales data for the first eight months (July-Feb) of th fiscal year 2024 vealed a 13% ye year decline in sales, with volu dropping to 10 million tons fro 11 69 million to in the correspo ding period of t previous year Product-wis the decline w most notable furnace oil (F and HSD sal down by 53% a 7% year-on-ye respectively, sho ing the impacts of reduced industrial activity and reduction in power genera tion, with FO g tion decreasi year-on-year during the first seven months APL’s retail fuel volumes experienced a 9% year-on-year growth contrasting with the broader industry where offtakes remained largely unchanged Pakistan State Oil (PSO) saw declines in both total and retail volumes, with ren HSD (down 9% year-on-year) offtakes (down 19% year-onOL on the other hand reported r-on-year increase in total vol253k tons as the company reactivate most of its retail deh had been closed due to dealersues in CY20 arket share of smaller players in (the bottom 25) increased to m 8 8% in the preceding month he fiscal year progresses the r is expected to contribute Rs 7 billion to the national treasury nder the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) through the first eight months achieving 79% of the Rs 868 billion target for the ongoing fiscal year This performance, driven by higher PDL allocations to fuel prices, suggests potential for exceeding the annual target despite a 6% year-onyear decline in retail fuel offtakes
g VO LU M E T R I C O F F TA K E S FA L L TO 1 12 M I L L I O N TO N S W I T H A 19% M O M A N D 8% YOY D R O P I N F E B R UA RY 2024 PR OFIT N e w S D e S k Pakistan s corporate sector witnessed significant profit growth in 2023 even as the country grappled with economic headwinds Data from the Pakistan Stock Exchange reveals that 83 companies, representing 88 percent of the market capitalization of the KSE-100 index reported a collective after-tax profit of Rs1 66 trillion This marks a 45 percent increase compared to the previous year In terms of the U S dollar, these profits amounted to $5 94 billion, representing a 6 3 percent rise over 2022 Banks were the largest contributors accounting for 34 percent of the total profits last year When excluding banks from the equation, the total earnings of the remaining companies still rose by 31 percent in local currency, although they saw a slight decrease of 3 8 percent when measured in U S dollars Oil and Gas Exploration (E&P) companies also played a significant role contributing 29 percent to the total profits Without the E&P sector, the earnings of other companies increased by 40 percent in local currency and 2 5 percent in U S dollars However excluding both banks and E&P firms, the profit growth rate was 15 percent in local currency but showed a decline of 15 5 percent in U S dollars This performance is noteworthy given the broader economic context Pakistan s real GDP saw a marginal decline of 0 4 percent in 2023 based on the data from the first three quarters In contrast, nominal GDP grew by approximately 25 percent over the same period suggesting that inflation and other factors have played a role in the nominal GDP increase Analysts from Topline Securities point out that corporate earnings often mirror the trends in nominal GDP growth, as companies pass on inflationary pressures to consumers where possible They also highlight that the profit growth in sectors such as banking and oil and gas exploration does not directly correlate with the overall economic performance Banks benefit from higher interest rates and increased deposit growth due to a larger money supply while exploration companies gain from rising global oil prices and the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the U S dollar g 8 3 C O M PA N I E S , R E P R E S E N T I N G 8 8 P E R C E N T O F M A R K E T C A P I TA L I Z AT I O N O F K S E - 1 0 0 I N D E X , R E P O R T A C O L L E C T I V E A F T E R - TA X P R O F I T O F R S 1 6 6 T R I L L I O N PR OFIT N e w S D e S k Two Pakistani women Shaista Asif and Shazia Syed have been named in Forbes list of the Middle East s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen for 2024 This accolade underscores their significant contributions and leadership in the region s business sector Shaista Asif, co-founder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding ranks fourth on the list Since establishing her healthcare network in 2006 Asif has been instrumental in its growth culminating in her appointment as Group CEO in December 2023 Under her leadership, PureHealth Holding successfully launched an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in December 2023 raising $986 million This IPO was notably oversubscribed, indicating strong investor confidence Furthermore, PureHealth expanded its operations by acquiring Circle Health Group and Sheikh Shakbout Medical City solidifying its position in the healthcare industry Shazia Syed holding the ninth position on the Forbes list, serves as the General Manager of Unilever North Africa, Levant, and Iraq, in addition to her role as Arabia’s Senior Customer Development Lead With a career that began as a management trainee at Unilever Pakistan in 1989, Syed s experience spans various leadership roles, including CEO of Unilever Pakistan Her board positions at United Bank Limited Pukka Tea and Pepsi Lipton highlight her broad influence in the business world F o r b e s i n c l u s i o n o f A s i f a n d S y e d i n t h e i r p r e s t i g i o u s l i s t c e l eb r a t e s t h e i r a c h i e v e m e n t s a n d t h e positive impact they have made in the M i d d l e E a s t ’s b u s i n e s s l a n d s c a p e s e t t i n g a b e n c h m a r k f o r l e a d e r s h i p and success in the region SIC names Omar Ayub opposition leader, Gohar PAC chairman ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t The Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Monday devised its strategy for parliament and decided names for various parliamentary offices According to media reports, opposition SIC has decided names for the Leader of Opposition its parliamentary party leader and chairman Public Accounts Committee Omar Ayub will be the opposition leader in the National Assembly, sources said Former speaker Asad Qaisar has been named the parliamentary party leader of the Sunni Ittehad Council in NA, while Barrister Gohar Ali Khan will be the Chairman Public Accounts Committee according to sources It is pertinent to mention here that as per the parliamentary tradition the opposition keeps the office of the Chairman Public Accounts Committee (PAC) The SIC will intimate the Speaker, National Assembly about the party’s decision ” sources added SC reser ves verdict in Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t A nine-member larger bench of the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday reserved its verdict in a long-pending presidential reference, seeking to revisit the 1979 ‘controversial’ death sentence awarded to former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto The larger bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa heard the case The bench was also comprising Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Amin Ud Din Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Musarrat Hilali The SC bench reserved its verdict after the completion of arguments from both sides Not today but we will announce our verdict soon the CJP remarked In the last hearing, CJP Justice Qazi Faez Isa remarked that Martial law is not imposed by the army as an institution Some people act as individuals Sometimes there has to be a new beginning so isn t this an opportunity Isn t it an opportunity for institutions to be indifferent to them by blaming for wrongdoings on the same individuals The presidential reference was moved by Asif Ali Zardari under Article 186 of the Constitution, seeking to revisit the trial of the PPP Founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s murder trial
KHYBER S ta f f R e p o R t In a horrific incident, a policeman and polio worker sustained injuries in the attack on polio team in Bar Qambar Khel, Khyber district As per details, the unknown assailants opened fire on the polio team in Khyber district injuring a policeman Gul Karim and polio worker Abdullah Both the injured have been shifted to hospital and a search operation is being carried out surrounding areas of the incident A heavy contingent of police personnel has reached the spot of incident and further investigation is underway Earlier at least two cops were martyred as terrorists attacked a polio team in Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa As per details DIG Qasim Ali Khan said that exchange of fire took place between terrorists and police in Bannu, resulting in the death of two cops while injuring two others The police officials stated the terrorists have taken refuge in a house however clashes between the police officials and terrorists continued It is pertinent to mention here that a week-long nationwide anti-polio drive began in the country on Monday to administer vaccine drops to children under five years of age Pakistan aims to vaccinate over 45 8 million children below the age of five during the second anti-polio campaign of this year
g S H A I S TA AS I F A N D S H A Z I A S YE D R E CO G N I Z E D A M O N G T H E M O S T I N F LU E N T I A L B U S I N E S S WO M E N O F 2024 Pa k i s t a n ’s c o r p o r at e p r o f i t s s u r g e 4 5 % i n 2 0 2 3 d e s p i t e e c o n o m i c c h a l l e n g e s
KHWA JA ASIF BACKS BIL AWAL’S PROPOSAL TO DEVOLVE TEN FEDERAL MINISTRIES TO PROVINCES
S
AS Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif became the country s 24th premier as a result of the Pakistan Peoples Party s backing the PMLN central leader Khawaja Asif endorsed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto s suggestion to devolve 10 out of 12 federal ministries to the provinces Federal ministries for education and health should be shifted to provinces Asif proposed while talking to journalists in parliament, and expressed: Empowering district government would reduce burden on the assembly members ”
He said that the inclusion of the Bilawalled party which stood third on the party po-
sition list after the 2024 nationwide polls and formed an alliance with the Nawaz-led party to rule the country in the cabinet was a good omen for the new government
The senior politician was of the view that responsibilities would be divided after three major parties from three provinces became part of the federal cabinet He also suggested to shrink the next cabinet s size
The former defence minister also endorsed the demand of one of its allies, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), for a constitutional amendment to empower the district government of Karachi the port city and capital of Sindh following the strong local governments pattern of other prominent cities across the globe Regarding his nomination for the parliamentary leader ’s post, Asif confirmed that
his party has chosen him for a post bigger than any ministry ” He admitted that it would not be an easy task to take care of all stakeholders to run the next government as in case of any failure
the coalition partners would also suffer the same political damage alongside the ruling party To a question he refused to give a timeframe for finalising the names of the federal cabinet members
Elaborating on the PML-N government’s strategy Asif said that Shehbaz hailed a viable economic agenda which has been prepared with the consultation of economic experts
Shehbaz
Six
ISLAMABAD: S ta f f R e p o R t
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan on Monday called for the trial of former prime minister Imran Khan’s military secretary in the
Talking to journalists outside the Parliament House Ayub alongside PTI s newly-elected chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that keeping the cypher documents safe was the responsibility of the then-prime minister s military secretary “If the case is to proceed, it should be proceeded against these persons [military secretary] ” In January 2024 PTI founder Imran and party s senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years each, in the cipher case Speaking on the occasion, the PTI leader demanded a “judicial inquiry” into the cyphergate case Commenting on the PPP chairman’s address in the lower house of parliament Ayub said Bilawal BhuttoZardari used unparliamentary words today Bilawal Bhutto does not know the cipher s mechanism For his part, Barrister Gohar said that the party wanted to move forward, despite problems Slamming the eight-party ruling alliance the PTI leader said that they them-
selves were crises and added that they could not steer the country out of the crises Earlier today, responding to the remarks made by the PPP chairman regarding the cipher case wherein the ex-prime minister was discussed Asad Qaiser called for the constitution of a judicial commission to investigate the controversy Imran was sentenced on the cases that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had termed as “lies” Qasier said while taking a jibe at the Shehbaz Sharifled party Lamenting the alleged crackdown on party leadership and workers, Qaiser, the former NA speaker, stressed that the PTI founder didn’t flee in the wake of the crackdown and legal woes and will not compromise on his principles
Neither our leader nor we would compromise he added while calling for the party leadership to be released along with the withdrawal of cases filed against top leadership, including Khan’s wife, Bushra
Bibi
In response to Bilawal’s remarks calling for stakeholders to sit together Qaiser questioned whether the PPP chief was unaware of the worst election rigging in the country s history in the February 8 polls
The controversy first emerged on March 27, 2022, when Khan less than a
Countr y to witness another spell of heav y rains from March 5 to 7: PMD
month before his ouster in April 2022 while addressing a public rally waved a letter before the crowd, claiming that it was a cipher from a foreign nation that had conspired with his political rivals to have PTI government overthrown He did not reveal the contents of the letter nor did he mention the name of the nation it came from But a few days later, he accused the United States of conspiring against him and alleged that Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs Donald Lu had sought his removal The cipher was about former Pakistan ambassador to the US Majeed s meeting with Lu The former prime minister, claiming that he was reading contents from the cipher said that “all will be forgiven for Pakistan if Imran Khan is removed from power Then on March 31 the National Security Committee (NSC) took up the matter and decided to issue a strong demarche to the US for its blatant interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan” Later, after his removal, then-prime minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the NSC which came to the conclusion that it had found no evidence of a foreign conspiracy in the cable In the two audio leaks that took the internet by storm and shocked the public after these events, the former prime minis-
