Rising temperatures, longer heatwaves taking its toll on Pakistan
unwavering support for Prime Minister Imran Khan expressing confidence in his ability to effectively represent the party in the Senate Bukhari s decision underscores the importance of party unity within PTI By prioritizing the party’s well-being over personal ambition, Bukhari exemplifies the party’s dedication to its core principles While this development necessitates strategic adjustments for the upcoming elections Bukhari s actions demonstrate the unwavering commitment within PTI s ranks
FBR’s Rs2544b revenue needs judiciar y’s attention: Kh Asif
M ar yam stresses collec tive effor ts for environmental sustainability
LAHORE
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday emphasized the significance of collaborative endeavours in ensuring a clean environment for
generations In her message on International Day of Zero Waste she stressed the adoption of sustainable products and advocating for strategies aimed at curbing food wastage The CM said every day should be celebrated as Zero Waste Day, adding
Farhatullah Babar says Biden didn’t greet Shehbaz on assuming office
LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t Rising temperatures and longer heatwaves coupled with a reduced number of rainy days have been taking its toll on Pakistan and this phenomenon has serious impacts on urban centres which lack greenbelts to help minimise the sufferings At top of that architectural building codes and construction in Pakistan are not compatible with the fast-changing weather trends and climate, resulting in generating an oven effect in the cities and putting lives and structures at risk On the other hand the higher temperatures and heatwaves are also affecting the agriculture sector badly, pointing to an urgent need to modify the existing crop pattern With Pakistan going through the worst economic crisis in its history climate change poses a serious threat to the country which must ensure food security for its 240 million people who have been crushed by a record-high inflation amid shrinking purchasing power The latest study published in Science Advances and reported has confirmed this trend saying that climate change is causing heatwaves to slow to a crawl exposing humans to extreme temperatures for longer than ever before While previous research has found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense the new paper differed by treating heatwaves as distinct weather patterns that move along air currents just as storms do For every decade between 1979 and 2020, researchers found heatwaves slowed down by an average of five miles (eight kilometres) an hour per day If a heatwave is moving slower that means heat can stay in a region longer so that has effects on communities, senior author Wei Zhang of Utah State University told – the comments clearly describe the experience we are having in Pakistan The researchers divided the world into three dimensional-grid cells and defined heat waves as a million square kilometre zones where temperatures reached at least the 95th percentile of the local historical maximum temperature They then measured their movement over time in order to determine how fast the hot air was moving They also used climate models to determine what the results would have looked like absent human-caused climate change, and found manmade factors loomed large “It’s pretty clear to us that a dominant factor here to explain this trend is anthropogenic forcing the greenhouse gas said Zhang The changes have accelerated in particular since 1997 and in addition to human causes, weakening upper atmospheric air circulation may play a part the paper said The duration of heat waves also increased from an average of eight days at the start to 12 days during the last five years of the study period The results suggest that longertraveling and slower-moving large contiguous heatwaves will cause more devastating impacts on natural and societal systems in the future if GHG keep rising and no effective mitigation measures are taken, the authors wrote Su day 31 Ma ch 2024 | ISLAMABAD 02 newS PR OFIT M o n to R i n g D e S k T HE Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is initiating the registration process for traders under the Tajir Dost Scheme aiming to bring five major categories of traders into the tax system According to a news report, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has approved the initiative pending notification The scheme targets wholesalers, dealers, retailers, furniture and decoration showrooms jewellers cosmetics stores grocery medical and hardware stores meat shops vegetables and fruits outlets motor vehicle showrooms, and dealers of fertiliser, pesticide, and chemicals in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi The scheme also covers manufacturer-cum-retailers importercum-retailers and individuals involved in combined retail and wholesale activities or other business activities within the supply chain To enforce tax compliance selected tax offices and bank branches will operate on weekends to meet the monthly tax collection target of Rs879 billion for March, following a reported revenue of around Rs850 billion on Friday Traders and shopkeepers can register under Section 181 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 via the Tax Asaan App FBR s web portal or by visiting FBR s tax facilitation centers The registration process begins on 1 with tax collection effective from July 1 Failure to register by the April 30 deadline will result in monetary penalties under section 182 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 The scheme offers a 25% discount on monthly advance tax payment if paid in a lump sum and a 25% discount on monthly advance tax payments for non-filers who submit their tax return for the tax year 2023 before the July 15 deadline for the first installment of monthly advance tax For those who make 12 months of monthly advance tax payments for the tax year 2024 in one payment on July 15, the discount increases to 50% Registration for the scheme has been simplified eliminating the need for tax professionals assistance FBR’S TA JIR DOST SCHEME TO KICKSTART FROM APRIL 1 Zulfi Bukhari withdraws senate candidacy, puts par t y first ATTOCK S ta f f R e p o R t In a surprising turn of events Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) leader Zulfi Bukhari has withdrawn his candidacy for the upcoming Senate elections This decision comes amidst legal challenges surrounding the confirmation of his nomination papers Bukhari alleged that his nomination faced false and illegal hurdles,” despite possessing the necessary legal documentation While his lawyer, Salman Akram Raja expressed confidence in a legal victory Bukhari grappled with the potential consequences of contesting the confirmations of his fellow PTI nominees Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Hamid Khan Challenging their notifications could create internal friction within the party, Bukhari explained during a press conference in Lahore “My loyalty to PTI is unwavering and the party’s unity remains paramount Bukhari a longstanding PTI member emphasized that personal gain paled in comparison to the party s success Senate seats or any positions hold little meaning compared to serving our nation and achieving freedom, he declared Withdrawing his candidacy, Bukhari extended his congratulations to Allama Nasir Abbas who will now fill the Senate seat He praised Abbas’s
g F i n a n c e M i n i s t e r M u h a m m a d A u r a n g z e b a p p r o v e s i n i t i a t i v e , p e n d i n g n o t i f i c a t i o n
S ta f f R e p o R t
that today there is a greater need to consider the importance of responsible use of essential commodities and waste management Maryam Nawaz said the world grapples with a myriad of environmental challenges, necessitating the transition to an industrialized economy that optimizes resource usage while minimizing waste generation People should adopt eco-friendly alternatives by reducing single-use plastics she added Emphasizing her commitment to ensuring cleanliness in every city, village and neighborhood the CM highlighted that comprehensive waste management system is being introduced in all major cities of Punjab, saying that for the first time, a sustainable and effective system of village sanitation is being devised Old items need to be repaired donated or repurposed Do not throw recyclables in the trash and sorting waste is essential, she suggested and hoped that by working together, a healthy environment and a secure future can be achieved PESHAWAR S ta f f R e p o R t Farhatullah Babar, a prominent leader of the Pakistan People s Party, has highlighted an intriguing aspect of the letter penned by US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif According to Babar President Biden s letter did not include explicit congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on assuming office Taking on Twitter (X), Babar expressed concern over this omission, suggesting it conveys a subtle yet disconcerting message He questioned the reasons behind this oversight prompting speculation among observers Former Federal Information Minister Murtaza Solangi weighed in on the matter, asserting that President Biden did indeed extend congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his letter However Solangi emphasized that the absence of congratulations is not the focal point; rather, the significance lies in the diplomatic milestone achieved through this communication During the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan Pakistan-US relations had soured considerably marked by a lack of communication between Khan and the American leadership President Biden’s letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signifies a positive shift in diplomatic relations, marking the first contact between the two nations since Sharif assumed office President Biden s letter conveyed well wishes for the newly elected government, affirming the commitment of the United States to stand alongside Pakistan in addressing regional challenges Highlighting the importance of partnership between the two countries President Biden emphasized joint efforts in areas such as security, public health, economic development, and education The letter also underscored US support for Pakistan in sustainable agricultural development water management and recovery efforts following the 2022 floods President Biden reiterated the shared commitment to human rights and development, pledging to work collaboratively with Pakistan in these endeavors The correspondence between President Biden and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is viewed as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and fostering closer relations between the peoples of both nations This exchange serves as a foundation for future collaboration with the potential to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation on various fronts Timings of two BRT Peshawar routes extended to facilitate people PESHAWAR S ta f f R e p o R t The timings of two routes of BRT Peshawar have been increased to facilitate people in the holy month of Ramazan Route ER-09 which runs from Gulbehar to Phase 6 Terminal will now be operational till 9:45 PM instead of 7:25 PM whereas the last bus on route SR-08 will leave at 10 pm instead of 9 pm Bus route SR-08 runs from Gulbahar to Mall of Hayatabad and stops at all stations During the preparations for Eid and the last days of Ramazan the rush of passengers is increasing Looking after such a rush of passengers, the management of BRT Peshawar Services decided to service timing in order to facilitate the maximum number of passengers An increase in the number of passengers has been seen on both these routes after Iftar due to which this decision was made in the larger public interest
future
ISLAMABAD M a n a b R a R Minister for Defense Khawaja Asif said that the Federal board of Revenue s (FBR) revenue of 2544 billion rupees deserved the attention of the judiciary On the social networking site X in his message Khawaja Asif stated that the Supreme Court is awaiting action on 102 billion rupees the High Court on 742 billion rupees and Tribunals on 1700 billion rupees for judicial proceedings Khawaja Asif said that all this is due to the negligence of the FBR, tax evaders and the collusion of the judiciary He said 2544 billion rupees can alleviate many of their sorrows meet the expenses of health education and defense The Defense Minister said that with this amount relief can be obtained from loans and the IMF and these revenues can be settled through negotiations, requiring a little honesty and love for the country
