Epaper_24-04-29 ISB

P M H I G H L I G H T S PA K I S TA N

I N V E S T M E N T P O T E N T I A L , P O L I C I

PRIYADH/ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

R I M E Minister Shehbaz Sharif was declared the Man of Action by the Saudi leadership in recognition of his commitment to reviving Pakistan’s economy through massive reforms and foreign investment

This acknowledgment came during his busy day in Riyadh where he met different leaders and addressed a special meeting of the World Economic Forum

The remarks were made during separate meetings of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with Saudi Minister for Investment Khalid Al-Falih Minister for Finance Mohammad Al Jadaan and Minister for Industry Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhourayef During his meeting with the prime minister on the margins of the Forum, Saudi Minister for Investment Khalid Al-Falih called him a “Man of Action recognizing his performance and speed of work along with his commitment to contributing to Pakistan s development and progress

This is the second time Shehbaz Sharif has earned such a distinction from foreign leadership as earlier he was given the title of Shehbaz Speed by a Chinese leader to acknowledge his swift execution of development projects while serving as Punjab chief minister

We are all aware of your performance and speed of work,” the Saudi minister said adding that the prime minister was advancing the mission of progress in

Pakistan, with their full support Your mission is our mission, he remarked

Saudi minister for finance said that a delegation of Saudi investors would soon visit Pakistan Pakistan was a priority for their investment and Saudi Arabia would continue to fully cooperate in the fields of agriculture information technology and energy He lauded Pakistanis prominent role in the progress of Saudi Arabia in different fields During the meeting, it was agreed that Saudi Arabia would further explore opportunities of investment in Pakistan He reaffirmed the support of Saudi Arabia in the economic progress of Pakistan and called the progress of Pakistan the progress of Saudi Arabia He said that Saudi Arabia had made difficult decisions for reforms at the government level regarding its Vision 2030

At meeting with IMF chief, PM reiterates commitment to revive Pakistan’s economy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday met with Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva wherein he reiterated his government s commitment to put Pakistan’s economy back on track In the meeting held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting here the prime minister said that he had directed his financial team

led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to carry out structural reforms ensure strict fiscal discipline and pursue prudent policies that would ensure macro-economic stability and sustained economic growth according to a PM Office press release He thanked Georgieva for supporting Pakistan in securing the USD 3 billion Standby Arrangement (SBA) from IMF last year that was about to be completed The IMF Executive Board is expected to meet on April 29 to decide on the final tranche of USD 1 1 billion under SBA The IMF chief appreciated the prime minister s leadership for timely securing the SBA last year Both sides also discussed Pakistan entering into another IMF program to ensure that the gains made in the past year were consolidated and its economic growth trajectory remained positive IMF MD shared her institution s perspective on the ongoing program with Pakistan including the review process

IHC condemns ‘smear media campaign’ against Justice Babar Sattar

ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Sunday said that a malicious campaign was being run against Justice Babar Sattar on social media as part of which confidential information and documents belonging to the judge were leaked online The IHC issued a press release on Sunday, in which it stated that those behind the campaign against Justice Babar Sattar not only leaked the travel documents of Sattar his wife and his children but also accused him of hiding assets in both Pakistan and the US As part of the malicious campaign, the confidential information has been posted and reposted on social media including travel documents of the Hon’ble Judge his wife and children the press release said

“Justice Babar Sattar has never had any nationality other than that of Pakistan the IHC clarified adding that while Sattar worked as a lawyer in New York and was granted a green card, “he left his job in the US in 2005 and returned to Pakistan and has lived and worked in Pakistan since then The campaign also leaked details about properties declared in the judge s tax returns, accompanied by unlawful and malignant allegations”, the press release stated

It is to be noted that Justice Sattar is one of the six IHC judges who have written a letter against the interference in judicial affairs by the intelligence agencies Earlier this week, a full court meeting of the IHC decided to introduce several measures including the reactivation of empowered inspection teams to end the alleged

meddling The full court also decided to reactivate its inspection teams and empower inspection judges to enable them to address the complaints of judicial officers of the subordinate judiciary against any interference and pressure

The IHC press release noted that Justice Sattar s assets in Pakistan and the US were thoroughly scrutinised by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan before his appointment as a judge

“All real estate assets that he owns are either inherited or were acquired while he was a lawyer He has acquired no real estate assets since his appointment as a judge, the statement reads The court added that Sattar is not involved in the “management of any business entity” nor has he presided over cases in which his family members have interests

Pakistan’s economy is on path to recover y: SBP gover nor

KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad has said that the firm commitment of the government and the SBP to respond to the macroeconomic challenges has resulted in significant improvement in the economy He was delivering his keynote address as the Chief Guest at the Members Convocation of ICMA Pakistan in Karachi, according to a statement issued by SBP on Sunday In his keynote address, Mr Ahmad

was quite high However today inflation is coming down sharply; our reserves have risen to around US$8 billion despite heavy debt repayments and will so cross US$ 9 billion mark; the current account deficit has narrowed quite significantly, and as a result, the PKR is stable Uncertainty has also reduced Pakistan s bilateral and multilateral partners are continuing their support And the stock market is reaching new highs Governor, while citing Pakistan’s economic improvements, shared that progress was made possible because of a firm commitment of the government and the State Bank of Pakistan to effectively respond

encouraged the graduates to proactively respond to

emerging challenges as our country needs professionals with in-depth knowledge of economics, finance and accounting to find workable solutions He said that leadership skills are also paramount, so that you can design and implement the policy and regulatory decisions with courage and fortitude In conclusion the Governor encouraged the graduates to work with dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence to help in shaping the economic landscape of Pakistan

(PML-Q) was the country s deputy prime minister, appointed on June 25, 2012, after a political alliance between the Pakistan People’s Party and the PML-Q Last month Dar took on the role of the country’s foreign minister adding to his extensive experience that includes serving as finance minister from 1998 to 1999 March to May 2008, 2013 to 2017, and 2022 to 2023 He has also held positions as minister for industry and investment from February 1997 to July 1997, as well as commerce from December 1997 to October 1999 Dar was previously the Leader of Opposition in the Senate from March 2012 to June 2013

PF a w a d C h a u d h r y

m a y r e t u r n t o P T I

ISLAMABAD s ta f f R e p o R t

There are indications that former Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry might rejoin the PTI, amidst escalating internal tensions within the party over the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of parliament Sources within the party suggest that PTI s founding chairman Imran Khan has greenlit Fawad s return with a scheduled meeting between the two expected next week It s speculated that Fawad may also be entrusted with a significant role within the PTI, a move supported by the party leadership Simultaneously disagreements within the PTI have intensified regarding the appointment of the PAC chairman with party member Sher Afzal Marwat criticizing fellow member Shibli Faraz on the matter Marwat has urged Shibli to withdraw his statement regarding the issue Earlier, Shibli informed the media that PTI would soon announce its nominee for the PAC chairmanship He mentioned that initially Imran had nominated Marwat for the position but this decision was reversed following objections raised by the National Assembly speaker ’s office Shibli revealed that Imran has now nominated Sahibzada Hamid Raza, the chief of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) for the position emphasizing that the PAC chairman should be from Punjab He attributed the confusion to the NA speaker s actions However, Marwat asserted that he was indeed nominated by the PTI founding chairman for the PAC chairmanship He claimed that Imran had frequently mentioned him as his candidate for the role Marwat accused Shibli of misrepresenting Imran s stance stating that Imran had never nominated Raza for the PAC chairmanship