ter, then-federal minister Asad Umar, and then-principle secretary Azam could allegedly be heard discussing the US cipher and how to use it to their advantage In August 2023 a foreign news outlet published a story claiming that it had gotten its hands on the text of the diplomatic cipher, backing Khan s claims that the US wanted him removed as the premier In the same month, the Federal Investigation Agency registered a first information report (FIR) against Imran and his aide Qureshi under the Official Secrets Act Fast forward to October 2023 Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain indicted both Imran and Qureshi In the charge sheet, the prosecution mentioned that Imran “illegally retained and wrongly communicated” the cipher Imran secured a brief relief in November when the Islamabad High Court ordered that the proceedings in the special court were illegal and they should start afresh Complying with the orders, Judge Zulqarnain began the trial afresh on December 13 The court then began the proceedings which saw several witnesses testify Then on January 30 the special court established under the Official Secrets Act handed former premier Khan and ex-foreign minister 10 years in jail in the cipher case
deputy chairman denied the permission by saying the resolution was withdrawn, hence, no discussion could be held on it
Earlier, the Senator, in his resolution, expressed concern over the use of such platforms against the interests of the country through negative and malicious propaganda against the armed forces of Pakistan
He observed that such platforms were being used by vested interests for spreading fake news about various issues and try to create and promote fake leadership in the country to hoodwink the young generation The Senate of Pakistan therefore recommend to the Government to put a ban on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter (X) and Youtube to save the young generation from their negative and devastating effects ” the resolution stated
Tuesday 5 March 2024 KARACH NEWS 03
ISLAMABAD
f R e p o R t
ta f
did not make tall claims of travelling by bicycle, converting governor houses into universities, nor did he announce an agenda of creating 10 million jobs 5 million houses and cattle and chicken breeding plan Asif slammed the former ruling party s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) programmes which they unveiled under the rule of the ex-premier Imran Khan He added that not a single institution opposed steps to eliminate tax and electricity thefts hinting at the continuation of the measures adopted by the previous government Criticising the Imran-founded party, the politico said that the PTI was tabling the same demands as the PML-N raised on the assembly’s floor four years ago but which always remained unanswered by then ruling party and its prime minister Khan He also picked apart the PTI demands raised by such people who had changed their loyalty with several parties like Omar Ayub Khan, who chanted slogans in favour of Nawaz and Shehbaz in past on the other hand his party’s loyal politicians have been sidelined To another question he answered that the ruling party will continue to work under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif He signalled that the party presidency would be handed over to Nawaz
diplomatic cable case
l l s fo r t r i a l o f fo r m e r P M I m r a n K h a n ’s m i l i t a r y s e c r e t a r y i n c y p h e r c a s e ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t The country was likely to witness another spell of heavy rains from March 5 to 7, said Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday The authority in an advisory issued here warned that weather in the upcoming weeks could lead to flash flooding snow blockages and landslides in multiple parts of the country The rains would affect Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Upper and Southern Punjab and Balochistan the PMD said Meanwhile the weather will remain cold and dry in most parts of the country According to the PMD Sindh will remain in the grip of a severe cold wave The temperature in the province will be 10 degrees lower in a couple of days as compared to the normal March weather “The normal average temperature for March in Karachi is 19 4 C Today the temperature in Karachi was 11 1 C which is 8 3°C lower than the normal March weather, the PMD stated More than 30 people have died in rain-related incidents in Pakistan during days of heavy downpours, with thousands of schools closed, officials said Widespread heavy rain since Thursday has caused severe disruption in some areas of the country including the closure of all schools in Balochistan province until Thursday Eighteen children were among 26 killed in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province as a result of collapsed buildings As a result of continuous rainfall over the past four days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a total of 27 individuals have lost their lives, said Taimur Ali Khan, the spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Another person was killed in a landslide and more than 150 houses were also damaged In southern Balochistan province, five people were killed when buildings collapsed on Thursday and Friday, said Jahanzain Khan, head of the disaster management agency Damaged roads floods and landslides have cut villages off from main towns in Balochistan while major roads were blocked in GilgitBaltistan, local media reported ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Resolution seeking ban on social media from the upper house of the Parliament was withdrawn by Senator Bahramand Tangi on Monday During the Senate session held under the chair of deputy chairman, the resolution of Senator Bahramand Tangi seeking a ban on social media to save the young generation from their negative and devastating effects was widely criticized after which he withdrew his resolution He was of the view that tabling a resolution on any matter was the right of the members of the upper house of the Parliament however he was withdrawing the resolution At this juncture the opposition tried to comment on the issue but the
P T I c a
Resolution
distributes cash, relief items
rain-hit people
KP CM’s orders PESHAWAR S ta f f R e p o R t Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed authorities concerned to provide immediate relief to the people affected by recent heavy rains, flash floods and landslides in the province After getting detailed briefing regarding devastation in the province Chief Minister Gandapur on Monday directed the PDMA that along with relief services food and other required items should also be distributed among the victims Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa informed the CM that amid heavy rains and thunderstorms landslide incidents at least 35 people died and 43 others got injured in the province during the last five days Moreover, 346 houses damaged partially while 46 houses damaged completely The CM directed PDMA that besides provision of relief goods families of the deceased and the injured should be offered financial assistance as well PDMA also told CM that it already distributed food and financial assistance cheques among the victims in Charsada, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Malakand, Mohmand, Bannu, Khyber, Bajur, Naushehra and Peshawar The items which were distributed by PDMA include blankets quilts gas cylinders water coolers kitchen sets health kits sand bags etc CM Gandapur also directed the authorities that all closed routes and roads should be opened immediately On the occasion, the CM said government will not leave rain and landslide victims alone at the time of trial The CM directed PDMA Rescue 1122 district administrations to remain alerts to counter any untoward situation in the province
seeking ban on social media withdrawn by PPP ’s S enator Tangi PDMA
among
on
ordinances ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Six different bills were adopted by the Senate on Monday and sent to the concerned committees for further deliberations Senator Mohsin Aziz introduced a bill to further amend the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965 (The Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2023) which was adopted and sent further to the concerned committee A bill to further amend the State Bank of Pakistan Act 1956 (The State Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill 2023) was introduced by Senator Mohsin Aziz which also adopted by the upper house and sent further to the concerned committee for deliberations Senator Mohsin Aziz, introduced another Bill to further amend the Factories Act, 1934 (The Factories (Amendment) Bill 2023) which was adopted by the upper house and sent to the concerned committee for further deliberations A bill to further amend the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (The Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2023) was introduced by Senator Mohsin Aziz (Amendment of section 376 of PPC) was sent to the concerned committee for deliberations Senator Mohsin Aziz introduced a bill to amend the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2023) which after the adoption sent to the concerned committee for further deliberation Senator Sania Nishtar introduced the Pakistan Integrity in Public Life Bill 2024 which was sent to the concerned committee for further deliberations PTI demands formation of judicial commission to probe alleged poll rigging ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser has demanded the formation of a judicial commission on alleged rigging in the recent general elections Speaking in the NA, Qaiser said, “We want to create a very huge party and want to invite all those parties who have concerns on these elections whether they are Balochistan’s political parties or Sindh s or Punjab or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa s We will gather everyone together for the Consitutition s supremacy for an independent judiciary for civilian supremacy, the PTI leader said I want to ask Mian sahib (Shehbaz Sharif) if some conscience is awakening within you or not? Are you feeling any shame or not” Qaiser then demanded that a judicial commission comprising apex court judges be formed on the alleged rigging in the February 8 polls S ta f f R e p o R t
bills adopted by Senate to amend
G e t t i n g t h e r i g h t p e r s o n f o r t h e j o b
UP until a few days ago it seemed that Ishaq Dar was out of the running for a record fifth term as the finance minister of Pakistan Reliable reports have been made that even though Mr Dar was Nawaz Sharif s pick for the top slot at Qblock, his appointment had been rejected by other stakeholders in the country
Many suggestions were found floating around as to who would get the job instead The caretaker finance minister and former governor of the State Bank, Dr Shamshad Akhtar, was tipped for the job in the interest of continuity Other names from the private sector and from within the political class were also pitched While there was little certainty as to who would get the job, it seemed that Dar ’s familiar shadow over the finance ministry was finally about to budge
But one can never really count Mr Dar out from the running Over the past two days his name has once again been seen in contention for the finance ministry at least in public and media discourse We have seen before that Senator Dar is an expert at spinning a narrative Back in 2022 when Shehbaz Sharif first came to power he had Miftah Ismail by his side who valiantly negotiated with the IMF Despite his efforts, the Good Senator seemed to care little for party camaraderie and very publicly undermined Miftah From trends on social media to populist statements and lobbying within the party, Ishaq Dar made sure to find himself in the driving seat of the economy once again at the expense of the now estranged Miftah
It would not be surprising if he were up to his old antics once again Mr Dar clearly has sway within the PML-N leadership Party leaders have gone so far as to say they may have to create the position of Deputy Prime Minister to satisfy Mr Dar But whatever happens, Shehbaz Sharif cannot afford to make him finance minister again
A very important negotiation with the IMF stands ahead for whoever becomes finance minister Ishaq Dar has proven in the past that he does not have the temperament to deal with the fund One would hope the prime minister announces a sensible cabinet at the earliest to put any possible machinations to rest
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 r a n s p a r e n t e l e c t i o n s e n s u r e s t a b i l i t y
solved
TIf the political parties can sit with each other to form a government overthrow a government or protest together for the same cause they definitely can reform the process But for that they will need to let go of their benefits
MUHAMMAD ALI ALVI
Win the country They will fight with each other and win elections by abusing their opponents and suddenly turn their rivalry into friendship to form a government and run the country collectively Not only does it limit the options for people but it also reduces the faith of people in the parties Despite almost every election being marred by allegations of rigging, no substantial effort has been made so far to reform the process Hardly any losing candidate or party accepts their defeat There is always a ray of hope that something can happen at any time because of discrepancies in the system No one trusts the process Even the voters are losing faith in the system and are skeptical about their votes The following events of rigging allegations, protests, and sit-ins after elections are all regressive and hurt democratic values
The absence of free and fair elections gives rise to power-ambitious attitudes and behaviors Political parties and candidates instead of winning the voters confidence spend money and make strategies for better election management The one who manages the elections well will win Having said that, elections are not rigged everywhere There may be free fair elections in many areas but the incidents of riggings in between make the whole process compromised and the overall perception negative The lack of commitment of political parties to electoral reforms can be witnessed from the fact that in the last 15 years after the restoration of democracy in the country, the three major political parties have ruled the country but the problem has not been re-
The PTI government did show commitment to reforming the process by changing the voting method with the introduction of the EVMs But, the opposition resisted The PTI government introduced EVMs but without the approval of the opposition Hence the opposition nullified the PTI s attempt when it came to power after overthrowing the PTIled government