of two abducted drivers found in RY Khan RAHIM YAR KHAN S ta f f R e p o R t Plastic bag packed bodies of two abducted drivers were recovered here on Saturday Police arrest 11 suspects According to details the two drivers of Chhab Kalan 15 L B Khanwal were abducted by the Kachha robbers three days earlier The plastic bag enclosed bodies of abducted drivers identified as Malik Waheed and Ramzan were recovered from ghee depot in jurisdiction of Iqbalabad police station in Rahim Yar Khan while their oil tanker was recovered from Ahmedpur Sharqia The police arrested 11 in this connection who were being investigated and the police said that it will soon reach and arrest the real culprits of the abduction and double murder
Bodies
ISLAMABAD
S ta f f R e p o R t
AMBASSADOR of Iraq to Pakistan Hamid Abbas Lafta has trade between Pakistan and Iraq through Gwadar and Basra seaports would be further strengthened bilateral relations between the two countries taking them to new heights
The two sides are committed to foster their multilateral relationship and that Pakistani manpower has a vast spectrum in the fields of agriculture, medical and petrochemical in Iraq ”
He said that the two countries also enjoy exemplary ties in the field of defence and that Iraq has recently procured a complete package of Super Mushahk from Pakistan
The Ambassador was talking to a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) led by its President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari which
called on him here on Saturday
Envoy Hamid Abbas Lafta said that both the countries always demonstrate complete harmony at regional and international forums adding that Iraq is a country of opportunities with strong economy having annual budget of $110 billion and wants to promote ties with all the countries
Although both Pakistan and Iraq were bonded in strong relationship yet the trade relations were at the lowest level which needed to be enhanced and for this purpose the Chambers of both the sides can play a significant role he mentioned
The envoy further said that the Iraqi government has unveiled its national action plan for the investments and the Pakistani businessmen have to come forward to avail these opportunities
Hamid Abbas further said that the doors of his embassy are open for the business community of Pakistan in particular for the ICCI and that the Embassy will feel pride in
sharing
cause adding his government will continue promoting the just cause of Kashmiris The AJK PM also said that as the elections in India were drawing nearer Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would resort to anti-Muslim rhetoric to whip up the nationalist sentiment in India He said that the BJP has a long history of using anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan rhetoric as a tool to achieve its political goals and push forward its agenda
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The commission will also be at liberty to investigate any other matter during the course of the inquiry if it feels the issue to be important The inquiry commission would submit its report in sixty days
The federal cabinet repudiated the allegations of the IHC judges and declared them to be “inappropriate” adding that the consensus of its members was that they believed in the separation of powers of state institutions as per the Constitution PM Shehbaz reiterated his faith in the principle of the judiciary’s independence of the judiciary and the division of constitutional powers He briefed the cabinet members on his meeting with the chief justice and they expressed their complete support of the decisions and actions taken so far ccording to insiders, the Terms of References (ToRs) were formed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and the Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan
The IHC judges Justice
Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz had on March 26 sent a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) urging it to convene a judicial convention over the alleged interference of intelligence agencies in judicial affairs
Earlier, the Supreme Court on Wednesday held a full court meeting to deliberate on a letter by the six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges about alleged interference of spy agencies with judicial functions Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa among other judges of the top court attended the meeting that lasted for over two hours in the federal capital JUSTICE (RETD) JILANI
In October 2017, the government nominated the former chief justice as judge ad hoc in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Kulbushan Jadhav case He served as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan from July 31 2004 to December 11 2013 and subsequently as the 21st chief justice of Pakistan from December 12, 2013 until July 5, 2014
He was born on July 6 1949 in Multan and completed his Masters in Political Science from Forman Christian College and LLB from the University of Punjab, Lahore
He started practising law at the Multan district courts in 1974 and in 1976 was elected general secretary of the district bar association He was elected member of the Punjab Bar Council in 1978 and appointed assistant advocate general of Punjab in July 1979
He was enrolled as an advocate of the Supreme Court in 1983 and was appointed additional advocate general of Punjab in 1993 Justice (retd) Jillani took oath as a judge of the Lahore High Court on August
IHC chief justice and the then-CJP
The former informed the judges that he had spoken to the DG-C of ISI and had been assured that no official from ISI will approach the judges of the IHC” The letter complained that “interference on the part of intelligence operatives continued even after IHC CJ s assurance It also referred to the abduction of an IHC judge s brother-in-law by armed men who claimed to be ISI operatives The victim was “administered electric shocks” and forced to record a video making false allegations apparently against the judge Subsequently, a complaint was f i l e d a g a i n s t t h e j u d g e o f I H C b e f o r e t h e S J C , a c c o m p a n i e d b y a n o r c h e s t r a t e d m e d i a c a m p a i g n t o b r i n g p r e s s u r e t o b e a r u p o n t h e j u d g e t o r e s i g n T h e l e t t e r r e v e a l e d t h a t i n M a y 2 0 2 3 a n I H C i n s p e c t i o n j u d g e r e p o r t e d t o t h e c h i e f j u s t i c e t h a t d i s t r i c t c o u r t j u d g e
six days However the good news doesn t stop there Since Saturday, April 6th, falls before Eid, many government employees are expected to take leave, extending their break to a potential nine days With just one or two additional days off, this could translate to a significant vacation period The excitement for Eid is building globally with preparations underway in Pakistan as well Chairman of the Ruwit Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad has used scientific calculations to predict a possible Eid sighting on the 29th of Ramadan This suggests Eid-ul-Fitr could be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10th, in Pakistan Maulana Azad’s calculations indicate the moon might be around 20 hours old with a 10-degree visibility angle at sighting Astronomers add another interesting detail: the birth of the Shawwal moon might coincide with a solar eclipse on April 8th
Dated March 25 the letter was signed by IHC Justices Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Babar Sattar, Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Saman Rafat Imtiaz
It mentioned seven instances of alleged interference and intimidation to influence the outcome of cases of interest by the intelligence officials, pointing out that when two out of three judges in the bench hearing the plea to disqualify PTI leader Imran Khan for concealing his alleged daughter opined that the case was not maintainable they were pressured by operatives of the ISI through friends and relatives
The situation got so stressful that one of the judges had to be admitted to hospital due to high blood pressure the letter said
According to the six judges the matter was brought to the notice of the
the Iraq s business opportunities with the Chamber for the benefit of the business community Speaking on the occasion President ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that despite having a huge potential by both the sides the trade volume was not upto the mark and to overcome the problem direct connectivity between the two brotherly countries was much needed He said that along-with other multiple investment opportunities in different areas Pakistan also enjoys the tourism potential especially the northern areas thereby the Iraqi side must grasp this opportunity also The business leader said that the ICCI will chalk out a plan for its participation in the Trade Exhibition to be held in Najaf in the month of June to showcase its products in Iraq to boost business ties between the two countries Ahsan Zafar further said that the ICCI was determined to play its role in the promotion of business relations between the two countries Secretary General UBG Zafar Bakhatwari expressed the hope that the Ambassador being a dynamic figure will continue to play his role in furthering the ties between the two countries and that in this connection the bilateral visits of highest leadership of both the sides will be a momentous Executive member ICCI Ch Mohammad Ali was also part of the delegation 03 NEWS S nday 31 March 2024 SLAMABAD PA K - I R A Q T R A D E V I A G WA D A R , B A S R A S E A P O R T S T O F U R T H E R B O O S T B I L AT E R A L T I E S : E N V O Y PML-N issues par t y ticket to Falak Sher Awan for PP-22 by-elections ATTOCK S ta f f R e p o R t The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has issued a party ticket to Falak Sher Awan for the by-elections in the Chakwal-Cum-Talagang constituency of Punjab s provincial assembly PP-22 In the February 8 elections PML-N s Sardar Ghulam Abbas won the seat with 61,714 votes, surpassing his closest rival, independent candidate Nisar Ahmed, who secured 54,077 votes Sardar Ghulam Abbas vacated his provincial assembly seat after winning the election for the National Assembly constituency NA-59 Talagang-Cum-Chakwal with 141 680 votes, while also retaining his National Assembly seat According to the unofficial result issued by the Returning Officer/ECP, his runner-up was independent candidate Roman Ahmed who bagged 129 716 votes
MUZAFFARABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq has expressed serious concerns over the worsening political and human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir The AJK PM addressing an Iftar dinner hosted in honour of journalists in Muzaffarabad last night said violations of human rights, forced disappearances bloodshed and violence and killing of innocent people by the Indian occupation forces have become a daily routine in the occupied territory Referring to India s August 5, 2019, illegal actions, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq said that the move was out rightly rejected by the people of Kashmir and Pakistan as well as the civilised nations of the world He said that as per the international covenants the Kashmiris have the right to defend themselves and their motherland Kashmiris will never compromise on their freedom Highlighting the role of mainstream media, the AJK PM said that journalists can play an important role in promoting the Kashmir
A JK PM voices concern over worsening HR situation in IIOJK
7, 1994 and was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on July 31 2004 where he served till the imposition of the state of emergency on November 3 2007 As he refused to take a fresh oath he was made dysfunctional He took oath again as a judge of the Supreme Court in 2008 Justice Jillani has participated in several international conferences and colloquiums where he spoke on issues which included domestic application of international human rights , gender justice , alternative dispute resolution’, ‘forced marriages’, ‘transnational child abduction ’ and ‘religious tolerance’ JUDGES LETTER
s w e r e b e i n g i n t i m i d a t e d a n d crackers were thrown into the house o f o n e a d d i t i o n a l d i s t r i c t a n d s e s s i o n s j u d g e Te judge was even called to the IHC to verify the claims which he confirmed But instead of probing the allegations, the judge was made officer on special duty and transferred to IHC before being sent back to Punjab as he was a judicial officer on deputation The letter said that last year during routine maintenance an IHC judge found that his official residence had been bugged with spy cameras concealed in his drawing room and bedroom When data from surveillance equipment was recovered it showed that private videos of the judge and his family members were stored The matter was brought to the attention of the IHC chief justice There has been no determination of who installed the equipment and who is to be held accountable ” the letter added Along with their letter to the SJC the six judges also attached copies of letters written to Justice Farooq on May 10, 2023 and Feb 12, 2024 The letters mentioned, among other complaints ISI officials’ efforts to pressurise IHC judges and probe into the tax records of at least one judge to seek a certain outcome IHC judges ’ letter: Justice (r) Tassaduq Jillani to head probe commission Pakistanis likely to enjoy extended Eidul Fitr holidays LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t P a k i s t a n i e m p l o y e e s a r e i n f o r a t r e a t t h i s E i d - u lF i t r w i t h t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f e x t e n d e d h o l i d a y s T h e D e p a r t m e n t o f M e t e o r o l o g y p r e d i c t s R a m a d a n t o l a s t 2 9 d a y s , m a king the first official holiday fall on Tuesday, April 9th This could be followed by a four-day government holiday stretch from April 9th to 12th Since Saturday and Sunday are weekends already the total break could reach