Punjab gov t yet to ‘decide’ on wheat procurement

LAHORE

s ta f f R e p o R t

The government of Punjab has not made a decision on wheat procurement yet According to sources, a meeting of the cabinet committee on wheat procurement will be held again today After the meeting talks will be held with farmers to address their concerns the sources added On the other hand farmer leader Sultan Javed said that the deadline for the decision is tomorrow, and an announcement about the future course of action will also be announced tomorrow, sources said He welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz’s decision to increase the target of wheat procurement We hope the Punjab government will also make a similar announcement soon Sultan Javed added Yesterday, taking strict action on the complaints of farmers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the federal government to immediately purchase wheat from farmers PM Shehbaz also increased the target of wheat procurement from 1 4 million metric tons to 1 8 million metric tons the statement released by PM Office said Prime Minister s decision is expected to benefit thousands of farmers across the country and provide them with a stable income the statement added The prime minister ’s decision was welcomed by the farming community who have been facing difficulties due to delayed wheat procurement in recent years, it added It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan imported one billion US dollars’ wheat in first nine months of the current financial year citing PBS sources

Ruling coalition criticizes PTI’s intentions to engage with establishment only

ISLAMABAD s ta f f R e p o R t

The ruling coalition has strongly condemned the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) for expressing its desire to hold discussions solely with the military establishment labeling this move as double standards This criticism follows PTI s senior leader Shehryar Afridi s announcement on Friday regarding the party s decision to engage in talks exclusively with the military establishment rather than the government During a press briefing in Lahore Pak-

istan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart Khawaja Saad Rafique asserted that PTI s inclination towards negotiating with the military leadership contradicts its claims for civil supremacy Rafique emphasized that PTI’s approach to negotiations reveals a pattern of behavior where the party seeks dialogue behind closed doors while championing freedom and civil supremacy in public discourse He stressed the importance of political communication among parties and urged PTI to retract its stance Additionally Rafique criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur s statement regarding occupying Islamabad, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to democratic norms and rejecting threats and violence in politics Moreover, PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah speaking on the Geo News show Naya Pakistan questioned PTI s political motives accusing the party of seeking power through collaboration with

Farmers set to stage forceful protests across Punjab on wheat issue

FAISALABAD

Khalid Hussain Bhath the central chairman of the Farmers’ Union has stated that unless the Punjab government procures wheat the issue cannot be resolved He said purchasing of an additional 400,000 metric tons of wheat by federal government cannot resolve the issue as already there is a surplus of 4 to 5 million metric tons Where will we take it? he questioned He announced a protest sit-in in front of the Punjab Assembly on April 29 Speaking in News program with local TV chanel, he said, The Prime Minister has ordered the purchase of an additional 400 000 metric tons of wheat but there are areas where the

Pasco center is not present and wheat is not procured 400 000 metric tons of wheat are to be purchased by Pasco for the entire Pakistan Until the Punjab government purchases wheat, the issue cannot be resolved ” “It is a welcome step by the Prime Minister to order the purchase of an additional 400 000 metric tons of wheat but it will not suffice for farmers This time in Punjab, there is a surplus of 4 to 5 million metric tons of wheat Where will we take it? Last year, farmers had stored 25 25 metric tons of wheat at home but when the tehsildar came cases were filed against us and the wheat was taken away saying we couldn t store it, he added Farmers cannot set the rate for wheat and sugarcane; the government

determines the rate Last year the rate for wheat was Rs4 000 urea Rs3 500 DAP Rs9,000, and electricity bill Rs25 per unit The fertilizer mafia has imposed expensive rates on us The electricity bill has been increased to Rs70 per unit ” he lamented The government has devised a program to loot farmers by reducing the rates; now they should also buy wheat The administration and the government don’t even want to talk to farmers anymore It’s the rainy season, and wheat is getting spoiled Threats are being issued that if protests are held in front of the Punjab Assembly they will be apprehended Farmers are the only ones who guarantee the country s security On April 29, we will stage a protest sit-in in front of the Punjab Assembly,” he concluded

e

(AEOs) by June 30, aiming to stabilize administrative roles within the sector Furthermore key developments include the removal of non-teaching duties for educators allowing them to focus solely on their core responsibilities in the classroom Moreover, there is a notable emphasis on promoting and appointing Secondary School Teachers (SST) from the 17th and 18th scales as heads of high schools aligning with endeavors to strengthen school leadership In a bid to enhance teaching effectiveness, plans are underway to distribute 150,000 tablets among teachers this year leveraging technology to improve instructional practices and access to resources The negotiations spearheaded by Muhammad Safdar the central president of the Punjab Educators Association, and Sikandar Hayat, the Provincial Education Minister spanned four hours The outcome has elicited positive responses from association leaders and provincial officials highlighting the success of the talks in addressing key concerns and reaching consensus on critical issues Among the agreed-upon measures are service protections no arrears and the extension of seniority benefits from the date of joining

Centenarians and an SHO’s powers

City Notes

Rior reporters showed him the sort of regard they had for more ebullient characters Going back to Roedad

Officers

the establishment rather than through democratic processes

Similarly Pakistan People s Party (PPP) Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi accused PTI of inviting military interference in politics by excluding political parties from negotiations and solely engaging with military officials In response PTI leader Shibli Faraz emphasized the importance of establishing a framework for negotiations and reiterated PTI s readiness to engage with the establishment to clarify its constitutional role, rather than seeking political deals PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan affirmed the party s commitment to engaging with all political parties except those who allegedly obtained their mandate illegitimately, stressing PTI s focus on strengthening democratic principles and institutions

A r m e d m e n l o o t p a t i e n t s , s t a f f a t L a h o r e ’ s p r i v a t e h o s p i t a l

LAHORE s ta f f R e p o R t

Six armed men looted stormed a private hospital in Lahore and looted staff and patients, police said on Sunday As per details, the robbers targeted a private hospital near 25 number stop in the limits of Shahdara police station Lahore Six armed men took the staff patients and their caretakers hostage and looted their valuables During the incident, the robbers were spotted consuming food of the patients The incident was recorded on the CCTV cameras of the hospital The robbers fled the scene easily A police sub-inspector has been gunned down by unknown assailants in Lahore on Saturday According to police Sub-Inspector Arshad was returning home after duty, when he was attacked near Misri Shah area of Lahore The police added that the slain cop sustained three bullets that proved to be fatal The police have launched an investigation into the incident Earlier a Lahore police officer shot dead a woman and later took his own life in Lahore s Samanabad area

C o a l m i n e e x p l o s i o n t r a p s s i x c o a l m i n e w o r k e r s

PESHAWAR

s ta f f R e p o R t

Six miners working inside a coalmine were trapped after an explosion in a mine in Khawaida Khel area of Central Karam on Sunday, according to the Deputy Commissioner statement DC Javedullah Mehsud , Deputy Commissioner of the region revealed that six people were trapped after the explosion in the mine however four individuals were rescued alive during the rescue operation According to DC Javedullah Mehsud, the rescue operation is underway to locate and save the remaining two individuals Meanwhile, the injured rescued individuals have been transported to the hospital for medical attention As per the DC statement the cause of the explosion currently remains unknown as the investigation into the incident is underway to find the reason Back in 2022, at least six coal miners were killed in a gas explosion in the Shahrag coal field area of Harnai district As per rescue officials at least six laborers were trapped in the coal mine that collapsed after an explosion in the Harnai district

RECKLESS BEHAVIOR OF A JK GOVT MA JOR REASON OF NON-PAYMENT OF POWER BILLS: LSDF

MUZAFFARABAD

s ta f f R e p o R t

ON-GOVERNMENTAL Organ-

Nization (NGO) LifeSkills Development Foundation (LSDF) working for public awareness in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has issued a detailed report on the protest movement of public action committees, public demands and measures taken by the government in the last one year According to the report reckless behaviour of the coalition government was major reason behind non-payment of electricity bills by a large number of people in Azad Kashmir During the boycott campaign of electricity bills, in all major cities including Muzaffarabad, Rawalkot, Mirpur, Kotli, thousands of people took out processions including wheel jams shutter down strikes hundreds of people were arrested Over 8 months have passed since the ongoing public sit-ins in many cities The government before joint public action committee, held dialogues after prolonged