Nothing substantial could be achieved and the recent general election is an example There were many instances when both the PTI government and the opposition reached a consensus but on this particular issue they could not sit together because they lacked a will The way political parties have used technology is appreciated Almost all parties tried to attract the voters through different advertising methods and means by using technology Similarly, at a time when the PTI candidates could not campaign freely, the use of technology helped them in their campaigns
Everyone uses and benefits from technology Individuals societies and states all use technology to accomplish their tasks and achieve their desired goals and outcomes But, unfortunately, the use of technology by ECP has resulted in more harm than good Back in 2018, it was RTS that was blamed Now, it is EMS Why key institutions in Pakistan have not been able to use technology to help them and make
T h e P T I g ov e r n m e n t d i d s h ow c o m m i t m e n t t o r e fo r m i n g t h e p ro c e s s by ch a n g i n g t h e vo t i n g
m e t h o d w i t h t h e i n t ro d u c t i o n o f
t h e E V M s . B u t , t h e o p p o s i t i o n r e s i s t e d . T h e P T I g ov e r n m e n t
i n t ro d u c e d E V M s bu t w i t h o u t t h e a p p rova l o f t h e o p p o s i t i o n . H e n c e , t h e o p p o s i t i o n nu l l i f i e d
t h e P T I Ês a t t e m p t w h e n i t c a m e
t o p ow e r a f t e r ov e r t h row i n g t h e
P T I - l e d g ov e r n m e n t
their work smooth? Why has it created more ambiguity? The answer seems simple It is a will that is missing Even the simplest use of technology could be enough to ensure free and fair elections in Pakistan instead of heavy reliance on software and technology that is not worth it But the will is not there
The institutions will keep on blaming each other
The politicians will keep on degrading each other and putting blame on each other But, they will not sit together and once and for all solve the issues and save upcoming generations from chaos It is easier to blame each other for everything that happens in the country than doing something productive
The next elections are five years apart Keeping in view the current election results and the amount of ambiguity involved, political stability looks like a far cry The rigging allegations and discrepancies in the election results will haunt the nation for the next five years and add to the instability
Political stability can only be achieved through transparent elections Nations progress when mandates are respected and when winning and losing candidates both accept the result wholeheartedly
A winning candidate carries the responsibility of people’s trust while the losing candidate accepts that people have not chosen him and he needs to do something else to win back people s trust And this can only happen when the elections are free and transparent and both candidates and voters trust the process Given the grave economic challenges and the amount of polarization and division in society, elections looked like a way out But, the opportunity looks lost The controversy surrounding the election results will further polarize and divide the society
To sum it up a way has to be found through which elections can be made free and fair Keeping in mind the next general elections, the priority of a new government should be reforming the electoral process
The shift towards EVMs could be a very lucrative option For years the current paper ballot system has failed to deliver results in Pakistan The new government should work closely with the opposition to introduce EVMs in the next elections The experiment of EVMs has been successful in our neighboring countries, it could be successful here as well
Many voices rise whenever the question of the introduction of EVMs surfaces Some argue that it will fail while others say that it is costly It is better to fail with a new system in the process of developing it than failing again and again with the same old system and spending billions on it while going nowhere But, for that to happen, a strong political will is needed at the top
Transparent elections free from ambiguity are key to the success of democracy It ensures stability It gives confidence to voters and ensures a smooth transition of power Therefore all the political parties must sit down and reform the process
The writer is freelance columnist
Linguistic hierarchy
On the flip side, firmly asserting their right to govern in both Punjab and KPK, in addition to the centre, by their claimed majority, PTI leaders exude confidence in their capacity, astutely navigating the shifting political terrain However, it is imperative to underscore that these candidates currently stand as independent entities and must undergo a stringent process to align themselves with a political party within three days of assuming office as assembly members ThatÊs why Independent candidates backed by PTI joined Sunni Ithad Council (SIC).
Climate quake
04 Tuesday 5 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
A LT H O U G H Pakistan has at least 250 major languages and Urdu is the national language English is perceived as a superior language or the passport to privilege Being the language of the colonial masters English has maintained its dominance and privilege because it is the language of higher education, the judiciary, large industries, and all departments of the government and private sectors; in other words, English is essential to attain high-level coveted jobs In a post-colonial country like Pakistan the English language is not only a symbol of status but it is also a political and economic tool to maintain the dominance of the privileged class The problem is that it is the elite class that has control over quality education The privileged class has access to quality education at private English-medium schools, where they learn the second language and later join the dominant groups On the other hand, those who fail to learn the dominant language are excluded from wider access to resources In this regard language operates as a tool for inclusion and exclusion in society and the dominant status of English continues to grow for the elite community Considering the important position given to the English language in Pakistani society, middle-class parents aim to send their children to Englishmedium schools so they can become proficient in the English language and secure a brighter future Schools are important spaces for the reproduction of culture in society because they help shape how students act and think Schools have a lot of control over students to enable them to fit into what society thinks is normal Hence the schools in Pakistan adopted English as a medium of communication as the language has an edge over other regional and national languages Educationists and policymakers need to assess this value given to English that strengthens its position as a second language in Pakistan The country sees English as a symbolic power Those who are proficient in English might be seen as more knowledgeable, giving them an advantage in society while others who don’t have this skill might face difficulties in certain circles The reason is not that English is inherently superior but the status of capital and symbolic power that has been arbitrarily assigned to it by society has made it seem like knowing the language warrants benefits to only the elite and the middle class of the society TALHA HYDER KARACHI
C L I M AT E change is, unwittingly, a hot topic The Earth’s weather pattern relies on its rotation due to its two poles and its atmosphere’s exposure to sunlight Similar to the Earth the Sun has two magnetic poles These poles undergoing a terrifying transformation reverse every 11 years The last reversal occurred in 2013 NASA s scientists predicted that the Sun s poles will reverse in April, a regular cycle Reversing of poles will result in a transformation in the intensity of sunlight Earth’s magnetic field safeguards its atmosphere from solar storms, but intense magnetic activity which has increased since the past can cause climatic turmoil and unprecedented increments in temperature The Sun’s solar storms could pose a potential threat to the Earth s internal environment They can disrupt communication satellites GPS in space and disable electric grids on the ground; however, this year the possibility of such incidents is rare In 1859, Earth witnessed the Carrington Event, the worst solar storm in history It disrupted telegraph lines, hindered messages, sparked fires, and auroras were observed in Mexico City On the positive side, solar storms can result in vivid auroras This year the northern lights will be stronger in 2024 than they have been at least in a decade Scientists are working to invent better technologies transforming Earth into a sanctuary against exogenous factors permanently The advent of solar storms and the flipping of poles may too reverse its impacts, which is nonetheless unpredictable If some miscalculation happens, it can cost economies trillions SAJID ALI NAICH KHAIRPUR NATHAN SHAH 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
H E eagerly anticipated elections have unfolded in Pakistan signifying the culmination of a significant period Despite widespread doubts and conjectures the groundless rumours hinting at the delay in elections have been unequivocally debunked While caretaker administrations dutifully oversaw affairs across all four provinces and the federal level the necessity of an elected government remained paramount for upholding democratic values and advancing national interests on the international stage Amidst daunting challenges and looming threats, including heightened terrorism and security alerts, the electoral process pressed forward amid less-than-ideal conditions Moreover the resolutions advocating for the postponement of elections due to security concerns and adverse weather conditions in specific regions of Pakistan were passed in the Senate with minimal attendance by its members This time, the circumstances posed significant challenges for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan the founding chairman of PTI was in jail during elections He was convicted in three cases just days before the elections his wife has also been convicted The results of recently concluded electoral process are out, delineating a National Assembly characterized by a mosaic of representation With all the factors at play it becomes abundantly clear that no single party possesses a clear majority inevitably leading to the formation of a coalition government by whichever parties manage to clinch it In a significant development, the PML N and PPP forged a foundational agreement on political collaboration for government formation On the flip side firmly asserting their right to govern in both Punjab and KPK in addition to the centre by their claimed majority PTI leaders exude confidence in their capacity, astutely navigating the shifting political terrain However, it is imperative to underscore that these candidates currently stand as independent entities and must undergo a stringent process to align themselves with a political party within three days of assuming office as assembly members That s why Independent candidates backed by PTI joined Sunni Ithad Council (SIC) In the aftermath of the elections, amid widespread allegations of electoral malpractice it is noteworthy that some candidates have graciously accepted their defeat reflecting a commitment to democratic principles and sportsmanship despite the prevailing challenges and controversies surrounding the electoral process There were notable irregularities observed during the elections, including the shutdown of mobile services and disruptions in internet connectivity which significantly inconvenienced the public and the elections commission which has claimed the same reason as the prime reason for obtaining results from returning officers The delayed announcement of results further compounded the challenges, prompting the Election Commission to address a barrage of inquiries which it finally responded to a day prior The Commission emphasized that the disruption in mobile services severely hampered the coordination and transmission of election results While comparing the 2018 and 2024 elections, he said that the first result of the 2018 elections was received at 4 am the following day this time it was received at 2 am Despite the obstacles the Election Commission noted that except for a few constituencies the election results were finalized within one and a half days, contrasting with the three-day duration in 2018 Protests have erupted in several regions of the country, disrupting public life It is paramount to underscore the importance of resolving disputes through legal avenues Candidates who choose to pursue legal recourse such as filing petitions should respect the judicial process and allow the matters to be adjudicated in the appropriate tribunals and courts Amidst the post-election landscape it is imperative for all political parties and stakeholders to recognize that Pakistan is grappling with not only political turmoil but also economic challenges, both of which are interlinked These elections were anticipated to usher in political stability, offering a glimmer of hope However it’s crucial to bear in mind that no single party has garnered a definitive majority in these elections Consequently political parties are actively involved in negotiations forging alliances, and convening meetings to form the government The dust of pre-election chaos is gradually settling revealing a semblance of clarity In politics certainty is elusive and nothing is final In the intricate landscape of politics it s paramount for every party to approach alliances with meticulous care, especially during tumultuous times There should be no dead end in politics; the notion of ‘deadlock’ is nonexistent, and every political party must internalize this crucial lesson The writer is student of International relations in university of Azad Jammu and Kashmir P o l i t i c a l t r a n s i t i o n i n P a k i s
n
n
AbDUL bASIt
t a
a f t e r e l e c t i o
s SyeD
HERE technology has helped individuals societies and states all over the world to aid their work and get maximum benefit, it is such a pity that Pakistan and its institutions have not benefited from the use of technology to help it get free and fair elections Instead, technology has further aggravated the problem during the elections There is no difference between elections taking place a hundred years ago and now if the use of technology does not end confusion and chaos of people The people in Pakistan are rightly fed up with the political cultures and politics of major political parties and politicians