language teachers
ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t The embassy of Pakistan Tokyo was constantly exploring employment opportunities for Pakistani youth in Japan In this context Borderlink a Japanese human resort company has hired 32 Assistant Language Teachers from Pakistan in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan Tokyo and Overseas Employment Corporation On Saturday, a welcome event for teachers was arranged by the embassy Ambassador Raza Bashir Tarar advised the teachers to exhibit exemplary performance to open more doors for Pakistanis He also urged them to promote a soft image of our beloved homeland
Japan hires 32
from Pakistan
The Indomitable Spirit of China-Pakistan Cooperation
the cost
Tand esteemed deeply Their unwa-
vering support and genuine gestures of affection resonate profoundly within our hearts The enemy recognising the significance of our relationship maliciously targeted our Chinese friends, knowing that such an act would evoke intense pain, sorrow, and outrage across every corner of Pakistan This collective anguish transcends geographical social and governmental boundaries profoundly impacting every Pakistani who holds our Chinese brothers and sisters close to their hearts
In times of adversity our Chinese counterparts have consistently extended their helping hands to us, demonstrating unwavering support and solidarity without any expectation of reciprocity They epitomize true family members standing by us through thick and thin The cowardly attack not only inflicted physical harm but also inflicted a deep wound on the collective spirit of our nation serving as a stark reminder of the invaluable bond we share with our Chinese brethren What the enemy failed to comprehend is that the bond between the Chinese and Pakistanis transcends mere material considerations it is a connection of blood and soul The people of both nations are intertwined as one body and one soul When any part of this body is harmed, the entire entity feels the pain However rather than driving a wedge between us cowardly attacks only serve to strengthen our resolve and deepen our unity
In the face of such heinous and repreh e n s i b l e a c t s t h e c o n s e q u e n c e s c o u l d have been dire if they had targeted nationals of any other country There may have been swift actions such as the withdrawal o f n a t i o n a l s f r o m P a k i s t a n , i s s u a n c e o f travel advisories halting of ongoing projects and advisories to cease business act i v i t i e s w i t h P a k i s t a n T h r e a t e n i n g statements may have been issued, placing blame on Pakistan and its security forces f o r f a i l i n g t o p r o t e c t t h e i r c i t i z e n s a n d workers within the country
The statement issued by the articulate spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry stood in stark contrast to what might have been expected from any other nation under similar circumstances Strongly condemning the terrorist attack, the spokesperson reaffirmed the unwavering bond
between China and Pakistan, describing them as "all-weather strategic cooperative partners and iron-clad brothers Furthermore the spokesperson emphasized the critical role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan's socio economic development asserting that no attempt to undermine this cooperation would succeed Expressing China s staunch opposition to terrorism in all its forms, the spokesperson reiterated firm support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism Promising even stronger commitment to safeguard the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, the statement delivered a resounding message to the terrorists and their backers
This robust and unequivocal response undoubtedly dealt a significant blow to the terrorists and their network of masterminds handlers financiers abettors and facilitators It must have left them feeling frustrated and dejected, as their sinister aims and objectives were thwarted The statement served as a powerful deterrent, rendering their strategy planning financial resources and human assets futile in the face of unwavering solidarity between China and Pakistan
The heartless terrorists are undoubtedly well aware of the formidable prowess professional competence, and the far-reaching effectiveness of the Pakistani armed forces and security forces Once a target is set they execute their operations with meticulous planning and finesse Retribution for such cowardly acts will not be delayed
These terrorists are also cognizant of the history of the Pakistani military which has a track record of delivering swift and decisive responses From repelling Indian aggression to defending the nation s sovereignty against incursions from Iran and Afghanistan the Pakistani armed forces have demonstrated their strength and resolve time and again
Furthermore, the same military force stood resilient against the might of the USSR during its invasion of Afghanistan in 1979
Not only did Pakistan resist the invasion but it also played a pivotal role in ultimately defeating and dismantling the USSR, freeing numerous nations from its dominance in the process It s only a matter of time before the long arm of our security forces tracks down the perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly attack whose target wasn t an equal adversary but innocent unarmed civilians This wasn t an act of bravery or gallantry but one of cowardice and cunning Rest assured such actions will not go unpunished, regardless of
G i v e n t h e g r i e v o u s h u r t a n d d e a t h c a u s e d b y k i t e f l y i n g , i t i s a n u n d e n i a b l e f a c t t h a t i t i s n o l o n g e r a r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t y T h o u g h s o m e s e g m e n t s o f s o c i e t y v i e w t h a t t h e r e s h o u l d b e s o m e r e l a x a t i o n f o r s a f e k i t e f l y i n g k e e p i n g t h e s e n t i m e n t a n d e n t h u s i a s m o f p e o p l e r a t h e r h a v i n g a b r o a d p r o h i b i t i o n o f k i t e f l y i n g H o w e v e r , t h e p e r i l s a r e g a l o r e K i t e f l y i n g i s n o t o n l y d a n g e r o u s f o r p e o p l e b u t a l s o f o r b i r d s a n d o t h e r a n i m a l s T h e r e s p o n s i b l e m u s t b e t a k e n t o t a s k a n d c r a c k d o w n a g a i n s t t h e v i o l a t o r s m u s t b e s u s t a i n e d a n d c u l m i n a t e d t o t h e l o g i c a l e n d
UK extremism: Naming and shaming of Muslim groups aims to stifle all dissent
Moscow massacre proves the West has created a Frankenstein monster on its own doorstep B
S u p p o r t f o r Pa l e s t i n e h a s b e e n u s e d t o c r i m i n a l i s e M u s l i m p o l i t i c a l vo i c e s t h a t d i s s e n t f ro m t h e o r t h o d ox y o f l i b e r a l d e m o c r a c y
G ove’s announcement is a politic ally oppor tune, grandiose ramping-up of the state’s longstanding vilific ation of Muslim civic ac tor
The highest echelons of Pakistani leadership, both civilian and armed forces deeply aggrieved, hurt and anguished by these cowardly attacks has also set in place an elaborate mechanism to rootout terrorism once for all This includes full activation of the 14point National Action Plan which unanimously conceived after the APS Peshawar incident played a pivotal role in defeating terrorism on our soil
Furthermore tighter and foolproof border control measures will be enforced to halt the cross-border movement of terrorists Efforts to push out illegal aliens will be intensified to shrink the space for abettors and facilitators of terrorism Both foreign and local facilitators and abettors will be held accountable and brought to justice Moreover, all safe havens and sanctuaries of terrorists will be identified and neutralized
Equally aggressive actions are likely to be initiated on the diplomatic front to garner international support in countering terrorism and addressing its root causes Diplomatically Pakistan will engage in active diplomacy by convening multilateral forums such as the United Nations and regional organizations to advocate for collective action against terrorism Politically Pakistan is working to address the root causes of terrorism by promoting socio-economic development education, and by implementing policies aimed at reducing poverty, inequality, and marginalization which are often exploited by extremist groups to recruit followers Furthermore Pakistan actively counters extremist narratives and propaganda through public diplomacy campaigns and religious outreach programs by challenging extremist ideologies through education and media initiatives
Despite the cowardly act of terrorism targeting our esteemed Chinese brothers and sisters and irrespective of the outcomes of kinetic and diplomatic counter-terrorism efforts the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan, along with the profound bond of love and affection between the Chinese and Pakistani people will only grow stronger with each passing day
The writer retired as Press Secretary the the President, and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Paikistan to France and former MD Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited
Th e C ro c u s H a l l te r ro r i s t at t a c k r a l l i e d wo r l d s y m p at hy m a s s i ve l y f o r R u s s i a , w h i l e B i d e n ‘s p r i m e c o n c e r n i s to s e q u e s te r Ze l e n s k y s o t h at a l l i s n o t l o s t
Topportune, grandiose ramping-up of the state’s longstanding vilification of Muslim civic actors and denigration of Muslim concerns Its actual impact in terms of government relations, is little more than a tidying up of loose ends There are however two key features related to the timing and substance of this development that we would do well to take note of Gove’s extremism definition comes amid almost six months of sustained and growing grassroots proPalestinian protests mobilised in response to six months of a sustained and horrific genocidal Israeli onslaught against Gaza Thousands of people from countless different political persuasions and identities have marched and spoken out, week after week - outraged at the UK government’s continued complicity with this genocide
In just this short period several government ministers have disparaged protests as antisemitic hate marches and expressions of Islamist “primacy”, and falsely depicted them as a nihilistic disturbance to the public order that threatens social cohesion It is no coincidence that the government s unequivocal ideological commitment to “stand with Israel” is matched by its equally unequivocal obsession with misrepresenting the mounting wave of dissent as the work of rabid, traitorous ideologues
By this logic, popular calls for an end to genocide and an end to the UK’s complicity in it cannot be motivated by ethics, because especially for Muslim activists in the securitised nation-state, British values have been prescribed as the only ethics acceptable in the public sphere In terms of substance alongside naming Muslim voices that he considered to be extremist, Gove approvingly mentioned a number of alternative voices
In my opinion what is interesting about these alternative voices is that they present a very specific narrative about “conflict in the Middle East” This narrative speaks of two neighbouring peoples locked in some sort of perpetual feud, the origins of which have been lost in the mists of time While interfaith dialogue can be a laudable exercise in education exchange and bridge-building its cynical deployment to create orchestrated counter-narratives about Muslims and Jews discovering one another ’s humanity through interaction obscures the realities of settler-colonialism and an ongoing occupation enacted with vicious impunity Crucially, it deflects attention from the British state’s role and responsibility - both historic and present - and displaces the onus onto community leaders who, it is implied,
might hope to alleviate matters through shared charitable projects and tough conversations over cups of tea