Public service of welfare organizations must be acknowledged, says Punjab Governor

LAHORE

s

Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman has emphasized the need of acknowledging the public services of welfare organizations as it motivates other people too He was talking to a delegation of Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation which called on him at Governor House Lahore on Sunday The delegation comprised Chairperson Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, Cecilia Lazaro, founder and Executive Director of Akhuwat Foundation, Akhuwat Foundation, Abubakar Siddique and others Speaking on the occasion Muhammad Balighur Rehman said that those who dedicate their lives for humanity are great While appreciating the welfare services of Amjad Saqib, head of Akhuwat Foundation, he said that conferment of Ramon Magsaysay Foundation Award on him is honour for the country The Governor Punjab said that in Pakistan Akhuwat Edhi Indus Foundation and other organizations like them are playing an important role alongside the government in poverty alleviation and social development He said that people to people contact was very important in the relations between the two countries He said that many foreign delegations meet him and tell him that got a different perception about Pakistan from media before visiting but they found it otherwise The participants of the delegation thanked the Punjab Governor for inviting them to the Governor House While expressing their views, they said that the people of Pakistan are very hospitable On this occasion a visit to the Governor ’s House was also organized for the delegation

Home minister vows to crush dens of dacoits across Sindh

KARACHI s ta f f R e p o R t

Sindh Minister for Home, Law, and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziaul Hassan, said Sunday that serious efforts were being made to improve the law and order situation in Sindh adding that the top leadership of the PPP had directed to further improve the law and order situation in Karachi and other cities of the province As the Home Minister Sindh, I have been working for almost a month and a half, and there has been a decrease in the street crimes in the last week Action is also being taken against negligent police officers ” he while talking to media after a meeting of the Sindh Bar Council in Karachi In the meeting Yasir Arafat was elected as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Sindh Bar Council, while Kashif Hanif was elected as the Vice Chairman of the Sindh Bar Council Abdul Star Loharani was elected as the Chairman of the BF Committee Sher Muhammad Wassan as the Chairman of the Legal Education Committee and Ehsan Sial as the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee He further said that the Chief Justice had also discussed the law and order situation He said:

“We all want the law and order situation in Sindh to improve Karachi is the heart and capital of Sindh and peace and security are our top priority from Kashmore to Karachi Efforts are being made for this

delay and then negotiated frivolously There was no concrete practical progress made to solve important demands including subsidizing flour at par with Gilgit-Baltistan providing electricity according to local production costs, reducing the privileges of the ruling class and bureaucrats, and giving powers to local representatives

It was feared that strong protest demonstrations and rallies from platform of Public Action Committees and public march of legislative assembly in the capital and protest demonstrations on May 11, would worsen the situation further As per LSDF report, the series of public protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has been going on ever since the Neelum River was diverted from Muzaffarabad the capital of Azad Kashmir to the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project However, during the current coalition government, last year organized public protest movements were conducted in an unprecedented manner, by public action committees at the city district regional and central levels A Central Joint People s Action Committee was formed with representatives

Cfrom all districts empowered to conduct the movement including negotiations with the government The report said that this public protest movement was also unique in Azad Kashmir because for the past 76 years, no public movement of this type could be started by claiming the resources of Azad Kashmir and the right of ownership over them in which the entire Azad Kashmir was organized at the public level Meanwhile during the reign of former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan, through the thirteenth amendment to the interim constitution of Azad Kashmir, the right of ownership of the resources of Azad Kashmiris was legally recognized for the first time On September 22 2018 Justice (Retd) Manzoor Hussain Gilani and others filed a writ petition filed in Azad Kashmir High Court on behalf of the Government of Pakistan and others in which Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project and Kohala Hydropower Project as well as Mangala Hydropower Project and Mangala Raising Agreement were also discussed The case was advocated by the well-

known lawyer Raja Amjad Ali Khan and Haroon Riaz Mughal Advocate and the decision was given in favor of the plaintiffs on November 15 2019 Along with this the various taxes levied by the Department of Electronics, especially fuel price adjustment charges and Neelum Jhelum project charges were also challenged in the Supreme Court by Shaukat Nawaz Mumir and others on behalf of the Government of Azad Kashmir and others through a writ petition In which the Supreme Court stopped the Department of Electronics from taking FPA and NJS in Bilat In the same writ petition, during cross-examination it was revealed that the Government of Pakistan has been selling electricity to the Power Department at Rs2 59 paisa per unit since 2007 which has created a lot of anxiety in the entire Azad Kashmir because the Power Department has been receiving the NEPRA’s decided rate of Rs40 per unit According to the report the Awami Action Committees came into being after the protests started in Rawalkot on 8 May 2023 as a result of the flour crisis which was ini-

M M a r ya m N awa z p l e d g e s wo r ke r s ’ s a fe t y a n d h e a l t h

LAHORE s ta f f R e p o R t Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has vowed to prioritize the health welfare and protection of workers across the province Punjab CM shared her message in observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work Maryam Nawaz articulated her commitment to fostering a positive and safe environment in workplaces stressing that the safety and well-being of workers were paramount Asserting that every worker deserved safety and security, she announced the launch of a campaign for occupational safety in collaboration with the private sector She underscored the importance of adhering to safety regulations and providing necessary training to prevent accidents and ensure workplace safety CM Maryam Nawaz disclosed plans to amend labor laws, with provisions for fines against companies found negligent in ensuring the safety and health of their employees She emphasized that the government was responsible for implementing occupational safety measures and will enforce them rigorously

Highlighting the significance of safety gear for workers Punjab CM emphasized that every organization bore the responsibility for ensuring the safety of its employees Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz asserted that with these measures in place, Punjab aimed to create a safer and more secure working environment for all its workers

P T I t a ke s o u t t ra i n m a rc h f ro m K a ra c h i to

S u k ku r fo r I m ra n’s re l e a s e

Maghiri Advocate Danial Megsi and other leaders of PTI Sindh The train march, facilitated by

Awami Express, started from Karachi and passed through Landhi Station, Jhungshahi Station Kotri Station Hyderabad Station Serhari Station Tando Adam Station Shahdadpur Station Dor Station Bandhi Station Nawabshah Station, Kot Laloo Station, Padidan Station, Mehrabpur Station, Bharia Station, Setharja Station, Rani Pur Station, Gambat Station Khairpur Station reachede Rohri Station At each station PTI leaders workers and citizens warmly welcomed the train march and chanted slogans for the release of Imran Khan and the return of the stolen mandate, displaying banners and Imran Khan’s pictures in protest Addressing the crowd at various railway stations PTI central leader Shoaib Shaheen said Today I congratulate the PTI Sindh team Today s train march from Karachi to Sukkur is for the release of Imran Khan Our struggle for peace continues, whether it’s through long marches or rallies until Imran Khan s release He added The way

International powers don’t want stability in Pakistan: Türkiye Parliamentarian

ANKARA N e w s D e s k

Ali Sahin, member of Türkiye Parliament and Chairman Türk-Pak Parliamentary Friendship Group has categorically stated that International powers do not want stability in Pakistan and do not see it developed and prosper Several conspiracies are being hatched to weaken and divide Pakistan, this issue need to be address properly”, said Ali Sahin who is also central leader of the current ruling Türkiye Justice and Development Party (AKP) in an interview to a selected group of journalists along with Shabana Ayaz, the head of Türk Pak Women Forum was also part of the panel Ali Sahin got his higher education in Karachi and served in Türkiye missions in Pakistan at various capacities and has a lot wonderful memories for the country In the interview apart from shedding light at various international issues shared his personal

experience and good memories during the period he got education in Pakistan he is found of Pakistani cuisines