I N C E its establishment in 1947
Sdismantling terrorist networks and thwarting their activities Pakistan s sacrifices in the battle against terrorism have garnered recognition and appreciation from the international community, reaffirming its
commitment to maintaining peace and stability both within its borders and beyond Pakistan has consistently extended assistance to nations in need, offering humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and development assistance to alleviate suffering and promote sustainable progress Whether responding to natural calamities hosting refugees or participating in peacekeeping missions Pakistan has demonstrated compassion generosity, and solidarity with the global community Its contributions to international humanitarian endeavors underscore its dedication to fulfilling its obligations as a responsible member of the global community
Recognizing the pressing need to address environmental concerns Pakistan has initiated ambitious projects to combat climate change, conserve natural resources, and advance sustainable development From reforestation initiatives to the promotion of renewable energy Pakistan is actively taking steps to reduce carbon emissions preserve biodiversity and safeguard the planet for future generations Pakistan s dedication to environmental preservation underscores its acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of global issues and its commitment to fostering a more sustainable and resilient world
On one hand stands Pakistan advocating for peace while on the other hand lies India which exhibits characteristics contrary to those of a peaceful nation In the complex realm of international relations, the allure of belligerence often casts a tempting shadow, promising power, prestige, and dominance However, history serves as a stark reminder of the profound losses suffered by nations that yield to the allure of aggression and hostility From the devastating human toll to the enduring economic social, and moral consequences, the costs of warmongering are manifold and lasting
At the core of every conflict lies a human tragedy a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable loss of lives fractured families and shattered communities Warfare exacts a heavy toll on both soldiers and civilians causing physical harm, psychological trauma, and permanent scars on society s fabric The human toll of warmongering is immeasurable, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow, pain, and suffering that echoes through generations War consumes vast resources diverting precious funds away from essential social services infrastructure projects and poverty alleviation endeavors The economic toll of warmongering is staggering, as nations channel billions of dollars into military
N e w b a s e i n I n d i a n
O c e a n s h o w s I n d i a ’ s o b s e s s i o n
o f s u p r e m a c y
India’s so - called aid to its neighbours does not alleviate, but rather exacerbates their sense of insecurity due to India’s bullying and tightened control
Amessage that it is still the regional hegemon said Long
However regional countries such as the Maldives have gradually realized the true nature of India s attitude It’s no wonder that during a book launch event in New Delhi on Saturday India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was asked whether India was being a bully in the subcontinent and the Indian Ocean region His response was, Big bullies don t provide $4 5 billion in aid when neighboring countries are distressed ” While the top Indian diplomat boasted about India s aid to its neighbors what he tried to conceal was how India used the aid to tighten its control over them Once these countries try to break free from India’s influence, India will play the “aid” card to affect their India policy Amid the India-Maldives diplomatic row over the withdrawal of Indian troops the Indian government has proposed a 22-percent reduction in aid to the Maldives for the 2024-25 financial year Nepal experienced India’s carrot-and-stick approach much earlier In 2015 India provided significant assistance to Nepal after a deadly earthquake in the country But in the same year, India reportedly imposed a blockade at a crucial crossing on the border with Nepal due to India’s dissatisfaction with Nepal’s passing of a new constitution and enhanced cooperation with China This caused an economic and humanitarian crisis that severely affected Nepal and its economy India’s so-called aid to its neighbors does not alleviate but rather exacerbates their sense of insecurity due to India s bullying and tightened control The carrot-andstick approach only serves to maintain India s supremacy in the region As Xie noted, the current Indian government speaks positively about its “Neighborhood First” policy but in reality India has drifted further from its neighbors As a result India s neighbors are becoming more wary and distancing themselves from India s aggressive behavior and “big brother” mentality
spending arms acquisition and post-conflict reconstruction efforts Meanwhile industries falter livelihoods are disrupted and basic needs go unmet, exacerbating inequality and deepening poverty for millions
Warmongering erodes trust, collaboration and diplomacy fostering suspicion hostility and polarization among nations By resorting to aggression and coercion belligerent states isolate themselves from the global community, diminishing their influence and credibility on the world stage Channels for diplomatic conflict resolution are obstructed intensifying tensions and perpetuating cycles of violence and instability
The environmental ramifications of war are extensive and enduring wreaking havoc on ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources
From deforestation and habitat destruction to pollution and toxic contamination, warfare inflicts irreversible harm on the planet, exacerbating climate change and environmental degradation The environmental fallout of warmongering exacerbates humanitarian crises displaces vulnerable populations and undermines efforts to achieve sustainable development and environmental conservation Engaging in warmongering corrodes moral principles ethical values and the dignity of humanity as nations justify violence aggression and atrocities in the name of national interest or ideological supremacy The erosion of moral integrity undermines social cohesion, fosters apathy, and normalizes violence as a method for resolving conflicts By compromising ethical standards and human rights, states engaged in warmongering betray the very principles they claim to uphold tarnishing their reputation and legitimacy on the global stage In a world besieged by crises and challenges the imperative of peace, cooperation, and diplomacy has never been more crucial Rejecting the false promises of warmongering and embracing the principles of dialogue negotiation and mutual respect nations can chart a course toward a more peaceful prosperous and sustainable future for all Through collective action, solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, the losses incurred by warmongering can be transformed into opportunities for reconciliation, healing, and renewal As we navigate the complexities of the modern world let us heed the lessons of history and work together to build a world where peace prevails and the dignity of every human being is respected and protected It has been five years since Pakistan s highly successful ‘Operation Swift Retort’ in
response to India s incursion and even today India has not forgotten the remarkable response of the Pakistan Army The professionalism of the Pakistan Air Force continues to be admired In a statement issued by the Public Relations Department of the Pakistan Army it was emphasized that February 27 2019 marked a significant event in Pakistan s history demonstrating the determination of the Pakistani people and the professionalism of the armed forces, which were acknowledged by military experts and analysts worldwide The statement reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with its neighbors but emphasized a strong response to any aggression against its sovereignty and territorial integrity On February 14, 2019, the Modi government orchestrated a fabricated attack in the Pulwama region of occupied Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 40 Indian soldiers, and falsely accused Pakistan of the attack On February 26 2019 India violated Pakistan s airspace under the pretext of a surgical strike dropping bombs in Balakot in the dead of night India claimed success in this surgical strike, falsely asserting that it targeted a terrorist training camp and killed around 300 terrorists On February 27 2019 the day after the Indian incursion the Pakistan Air Force retaliated and shot down Indian aircraft during a brief air clash capturing the Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman alive Named Operation Swift Retort, Abhinandan was commended for upholding the code of conduct of the Pakistan Military while in custody, and for his hospitality towards Pakistani soldiers A video of Abhinandan praising Pakistani tea went viral during his captivity sparking the circulation of the hashtag Tea is Fantastic on social media for 36 hours Even after five years, Abhinandan s tea remains a topic of discussion in Pakistan India had to pay the price of its aircraft for a cup of tea and the lesson from Pakistan’s response will be remembered by India for generations to come Tensions between Pakistan and India have persisted for decades, stemming from historical disagreements over territory, sovereignty, and the Kashmir conflict The Pulwama attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 40 Indian paramilitary personnel further inflamed tensions and prompted retaliatory actions by India including airstrikes on what it alleged were terrorist training camps within Pakistani territory In response, Pakistan swiftly mobilized its air force, showcasing its capability and prepared-
ness to defend its borders Operation Swift
Retort witnessed Pakistani fighter jets crossing the Line of Control (LoC) and engaging Indian aircraft in aerial combat The downing of an Indian MiG-21 and the subsequent capture of its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman became focal points of the conflict with Pakistan later releasing him as a gesture of goodwill and de-escalation Amid the military exchanges diplomatic efforts were underway to defuse tensions and avert further escalation Various international stakeholders, including the United States, China, and the United Nations urged restraint and dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan s diplomatic outreach aimed to underscore its commitment to peace while condemning India s unilateral actions and human rights violations in Kashmir Operation Swift Retort symbolized Pakistan’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and deter aggression from its eastern neighbor By promptly and effectively responding to India s military incursions Pakistan demonstrated its military prowess while also reaffirming its commitment to de-escalation and pursuing dialogue to resolve bilateral disputes The events surrounding Operation Swift Retort underscore the volatility of Pakistan-India relations and the potential risks associated with military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed adversaries While Pakistan s response showcased its readiness to defend itself, it also underscored the urgent need for diplomatic solutions and confidence-building measures to address underlying grievances and resolve longstanding disputes particularly the Kashmir issue Readers the Operation Swift Retort stands as a pivotal moment in the history of Pakistan-India relations, representing a swift and resolute response to escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors Sparked by an early morning airstrike by Indian fighter jets on Pakistani territory in February 2019 the operation highlighted Pakistan s determination to safeguard its sovereignty while conveying a clear message of deterrence and restraint The operation, coupled with the repatriation of Abhinandan, alongside historical evidence, underscores Pakistan’s status as a peaceful nation and the capability and readiness of the Pakistani Army to defend the country It also sheds light on India s true face portraying it as a deceitful and aggressive state in the eyes of the world
The writer is a freelance columnist
IN order to hide the shame of complicity in Israel s destruction
subsequent airdrops by the Royal Jordanian Air Force over Gaza went ahead by arrangement with the Zionist state, which pointed out repeatedly that it gave permission for them Claims about being civilised and law-abiding ring hollow as the West promotes its unjust leadership to the world The Israeli military of-
fensive against the Palestinians in Gaza has exposed their ugly racist face Yet again we only have to compare the response to what happened in Gaza last Thursday the Israeli attack on starving people as they tried to get desperatelyneeded humanitarian aid with the Western response to events in Ukraine, and the hateful racism is highlighted even more If Russia had done what Israel did last week we would have seen more Security Council resolution and sanctions on Moscow in the blink of an eye Instead what did the US do after Thursday s massacre? President Joe Biden wants to make sure that Israel has enough ammunition “to defend itself” This followed Washington’s first airdrop of humanitarian aid Feeding people with one hand and giving Israel the tools to kill them with the other is a tacit admission by the Biden regime that it has no control over its proxy state in the Middle East; that the Israeli tail does indeed wag the US dog In the occupation state itself, Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir described those responsible for Thursday’s massacre as heroic May Golan the Minister of Social Equality declared her pride in the way that the Israel Defence Forces have destroyed the Gaza Strip According to UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths “Life is draining out of Gaza at terrifying speed ” Oxfam International meanwhile took to X to say that it is appalled by reports of killing people in #Gaza waiting for food aid Israel deliberately targeting civilians after starving them is a gross violation of international humanitarian laws and our humanity The risk of #Genocide is real ” Now we see Arab air forces vying to
parachute aid into Gaza so we are entitled to ask what has changed Have the regimes just realised that the Zionist state is cowardly and may not attack aircraft with the insignia of the normalised Arab states on their fuselage? Or did they suddenly discover that they had some hitherto unknown courage to challenge Tel Aviv? Or has their collective conscience woken up to the fact that Palestinians are starving to death in real time on social media?