INSIDIOUS DOMESTICATION
OF ISLAM
This type of manoeuvring absolves politicians and political structures in the same breath as it indicts religious communities by utilising them as pawns to be burdened with discharging an impossible and completely inappropriate task
It is precisely because Muslim grassroots voices are alive to the history and dimensions of this occupation that they set little stock in such initiatives which demean their experiences not to mention their intellects and imaginations - containing them by elevating the idea of getting along over the ethical goal of saving lives and seeking justice
Going back to Muslim political agency, this approach not only drowns out, but actively delegitimises and demonises, authentic voices via statefunded astroturfing par excellence It is thus a prime example of the insidious domestication of Islam in Britain
In his speech, Gove was at pains to differentiate between Islam (a “great”, “spiritual” and “virtuous” faith) and Islamism (a totalitarian ideology ) But in truth, this is a coloniser s distinction, which is not recognised by adherents of the faith
first thing Secondly the perpetrators did not behave like vintage ISIS killers on suicide missions nor were they answering the call of ‘jihad’ They were ethnic Tajiks who admitted that they were lured by money Expert opinion based on the published videos is also that their movements inside the mall during the operation did not show battle skills characteristic of well-trained fighters, and they had ‘poor muzzle discipline’ which means they had only minimal rifle training Simply put the storyline that this was an ISIS attack won t fly It is intended as a red herring to confuse dumb-witted folks abroad That said the US military has been ‘retooling’ erstwhile ISIS fighters who are largely unemployed nowadays after the deadly Russian-Iranian offensive in Syria to crush them Russia s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) went on record as recently as February 13 saying that the US is recruiting the erstwhile jihadist fighters to carry out terrorist attacks on the territory of Russia and CIS countries According to the SVR statement “Sixty such terrorists with combat experience in the Middle East were selected this year in January they are undergoing a fast-track training course at the US base in Syria s Al-Tanf, where they are being taught how to make and use improvised explosive devices as well as subversive methods Particular emphasis is paid to planning attacks on heavily guarded facilities including foreign diplomatic missions In the near future, there are plans to deploy militants in small groups to the territory of Russia and the CIS countries The SVR noted that special attention was paid to the involvement of natives of the Russian North Caucasus and Central Asia ”
This is not to say that the four perpetrators set out from Al-Tanf like the four knights in TS Eliot s play ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ As a matter of fact, the men could have been picked up from anywhere
Significantly US President Joe Biden who is not lost for words to vilify Russia on any account even using abusive epithets has in this case chosen to keep mum and would rather wait for the findings of the Russian investigators The Americans appear to be nervous about what the Russian side already knows about their involvement in the affair Not a single leader in the non-western world parroted the US narrative about the ISIS role
The high probability is that US intelligence had gotten wind of something brewing in Budanov s kitchen after Nuland s visit Evidently, the prime concern of the Biden Administration is to sequester Zelensky so that all is not lost downstream Indeed the Crocus City Hall attack rallied world
M
Sunday 31 March 2024 COMMENT 05
HE public naming of Muslim civic actors by British politicians and marking them out as destabilising threats to the nation, is by now a familiar tactic of assured political expediency When Communities Secretary Michael Gove’s heavily trailed speech in parliament came to pass earlier this month it predictably included the namechecking of grassroots Muslim groups, and of an imam with decades of service to his local community as potentially falling foul of a definition of extremism that was as vague as ever This intervention might well have been, as was stated, somewhat about establishing consistent criteria for engagement across government departments More significantly, though, it was about buttressing the image of an idealised political sphere, framed by the parameters of a securitised liberal nation-state The securitised state needs to be securitised against a threat, and this is where the idea of extremism comes in Constructed as foreign and antithetical to a supposed natural order of British values, critical Muslim political agency stands no chance Gove cited a deferential adherence to liberal democracy rule of law and respect for government but no clear benchmarks have been given as to how an organisation or individual will be assessed to be (in)appropriate for engagement with government Precisely because it is so nebulous this definition of extremism, and the associated namechecking, become a tool for chastising Muslim civic actors into choosing between compliance and their ultimate domestication or dissent and their ultimate banishment from any political space The reality is that the notion of British values is no banal fitra-like concept towards which we all have a natural inclination It is a politically charged formulation iterated successively by governments to delineate the parameters of political acceptability as suited to their own agendas SUSTAINED PROTESTS OVER GAZA Gove s announcement doesn t signify any real change in policy direction Rather it is a politically
The recent proscription of the avowedly non-violent Hizb ut-Tahrir illustrates how support for Palestine has been used to criminalise Muslim political voices that dissent from the orthodoxy of liberal democracy With regards to Gove’s new “extremism definition Muslim voices in the civic space should realise that rather than bringing the clarity he said it would, instead, the defining lines of legitimacy in the eyes of the state will become more blurred and more subjective than ever An extremism list for government agencies is ultimately a signal to wider society that non-stateapproved Muslim voices are suspect by default and that critical Muslim agency is a threat As to Muslim civic actors, it disciplines them into compliance with a domesticated and quietist Islam while demanding that they enact on the state s behalf a form of proscription lite towards those who had the misfortune of being named and listed - or else risk the same fate for themselves Khadijah Elshayyal is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, researching digital Muslim spaces and author of Muslim Identity Politics: Islam activism and equality in Britain (IB Tauris 2019)
HE tragic incident that deeply shook the core of the Pakistani nation was the malicious deceitful and heartless attack on our Chinese brothers These selfless individuals left behind their homeland families and loved ones to contribute to the construction of vital energy transport and communication infrastructure in remote areas of our country, far from the bustling urban centres They dedicated their days weeks and y e a r s t o t h i s n o b l e c a u s e w i t h t h e s o l e a i m o f p r o v i d i n g a c o n d u c i v e e n v i r o nm e n t f o r a l l P a k i s t a n i s t o e n j o y r e l i a b l e e l e c t r i c i t y, s a f e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n o n w e l lconstructed roads highways and motorw a y s a n d a c c e s s t o e ff i c i e n t p u b l i c transport systems such as Metro bus services, green buses, and Bus Rapid Transit ( B RT ) T h e a t t a c k o n t h e m n o t o n l y r o b b e d u s o f i n v a l u a b l e l i v e s b u t a l s o struck at the heart of our collective aspirations for progress and development The enemy, driven by ulterior motives, callously disregarded the longstanding tradition of Pakistani hospitality which dictates that even the fiercest adversary s guests should be protected and cared for The ruthless and heartless terrorists, with their stone-eyed resolve, cowardly attacked innocent unarmed Chinese civilians around 1 pm on March 26 near Bisham resulting in the deaths of five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani working on the Dasu Hydropower Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Their sole aim was to strike at the heart of our nation by targeting our Chinese friends who selflessly offer their assistance to our country without seeking anything in return The profound bonds of friendship and brotherhood with our Chinese allies are treasured
Bashir
QaMar
MIDDLE EAST EYE K h a d i j a h E l s h ay ya l W ITH hindsight it was not a coincidence that the retirement of US Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland was announced on March 5 so soon after her return to Washington from Kiev where after consultations with top Ukrainian security officials she announced dramatically: I leave Kyiv more confident that, as Ukraine strengthens its defenses, Mr [Vladimir] Putin is going to get some nice surprises on the battlefield and that Ukraine will make some very strong success Nuland did not divulge what those nice surprises” might be, but her superiors in DC were certain to have been curious to know since they know her ingenuity is limitless At any rate we now know that within hours of the superhawk s premature retirement on March 5, instructions went out from Washington to the American embassy in Moscow to issue an advisory that “extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow to include concerts and warning US citizens to avoid large gatherings The wording of the March 7 advisory suggests that Washington was in possession of some information credible enough in terms of its source Meanwhile, the UK embassy in Moscow also issued a similar advisory cautioning British citizens against visiting shopping centers However the State Department scrambled to issue a statement within two hours of the horrific attack on the mall in Moscow s Crocus City Hall on March 22, declaring that Ukraine was not responsible Yet the very next day President Putin stated in his address to the nation that what happened was “a premeditated and organized mass murder of peaceful, defenseless people, harking back to the Nazis – “to stage a demonstrative execution, a bloody act of intimidation ” Importantly Putin disclosed that the perpetrators attempted to escape and were heading towards Ukraine where according to preliminary information, a window was prepared for them on the Ukrainian side to cross the state border ” Plainly put the perpetrators’ Ukrainian mentors or handlers gave them instructions to exit Russian territory after their mission through a particular route What remains in the realm of the known unknown’ pertains to the chain of command Precisely does the trail end with Kirill Budanov the chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR) since August 2020, who had previously served as deputy director of the country’s Foreign Intelligence Service and specialized in covert operations inside Russia? Or – the big question is – does it go all the way to President Vladimir Zelensky, considering the farreaching, explosive nature of the operation? This is the
sympathy massively for Russia It is a huge challenge of statecraft for Putin now to garner this outpouring of world sympathy and yet act decisively to completely uproot the dark forces entrenched next-door which may involve shaking up the very foundations of the house that Washington built in Kiev after the 2014 coup Eliot s immortal lines come to mind: What peace can be found / To grow between the hammer and the anvil?’ Meanwhile it is going to be an even bigger challenge for Biden to figure out the pathway for future dalliance with the Frankenstein he created at the doorstep of what used to be a well-groomed garden that was Europe
K Bhadrakumar a retired Indian diplomat who has served in Russia South Korea Sri Lanka West Germany, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan before ultimately retiring as Indian Ambassador to Türkiye RT M K B h a d r a K u M a r
h a s h a m a t t a c k n o t t o b e a l l o w e d t o a f f e c t t i e s
Jforeign aid, and the U S vetoed
Jauhar Saleem appointed IRS’ President
firmly opposes the Hong Kong Policy Act Report by the U S Department of State and the relevant statement issued by U S Secretary of State Antony Blinken
A spokesperson for the embassy said in a statement that the U S has time and again discredited and smeared the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) s Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, threatening to impose unwarranted unilateral sanctions on the HKSAR and even putting sanctions on Hong Kong officials performing their duties China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this read the statement The U S should immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and other internal affairs of China it added