Ali Sahin said that Pakistan is situated at very important geographical position and it is very important for country to be economically stronger Political and economic stability is crucial for Pakistan enabling to play a leading role in the region To a question about the current awful situation in Palestine he said We are trying our best to bring to an end to the present horrifying situation” Türkiye and Pakistan are two twin sons of the Islamic and they can play a leading role to culminate the reign of terror let loose by the aggressor Israel but there exist no such mechanism at present to deal with the situation Continuing, he said Islamic countries are poor and have limited sources and when the western countries interfere in our problems and problems increase manifolds He reminded the United States

the people of Sindh have welcomed today’s train march proves that the people of Sindh stand with Imran Khan Soon the people of Sindh will free themselves from the clutches of dacoits in governance Imran Khan will soon be out and will ensure real freedom for the people In the current unjust system prevailing in the country, Imran Khan is necessary for salvation ” PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh stated Today we are going from Karachi to Sukkur through the train march with slogans for Imran Khan s release This train march is to awaken decision-makers who think that such actions will be accepted Now there will be only one voice everywhere demanding Imran Khan s release He said until Imran Khan is free our struggle will continue The time is not far when PTI will govern Sindh, and the people will be saved from these thieves Today, the people of Sindh have voiced their decision: Imran Khan must be released

came to solve the problem of Afghanistan and for almost 10 years its butchered million of people but the problem was still unsolved, Terrorism did not culminates but increased He is advocate of further cementing the existing ties between two brotherly Islamic countries Turkeye and Pakistan through boosting trade defense and cultural activities Ali Sahin regretted that economic and trade relations between Türkiye and Pakistan are not strong enough There exists a bilateral trade of only 1 2 billion dollars between the two counties which is negligible The population of Pakistan is 25 million while the population of Türkiye is eight and a half million and the level of trade needed to be boosted He added existing barriers between the relationships must be removed In the last 10 years, our relationship with Pakistan in the defense sector has grown considerably The Türkiye has made remarkable achievement in the defense sector There is a need to run a common defense project between Türkiye and Pakistan To bring peace to the Middle East, the relationship between Türkiye and Pakistan should be improved and strengthened The mechanism between Türkiye and Pakistan should be strengthened

Sindh CM takes notice of five children death due to measles in Tando Allahyar

KARACHI

s ta f f R e p o R t

Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday while taking notice of the death of five children owing to measles in Tando Allahyar has sought a detailed report from the Deputy Commissioner Tando Allahyar He said, It is very painful that five children have died due to a disease ” After reviewing the entire situation he directed the deputy commissioner (DC) to provide him with a detailed report of the deaths The DC informed Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah that the five children had allegedly died of measles in the village Chandu Mayo of Tando Allahyar He further said these children had died due to complications related to measles The CM directed the Director General Health to send a team of doctors to Chandu Mayo village for the check-up of other children

LESCO detected

75,276 power pilferers in 222 days

LAHORE

s ta f f R e p o R t

Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has detected a total of 75,276 connections from where the customers were pilfering electricity in all its circles of five districts (Lahore Sheikhupura Nankana Sahib Kasur and Okara) in 222 days of grand anti-power theft campaign LESCO spokesman told the media here Sunday that the company had also submitted FIR applications against electricity thieves, out of which 71,540 FIRs had been registered in respective police stations while 30 031 accused had been arrested The LESCO has so far charged a total of 90 769 366 detection units worth Rs 3 376 105 222 to all the power pilferers Grand anti-power theft operations against electricity thieves are being conducted on the directives of the Federal Power Division and the LESCO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Shahid Haider was supervising these operations The LESCO chief vowed that the operations would continue without any discrimination until the complete end of electricity theft The electricity pilferers as well as the LESCO officers and employees who facilitate them were also being brought to justice The spokesman added the LESCO found 304 customers stealing electricity through various means and 144 cases had been registered against the accused while five accused were arrested during the last 24 hours On the 222nd consecutive day of the anti-power theft campaign, he mentioned that large commercial consumers were found involved in electricity theft and all of them were also disconnected and charged with detection units Among the seized connections he explained 11 were commercial 03 agricultural, 01 industrial and 289 domestic, and all these connections were

‘Saudis call Shehbaz Man of Ac tion’: PM highlights Pakistan’s investment potential, policies

tially named as Poonch Awami Action Committee This movement which started from Rawalkot spread all over Azad Jammu and Kashmir when the Power Department distributed electricity bills for the month of August The government actually dropped a power bomb on the people by introducing two new terms of protected and unprotected in electricity bills and the people who consumed more than 200 units of electricity were left screaming when they received double the electricity bill Students started a protest in Muzaffarabad against this move of the government, in which businessmen also threw their weight and called for shutter down and wheel jam on 31 August 2024 across Muzaffarabad In Poonch the Action Committee made electricity as a topic of discussion along with flour and also included Mirpur where they gave calls for shutter down and wheel jam with the full support of the lawyer community in both the divisions and then a vigorous movement was launched During this time the government of Azad Kashmir increased the price of electricity in Pakistan CONTINUED

where the poor people had been in dire need of basic facilities like education and health The prime minister said that while being Punjab’s chief minister, he had established the first kidney and liver hospital in Punjab which was probably one of the best in Asia providing free treatment to poor About the dengue outbreak in 2011 in the province he shared that the phenomenon in the health sector was one of the biggest in the world but that was controlled through engaging international experts, equipment and activating government machinery, civil society and common man The prime minister in his remarks appreciated Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their support and provision of vaccines for polio eradication drives in Pakistan, besides their generosity during the 2022 floods to support the affected people of Pakistan

What is needed are sincere talks for the good of the countr y

PTI leader Senator Shibli Faraz has disclosed that party chief Imran Khan has given the goahead for talks with the COAS and DG ISI on one hand, and the government parties on the other The concept might be inchoate at the moment, for tripartite talks never work, unless one pastry combines with another in which case the talks might as well be bilateral Another problem in principle is that the military are not supposed to become involved in politics That they have been was conceded by then COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa at the time of his retirement, but he also said it was now out of it Even if one concedes Mr Khan’s thesis that the involvement continues, that it failed to stop the PTI in the February election from obtaining the most seats; the fact remains that it is being dragged into politics again It is difficult to see how the military can engage in talks separately from the government and remain within the ambit of the Constitution

While the idea of talks among the political parties has been long on the table, there seems to be more movement than if this was merely in the background While Senator Irfan Siddiqui made a talks offer on behalf of the PML(N) PTI leader Shahid Afridi included the military in the talks panel Some PML(N) figures indicated their distrust of the PTI as being sufficient to prevent any talks being held This included figures like Kh Saad Rafique and Rana Sanaullah, while PPP leader Faisal Karim Kundi seemed inimical to the idea The PTI reaction is yet to be gauged, because the idea of talks with the other parties has been rejected time and again by Mr Khan, who has called them thieves and dacoits His being behind bars is another obstacle, and his hint that the right scene for negotiations must be set (that he be released) will give the impression that imprisonment has finally forced him to talk

That would run counter to the narrative that he is reconciled to jail life The timing of the agreement and the by-elections should not be ignored The PTI and the ruling coalition have apparently reached a stalemate The only way out is for the two (not three) sides to hold talks And for once, those talks must focus on what is good for the country, not on what is good for the parties

Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit

PAKISTAN with its roots deeply embedded in the ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley, stands as a vibrant mosaic, intricately woven from the diverse strands of history, ethnicity and faith Over centuries its fertile plains and rugged mountains have been witness to migrations invasions and cultural exchanges resulting in a unique convergence of influences that define its rich tapestry today Understanding the dynamic phenomenon of cultural fusion in Pakistan is essential for comprehending its myriad manifestations across various aspects of life and its profound impact on national identity Pakistan s linguistic landscape vividly portrays its rich historical narrative Urdu serving as the lingua franca resonates with echoes of Persian Punjabi and Arabic, seamlessly blending with regional languages like Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Seraiki, and Kashmiri This linguistic amalgamation permeates everyday conversations music and literature orchestrating a harmonious symphony of sounds and expressions Regional proverbs seamlessly integrate into the national discourse while Urdu poetry gracefully incorporates Punjabi folk metaphors, highlighting the interconnectedness of these linguistic threads