It is actually none of the above The Zionists announced that the airdrops in Gaza are part of the cooperation between Israel, the US, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt and France, and that the occupation army units collaborated in them There appears to be a cynical PR exercise behind all of this in an effort to change the image of the heroic people of Gaza in the minds of the world Hence the starving Palestinians in Gaza are portrayed as hungry savages scrambling and fighting each other to get food; homeless savages without dignity
That, of course, is the exact opposite of the reality The people of occupied Palestine have made huge sacrifices in the efforts for peace justice and freedom And people around the world have recognised this and hail them for their resilience, and support their resistance against a cruel, Israeli occupation That is the reality that the airdrops are intended to change; in the perverted Western worldview it is the “normalised” regimes that are the heroes and the occupation state itself which has acquiesced to allow aid to get to starving people But they fool nobody; they only delude themselves These airdrops are hypocrisy in action Without a genuine ceasefire, and an end to the brutal military occupation of Palestine, there will be no peace justice or freedom for anyone
Tuesday 5 March 2024 COMMENT 05
C C O R D I N G to Indian media reports, the Indian Navy is stepping up its presence in the Indian Ocean as it is set to open a new base on March 6 on strategically important islands near the Maldives from where New Delhi will start withdrawing its troops in the next four days India has long viewed the Indian Ocean as its backyard This hegemonic mentality is the basis on which India engages with smaller South Asian neighboring countries Since last year, India had been told its troops cannot stay in the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives, which shows the resentment of South Asian countries toward India’s hegemonic mentality and its hypocritical Neighborhood First strategy During these last few days India was clearly hoping to exert pressure on the Maldives government to change its mind, Xie Chao, an associate professor at the Institute of International Studies Fudan University told the Global Times adding that the new base India is going to set up can be seen as punishment to the Maldives, after it demanded that India withdraw its troops However it is also a means to check China’s influence in the region This move is very typical of India and expected Xie said The new base will augment India s operational surveillance of the region, according to a statement issued by the Indian Navy on Saturday An Indian official cited by Indian media outlet Economic Times mentioned that the new base would give India a strong foothold in the area to keep an eye on the military and commercial activities of adversaries in the area ” Considering the importance of the Indian Ocean route for trade particularly for China and other countries India s actions indicate a confrontational approach aimed at asserting control over the region by leveraging its geographic advantages Long Xingchun, a professor at the School of International Relations Sichuan International Studies University and president of Chengdu Institute of World Affairs believes that the new base is more
a political gesture rather than having real military significance “As India loses its foothold in the Maldives it wants to send a
of
its
the values of peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, and cultural diversity Despite having a predominantly Muslim population Pakistan boasts a diverse array of ethnicities languages and religious beliefs The Constitution of Pakistan ensures equal rights for all citizens regardless of their background, fostering a sense of unity amidst diversity Pakistan s dedication to pluralism and inclusivity serves as a shining example of peaceful cohabitation in a world grappling with sectarian tensions and intolerance Pakistan has consistently pursued diplomatic avenues to address regional conflicts and disputes, recognizing the significance of dialogue, negotiation, and compromise in resolving differences Through active engagement in international forums such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Pakistan has advocated for peaceful resolutions to conflicts across the Middle East South Asia and beyond Pakistan s role as a mediator and facilitator in the Afghan peace process exemplifies its commitment to fostering stability and reconciliation in the region As a frontline state in the global fight against terrorism Pakistan has shown unwavering determination in combating extremist groups and promoting regional security cooperation Through military operations, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement efforts, Pakistan has made considerable progress in
Pakistan has remained steadfast in
adherence to
of Gaza, the killing and starvation of the Palestinian people, and to save face in front of the world, airdrops have been used to parachute humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave Jordan’s King Abdullah II started this as a means to show-off and wear his military uniform and wash away the shame of the shipments of fruit and vegetables that he sends across the border daily to the Zionist enemy, while his Palestinians relatives die of hunger When Jordanian citizens formed a human chain to prevent lorries of goods from crossing the border the protest was dispersed forcibly by the Jordanian authorities and some protesters were arrested The
T h e s e a i r d r o p s o f h u m a n i t a r i a n a i d a r e h y p o c r i s y i n a c t i o n I t ’ s t i m e f o r c o g n i t i v e t e s t s f o r U S p r e s i d e n t i a l c a n d i d a t e s
bASIt ALVI MIDDLE EAST MONITOR D R A M I R A A b o e L - F e to U H GLOBAL TIMES O p e r a t i o n S w i f t R e t o r d , A l e s s o n t o I n d i a
I T H American voters increasingly of the opinion that neither President Joe Biden nor his potential general election rival Donald Trump are mentally fit to lead the nation it s time to set some tough restrictions on the highest office in the land At a time when the American people need strong and vibrant leadership more than ever before, they are forced to choose between two politicians whose combined age is 158 years Already the oldest president in US history Biden is 81 and would be 86 should he complete a second term Trump the probable Republican presidential nominee this year will turn 78 in June According to a Quinnipiac University poll published this week, 64% of respondents said Joe Biden, the man who manages the nuclear briefcase among other daunting tasks is mentally unfit for another term while 51% of voters voiced the same opinion about Donald Trump The shocking poll results came shortly after Special Council Robert Hur presiding over a case to determine if the US president had mishandled classified documents described Biden as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory Biden s legal team called that description of the US commander-in-chief “inappropriate ” “I’m well meaning, and I’m an elderly man, and I know what the hell I’m doing ” Biden told reporters in a heated news conference at the White House My memory is fine What came next however strongly suggested otherwise After defending his cognitive condition, the flustered leader apparently confused the US border crisis for one in the Middle East, as he referred to Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi as the “president of Mexico ” “As you know initially the president of Mexico Sisi did not want to open up the gate to allow humanitarian material to get in [to Gaza] I talked to him I convinced him to open the gate, the president said If Biden hoped to mitigate voters’ concerns about his age and mental condition, he failed miserably Since then Biden’s age and related mishaps have been under closer scrutiny than ever and several such incidents came over the following weeks – such as when Biden tripped not once but twice as he attempted to board Air Force One for a flight to California, or when he confused Gaza and Ukraine when announcing the recent aid airdrop With the US presidential election just nine months down the road 84 House Republicans penned an open letter demanding that Biden submit to a cognitive test to prove his mental fitness or face impeachment under the 25th Amendment At the same time, Dr John Gartner, a renowned mental health expert confided in an interview with Salon that while Biden is merely “ageing ” former President Trump is dangerously demented For whatever reason in no other occupation do people resist the temptation to retire more than in the jungle of US politics Indeed, despite America’s deceptive reputation as a youthful and dynamic nation, that image does not carry over into the realm of politics where 105 lawmakers are over the age of 70 The median age for House legislators is 57 9 and in the Senate the median age is 65 3 years thus comprising one of the oldest legislative bodies in the free world Yet none of these aging individuals are required to prove that they are still fit for the job It’s worth noting that among the 46 individuals who have served as commander-in-chief since George Washington’s election on April 30 1789 it wasn t until Dwight D Eisenhower who was elected on January 20 1953, that America had its first 70-year-old leader in the Oval Office And just barely Eisenhower, who was first elected when he was 62 years old, left office when he was 70 years, 98 days old The Founding Fathers were insightful enough to set a minimum age requirement on political service yet failed to do the same for a maximum requirement – probably due to the fact that few people lived into their 70s and 80s at the time Now that many Americans can expect to live a long life, the US government has turned into a gerontocracy with all of the risks and embarrassments that it entails Robert Bridge is an American writer and journalist RT R o b e R t b R I D g e
AbDUL
W
over two months, emphasiing the urgency of resolving legal challenges ahead of Super Tuesday The court’s role in this matter underscores its central position in presidential races reminiscent of the landmark 2000 case Bush v Gore The 14th Amendment s Section 3 barring individuals engaged in insurrection from office, played a pivotal role in Colorado s top court ruling against Trump
Despite arguments from Trump’s lawyer asserting that a president is not an officer of the United States under the disqualification language and questioning the enforceability of the provision without congressional legislation, the court upheld Colorado’s decision
The court’s intervention in the aftermath of the Capitol attack citing the general atmosphere of political violence created by Trump adds a layer of constitutional accountability to the contentious legal battles surrounding his candidacy
While Republicans decry the ballot disqualification efforts as election interference proponents argue that holding Trump constitutionally accountable for his alleged role in the insurrection aligns with democratic values
Spreading the knowledge of Holy Quran is responsibilit y of ever y Muslim: Aneeq Ahmed
Shafiq Ahmed
Inaugurates 4th POF Tennis Tournament; Exciting Matches Begin!