The HKSAR’s Safeguarding National Security Ordinance took effect on March 23 marking the completion of legislation work stipulated by Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law, plugging a national security loophole
‘No one safe in jail’, says Indian MP Gopal Yadav on Mukhtar Ansari’s death in UP prison
LUCKNOW
A G E N C I E S
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav has said that the circumstances under which Mukhtar Ansari a jailed Muslim politician from Uttar Pradesh died are extremely worrying Mukhtar Ansari was declared dead on Thursday at Banda hospital in Uttar Pradesh after purportedly suffering a cardiac arrest However, his family said Ansari was being given slow poison inside jail, which led to his demise His death comes nearly a year after another Muslim politician was shot dead on live TV in the state
In a post on X the Indian MP said The circumstances under which former MLA Mukhtar Ansari died are extremely worrying He had already filed an application in court and expressed his fear of his murder by poison In the current system, no one is safe in jail in police custody or at home By creating an atmosphere of administrative terror people are being forced to keep their mouths shut Opposition leaders targeted the UP government after Umar Ansari, the son of the deceased, said that his father was given poison in the food RJD MP Manoj Jha said, “Uttar Pradesh has become a different sort of state now As I said, when the difference between death and killing disappears then it leads to lawlessness Reacting to Ansari s death Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X Uttar Pradesh is going through the worst phase of government anarchy This is zero hour of law and order in UP Earlier, Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati said that the serious allegations by Mukhtar Ansari’s family regarding his death in jail require a high-level investigation so that the facts related to his death can be revealed
Indian Nav y rescues hijacked Iranian fishing vessel in Arabian Sea
NEW DELHI M I A N A B R A R
Couple killed, two children injured in truck-bike collision
The ordinance makes full reference to the experience of other countries especially common law jurisdictions and it fully respects and protects human rights, clearly defines elements of crime, and distinguishes between crime and noncrime said the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy
KUALA LUMPUR
A G E N C I E S Malaysian
It provides effective protection for the normal business activities of foreign institutions, organizations and personnel in Hong Kong and their need for international exchanges, the spokesperson added “It does not at all undermine the high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong nor does it change the current capitalist system and way of life in Hong Kong, said the spokesperson
The spokesperson also accused the U S of double standards on national security issues, saying the U S itself has an airtight national security system, with a large number of laws and unparalleled extraterritoriality but it keeps pointing fingers at the HKSAR s Safeguarding National Security Ordinance
This is sheer political manipulation and hypocritical double standards, said the spokesperson
The spokesperson urged the U S to respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in the HKSAR and immediately stop meddling in its affairs
The ordinance will enable Hong Kong to better leverage its unique status and strengths better deepen exchanges and cooperation with various countries and regions and better consolidate its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center added the spokesperson
The Indian Navy rescued an Iranian fishing vessel and its crew of Pakistani nationals after it responded to a piracy attack in the Arabian Sea according to a statement The navy said late Friday that it had received information about a potential piracy incident onboard the Al-Kambar on Thursday night and two Indian naval ships were diverted to intercept the vessel It said it was reported to have been boarded by nine armed pirates After more than 12 hours of intense coercive tactical measures the pirates on board the hijacked fishing vessel were forced to surrender The crew comprising 23 Pakistani nationals, have been safely rescued, said the navy, adding that the vessel was intercepted early Friday
The navy noted that “Indian Naval specialist teams are presently undertaking thorough sanitisation and seaworthiness checks of the fishing vessel in order to escort her to a safe area for resuming normal fishing activities
The Indian navy recently conducted several operations and rescued vessels and crew following hijack attempts or when it came under attack Amid attacks in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea India has also deployed warships as a force deterrent in the region
S d y 31 M h 2024 | ISLAMABAD 06 NEWS
WASHINGTON M I A N A B R A R
O E Biden on Friday acknowledged the pain being felt by many Arab Americans over the war in Gaza and over US support of Israel and its military offensive that has left Arabs Muslims and anti-war activists angry and disappointed Many Muslims and Arabs in the United States have urged the Democratic president to call for a permanent ceasefire, stop the sale of weapons to Israel and use more leverage to protect civilian lives as a humanitarian crisis unfolds in Gaza We must also pause to reflect on the pain being felt by so many in the Arab American community with the war in Gaza, Biden said in a proclamation on Arab American Heritage Month released by the White House, adding he was “devastated” by the suffering However hours after Biden s Friday statement the Washington Post reported that his government had signed off on additional bombs and warplanes for Israel in recent days worth billions of dollars Israel is the leading recipient of U S
multiple votes at the United Nations calling for
ceasefire in the Gaza assault, before abstaining from a vote in late March The Biden administration has issued proclamations since 2021 ahead of April which is observed as Arab American Heritage Month This year s proclamation was longer than previous ones due to Biden s comments on Gaza
demanding
ceasefire
Gaza have occurred in many US cities in recent months, including near airports, opens new tab and bridges in New York City opens new tab and Los Angeles vigils outside the White House and marches in Washington opens new tab Demonstrators have regularly interrupted Biden s campaign events and speeches, including a high profile fundraiser They have asked Biden to meet their demands or risk losing their support Arab and Muslim Americans are unlikely to back Biden s rival, Republican former President Donald Trump, but observers note they could sit out the election and deny Biden crucial votes They had overwhelmingly supported Biden in 2020 Biden said on Friday he was working to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza free captives taken by Hamas fighters and establish an immediate ceasefire lasting at least six weeks Biden also said Arab Americans have been a target of hate crimes while noting the fatal October stabbing of 6year-old Palestinian American Wadea Al-Fayoume in Illinois the November shooting of three students, opens new tab of Palestinian descent in Vermont, and the February stabbing of a Palestinian American man in Texax Israel’s brutal military assault on Gaza has killed over 32 000 people according to the local health ministry displaced nearly all of its 2 3 million population, put the enclave on the brink of starvation and led to accusations of genocide that Israel denies B I D E N A C K N O W L E D G E S ‘ PA I N ’ O F A R A B A M E R I C A N S O V E R WA R I N G A Z A BEIJING M I A N A B R A R The sixth meeting of the China-EU HighLevel People-to-People Dialogue was held in Beijing on Friday, with China and the European Union (EU) agreeing to further promote people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin held the dialogue with Iliana Ivanova European Commissioner for Innovation Research Culture, Education and Youth The two sides discussed the key role of education in underpinning the transition towards a greener society and the need for more balanced student mobility which experienced a major setback during the COVID-19 period The theme of this year s dialogue is working together for a greener and more sustainable future” Shen said that China and the EU should implement the important consensus reached by leaders of both sides and work within the framework of the high-level dialogue mechanism to facilitate personnel exchanges, and enhance exchanges and cooperation on education science and technology culture media sports youth and women dynamizing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU Ivanova said that the EU is willing to work with China to achieve more results in people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation She stressed that young people are the most active force in society and they re at the forefront of the fight against climate change so it s important for governments to make efforts to help people develop an environmental mindset and support them Founded in 2012 the people-to-people dialogue together with the China-EU HighLevel Strategic Dialogue and China-EU High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue have become the three main pillars of the China-EU relationship The dialogue this year was the first in-person meeting since 2017 and was held as a follow-up to the China-EU Summit that took place in Beijing in December last year China and the EU have resumed exchanges and dialogue at all levels since the pandemic As of November 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders visited China one after another Meanwhile China has begun allowing visa-free entry for travelers from more European countries including France Germany Italy Switzerland, Ireland, Austria and Belgium
a
Protests
a
in
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Ambassador Jauhar Saleem was appointed President of the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) on Saturday Ambassador Saleem has served at the highest echelons of Pakistan Foreign Service, including as Foreign Secretary, Special Secretary Additional Foreign Secretary, Head of the Foreign Service Academy and Director General for European affairs a news release said He also served as Pakistan s ambassador to Germany Italy Bosnia & Herzegovina and Bahrain as well as Pakistan s Permanent Representative to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Program (WFP) Jauhar Saleem was the elected President of 38 member country International Development Law Organization (IDLO) from 2020-2022 He studied English Literature Government International Relations and International Economics at Government College University, University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins Ambassador Saleem also did a fellowship at Georgetown University and was visiting faculty member of prestigious universities in Europe and America He has also been contributing regularly to print and electronic media as an international relations expert He replaces Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz in his current role
BAHAWALNAGAR S TA F F R E P O R T Two including husband and wife were killed while two children injured when over speeding truck hit a motorcycle here on Saturday According to details, a reckless driven truck knocked down a motorcycle carrying a couple and two children in suburbs of Bahawalnagar As a result of accident Muhammad Nadeem and his wife Naseem Bibi were killed on the spot while two children were seriously injured The bodies and injured were shifted to local hospital where the children were referred to Bahawalnagar Hospital due to critical condition The police impounded the truck and bike and after registering a case against truck driver started investigations WASHINGTON M I A N A B R A R
Chinese embassy in the United States on Friday said “China strongly deplores and
The
people suspected
supplying firearms to a 36-year-old man