The tantalizing aroma of spices drifting through bustling bazaars narrates a story of culinary fusion Mughal influences linger in sumptuous biryanis and creamy kormas while Sindhi spices impart a fiery touch to chaat Balochistan s rugged terrain offers hearty meat-based dishes like Sajji reflecting Pashtun hospitality through kabuli pulao and aromatic lamb stews The coastal flavours of Sindh infuse biryani with seafood delights, while Punjabi butter chicken finds its way onto tables across the nation This delightful fusion not only satiates the palate but also fosters connections among communities through shared culinary experiences and traditions From the majestic Shalimar Gardens of Lahore inspired by the Mughals to the intricately carved wooden mosques of Hunza, Pakistan’s architectural heritage celebrates diversity The towering minarets of Sindh blend seamlessly with Mughal arches while Balochistan s mud houses are adorned with intricate Sindhi geometric patterns Sufi shrines serve as a testament to the fusion of Persian and Indo-Islamic artistry, while vibrant truck art blends regional motifs with modern influences Pakistani artists draw inspiration from this confluence, creating masterpieces that reflect the multifaceted beauty of their homeland The rhythmic beats of dhol drums intertwine with the soulful melodies of qawwali at Sufi shrines while Punjabi bhangra merges with Sindhi dholak rhythms at joyous celebrations Classical Pakistani music

A tapestr y of traditions

showcases diverse instruments like the sitar, tabla, and sarangi, each embodying the unique musical traditions of different regions The graceful movements of Sindhi dance seamlessly blend with the energetic spirit of Punjabi bhangra creating a mesmerizing spectacle that transcends regional boundaries No doubt Pakistan s cultural fusion results in a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, cuisines, and arts This diversity enhances the country’s cultural landscape and provides a platform for mutual understanding and appreciation among different communities The fusion of various cultures fosters tolerance and harmony among different ethnic and religious groups It promotes acceptance of differences and encourages coexistence contributing to social cohesion and stability Pakistan s cultural fusion facilitates exchanges between diverse communities, both within the country and with other nations This exchange of ideas traditions and values promotes cross-cultural understanding and strengthens diplomatic ties Cultural fusion can create economic opportunities through tourism cultural industries and international collaborations Pakistan s diverse cultural heritage has the potential to attract tourists and investors interested in experiencing and supporting its unique cultural offerings Embracing cultural fusion fosters resilience and adaptability in society It enables communities to navigate social changes economic shifts and geopolitical challenges by drawing on the strengths of various cultural traditions and practices While cultural fusion in Pakistan offers numerous benefits, it also presents several challenges One challenge is the preservation of cultural identities amidst fusion Rapid globalization and urbanization can lead to the erosion of traditional practices and languages causing concerns about cultural homogenization and the loss of heritage Balancing cultural diversity with social cohesion can be challenging Ethnic, linguistic, and religious differences may sometimes lead to social tensions, particularly in areas where cultural fusion is

perceived as a threat to traditional values or identities Differences in cultural norms, values, and beliefs can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, especially in multicultural settings Cultural fusion requires efforts to promote intercultural dialogue empathy and respect to mitigate such conflicts While globalization facilitates cultural exchange it also introduces dominant cultural norms and practices that may overshadow or diminish local traditions This can challenge the authenticity and integrity of cultural expressions Despite these challenges cultural fusion remains a defining characteristic of Pakistani society It fosters understanding enriches our collective experience and fuels innovation As Pakistan emerges on the global stage, its unique cultural fabric becomes a source of strength and identity, reminding us that unity can be found in diversity, and beauty emerges from the harmonious blending of different threads While challenges exist embracing cultural fusion remains integral to Pakistan s identity and resilience By celebrating its rich heritage and navigating challenges with sensitivity, Pakistan continues to weave a vibrant future, one thread at a time

cultural fusion remains a defining characteristic of Pakistani society It fosters understanding, enriches our collective experience , and fuels innovation As Pakistan emerg es on the global stag e , its unique cultural fabric becomes a source of strength and identity, reminding us that unity can be found in diversity, and beauty emerg es from the harmonious blending of different threads. While challeng es exist, embracing cultural fusion remains integral to PakistanÊs identity and resilience . By celebrating its rich heritag e and navigating challeng es with sensitivity, Pakistan continues to weave a vibrant future , one thread at a time

Schools needed

Astudy further highlighted that LIS is the study of scientific field whose hypotheses theories and laws continue to be tested

by

same

non-LIS

published

peer-reviewed journals and conferences Apart from this paper, further research deepened my insights towards the field in order to unveil whether LIS is a scientific discipline or not After searching more papers I came to the conclusion that undoubtedly like other disciplines of natural and applied sciences library and information has also gained the status of scientific disciplines for many reasons This discipline deals with systematic study, organization of information and the management of information resources in a scientific way that should meet the information needs of individuals in a society Thus I have explored a few principles which gauge library discipline as a science Firstly, come theory and principles as like other science disciplines such as biology, physics, chemistry and so on, library and information science is also guided by the theories and principles that helps to explain and predict phenomena related to information behaviour of individuals similarly the LIS discipline defines the rules of information retrieval,information, organization and management of information in a systematic way and these theories provides scientific frameworks to understand the complex dynamics of information in a society where we live interact and share the information Similarly the LIS discipline is known as systematic study of various other disciplines like creation of information, organizing information, dissemination and retrieving them in a scientific way This systematic approach involves data analysis research methodologies and a theoretical framework to fathom them in a scientific way

The field of Library and information science is obviously interdisciplinary in theory and practice Sometimes this subject is dealt in management sciences while in some countries it has been considered a social science Basically LIS is drawn from various disciplines like computer science communication studies sociology psychology and other similar disciplines which is the reason for its being deemed a science subject This discipline integrates knowledge and methodology from other disciplines to address information related challenges and opportunities In other words LIS scholars conduct research in an empirical way in order to investigate information and related phenomena which are based on evidence and empirical information to advance knowledge in the field Such evidence-based practices and policies in Library and information science centres differentiate this discipline from other humanities disciplines and such empirical research make them a scientific discipline Some scholars have their views that LIS discipline apply scientific principles and methods in its practices like retrieving and acquiring information, organizing information and managing them in a scientific way that can be accessed for effective use by the readers Similarly this discipline also integrates technology for classification systems metadata standards and other tools which facilitate information organization and retrieval In every scientific discipline there are some ethical codes that make them different from other disciplines Similarly the LIS discipline also has its ethical considerations which guide the librarians to follow these ethical principles to govern the conduct of professionals to handle and disseminate the information in an ethical way Some ethical considerations include censorship, privacy of scholars, intellectual freedom and equitable access to information in a society These ethical practices make LIS a scientific dis-

cipline Some scholars have the view that any scientific discipline follows scientific principles and laws across different contexts ND these principles are not limited to specific geographic regions or cultural backgrounds; similarly library and information science is based on Universality and is applicable across the globe

Objectivity is a core issue of any scientific field Objectivity is based on specific methods and interpretations, and LIS disciplines across the globe strive for objectivity in their methods in order to minimize bias and subjective influence in data collections and analysis of data Moreover every scientific discipline firmly believes in continuous development Similarly LIS is also a dynamic field which evolves from time to time LIS changes itself dynamically according to the needs of society and the information needs of individuals and similarly the changes in technology also affect the discipline of LIS In other words to stay abreast of emerging trends, tools and best practices in the field of LIS also supports the lifelong learning of library customers and patrons These are a few arguments that regard LIS as a scientific discipline, but more rigorous research is required to expand its scope as a scientific discipline In short LIS applies different scientific procedures like systematic methods principles theory and practices, and the way of continuing development The writer is Deputy Director Library at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad he can be reached at writetoabidhussain@gmail com

To stay abreast of emerging trends, tools and best practices in the field of LIS also suppor ts the lifelong learning of librar y customers and patrons. These are a few arguments that regard LIS as a scientific discipline , but more rigorous research is required to expand its scope as a scientific discipline . In shor t LIS applies different scientific procedures like systematic methods, principles, theor y and practices, and the way of continuing development.