China’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee opened its annual session in Beijing on Monday Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee held at the Great Hall of the People
At the meeting the agenda for the session was reviewed and approved Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, delivered a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee to the session On performing duties in 2023
Over the past year the CPPCC has strengthened the overall arrangement of field research, streamlined the number of team members, avoided overlapped research and reduced the burden on the grassroots said Wang in a report on the organization s work to the session The CPPCC received 5,621 proposals last year Of the 4,791 proposals filed, 99 9 percent were handled, according to Wang
Its members participated in 17 inspection groups of the National Committee of the CPPCC a total of 202 times and participated in 81 thematic research activities over 600 times The CPPCC has revised proposal regulations to improve the
quality of proposal submission review, handling, supervision, and evaluation, Wang said, adding that 1,982 CPPCC members participated in proposal submission in 2023
The political advisory body has also formulated and improved the
lature holds press conference ahead of annual session The National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, held a press conference on Monday one day ahead of the opening of its an-
Uzbekistan willing to engage in practical dialogue with the UN: Akmal Saidov
tional role of specialized committees and the role of CPPCC members leverage the advantages of different sectors and conduct thorough investigations and research, Wang said It should delve into frontline experiences understand the desires and demands of the people identify the difficulties and bottlenecks in policy implementation and enhance the foresight and precision of policy recommendations, he added Highlights: China’s top legis-
T d y 5 M h 2024 | K AR ACHI 06 NEWS
ISLAMABAD P R
Spreading the knowledge of the Holy Quran is the responsibility of every Muslim man and woman Caretaker Minister of Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed said this while addressing a seminar on Purposeful Life" organized by Asr School System in Islamabad Aneeq Ahmed told the children and their parents present at the event that there are great hopes for our young generation The Holy Quran teaches us about conquering the universe We have to make the world a servant of religion We have to encourage ourselves to spread the word of religion and knowledge Those who have knowledge and those who are ignorant can never be equal The Qur'an will continue to guide the human mind until the end of the world Without understanding the Qur an it is not possible to understand the Prophet and to understand the Prophet it is necessary to understand the Qur an Knowledge is the name of fear of God We have to make monotheism necessary in all worldly sciences Allama Iqbal had said that every Muslim should convert every knowledge of the world into Islam Moreover, the arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the end of the ancient era and the beginning of the modern era Earlier the school children presented beautiful tableaus on the Kashmir and Palestine issue and received applause from the audience At the end of the event, the children with outstanding performance were awarded with certificates and shields
NEW YORK A G E N C I E S The delegation of Uzbekistan led by the First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, Director of the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) Akmal Saidov took part at the Highlevel Segment of the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council According to the NCHR during the speech of the delegation of Uzbekistan, it was noted that our country is consistently implementing its policy in the field of human rights, an example of which, in particular is the updated Constitution of the country adopted during a national referendum in 2023 Uzbekistan has formally prohibited the use of the death penalty in its recently adopted new Constitution Internationally recognized institutions of jurisprudence as the Miranda Warnings and Habeas Corpus are consolidated at the constitutional level The Pro bono institute, which provides free legal assistance has been granted constitutional status Notably for the first time the Constitution guarantees the right to approach both international and national human rights bodies Furthermore it firmly establishes the status of national human rights institutions The new Constitution for the first time enshrines the institution of constitutional complaints from citizens In recent years Uzbekistan achieved substantial results in the human rights protection Forced and child labor has been completely abolished in
Convention
Rights
Disabilities
support for persons with disabilities Third The Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality until 2030 was approved Fourth Uzbekistan openly condemns the use of torture, amendments have been made to the Civil Code to provide for the procedure for compensation for harm caused to victims of torture Fifth According to the recommendations of the UN treaty bodies the National Preventive Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture was created according to the Ombudsman Plus model Additionally, Children s Ombudsman, the National Centre for Human Rights, and the Business Ombudsman have been empowered to oversee penitentiary institutions WASHINGTON A G E N C I E S I N a significant win for former president Donald Trump the US Supreme Court ruled in his favour on Monday overturning a prior judicial decision that had barred him from Colorado s ballot The decision, based on a constitutional provision related to insurrection due to his alleged involvement in supporting the January 6 2021 reported US media on Monday The Capitol attack was unanimously reversed by the justices The Colorado Supreme Court s earlier decision, dated December 19, which sought to remove Trump from the state’s Republican primary ballot citing the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution as disqualification grounds for holding public office again was effectively nullified by the US Supreme Court s unanimous decision As the front-runner for the Republican nomination challenging President Joe Biden, Donald Trump faces a complex legal landscape with his eligibility questioned in multiple states based on the 14th Amendment Despite being barred from the ballots in Maine and Illinois the Supreme Court s swift resolution in the Colorado case provides a significant boost to Trump s candidacy on the eve of Super Tuesday, a crucial day in the presidential primary cycle Trump’s eligibility was contested by a group of six voters in Colorado backed by the liberal watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington They portrayed Trump as a threat to democracy, seeking accountability for his alleged role in the January 6 2021 Capitol attack The court s decision to uphold Trump s candidacy contrasts with the slower handling of his bid for immunity in a federal case related to charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election In the Colorado dispute the Supreme Court expedited the case agreeing to hear it just two days after Trump s appeal The justices issued a written opinion in a remarkably short span of just
Uzbekistan Particularly the complete eradication of forced and child labor has been achieved The new Constitution of the country now not only ensures the prohibition of child and forced labor but also institutes criminal liability for such offenses Implementing the National Human Rights Strategy over the past 3 years the following results have been achieved: First According to the recommendations of the HRC and UN treaty bodies the position of the Children s Ombudsman was established Now our parliament is adopting Law on the Children s Ombudsman Second In order to implement the provisions of the
on the
of Persons with
legal and administrative measures have been taken to improve the system of state
PR OFIT N E W S D E S K The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) announced a 22% increase in revenue for February 2024 collecting Rs 18 99 billion up from Rs 15 5 billion in the same month last year For the fiscal year 2022-23, the authority surpassed its Rs 195 billion target, collecting over Rs 201 5 billion The target for 202324 is set at Rs 240 billion expected to be met through strategies encompassing taxpayer facilitation, stakeholder inclusion, technology use, and enforcement T h e a u t h o r i t y c o n t r i b u t e s o v e r 6 6 % t o P u n j a b s o w n source revenue, collecting Sales Ta x o n S e r v i c e s P u n j a b I n f r astructure Development Cess and Punjab Workers Welfare Fund D e s p i t e c h a l l e n g e s a 2 2 % g r o w t h i n r e v e n u e c o l l e c t i o n was reported, indicating a trend o f m e e t i n g t a rg e t s c o n s i s t e n t over four years Revenue growth was noted across several sectors including telecommunication insurance IT services and others Exemptions were made for parts of the IT sector in September 2023, yet an 18% revenue growth was recorded Significant increases were also seen in dress designing, workshops for electric equipment cable TV operators and several other sectors Since its establishment in 2012 PRA has shown a consistent increase in revenue collection, attributed to enforcement practices and a collaborative approach with other organizations Initiatives include the establishment of an Intelligence and Prosecution Cell designation of commercial banks and online platforms as collecting agents, and integration of databases for improved tax collection efficiency
M I A N A B R A R
BEIJING
system and mechanism for members to connect with the public, with a total of 6,806 activities conducted by members of the CPPCC National Committee to connect with different social groups according to Wang Main tasks in 2024 In the next year the CPPCC must leverage its role as a specialized consultative body, closely aligning with the major decisions of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee the strategic needs of the nation and addressing significant practical issues in development, providing counsel and suggestions The CPPCC should implement its consultation plan for 2024 approved by the CPC Central Committee strengthen the founda-
nual session Lou Qinjian spokesperson for the second session of the 14th NPC, briefed the press on the session scheduled to run from March 5 to 11 HKSAR’s legislation of Article 23 Lou vowed the NPC’s full support for the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) The HKSAR government has recently held a series of briefing and consultation sessions to explain details of the said legislation Legislation work fruitful in 2023 The 14th NPC and its Standing Committee produced a fruitful legislative output in 2023, Lou said “The legislative planning was completed and the legislative tasks for the current five-year period were arranged in an integrated manner with the plan containing 130 items, including 79 category one items and 51 category two items,” said Lou High-quality economic development The 14th NPC and its Standing Committee will provide legal safeguard for sound economic development focusing on deepening reform, realizing opening up and high-quality development, and improving livelihood, Lou said BEIJING N E W S D E S K In the early spring dawn, the white lotus distribution center in Guangchang county, east China’s Jiangxi province is already bustling with activity with buyers and sellers bargaining among mounds of white lotus seeds Guangchang has been cultivating lotus since the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and planting the aquatic plant on a large scale since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) Today, a specialized white lotus market has taken shape here with thousands of agricultural brokers engaging in the trade and transportation of white lotus seeds and the average daily trading volume of white lotus seeds reaching about 50,000 kilograms The county has become a distribution and pricing center for white lotus seeds in China So far, Guangchang s white lotus has been promoted nationwide with a growing area of 20 million mu (1 33 million hectares) In addition, the county has established a white lotus industrial chain with an annual comprehensive output value of more than three billion yuan ($416 8 million) Behind the thriving white lotus industry are magic space-bred seeds Established in 1984, the Guangchang White Lotus Research Institute strived to cultivate new varieties of lotus seeds However no matter how hard researchers tried the yield per mu of lotus seeds remained at around 50 kilograms To break through the bottleneck problem, the institute had to take a different approach In 1994, Liu Guangliang, the then head of the institute, attended a meeting in Beijing and learned that China was conducting space breeding to mutate genes of seeds in the special mutagenesis environment in space, so as to create new varieties That year, researchers sent 442 lotus seeds selected from over 10 lotus varieties into space by a retrievable satellite The lotus seeds were subjected to space mutation for 14 days and were then mailed back to the institute After categorizing and numbering the seeds by variety, staff members sowed each seed in a separate breeding container Unexpectedly over 180 lotus seeds failed to germinate initially After extensive consultations and research researchers realized that cosmic rays in space were strong enough to result in the failure of germination of some weak seeds To ensure that the remaining lotus seeds would sprout Liu and team members got to the institute early and stayed late Lacking temperature-controlled incubators, researchers got up at 5 a m to put seed trays in the sun Several months later, they achieved encouraging results: some varieties showed early ripening with flowers being more than that of ordinary varieties which indicated a very high yield potential These unique varieties were then propagated several times After four years of careful breeding, a new variety named “No 36 space lotus” was created with longer growth duration more flowers larger lotus seedpods higher ripening rate and better quality The per-mu yield of seeds of the new variety exceeded 120 kilograms In 1999, Guangchang started the experimental planting of the No 36 space lotus in over 20 planting bases At first farmers who used to grow traditional lotus varieties were not interested in the new variety Encouraged by technicians from the institute, Xie Changjun, the then head of Xialan village in Xujiang town Guangchang took the lead to plant the space lotus on four mu of land When summer arrived the space lotus grew beyond Xie s expectations with the average yield of lotus seeds per mu of farmland reaching 130 kilograms that year This made a splash in the whole town as crowds of people lined up in the fields to purchase Xie’s lotus seedlings In just a few years the planting area of the space lotus in Guangchang exceeded 100 000 mu Since then the No 36 space lotus has made its name and has been promoted to production areas of lotus seeds across China PR OFIT N E W S D E S K The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a strong rally on Monday as the market welcomed the formation of a new government led by Shehbaz Sharif, who won the prime ministerial election on Sunday According to data available on the PSX website the stock market opened with an upward trend and gained over 600 points in the early hours of trading which helped the KSE-100 Index to surpass the psychological barrier of 66,000 points for a brief period The benchmark index closed at 65,951 72 level, with an increase of 626 04 points or 0 96% The market was buoyed by the heavy buying in index-weighted shares such as OGDC Engro PPL and SNGP which were among the top performers Analysts said the market sentiment improved as the political uncertainty in the country subsided The investors were also optimistic about the economic outlook of the country, as the headline inflation rate for February came lower than expected, signaling a possible start of the monetary easing cycle by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) The market is expected to remain positive on expectations that the newly elected government would negotiate successfully with the IMF for the final tranche of around $1 billion and commence talks for another loan program On the economic front the CPI for February rose by 23 06% YoY against consensus expectations of 23 65% while the trade deficit narrowed by 13 49% YoY to $1 7 billion in February Intermarket Securities said