an Israeli passport who was detained this week at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur police said on Saturday The man arrested with a bag containing six handguns and 200 bullets, had arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport from the United Arab Emirates on March 12 using what authorities believed to be a fake French passport InspectorGeneral of Police Razarudin Husain told a press conference late on Friday The suspect turned over an Israeli passport upon questioning by police, Razarudin said, adding that the man, who has not been publicly identified, had ordered the weapons after arriving in Malaysia and paid for them with cryptocurrency The Israeli embassy in Singapore did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment Malaysia and Israel do not have diplomatic relations Police did not rule out the possibility that the man could be a member of Israeli intelligence though the suspect told authorities he had entered Malaysia to hunt down another Israeli citizen due to a family dispute “We do not fully trust this narrative as we suspect there may be another agenda ” Razarudin said adding that the man had stayed at several hotels while in Malaysia Three Malaysians including a married couple were arrested on Friday and have been remanded for seven days on suspicion of supplying weapons and acting as drivers for the Israeli suspect, Razarudin told Reuters on Saturday A pistol was retrieved from a car belonging to the couple he added Authorities have been put on high alert following the man s arrest with security beefed up for Malaysia s king, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other high-level figures Malaysia a majority-Muslim country is a staunch supporter of the Palestinians and has criticised Israel s campaign in Gaza Malaysia is home to around 600 Palestinian refugees, according to the UN refugee agency In 2018, a Palestinian scientist was shot dead in the Malaysian capital by two unidentified men in a killing that Hamas suggested was carried out by Israel s Mossad intelligence service Israel denied the allegations C hina ‘deplores ’ US statement on HKSAR, urges respec t for rule of law Malaysia arrests three suspected of supplying Israeli man with firearms C hina, EU hold high-level dialogue to promote people -to -people exchanges
authorities have arrested three
of
carrying
PSX welcomes Federal Finance Minister ’s visit with a Gong Ceremony
IMF proposes uniform cigarette taxation to tackle economic losses, health concerns
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently proposed a uniform taxation on tobacco sector to tackle the significant economic losses suffered by Pakistan due to the dominance of the cigarette industry high consumption rates and subsequent health cost over the years
In its report, the IMF has urged Pakistan to implement uniform taxation on cigarettes, emphasizing the need to address health concerns and generate maximum revenue from the sector
The IMF s recommendation comes in the wake of a significant decline in cigarette consumption by 20-25 percent following an increase in taxes on tobacco products
It also advocates subjecting ecigarettes to similar taxation as traditional tobacco products highlighting comparable health impacts Health activists have rallied behind the IMF s recommendations, echoing the need for restructuring tobacco taxation in Pakistan
The Sustainable Development
Policy Institute (SDPI) has previously highlighted discrepancies in the tax collection framework According to SDPI s report based on FBR data, Pakistan suffered a loss of Rs 567 billion in revenue over the past seven years Former federal Minister for National Health Services Dr Nadeem Jan also advocated for a substantial 50 percent tax increase on tobacco products to deter consumption, especially among youth, citing severe health concerns His demand is based on article 6 of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Pakistan s commitment to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) underscores the importance of a unified pricing system for cigarettes to regulate the industry effectively and discourage consumption
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for
Navigating Carbon Market: A pathway for Pakistan's sustainable development
Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri
Director SDPI emphasized the
Pakistan s
Calling,
Islamabad
think tank finalizing recommendations for tax reforms
Rana Mashhood takes charge as Chairman Prime Minister ’s Youth Programm
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
The appointment of Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan as the Chairman of Prime Minister ’s Youth Programme has been made With a distinguished career in public service and a passion for youth empowerment, Rana Mashhood brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role Mashhood's appointment underscores the government s commitment to prioritize the development and well-being of the youth of the nation His extensive
background in education and advocacy makes him uniquely suited to lead initiatives aimed at harnessing the potential of young minds across the country In assuming this crucial position Rana Mashhood has expressed his unwavering commitment to serve the youth with utmost dedication and farvor He envisions a future where every young person has access to opportunities for growth education and employment regardless of their background or circumstances I am honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility,"
said Mashhood I am fully committed to
Rs1 trillion in losses c an be controlled through effec tive policies
I
of
change dialogue The unsuccessful attempt to implement a
tax in 2010 and ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlight the complexities and the urgent need for effective policy instruments in this domain The primary goal of carbon trading is to incentivize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions thereby mitigating the impact of carbon dioxide on the environment Dr Suleri poignantly noted that our very existence, ecology, food security, and livelihoods hinge on our collective efforts to preserve the environment The transition to renewable energy while technologically feasible faces significant hurdles in terms of infrastructure development necessitating a phased approach PR
G e t z P h a r m a r e j e c t s d i s s e m i
media These malicious attempts aim to
of our product On February 12, 2024, the Federal Inspector of Drugs-IV, while conducting market surveillance in Moro Sindh identified counterfeit Risek 40mg IV injections at the premises of M/s Qalanari Medicos on Hospital Road Moro Nowsheroferoz Samples
07 NEWS Sunday 31 March 2024 SLAMABAD CORPORATE CORNER SRINAGAR M I A N A B R A R T H E Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) has paid glowing tributes to prominent resistance leaders Ashfaq Majeed Wani Shabbir Siddiqui Basharat Raza and other martyrs of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir According to Kashmir Media Service, Ashfaq Majeed Wani was martyred by the Indian troops in Hawal area of Srinagar on 30 March 1990 Six years later on the same day the troops martyred Shabbir Siddiqui and others including Shafi Mir, Mubarak Lone, Mudassir Lone, Iqbal Sufi, Muhammad Hanif, Nasir, Bashir Ahmed Khan, Dawood Khan, Muhammad Sikandar Khan, Abdul Majeed Mir, Bashir Ahmed Hatim Arif Gulab Khan Riyaz Khan Abdur Rasheed Reshi Abdur Rasheed Mir Manzoor Ahmed Khan and Muzaffar in Dargah Hazratbal area of Srinagar On 24 March 1996, the troops martyred JKLF leaders including Basharat Raza, Salman Yawar alias Mushtaq Malik Dilawar Khan Wasim Colonel Tipu Sultan Mushtaq Sufi Naseeruddin Salman Abdul Rashid Shah Sajjad Ahmed and Mir Akbar The JKLF spokesman Muhammad Rafiq Dar in a statement in Islamabad paying homage to all the martyrs said that the great sacrifices of the martyrs was a valuable asset of the freedom movement He said it is due to these sacrifices that the Kashmir dispute has become the center of attention at the world level Rafiq Dar reiterated the resolve of the Kashmiris to continue pursuing the sacred cause of martyrs till attaining freedom from Indian slavery He also paid tribute to martyred Dr Abdul Ahad Guru The APHC leadership also paid glowing tributes to the martyrs and said that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri martyrs would never be allowed to go waste and their mission would continue till taking it to its logical conclusion J K L F PAY S H O M A G E T O A S H FA Q M A J E E D WA N I , O T H E R K A S H M I R I M A R T Y R S M A J U h o s t s s e m i n a r o n I M F P r o g r a m Mohammad Ali Jinnah University (MAJU) recently hosted a seminar on Pakistan's economic situation and the latest agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the campus Speaking at a seminar, Director at the Center for Excellence in Islamic Finance (CEIF)-IBA Ahmed Siddiqui underscored the crucial role of the IMF in stabilizing the country's current account and the option of utilizing the international lender's Islamic financing program He mentioned that Islamic institutions are taking the lead in the banking and financial sectors having a strong potential to transform the economy from interest-based elements to Shariah-compliant mechanisms within five years He further added that the masses are choosing Shariah-compliant financial products and services in the country as their preferred choice depicting the promising future of Islamic financial system in Pakistan PR
environmental discourse;
countries
challenges posed
climate
while sustaining economic growth
training workshop
carbon market mechanisms held
collaboration
the Embassy
Denmark
Sustainable Development Policy
global
I S L A M A B A D: The concept of carbon trading is not just a buzzword in the global
it is a critical mechanism for
like Pakistan to address the
by
change
A
on understanding
in
with
of
and the
Institute (SDPI), signifies a pivotal step towards integrating Pakistan into the
carbon economy
Executive
novelty
carbon marketing within
climate
carbon
n at i o n o f f a l s e n ew s a b o u t i t s p r o d u c t
social
were sent for testing including confirmation by Getz Pharma We confirmed the sample as counterfeit, not manufactured by us, and provided a comparative analysis report to authorities, urging action Getz Pharma condemns the misreporting by the electronic media of the aAlert issued by Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) as if our manufactured product was deemed spurious or counterfeit requiring recall These reports completely disregard our stance of disowning of the counterfeit sample provided in the same Aalert Nevertheless, we reserve the right to take legal action against false reporting PR O P P O R e n o 1 1 F 5 G : S e t t i n g n e w r e c o r d s a s Pa k i s t a n ' s m o s t b e l o ve d s m a r t p h o n e l i n e u p LAHORE: OPPO's groundbreaking flagship, the Reno11 Series 5G has captured the nation's fascination since its launch cementing its status as Pakistan s premier choice for premium smartphones Consisting of the OPPO Reno11 5G and OPPO Reno11 F 5G, this series exemplifies OPPO s unwavering dedication to excellence, now available at an introductory price of PKR 79,999/- for the Reno11 F 5G which goes on sale today The buzz surrounding the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G has been electric with unprecedented pre-order numbers showcasing overwhelming support This fervor solidifies the series as the top contender in the premium smartphone market, delivering unrivaled value to consumers The OPPO Reno11 F 5G is now accessible across Pakistan at authorized retailers, dealers and Naeem Electronics #RenovatorIsBack: A New Era of Premium SmartphonesUnder the banner of #RenovatorIsBack the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G has emerged as the pinnacle of smartphone innovation, offering unparalleled features and performance With its Ultra-Clear Portrait Camera System led by a 64MP Main Camera with OIS, and a design that seamlessly blends elegance with functionality the Reno11 Series redefines PR
Getz Pharma issues this statement in response to the recent dissemination of false information about its product Risek IV 40 mg injection on electronic and
undermine the brand reputation
robust tax measures to reduce tobacco consumption, citing the effectiveness of a 10% increase in tobacco prices typically leads to a 4% decrease in overall tobacco consumption in high-income countries and up to an 8% decrease in low- and middle-income countries A study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) highlights the dire consequences of smoking-related diseases and deaths with costs amounting to Rs 615 07 billion ($3 85 billion) in 2019 equivalent to 1 6% of the GDP The recent decision by the Pakistani government to increase the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes has resulted in both revenue gains and a reduction in the rate of smoking A World Bank report suggests that applying the current tax rate on premium cigarettes to standard cigarettes could further enhance revenue generation Country Head of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) Malik Imran Ahmed
policymakers are urged to heed the IMF s recommendations and implement comprehensive tax reforms to safeguard public health and bolster fiscal stability