I N terms of quality education system, Pakistan is ranked 152nd among 190 countries, reflecting relatively low levels of educational attainment There is a dire need to build new schools and equip the existing ones with basic facilities In

Crime rate in Larkana

T H E surge in crimes in Larkana is alarming The local police force has failed to curb robberies and snatchings in the city The station house officers (SHOs) are reluctant to lodge FIRs against the culprits, and often ask for bribes to do their basic job The complainants, therefore, have to go to the courts to seek assistance Stern action should be taken against all those equally involved in these crimes so that the local residents may feel safe again They deserve peace IRSHAD AHMED MEMON LARKANA

The woes of Kharan

THE remote areas of Balochistan lack basic facilities Kharan for example does not even have a hospital Recently, I travelled to Karachi from Kharan for my kidney treatment My journey was extremely painful The bus was full of people, mostly patients, and there were several potholes on the way Unfortunately the patients of Kharan have to bear these problems and expenses due to inadequate healthcare services in their own province Even Quetta the provincial capital lacks good doctors and proper health facilities ABDUL QAYYUM KHARAN

Rains in Balochistan

TO R R E N T I A L rains in Balochistan have damaged the already crumbling infrastructure, creating large-scale trouble for the people The drainage system in Quetta, the provincial capital, simply collapsed and, as a result, people are

time

r a v e r s i n g t h e w r o n g t r a c k

WH I L E responding to questions concerning bringing back political stability and national reconciliation in a TV talk show recently PTI leader Shehryar Afridi repudiated the chances of any dialogue with political forces dubbing the ruling coalition a bunch of rejected people who reached Parliament via Form 47 with the support of the establishment He said that the PTI wanted to hold dialogue with the COAS and DG ISI for the betterment of Pakistan but it has not received any response so far I am afraid the PTI is still traversing the wrong path and probably has no understanding of the dynamics of politics and the way political stability can be ensured in the country In a democratic polity, political stability and reconciliation can only be ensured by the collective efforts and commitment of the political forces If the PTI wants to work for the betterment of Pakistan it will have to engage in dialogue with political parties in the ruling coalition to resolve the contentious issues and also to build consensus on the reforms required to improve governance and put the country back on track Politics must be done in conformity with the Constitution the laws of the land as well as internationally recognized norms of democracy The national interest cannot be promoted through a culture of violence, im-

pudence trolling of the state institutions rebellion against the state and hurling incessant and unfounded flak at the establishment and its leadership There is very strong circumstantial evidence available which suggests that the establishment continues to remain apolitical after its decision in February 2021 not to interfere in the political affairs of the country any more Former COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, in his farewell address, had made it abundantly clear Recently he has also strongly refuted PTI claims of any role in Imran Khan s exit from power Logic and ground realities also support the view that the establishment had no role in the outcome of the elections and it did not play favourites Had it been otherwise and the opposition parties had been given support by the establishment in the elections the results would surely have been different The fact that the election produced a split mandate adequately quashes the impression about involvement of the establishment

If the PTI still feels that its mandate has been stolen, there are institutions available to address its grievances Showing distrust in them and talking about launching an agitation against the alleged rigging is not the way forward It is a recipe for continued political instability in the country

It is also believed that the myth of alleged rigging has been adequately exploded by the results of the by-election on national and provincial seats in which the PTI has

been snubbed by the people The dilemma is that it has also branded them as rigged as usual Regrettably it has become the brand of PTI’s politics to dispute any election result that goes against its wishes Now coming to the contention of the party that it would only talk to the COAS and DG ISI is it not ironical that it wants to engage in dialogue with the same establishment against whom it has been levelling accusations of interference in political affairs? When it says it will hold talks only with the establishment it is actually inviting its intervention in political affairs of the country This is not only a self-contradictory but also an illogical stance

The statement by Shehryar Afridi that there has been no response to the party s overtures for dialogue with the establishment also provides a glaring proof of the fact that the Army simply is not interested in involvement in a political dialogue with any political entity which conforms to its well-considered stance to remain apolitical The current COAS also has never made any statement of a political nature When the Army leadership says it will provide full spectrum support to the government in dealing with the economic and other challenges confronting the country it represents an affirmation of its role stipulated in the Constitution The Army is part of the Executive as per the Constitution Now that after 70 years of interference it desires to remain apolitical, why is the PTI bent upon ensuring its reentry in politics? It needs to re-evaluate its narrative by deliberating on the consequences of the approach that it has adopted No person in his right mind can deny the fact that the country badly needs political stability to orchestrate a turnaround in the economy and in dealing with other debilitating challenges like terrorism Now that the economy has started showing positive signs of recovery, prospects for foreign investments have emerged and the international rating agencies have also come up with positive outlook regarding economic recovery thus the need for political stability has become even more imperative to keep the momentum going Any

political upheaval or disturbance can torpedo this process Therefore the PTI must do serious rethinking and refrain from anything that adds to instability in the country Recently reconciliation has become a buzz word in the context of political stability That surely is the need of the hour But before starting this process there has to be the expression of willingness on the part of all the stakeholders to sit-together Then the other most vital ingredient for reconciliation is that if any party has done anything against the interests of the state or against other parties it has to confess the wrong done by it and then express the commitment not to repeat that folly again

s i b l e fo r t h e M ay 9 a t t a ck s o n m i l i t a r y i n s t a l l a t i o n s a n d m o n u m e n t s o f m a r t y rs , a n d t h e P T I fo u n d i n g c h a i r m a n w a s t h e m a s t e r m i n d b e h i n d i t I t w a s a mu t i ny a g a i n s t t h e s t a t e . R e c o n c i l i a t i o n c a n b e c o n s i d e r e d a n d t h o s e i nvo l v e d i n t h e s e h e i n o u s c r i m e s i n cl u d i n g i t s m a s t e r m i n d b e p a rd o n e d w h e n t h ey p u b l i cly

c o n f e s s t h e i r c r i m e s , s e e k a p o l o g y f ro m t h e n a t i o n a n d p l e d g e n o t t o r e p e a t i t a g a i n

There is evidence available which proves beyond any iota of doubt that the PTI was responsible for the May 9 attacks on military installations and monuments of martyrs and the PTI founding chairman was the mastermind behind it It was a mutiny against the state Reconciliation can be considered and those involved in these heinous crimes including its mastermind be pardoned when they publicly confess their crimes, seek apology from the nation and pledge not to repeat it again

Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail com

I n d i a : B a n a n a r e p u b l i c i n t h e m a k i n g

T h e p l a n t o e x p a n d I n d i a’s b o rd e r s t o i n c l u d e m o d e r n - d a y A f g h a n i s t a n , B a n g l a d e s h , B h u t a n , I n d i a , M a l d i v e s , M y a n m a r, N e p a l , Pa k i s t a n , S r i L a n k a a n d T i b e t h a s l o n g b e e n n u r t u re d b y t h e R a s h t r i y a S w a y a m s e v a k S a n g h . I n f a c t , i t i s re p re s e n t e d i n a m a p u n v e i l e d a t N e w D e l h i ’s n e w Pa r l i a m e n t b u i l d i n g

judgement on neighbouring societies but remonstrate when others choose to comment on India