new gov t takes charge g A U T H O R I T Y C O L L E C T S R S 1 8 9 9 B I L L I O N, E XC E E D S P R E V I O U S Y E A R ’ S F I G U R E S g B E N C H M A R K K S E- 1 0 0 I N D E X B R I E F LY C R O S S E S 6 6 , 0 0 0 M A R K US SUPREME COURT DECL ARES TRUMP ELIGIBLE FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY P R A re co rd s 2 2 % reve n u e g row t h i n Fe b r u a r y Two S e s s i o n 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 s t a r t s a n n u a l s e s s i o n S p a ce l o t u s l e a d s co u n t y i n C h i n a’s J i a n g x i t o p r o s p e r i t y
PSX soars as
WAH CANTT P R 4th Chairman POF Board National Ranking Tennis Tournament has begun Shafiq Ahmed Member POF Board & Director Industrial Commercial Relations graced the opening ceremony as chief guest Chief Guest was introduced to Players and Officials of the tournament Tournament is being organized by POF Sports Control Board and Pakistan Tennis Federation Top ranking male/female players are participating in contests during the tournament
26th convoc ation ceremony
Bahria University E8 Campus Islamabad
Delegation from Uganda embarks on a five - day study visit to B I S P headquar ters
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
(PR&P PARC) PARC and ADB collaborated to host a groundbreaking workshop focused on Promoting climate-smart agricultural research in Pakistan The event, held at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Islamabad brought together esteemed participants from various national and international research organizations
COMSATS University
Islamabad and D -8
International University Iran ink Ac ademic Accord
FBR disburses all verified refund claims upto March 03, 2024 to expor ters
Yamano presented insights on climate change impacts including temperature variations crop damage from floods and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture The discussions also encompassed potential solutions to mitigate these
posed by rapidly changing climatic conditions to ensure sustainable food production and agricultural resilience Dr Ali also underscored the importance of engaging with international institutions and experts to leverage their knowledge and experiences for the benefit of agricultural research in the region During her remarks Ms Noriko Sato provided a comprehensive overview of ADB s initiatives in Pakistan Dr Takashi emissions, such as promoting lowcarbon rice cultivation and developing climate-resilient and drought-tolerant crop varieties Dr Ruben Lampayan ADB consultant highlighted the inefficiencies in
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Once again the Prime Minister of Pakistan has announced a subsidy of PKR 7 5 Billion for this Ramzan like the previous year in 2023 Utility Stores Corporate will deliver this subsidy to the people of Pakistan across country through its network 19 basic items of daily use including atta ghee edible oil sugar daal chana, chickpeas, baisan, dates, rice, tea, spices, milk and mashroobat will be provided on subsidized rates under the package announced by the federal government Seeing the convenience of the people during Ramzan Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan will ensure the delivery of all food items as per PMT-40 instead of PMT-60 This time this subsidy will be awarded to the pro-poor and average families registered under BISP; whereas 20 billion people will take advantage of the subsidy due to PMT-60 As a result of subsidy by Federal Government, atta of 10KG will be available at Rs 648 Ghee per KG Rs 365 Sugar per KG Rs 109 whereas special subsidy on these items such as Rs 25 on edible oil per liter Rs 25 on daal chana per kg, Rs 25 on chickpeas (white), Rs 50 on Baisan per kg, Rs 50 on dates per kg, Rs 25 on Basmati rice per kg Rs 25 on Silla rice per kg Rs 25 on Tota rice per kg Rs 100 on 800gm tea Rs 30 on tetra pack milk Spices and mashroobat will also be delivered on subsidized rates which is undoubtedly an initiative for the welfare for the relief of a common man It’s the priority of the current government to provide 20 KG atta 5Kg Ghee 5Kg sugar and 3Kg rice to the registered BISP people under PMT-60 There is no limit of purchase is there on other items Moreover visit utility stores website http://usc org pk/ramazan/subsidy/score/search to know your eligibility Those who are not registered under BISP program they should immediately contact regional BISP office or visit Utility Stores outlet having BISP registration counter Apart from BISP registered consumers the Utility Stores Corporation has made arrangements to provide special subsidies on items of everyday use for the general public with the help of vendors and suppliers
suppor ts loc al charity in Islamabad as par t of its 25th anniversar y celebrations National Bank of Pakistan participated in the 3rd Dairy Agriculture Livestock Fisheries and Advance Technology Exhibition and Cattle Show 2024 Mr Saleemullah, Deputy Governor, SBP and Major General Shahid Nazir DG Strategic Projects Pakistan Army visited NBP s stall at DALFA 2024 NBP is committed to supporting Pakistan’s agriculture sector through innovative solutions and financial services PR
Minister Mr Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his first speech at the floor of the National Assembly on 03rd March, 2024 after being elected to the Office of the Prime Minister Refunds issued to exporters will lead to better exports and increase in forex reserves of Pakistan Trade bodies and export oriented sectors have welcomed the move by the Honorable Prime Minister and said that the move will lead to economic prosperity and creation of more jobs in the textile industry PR
K arachi Council on
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T In its 25th year of operations in Islamabad Emirates Airline has stepped up to support children in the local community by teaming up with SOS Children s Village Islamabad The airline collaborated with the charity organisation to provide much-needed blankets to the orphaned students and their caretakers Emirates’ charitable initiative led by Salem Al Mana Emirates Regional Manager – Pakistan and other members of its local sales team, reflects the airline's ethos of giving back to the communities in which it operates In addition to donating the blankets to the orphanage’s management at its premises in Islamabad, the team also spent quality time with the children, engaging in exciting activities and sharing inspirational stories
07 NEWS Tuesday 5 March 2024 | K AR ACHI PR OFIT S TA F F R E P O R T D E T E C T I O N teams of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) have so far apprehended 12707 power pilferers during the checking and charged them with a total fine of Rs 539 23 million from September 7 2023 till the end of February 2024 According to IESCO, an anti-power theft campaign started on 7th September 2023 is successfully moving ahead in all operation circles of IESCO Detection teams have full support from the government, the Ministry of Energy, the provincial administration, and the police IESCO Chief Dr Muhammad Amjad Khan said that during February 2024, a total of 311 power pilferers were apprehended by IESCO teams throughout the region and a fine up to Rs 22 9 million was charged while 28 electricity thieves were arrested by the police IESCO chief further added that from September 2023, detection teams have so far apprehended 12707 power pilferers during checking and a total fine of Rs 539 23 million was charged against them He said that due to indiscriminate and nonstop activities, power theft cases and the company’s line losses decreased, and revenue has been increased He intended for this commitment that this national campaign will continue and that there will be no compromise against power theft He requested the customers to report power theft to the relevant subdivisional officer (SDO) office or on the helpline number 118 It is pertinent to mention that IESCO was declared the best company among the power distribution companies (DISCOs) in the country based on great performance NEPRA, in a report regarding the performance of electricity companies, said that IESCO has proved to be the best company in the power sector by achieving 100% targets Apart from this the NEPRA report also appreciated the performance of IESCO in the recovery of electricity dues from consumers IESCO CHARGES 12707 POWER THIEVES WITH FINES UP TO RS540MN g N O C O M P R O M I S E A G A I N S T P O W E R T H E F T, S AY S I E S C O C H I E F CORPORATE CORNER ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T A 17-member delegation from Uganda led by Mr Aggrey David Kibenge Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development of Uganda, embarked on a study visit to the headquarters of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in Pakistan The Secretary BISP Mr Amer Ali Ahmad who welcomed the delegation at the inaugural session and provided them an in-depth overview of BISP and its multifaceted initiatives Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad highlighted the pivotal role of BISP in providing a safety net for those identified as beneficiaries in Pakistan over the past 15 years Under the umbrella of BISP, programs such as the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) - Kafaalat, have been instrumental in providing financial assistance to 9 3 million deserving families Moreover, BISP's Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs for education such as Taleemi Wazaif have enrolled 9 2 million children while Nashonuma benefiting 1 7 million expectant and lactating women and infants, has played a pivotal role in addressing issues related nutritional needs Highlighting the core features of BISP Secretary Ahmad emphasized the importance of the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) database, covering 35 million households and 88% of Pakistan's total population This robust database not only serves as a foundation for targeting beneficiaries but also facilitates timely and transparent interventions, particularly during pandemics and natural disasters In response, Mr Aggrey David Kibenge the delegation lead commended BISP for its hospitality and expressed keen interest in learning from BISP s experiences particularly in managing the dynamic NSER registry
I S L A M A B A D: COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) and D-8 International University (D-8 IU), Iran signed an MoU already authorized by the Federal Cabinet of Pakistan to enhance their collaboration in joint academic and research activities including exchange of faculty researchers students, staff, scholarships, training courses for the development of faculty and administrative staff, joint training programs, convening of joint conferences and other areas In the MoU signing ceremony held at COMSATS University Islamabad Campus H E Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan and Mr Masoud Haghighi, First Counsellor graced the event and witnessed the occasion D-8 IU Chancellor Professor Abbas Afkhami and COMSATS Varsity Rector, Prof Dr Sajid Qamar signed the agreement Also from CUI the following officials were present: Prof Dr Sajjad A Madani Registrar Dr Tahir Naeem Director (P&D/HRD) Prof Dr Sohail Asghar In-charge Islamabad Campus, Dr Hammad Omer, T I PR Empowering Innovation: Mar tin Dow Completes O ne SAP S/4HANA Implementation K A R A C H I: Martin Dow announced the successful implementation of One SAP S/4HANA across the organization at an event at a local hotel The implementation of this Group ERP system was in line with Martin Dow s mission to create a Digitally Connected Enterprise It aims for seamless integration of people processes and technology that drives innovation, enhances communication, and fosters collaboration with internal and external stakeholders Through a connected and adaptive approach Martin Dow strives to navigate the evolving digital landscape and position itself for global success SAP S/4HANA provides enhanced capabilities for strategic growth From real-time analytics and predictive forecasting to seamless integration across departments, the platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to empower Martin Dow’s teams and optimize business performance PR Faysal Bank Complements S tate Bank ’s Effor ts for Enhancing Financial Literac y KARACHI: Faysal Bank Limited (FBL), a leading Islamic financial institution of Pakistan, has partnered with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for ‘Pakistan Financial Literacy Week 2024’ Committed to fostering financial education and inclusivity FBL furthers its pledge to complement the SBP efforts for this resourceful initiative of empowerment Expressing his views on the occasion, Yousaf Hussain, President & CEO, Faysal Bank said, “Financial literacy is the stepping stone to financial inclusion especially amongst the vulnerable communities We are also cognizant of nurturing sustainable development through our expansion strategy At Faysal Bank we stand resolutely committed to the cause of financial education especially Riba-free Islamic Banking and will continue to complement the Government and Regulator's focus on deepening financial inclusion ”During the Pakistan Financial Literacy Week 2024 Faysal Bank teams will be conducting educational camps across five districts of Pakistan including Abbottabad, Bahawalnagar, Mirpur, Okara and Gilgit, for three consecutive days, starting 5 March 2024 To further the impact of the Pakistan Financial Literacy Week volunteers from the Bank will also be conducting sessions with the children from underprivileged schools on how to save money as well as highlighting the digital future of financial institutions PR