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working tirelessly to ensure that the Prime Minister ’s Youth Programme becomes a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth of our nation Together we will strive to create a brighter future for generations to come Under Mashhood's leadership, the Prime Minister s Youth Programme is poised to embark on a new chapter of innovation and inclusivity His vision coupled with his proven track record of leader-
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TOBA TEK SINGH S TA F F R E P O R T The National Commission of Human Rights (NCHR) on Saturday took notice of the gruesome murder of Maria Bibi, who was choked to death by her brother and became party to the legal proceedings of the case The NCHR in a statement reacted swiftly to the murder and promptly assumed the role of a party to the investigation and legal proceedings of the case NCHR Punjab Coordinator Muhammad Khalid visited the area in Toba Tek Singh and recorded statements neighbours and residents of the area The NCHR coordinator emphasized that the commission was committed to upholding women s rights, vowing that no one would be allowed to violate these rights under any circumstances He added that the NCHR was closely monitoring and scrutinizing the ongoing police investigation into the gruesome murder to ensure that the culprits were punished for their misdeeds Earlier in the day, the lawyer of the witness in Maria’s murder case announced the withdrawal of his letter of attorney citing he cannot advocate for “beasts” Maria murder case was heard in a local court of Toba Tek Singh where the main accused Faisal and his father were presented before the court During the hearing, the police requested 14 days remand of the accused in the case, however, the magistrate approved a four-day remand Kamran Zafar a trial witness and Maria s elder brother s lawyer announced the withdrawal of his advocacy in the case Lawyer Kamran Zafar said Shahbaz and his wife were misleading, and he could not represent such “beasts” before the court N C H R b e co m e s p a r t y t o M a r i a c a s e a s m u r d e r mys t e r y co n t i n u e s t o u n f o l d A group photograph of Babar Abbasi CEO Hussain Marketing, Zeeshan Altaf Lohia, Farooq Kapadia, Mudasir Thanvi, Rizwan Adhia, Saqib Goodluck, former VP KCCI Nadeem Maaz Gee and others during Suhoor Night organized by Farooq Kapadia PR Masterc ard repor t finds human connec tions, technologic al innovation key for ‘C ities of Future’ K A R A C H I: Three in four people would be happier living in a smart and connected city, according to a new report by Mastercard, which features insights related to human aspirations and technological progress for smart cities in the Middle East By 2050 two-thirds of the world s population will be living in urban areas which places a renewed focus on urban living to ensure that the cities of the future are secure, sustainable and inclusive Mastercard Cities of the Future Report revealed that respondents in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE overwhelmingly agree that living in a smart city would make them happier (76%) PR
K A R A C H I: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) held a gong ceremony to formally welcome the Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Mr Muhammad Aurangzeb, to PSX The gong was struck by the Minister to open the trading day amidst the (virtual/ online) presence of Chairperson PSX, Dr Shamshad Akhtar; MD & CEO PSX Mr Farrukh H Khan; PSX Board Members; key stakeholders and market participants as well as business & industry leaders Welcoming the Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, Mr You Hang, PSX Board Member, stated, “On behalf of Pakistan Stock Exchange, I wholeheartedly welcome the Federal Finance Minister on his visit to PSX It is indeed a privilege to have you here soon after assuming office Your presence here today is a source of great comfort to us all as it demonstrates your interest and support for Pakistan s capital market and its development PR
star t at Faisal Masjid from Sunday ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Mahfil Shabeena would start at Faisal Masjid from Sunday organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony According to the Ministry s Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, Mahfil Shabeena would continue for seven consecutive days from Isha prayer to midnight He said Mahfil Shabeena would continue from 21st to 27th Ramazan in the last Ashra of sacred month The completion of the Holy Quran in Mahfil Shabeena would take place on the 27th night of Ramazan he added Umar Butt said the winners in the competition would serve as ambassadors for their respective provinces in the Mahfil Shabeena, alongside the Huffaz of Dawah Academy, who would also be accorded the honor of reciting the Holy Quran during the event Four injured in Swabi fire exchange SWABI S TA F F R E P O R T At least four people including newly elected UC chairman were injured in armed clash between two groups here on Saturday According to details, two groups exchanged hot words over issue of leading prayers by paish imam in Kalu Khan area of Swabi The groups traded fire over the dispute resultantly newly elected UC chairman Majid Bach Qayyum Tayyed and Abdullah were injured The injured were shifted to Bacha Khan Medical Complex Shah Mansoor Swabi and police after registering a case into the incident started investigations
Mahfil Shabeena to
enforcement
S L A M A B A D: The government could enhance the tax-to-GDP ratio, increase tax collection, and reduce the budget deficit by curtailing tax evasion and illicit trade in major sectors said Fawad Khan Spokesperson for Mustehkam Pakistan an advocacy firm for curbing illicit trade and tax evasion in the country to safeguard interests of marginalized and low income communities He said that the nation incurs substantial losses, exceeding Rs 1 trillion, due to tax evasion and illicit trade in five key sectors: real estate tobacco pharmaceuticals tires and lubricants and tea According to an international research report the real estate sector alone contributes to an annual tax evasion of Rs 500 billion with the tobacco sector adding Rs 240 billion in tax losses The tyres and lubricants sector records Rs 106 billion in tax evasion, while the pharmaceutical industry experiences annual losses of Rs 65 billion The tea sector also suffers an annual tax loss of Rs 45 billion PR
One dead, 14 others injured in Quetta blast
18 of total of 147 candidates contesting Senate elections elected unopposed
Tribunal issues written verdic t on Murad S aeed appeal, clearing him for S enate polls
PESHAWAR
S TA F F R E P O R T
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Murad Saeed was allowed to contest the Senate election and the Peshawar High Court’s Election Appellate Tribunal issued its written verdict on Saturday
According to the verdict the Appellate Tribunal rejected all the eight objections raised against the PTI leader The tribunal, in its verdict, said the signatures of the attester and endorser on the papers were genuine
It said that Murad Saeed had deposited the penalty amount imposed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
In the written ruling, the tribunal said that absconders had the right to contest the elections “Papers cannot be rejected on the basis of absconding The tribunal said Murad Saeed had also revealed his assets besides documents submitted by the candidate through power of attorney were also correct
Earlier on Monday, the Appellate Tribunal of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday allowed PTI leaders – Murad Saeed Khurram Zeeshan and Azam Swati to
contest Senate elections
The PTI leaders had challenged the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision on rejection of their papers for various reasons
The tribunal comprising Justice Shakeel Ahmed announced the verdict it had reserved earlier and overturned the initial rejection of their nomination papers for the upcoming Senate election scheduled for April 2 Murad Saeed and Khurram Zeeshan have been cleared for election on general seats while Swati will contest on the technocrat seat
Last week, the Appellate Tribunal of Lahore High Court (LHC) reversed the ECP’s decision to re-
ject PTI worker Sanam Javed’s nomination and allowed her to contest the Senate polls LHC Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan of the tribunal pronounced a reserved verdict that was reserved on Thursday after the completion of arguments from both sides
The electoral watchdog has already appointed returning officers and polling officers for the forthcoming elections on 48 seats of the Senate As per the ECP, in all the provinces elections will be held for seven general seats, two women seats and two technocrat seats Apart from this there will be an election for one minority seat from Punjab and one minority seat from Sindh while one general and one technocrat seat from Islamabad
The ECP has further informed that relevant Provincial Election Commissioners have been appointed as Returning Officers for the Senate elections in all four provinces For Islamabad the director general, training, ECP, has been appointed as the Returning Officer
Twelve Senators each will be elected from Sindh and Punjab and two from Islamabad while 11 Senators each will be elected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
Only seven of total 126 superior cour t judges are women: L JCP repor t
Five dead as rain, hailstorm lash par ts of KP, Balochistan, Punjab
QUETTA/PESHAWAR
S TA F F R E P O R T
Heavy rain coupled with hailstorms lashed various parts of Balochistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Punjab claiming five
Israel illegally confiscated 27,000 decares of West Bank land since Oc t. 7: Palestinian Authority
Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited Ph: 051-2204545 Email: newsroom@pakistantoday com pk PRAYER TIMINGS FA J R S U N R I S E Z U H R A S R M AG H R I B S H A 4:50 5:50 1 30 5:00 6:25 8:00 Sunday 31 March 2024 NEWS A P r I l 2 B y - E l E c t I O n s ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T P R I M E Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday while noting the historic cordial ties between Pakistan and Russia, said that Pakistan wanted to enhance bilateral cooperation with Russia in a number of areas particularly in energy trade and investment The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Ambassador of the Russian Federation Albert P Khorev who called on him, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release The prime minister expressed deep condolences on the loss of precious lives in the Crocus City Hall attack outside Moscow last week and said Pakistan stood in solidarity with Russia at this tragic hour The prime minister stressed the need for early convening of the 9th session of the Inter-governmental Commission (IGC), due to be hosted by Russia later this year He also urged the Russian side to send a delegation to Pakistan to hold discussions with their counterparts to identify ways to enhance the existing level of trade and investment ties between the two countries While fondly recalling their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Samarkand in 2022 the prime minister reiterated his invitation to President Putin to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience He also thanked President Vladimir Putin for the congratulatory message sent to him on his re-election The Russian ambassador assured the prime minister that Russia wanted to build stronger ties with Pakistan and said that in addition to energy
and investment Russia