WH I L E the attitudes of their governments may wax and wane the people who live in the countries neighbouring India all want friendship with the subcontinental superpower In this, they see not only historical and cultural continuity but peace political stability and economic growth for all countries in the region Sadly the flourishing India so zealously projected by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not evident from the outside India was long the economic and political vanguard of the subcontinent, with its robust parliamentary system social-democratic policies of growth and equity independent media and critical academia professional bureaucracy and security forces and even-handed governance of a plural demography But the perspective and dispassion of cross-border distance show an India that has slipped on the path Modi’s brand of governance over the past decade has led to impoverishment and social polarisation Even though Hindutva diverts attention Indians are materially poorer The teflon prime minister has been able to deflect accountability for his imperious governance: demonetisation did not take black money off the market but ended up hurting small-holders in all sectors; the Covid-19 lockdown activated on four-hour notice forced millions of wage-earners to walk empty highways back to their homes in the poorest regions; activists and Opposition leaders are jailed and harassed even as a compliant media plays cheerleader India’s wide geography and demographic diversity cannot be governed by a centralised autocracy but Modi is bent on undercutting the state governments Runaway centralisation ensures that the country s 1 4 billion people are deprived of representation and agency The end result of this stifling will be horrendous; the size and dispersal of the population the regime s willingness to deploy coercive means and the use of religion-laced ultra-nationalism will ensure that a people s movement of dissent will take time to coalesce India inherited the mantle of historical Hindustan including all of the British India units and some more In one stroke in 1947 the ownership of the historical narrative was wrested by the nation-state of India including everything from yoga to subcontinental cuisine, India studies and pre-Partition icons from Rabindranath Tagore to Mohandas Gandhi Indian exceptionalism includes the propensity to regard pre-1947 subcontinental history as India s alone In the same vein Indian commentators may pass all manner of

Even so given modern-day India’s democratic character the rest of South Asia has been open-minded over the decades The Modi regime is going a step beyond exceptionalism: its obvious goal is to restructure India into a Hindu majoritarian state Additionally, there is an intense desire to include all of South Asia in “Akhand Bharat” a greater unified India The plan to expand India s borders to include modern-day Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Tibet has long been nurtured by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh In fact it is represented in a map unveiled at New Delhi’s new Parliament building Amidst the malaise and meanderings elsewhere, India was a stable, democratic exemplar, the asymmetrically large country at the geographical centre, from sea to sea, mountain to peninsula Today, next-door populations that suffered faith-based fanaticism cynical populism military dictatorships royal autocracies and papier mache democracy watch with consternation as India takes the wrong turn

The military-mullah nexus in Pakistan

brittle one-party state Nepalis continue to suffer from Kathmandu-centricism despite the new Constitution s promise to correct age-old marginalisations Bhutan emptied a seventh of its (Nepali-speaking) population through majoritarian cleansing while

continues to swing to the extremes The Taliban dictatorship of Afghanistan subjugates a proud populace, while Sri Lanka Sinhala dominance continues with few lessons learnt from nearly three decades of internal conflict Everyone else has had extended trysts with autocracy and India has now more or less arrived at the same place It may be hard to notice amidst the fog of the propaganda by the Bharatiya Janata Party s social media cell, but the poisoned nectar of Hindutva injected into the bloodstream of India has already put a brake on social development and economic growth India-watchers worry about the scale of devastation that will visit the Indian populace if this Rashtriya Swayansevak Sangh-BJP brinkmanship continues, a societal shattering that will exact immense human cost not only of the minority Muslim Dalit Adivasi and tribal communities but also to the Hindu poor The IndusGanga region experienced the bloodletting of Partition and the spectre of pogroms looms once again as Modi himself ridicules and baits the Muslim minority New Delhi once the exporter of best practices is now importing the worst to target opponents in the political parties and civil society bringing to mind Islamabad s National Accountability Bureau and Dhaka s deployment of police and military intelligence

– are today at the service of Modi The State Bank of India facilitated coverups of the electoral bonds’ fraud the Supreme Court is weakened by a thousand cuts while the Election Commission cowers as we speak

Even as the Gujarati crony capitalists with proximity to the one-time chief minister and prime minister rake it in, they run roughshod over environmental considerations and buy up the media India’s print and television is by now an embarrassment for South Asians everywhere with editors publishers anchors and proprietors exhibiting fear and appeasement in equal measure

Despite royal regimes, military dictatorships and fundamentalist hijacks, the spirit of the people from Pakistan to Bangladesh Sri Lanka and Nepal has been resolutely democratic never letting go of pluralist aspirations For decades they derived energy from India s tolerant democracy But that India has gone comatose, as is evident from New Delhi intellectuals talking in whispers when pointing to Modi’s ways Criticising or ridiculing Modi is now akin to being seditious

The anti-minority plank of the Modi regime emboldens majoritarian intolerance in neighbouring countries Nepal s ruling establishment is opening doors to Hindutva to keep Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath happy, while Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is energised in her suppression of dissent Radical clergy in Pakistan and Sri Lanka one Muslim and the other Buddhist take heart from Hindutva because it justifies their excesses of decades The attempt to make Uttarakhand a Hindu-exclusive “Dev Bhumi”, or Land of God, is a call for copycat activities eastward in Nepal The bias against the Islamic faith is reflected most brazenly in India s Citizenship Amendment Act which extends citizenship to Hindus Sikhs Buddhists Jains Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan – excluding only Muslims New Delhi commentators have not delved enough into Hindutva’s meaningful embrace of the Israeli Prime Minister the genocidal Benjamin Netanyahu

All neighbourly sensitivities are sacrificed on the altar of the vote bank as far as the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh are concerned, no matter that it will ultimately rebound against India’s own economy and society Examples include the cynical use of the Balakot airstrikes just before the 2019 general elections Home Minister Amit Shah terming Bangladeshi Muslims termites and the half-year economic blockade slapped on Nepal in 2015 simply because Modi did not appreciate the country’s new Constitution Modi is not beneath raking up settled boundary matters to support the BJP s electoral calculations To woo Tamil voters before the polls starting in April, he questioned the 1974 border agreement with Sri Lanka on the island of Katchatheevu This lackadaisical attitude raises questions about the sanctity of all agreements entered into by India including the much-applauded enclave swaps with Bangladesh New Delhi refuses to sit with Kathmandu on Nepal s claims to the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulek triangle, while Modi signals his indifference by posing for dhyan under the Adi Kailash massif in the disputed area Modi s foreign policy is largely made up

of kowtowing to the globally powerful while flexing muscle within South Asia While making tall claims before Indian voters Modi presents himself meekly before the West and China He unhesitatingly uses Indian assets against friendly neighbours Bangladesh and Nepal – from nominally undercover agencies to financial inducements up and down the political and bureaucratic hierarchy New Delhi uses a big stick against small neighbours but it has not escaped the notice of Thimphu Kathmandu and Male that Modi gives Xi Jinping a wide berth Despite his bombast India s prime minister prefers not to respond to Beijing s aggressive presence across the long Himalayan frontier, starting with Ladakh While China has moved into 2 000 sq km claimed by New Delhi Modi baldly told an all-party meeting that no one had entered Indian territory and not an inch of land had been lost Home Minister Shah echoes his prime minister

The surrounding peoples, if not their governments, would wish for India to remain strong and stable and able to stand up to China not least because a weakened New Delhi will take populist positions against smaller neighbours But smoke and mirrors cannot hide the asymmetry that has developed vis-a-vis Beijing in artillery, aircraft, drones, tanks, destroyer ships, submarines, missiles, military airfields, electronic warfare and so on Horrified by Beijing’s economic and strategic rise led by Washington DC the West has been pampering New Delhi as a counterweight, quite forgetting that the true challenge to China will come from a democratic, plural, prosperous India – and a friend rather than a bully to the next-door countries