Foreign Relations hosts conference on Healthc are Awareness for Women in Pakistan KARACHI: To celebrate the International Women s Day the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) organized a conference on Health Care Awareness for women in Pakistan With the theme of "Empowering Women, Ensuring Health," KCFR addressed the urgent need to deal with the pressing health issues faced by our women From maternal health to reproductive rights access to healthcare remains a significant challenge for many women across the country The conference sought to shed light on these critical issues and pave the way for tangible solutions The event featured a series of engaging sessions led by prominent experts and stakeholders in the field of women's health Speakers like, Dr Zeenat Essani, Musarat Misbah, Dr Tipu Sultan Dr Khalid Shafi Dr Madiha Latif and others shared their insights and expertise on various aspects of women s healthcare in Pakistan PR ZTBL on path to major transformation – record breaking results - 2023 I S L A M A B A D : ZTBL is country s g premier specialized financial institution, playing a pivotal role in the economy through development of agriculture sector The Bank is maintaining its position as largest supplier of institutional agricultural credit on account of efficient fund management, effective recycling of Bank s recovery proceeds and proper administrative and financial controls The six decades of ZTBL history has witnessed highest ever profit before tax of Rs 17 806 million (Rs 7 458 million in 2022) with after tax profit of Rs 11 086 million (Rs 5 123 million in 2022) in 2023 with EPS at Rs 2 10 in 2023 as compared to 0 97 in 2022 The credit of Rs 93 Billion have been extended to over 300,000 farmers during the year ZTBL remained major participant in PM Kisaan Package-2022 by disbursing Rs 29 5 Billion especially for farm mechanization and flood affected areas ZTBL has improved its CAR (Capital Adequacy Ratio) to 37 76% which is well above the SBP requirement (11 50%) PR
I S L A M A B A D: COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) and D-8 International University (D-8 IU) Iran, signed an MoU already authorized by the Federal Cabinet of Pakistan to enhance their collaboration in joint academic and research activities including exchange of faculty, researchers students staff scholarships training courses for the development of faculty and administrative staff joint training programs convening of joint conferences and other areas In the MoU signing ceremony held at COMSATS University Islamabad Campus, H E Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan and Mr Masoud Haghighi First Counsellor graced the event PR
I S L A M A B A D: FBR issues all outstanding refunds as on 03rd March 2024 to exporters amounting to Rs 65 Billion Refunds were issued after directives given by the Honorable Prime
Chairman PARC, Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali, expressed his gratitude to all attendees, including Ms Noriko Sato senior Natural Resources Specialist ADB Dr Takashi Yamano principal economist ADB and others for their valuable contributions to the cause Chairman PARC reiterated that Climate smart agriculture research is crucial in addressing the challenges
PARC and ADB Host ‘Promoting C limate S mar t Agric ulture Research in Pakistan’ Workshop at NARC Islamabad
Utility S tores Corporation’s PM Ramzan Relief Pack age 2024 to star t from 5th of March
Emirates
PM
IHC
Federal govt redirec ts Rs10b from provincial projec ts to digital securit y initiative
Punjab
This
PPP to nominate Yousaf R aza Gilani for top S enate slot
Published by Asad Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited Ph: 021-32640318 Email: newsroom@pakistantoday com pk PRAYER TIMINGS FA J R S U N R I S E Z U H R A S R M AG H R I B S H A 5:50 6:30 1 30 4:45 6:02 7:45 Tuesday 5 March 2024 NEWS
economy ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a few hours after swearing in on Monday, chaired an hours long meeting regarding the rehabilitation of the country’s economy and issued important instructions to prepare an action plan on emergency basis to streamline the overall economic situation of the country We have got the mandate to improve the economy and this is the top priority of our government, the prime minister said The government would work hard to promote investment in the country and provide facilities to the business community The Finance Secretary gave a detailed briefing to the prime minister on the country s overall economic situation The meeting was told that soon after the prime minister s instructions the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had cleared tax refunds of Rs 65 billion PM Shehbaz directed for immediate initiation of talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding its Extended Fund Facility He underlined that the taxpayers who were working for enhancing exports and value addition in the country s economy were the most important people for the government Such taxpayers would be encouraged at the government level Shehbaz Sharif also directed to start work on the automation of FBR and other institutions immediately saying that automation was inevitable to bring transparency in the Federal Board of Revenue He said the loss-making state-owned institutions would be privatized so that they might not become a burden on the economy The prime minister also issued directives for forming a committee to devise a clear strategy for reducing the privileges of members of boards of state-owned institutions
Shehbaz directs preparation of action plan to revive
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Directing PTA chairman to attend next hearing date the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday adjourned proceedings on petitions against audio leaks pertaining to former prime minister ’s wife Bushra Bibi and former chief justice Saqib Nisar ’s son Najam Saqib till March 14 Justice Babar Sattar heard the case Irfan Qadir appeared before the court on behalf of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Counsel for PTA Irfan Qadir, while opening the arguments, told the court that as per request of the petitioners, the case had become ineffective and the same should be disposed of Justice Babar Sattar remarked that there were two separate petitions before the court and inquired from the lawyer that where the PTA chairman was? To which the lawyer replied that the PTA chairman was in Barcelona and he would return in three or four days Qadir further said that PTA was facing some legal obstacles Justice Babar Sattar remarked that first PTA had said that there was no legal interference Should he withdraw his reply he submitted to court earlier? On this the PTA officials said they had not said anything like that PR OFIT N E W S D E S K
federal government has resolved to reallocate Rs10 billion originally earmarked for provincial projects to bolster the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative
again summons PTA chairman in audio leaks case
The
This decision emerges amidst the Planning Commission s reservations against transferring development funds to cover non-development expenditures
mandate which discourages
diversion of development funds within the current fiscal year
reallocation aims to ensure the initiative’s timely and effective implementation in the face of evolving cyber threats During a session of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), the Planning Commission highlighted the National Economic Council’s (NEC) June 6, 2023,
the
advocated that
requested Rs10 billion, categorized as recurring expenses should instead be sourced through a technical supplementary grant from the current budget by the Finance Division It warned that such a move would shrink the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2023-24 s scope negatively impacting public investment Contrarily, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication outlined the critical nature of Pakistan’s ICT infrastructure which is vulnerable to cyber-attacks The Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative aims to enhance the nation s capacity to preemptively detect and counteract cyber threats, safeguarding essential information assets Following the Prime Minister’s Office directives extensive consultations were held to establish implementation strategies designating the IT ministry as the coordinating body with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and relevant law enforcement agencies (LEAs) as operational entities Given the project s sensitive nature, LEAs are also tasked with procurement responsibilities Previous funding efforts saw the ECC approving Rs5 billion in bridge financing from the Research and Development (R&D) Fund in November 2023, a decision later endorsed by the federal cabinet These funds have been utilized for advance payments related to the initiative With a looming first installment payment deadline of February 15, 2024, the ECC has now approved the reallocation of Rs10 billion from the FY24 provincial project allocations to the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative adhering to the Ministry of Planning and Development s recommendation for a technical supplementary grant
The Commission
the
g T H I S R E A L LO C AT I O N A I M S TO E N S U R E I N I T I AT I V E ' S T I M E LY A N D E F F E C T I V E I M P L E M E N TAT I O N I N FA C E O F E V O LV I N G C Y B E R T H R E AT S PR OFIT N E W S D E S K T H E International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to overhaul Pakistan s General Sales Tax (GST) system by standardising the rate at 18% for a wide array of goods This recommendation encompasses essential commodities such as unprocessed food stationery and POL (petroleum, oil, and lubricants) products, along with medicines and several other items According to the IMF aligning most goods under a uniform GST rate could significantly boost the country’s revenue potentially generating an additional Rs1 300 billion which translates to about 1 3% of Pakistan s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) The proposed revisions include the abolition of the Fifth Schedule’s zero ratings save for exports and curtailing exemptions under the Sixth Schedule to only cover the supply of residential property excluding the first sale This move aims to minimize exemptions and reduce the tax rates specified under the Eighth Schedule, suggesting that only a select group of essentials such as basic food items and crucial educational and health products should benefit from a lowered 10% tax rate The IMF s strategy seeks to streamline the tax framework by eliminating minimum taxes, surtaxes, and removing the 9th and 10th Schedules, which currently provide various tax benefits and exemptions The suggestion to eliminate the zero rating for items covered under the Fifth Schedule including supplies to diplomats and the Export Processing Zones marks a significant shift towards broadening the tax base Similarly, limiting the Sixth Schedule exemptions to specific residential property sales and standardizing other goods under the 18% GST rate represents a substantial policy shift The IMF s recommendations are part of a broader effort to rationalize Pakistan s tax system and enhance revenue generation However, the IMF has not provided an analysis of the potential inflationary impact these measures might have on the economy in the short and long term These proposed changes are under consideration by the FBR and are poised to reshape Pakistan s taxation landscape, aiming for a more simplified and uniform tax system that could bolster the nation’s economic stability and growth IMF PROPOSES BROADENING GST TO 18% g I M F ’ S R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S A R E PA R T O F A B R O A D E R E F F O R T TO R AT I O N A L I Z E PA K I S TA N ' S TA X S Y S T E M A N D E N H A N C E R E V E N U E G E N E R AT I O N PR OFIT G H U L A M A B B A S After Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Punjab government is now considering introducing a Voluntary Pension System (VPS) to replace the existing traditional pension setup, to reduce the financial burden on the provincial budget Briefing the media on Monday the senior management of the Securities Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) revealed that the Punjab government has formally approached the commission for support in implementing the VPS The move was previously hinted at in the province’s budget strategy paper for financial years 2025 and 2026 Since the SECP has upgraded the VPS Rules 2005 to the level of Employers Pension Scheme (EPS) it is likely that the EPS will be implemented in Punjab from the fiscal year 2024-25 starting from July this year for all new inductees as provincial employees Briefing media, Khalida Habib, Executive Director of the Specialised Markets Division, explained that amendments to the regulatory framework now permit employers in both the public and private sectors to offer wide-ranging plans for retirement savings To modernise the pension scheme landscape amendments have been made in the VPS rules, but Pakistan faces significant pension challenges Commissioner-SECP Abdul Rehman Warraich said that pension reforms were essential in the country and not only for government employees but also for the private sector He highlighted that the federal pension bill ballooned from Rs 150 billion in 2020 to Rs480 billion in 2021 whereas the federal government s unfunded liability currently stands at around Rs 3 trillion At the same time, the Provincial governments have seen similar exponential increases in pension bills rising from Rs 75 billion in 2011 to Rs 500 billion in 2020 Without reforms the federal pension bill is projected to reach Rs 750 billion by 2023 with provinces likely to face similar challenges, and many state entities even failing to pay pensions to their retired employees,” Mr Warriach added The structure of the Employer Pension Fund includes the definition of “Employer” which is group companies holding companies and Federal / Provincial Governments for all participants employed in their respective owned/controlled institutions/authorities / local Governments Life insurance companies, asset management companies, and investment advisors registered as pension fund managers can offer a range of employer pension funds Currently the total assets under the pension fund managers accounts are more than Rs 61 32 billion According to the provincial budget for FY23 Punjab s pension bill stood at approximately Rs 312 billion which is more than 12% of the total provincial revenue This was 20% higher than FY22, and under the current pension regime the pension bill for the upcoming years is expected to grow at a similar rate
mulls
Contribution Pension Scheme (VPS)
AFTER KP, PUNJAB DECIDES TO MOVE TOWARDS
AS TRADITIONAL PENSION
UNSUSTAINABLE ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has decided to nominate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani as its candidate for Senate chairman s office, sources said on Monday The sources the PPP leadership has informed Gilani about the party’s decision “Yousaf Raza Gillani will cast vote in the upcoming presidential election as MNA sources added Later he will relinquish the NA seat and Qasim Gilani will contest election on the seat, party sources said Gilani will contest the Senate election on the People s Party ticket and will be the party s candidate for chairman of the upper house According to reports, Yousaf Raza Gilani has submitted nomination papers to contest the Senate election and to regain his own seat from Islamabad that fell vacant following his victory as an MNA in the Feb 8 general elections A total of 19 other candidates from different political parties filed their papers for the five other Senate seats three from Balochistan and two from Sindh which have fallen vacant after the election of the members of the upper house of parliament to the National and provincial assemblies Moreover, a total of 50 senate members are expected to retire on March 11 meanwhile the total number of senate members will remain at 96 after merger of FATA with KP province
to launch Defined
g
VPS
BECOMES