also keen to enhance cooperation in education and culture PR OFIT N E W S D E S K The Weekly Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) decreased by 0 09% over the week ending March 28, 2024, while it recorded a year-over-year increase of 29 41% The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that the Combined Index stood at 323 20 down from 323 50 the previous week compared to 249 75 a year earlier In the review period, of the 51 monitored items, prices for four items increased, 18 decreased, and 29 remained unchanged Significant price declines included tomatoes (12 04%) wheat flour (3 80%) garlic (2 59%) LPG (2 42%) and wheat (2 09%) Conversely notable price increases were seen in chicken (4 92%) eggs (1 61%), shirting fabric (0 56%), and rice Irri 6/9 (0 15%) The SPI decreased across all income groups, with reductions ranging from 0 03% to 0 27% The lowest income group saw a 0 27% decrease while the highest income group’s SPI fell by 0 03% Annually the SPI rose across all income groups with increases between 22 15% and 33 5% The lowest income group experienced a 22 15% rise, and the highest income group saw a 26 58% increase The average price for Sona urea per 50 kg bag was Rs4 828 a slight decrease from the previous week but 69 56% higher than the previous year Cement prices averaged Rs1 220 per 50 kg bag slightly lower week-over-week and 8 47% higher than last year W e e k l y i n f l a t i o n e a s e s m a r g i n a l l y, r i s e s 2 9 . 4 % Yo Y g O U T O F 5 1 I T E M S M O N I TO R E D, P R I C E S F O R F O U R I T E M S I N C R E A S E D, 1 8 D E C R E A S E D, A N D 2 9 R E M A I N E D U N C H A N G E D PAKISTAN WANTS TO FURTHER ENHANCE BIL ATERAL COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA: PM ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has completed scrutiny of the nomination papers and will allot electoral symbols to the candidates, vying for by-election to 23 national and provincial assemblies’ seats on Sunday (tomorrow) According to the electoral watchdog the scrutiny process of the nomination papers of the candidates for by-elections to 23 national and provincial assemblies is completed The polling for by-elections to six National Assembly and 17 provincial assemblies seats is scheduled to be held on April 2 The electoral watchdog will hold by-elections to six National Assembly seats, two seats each of KP and Balochistan assemblies, and 12 vacant seats of the Punjab Assembly on April 2 It is to be noted that People s Party s Aseefa Bhutto Zardari has already returned unopposed on the National Assembly seat from the constituency of NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad-I which was vacated after Asif Ali Zardari s election as the President of Pakistan The Returning Officer (RO) declared her victory in a notification released yesterday after all opposing candidates withdrew their nomination papers The election commission announced its schedule of by-elections on vacant assemblies seats across the country on March 13 E C P a l l o t s e l e c t o ra l s y m b o l s t o a s p i r i n g c a n d i d at e s t o d ay
trade
was
QUETTA S TA F F R E P O R T A bomb blast was reported near the gas company vehicle in Quetta resulting in the loss of one life and injuries to 14 others According to the deputy commissioner of Harnai as many as one individual died while 17 others injured after a blast near a gas company vehicle at Harnai-Dukki road, Quetta The rescue officials swiftly reached the spot and started shifting the injured individuals to the district the headquarters hospital for immediate medical assistance Meanwhile the law enforcers cordoned off the area to apprehend the suspects
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Eighteen of the total 147 aspiring candidates who have filed nomination papers for the 48 vacant Senate seats have been elected unopposed as Senators The final list of candidates released by the Returning Officers shows that of the 18 unopposed elected candidates seven are from Punjab on general seats while seven are from Balochistan on general seats two in women s seats and two Ulema/technocrat seats A spokesperson for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that preparations have been completed for conducting elections on April 2 to fill 30 vacant seats Ballot papers have been printed, and transportation of election materials to returning officers has also been finalized The elections would be held on 29 general eight women nine technocrat/ Ulema and two non-Muslim seats The elections are underway for 30 seats, which include one general and one technocrat seat from the federal capital, two women seats, two technocrat/Ulema seats and one non-Muslim seat from Punjab Similarly Sindh will see elections for seven general two women two technocrat/Ulema and one non-Muslim seat Additionally Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will hold elections for seven general, two women, and two technocrat seat on April 2 In total, 59 candidates are vying for these seats In Punjab, four candidates are contesting for women’s seats three for technocrat seats and two for reserved seats for non-Muslim Candidates for general seats have also been elected unopposed in the country s most populous province
sale
votes this time said Mir Sadiq Umrani,
lawmaker in the Balochistan Assembly All this happened because
the vision of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto
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of
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of
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lives while eight were injured in rainrelated incidents in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Though rain brought down temperatures and turned the weather pleasant, it created a flood-like situation in cities like Peshawar the capital of KP prompting Provincial Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur to direct the PDMA and the rescue personnel to remain alert to deal with any eventuality All resources should be utilized to cope with any untoward incident, he directed, adding that timely assistance and relief should be ensured “Necessary measures should be taken to open the roads which may be closed due to rains and snowfall and availability of small and large machinery and manpower should be ensured the CM directed The situation was same in Balochistan where rain and hailstorms pounded the provincial capital Quetta and other cities, again turning the weather chilly in these areas Rain and hailstorms in some places were also reported from different cities of Punjab, including Lahore Temperatures came down in Lahore as rain coupled with a cool breeze kept pouring throughout the night Areas of the city like Township Model Town Gulberg Garhi Shahu Dharampura Mughalpura, Ferozepur Road, Canal Road, Katcha Jail Road, Jail Road, Ichhra and Rehmanpura received light to moderate rain According to the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) three children had died in Shangla while one adult and one child passed away in Bajaur in rain-related incidents The PDMA report stated that four of the five fatalities and five of the eight injured were children Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Rasool Khan Sharif said that two people died and a girl was injured after a roof collapsed in the Banda China area of Alpuri Shangla He also confirmed that two children were swept away by flash floods after lightning The ODMA said that heavy rain resulted in the collapse of a roof at Warsak Road in Peshawar due to which three people, a woman and two kids, were buried underneath the rubble The Rescue 1122 personnel, however, managed to recover all three of them and shifted them to hospital Separately National Highway Authority Deputy Director Ghulam Abbas said that the Karakoram Highway was blocked at multiple locations between Kohistan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Diamer of Gilgit Baltistan However, he said, teams were on the spot to remove landslides rubbles and clear the main artery for light traffic “Due to [the] suspension of work at Dassu hydropower project by Chinese companies the rainwater inundated into the tunnel and it is blocked now A request was made to the project officials to run the water pump installed in the tunnel to dewater it and allow the motorists [to continue], Abbas informed RAMALLAH A N A D O L U A G E N C Y Israel has illegally confiscated about 27,000 decares of land in the occupied West Bank and forced 25 Palestinian communities to leave since the start of the war on Gaza last Oct 7 continuing its decades-long land grab a Palestinian government body said on Saturday The occupation state makes use of its fierce hostility towards our people in the Gaza Strip by carrying out massive confiscation operations of Palestinian land affecting 27 000 decares of Palestinian territories Moayya Sha ban head of the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission (CWRC) said in a statement marking Palestine s Land Day The area of Palestinian lands actually subject to Israeli measures amounted to 2,380 square kilometres, constituting 42% of the total area of the West Bank, and 69% of the total areas classified as (C) which are areas subject to occupation military rule he added Sha ban said Israel has already begun establishing buffer zones around settlements in the West Bank through a series of military orders, warning against isolating more lands and preventing citizens from accessing them under military and security pretexts ” After Oct 7 when Israel’s offensive began Sha ban said that Israeli planning authorities subjected to study a total of 52 structural plans for the purpose of building a total of 8,829 colonial units on an area of 6,852 decares, of which 1,895 units were approved On settler attacks, he said that since last Oct 7, Israeli settlers carried out a total of 1,156 attacks resulting in the death of 12 Palestinians The occupation measures and the terrorism of colonial militias have led since Oct 7 to the displacement of 25 Palestinian Bedouin communities, consisting of 220 families, including 1,277 individuals, he said “The measures of the occupation authorities and the attacks of the colonial militia prevented citizens’ access to more than half a million decares of agricultural land he added Sha ban said all these measures aim to control the Palestinian land and to eliminate any possibility of establishing a Palestinian state by emptying areas classified as C, isolating the holy city (Jerusalem) from its Palestinian component, and tightening control over it through settlement and expulsion ” Under the 1995 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestinian Authority the West Bank including East Jerusalem was divided into three portions – Area A, B, and C – with area C under administrative and security control of Israel until a final status agreement is reached with the Palestinians Under international law Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal Palestine s Land Day, March 30, is an annual day of commemoration for Palestinians of the events of that date in 1976 when Israeli authorities confiscated vast areas of Palestinian land This year, Land Day comes amid an Israeli deadly military offensive on Gaza since an Oct 7 cross-border attack led by Hamas in which some 1 200 Israelis were killed More than 32 700 Palestinians mostly women and children, have since been killed in Gaza, in addition to causing mass destruction, displacement, and famine conditions Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T There are only seven female judges out of the total 126 judges in Pakistan’s superior judiciary revealed a report compiled by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) According to the LJCP report envisaged the upper tier of the judiciary includes the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Federal Shariat Court, and the five high courts The report titled: “Women in the Justice Sector,” reveals statistics of women working in Pakistan’s judicial sector highlighting judges lawyers prosecutors and other personnel said an LJCP press release on Friday As per the report currently there are 3 142 judges and judicial officers working across of the country out of them, 2,570 are male and 572 female, making up a meagre 18 per cent of the total working judges The report further reveals that there are currently 126 judges working at the upper tier of the judiciary, which includes the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Federal Shariat Court, and the five high courts Out of these 126 judges 119 are male judges while only seven are female judges Therefore female judges make up only 5 5pc of the total working strength of judges at the upper tier Panellists at a session of the Asma Jahangir Conference, entitled Mainstreaming Gender Equality in the Judiciary, expressed their opinions on the status of women in Pakistan’s judiciary at a local hotel in Lahore in 2021 Women’s poor representation in Pakistan’s judiciary, especially in the higher tiers is a reflection of their overall treatment in society and the issue could be addressed through an assertive action that requires a strong will to address it at all levels the panellists concluded A c c o r d i n g t o t h e r e p o r t , t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t boasts only two female judges compared to the other 12 male judges The most female judges three are active in the Sindh High Court Meanwhile, there are no female judges in the Federal Shariat Court, Peshawar High Court or the High Court of Balochistan At the district judiciary level a similar trend is observed in the report with only 565 female lawyers out of a total 3 016 active staff less than a fifth of the total figure Furthermore, the report highlighted a total of 230,879 lawyers enrolled with different provincial bar associations across the country Of this number, 198,100 lawyers are men, while 40,000 are female “The report highlights the significant contributions of women in the justice sector of the country but also points out that their representation is not proportional to their share of the overall population the report stated It is recommended that the government and other relevant stakeholders take steps to encourage the inclusion of more females in the justice sector ”