The West is yet to understand that India cannot be seen or understood in isolation from the surrounding South Asia where India may be large but this is a region that houses a fourth of the world s people The much-vaunted Indian Foreign Service, once manned by confident ambassadors is now mainly a platform for promoting the cult of Modi With yoga used to project India s soft power the non-practicing ambassador or high commissioner who lets his feelings be known will surely see career challenges

The confidence and chutzpah of Indian diplomats is now a thing of memory, with today’s plenipotentiaries either sold out or resigned to their fate The diplomatic spirit has been further diminished as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as a non-state actor is brought on board as part of the government of India s international outreach, even dictating the activities of embassies New Delhi media and commentators have made it an industry red-flagging Chinese incursions into the various countries of South Asia ever-ready to spread panic about string-of-pearls encirclement, and essentially demanding that neighbouring capitals curtsy before Delhi Durbar Officialdom is not much better: India’s declared policy is not to import Nepali hydropower that carries even a whiff of China investment or even construction contracts through international bidding

But India s own economic relationship with China is unbounded, as its secondbiggest trade partner after the US, and supplying Indian industry with everything from car and bus batteries to solar energy components and pharmaceutical raw material New Delhi

does not want Colombo, Kathmandu or Dhaka to deal with Beijing on their own terms, while it is itself in deep economic embrace New Delhi journalists and analysts have always read from Ministry of External Affairs handouts when it comes to regional relations, but in the Modi era they are more like MEA spokespersons The worst exporters of the “Ugly Indian” imagery are New Delhi’s satellite TV anchors and commentators whose crass declarations generate gasps of disbelief in next-door capitals such as when they gleefully propagated the falsehood of a honey trap laid by a female Chinese ambassador to waylay KP Oli as Nepal s prime minister

The political weaponisation of the Hindu faith promoting a monotheistic Ram variant as if that was all that sanatana dharma is and was is the dangerous path that Modi has artfully promoted mainly for consumption in the Hindi heartland

The exclusionary politics of Hindutva takes its cue from nearby Islamic fundamentalists, repurposing faith to win elections, building conspiracy theories and creating usversus-them schisms between the secure majority and fearful minorities

Sinhala supremacists do so in Colombo Bangladesh s political parties all front their Islamist tilt, but it is Pakistan s turn to Islamic state under Zia-ul Haq that seems to serve as template for the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh

The Hindu faith (or Hindupan) in its multiplicity of forms is supposed to be empathetic and inclusive, but non-spiritual, political Hindutva carries the same lethal didacticism as radical Islam

While successive regimes in Pakistan and Bangladesh have relegated their Hindu populations into microscopic minorities the Muslim population in India is huge – it will not go away Additionally there is the disquiet among Dalits, Adivasis and tribals with the rise of exclusionary, misogynist, monotheistic Hindutva, with the newly propagated imagery of scowling (kruddha) Ram and Hanuman as flag-bearers Nepal though pressured and pummeled by Hindutva forces from across the open border of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand, retains much of the inclusive Hindu faith that used to mark northern India until the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the Great Unravelling The triangular saffron flags sent across in consignments by the BJP-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh flutter over Tarai-Madhes rooftops there the congenial invocation of Jai Siyaram (SitaRam) is still heard Nepal, secular under the 2015 Constitution (which is what so riled Modi) retains Hindu belief systems that extend from shamanistic masto to esoteric tantra besides the syncretic Hindu-Buddhist culture of the Valley In mainstream Nepali society and on mass media, poets and stand-up comics can still make fun of the gods and their consorts, whether Ram Krishna Shiva Kali or Hanuman – who would doubtless approve For those in surrounding societies it is disturbing to watch the brinkmanship of Modi geared toward his own longevity in office and setting the BJP-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh presence in concrete

HOST SAUDI ARABIA WARNS OF ECONOMIC FALLOUT FROM GA Z A WAR AT WEF

RIYADH

A G E N C I E S

SA U D I Arabia on Sunday called for regional stability warning of the effects of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war on global economic sentiment at the start of a summit attended by a host of Gaza mediators US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Palestinian leaders and highranking officials from other countries trying to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are on the guest list for the summit in Riyadh, capital of the world’s biggest crude oil exporter The Gaza war along with conflicts in Ukraine and elsewhere put a lot of pressure on the economic mood Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said at one of the first panel discussions of the two-day World Economic Forum (WEF) special meeting “I think cool-headed countries and leaders and people need to prevail Jadaan said The region needs stability

The war in Gaza, which has sent regional tensions soaring, began with an unprecedented attack on southern Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7 The attack resulted in the deaths of about 1 170 people mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures Israel estimates that 129 hostages seized by militants on October 7 are still being held in Gaza including 34 the military says are dead Israel s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,454 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the region’s health ministry -WEF report explores how AI can revolutionize education –Meanwhile a new World Economic Forum report explores how artificial intelligence could revolutionize education systems and improve the experiences of educators and students alike The new research outlines AI’s wideranging potential – from personalizing learning experiences to streamlining ad-

‘IIOJK witnessing upsurge in arrest , CASOs & harassment’

SRINAGAR

A G E N C I E S

Political experts and analysts have said that Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an upsurge in cordon and search operations (CASOs) harassment and arrest of youth According to Kashmir Media Service the political experts and analysts including Dr Zubair Ahmed Muhammad Furhan, Muhammad Iqbal Shaheen, and Syed Haider Hussain, their interviews and statements in Srinagar deplored the arrest of innocent youth during continued house raids and cordon and search operations under draconian laws in the occupied territory They lamented that Hurriyat leaders media men rights activists and even ordinary people were being implicated in fake cases The political experts and analysts pointed out that the arbitrary arrests were aimed at terrorizing the peace and freedom-loving people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir They said arrests and raids are manifest of the Bharatiya Janata Party to subdue the people of the territory Kashmir They said that targeting the IIOJK journalists youth and Hurriyat and human rights activists was part of iron-fist policy of Hindutva BJP-RSS India is using black laws, including Public Safety Act (PSA) Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), to detain and victimize the innocent people of Jammu and Kashmir they deplored They deplored that the BJP-led Indian government and its puppets in IIOJK were hell bent upon destroying all peaceful means of resolving the Kashmir dispute They said that India must be punished for perpetrating flagrant violations of international laws in IIOJK

The political experts and analysts called for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35-A in their original form and an end to the atrocities and immediate solution to the Kashmir dispute in line with the United Nations resolutions

Body of missing youth recovered in Poonch

A body of a 28-years-old missing youth was recovered from Dunugam area of Mandi tehsil in Poonch district of occupied Jammu and Kashmir

ministrative tasks, integrating AI into educational curricula and more – and finds that a responsible application of emerging technologies could herald a new era in education worldwide The new report, Shaping the Future of Learning: The Role of AI in Education 4 0, indicates how emerging technology can help educational systems meet the increased demands for digital literacy and personalized learning environments Through a series of case studies it shows how innovative AI applications are already transforming education by improving learning outcomes, empowering educators and equipping students with the skills of the future AI is rapidly reshaping the global education landscape said Saadia Zahidi Managing Director World Economic Forum If deployed safely and strategically, AI can help adapt learning to the needs of each student, enabling an innovative scalable personalized learning experience that is vital for both student engagement and the effectiveness of educators

Police arrest scores of pro -Palestinian protesters on US university c ampuses

WASHINGTON A G E N C I E S Pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on a handful of US university campuses on Saturday, as activists vowed to keep up the movement seeking a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas among other demands The Indiana University police department in Bloomington said in an emailed statement that 23 protesters were arrested there Indiana State Police along with Indiana University police told demonstrators they could not pitch tents and camp on campus When the tents were not removed police arrested and transported protesters to the Monroe County Justice Center on charges of criminal trespass and resisting arrest The Indiana University Police Department continues to support peaceful protests

on campus that follow university

policy ” the police statement read

Pro-Palestinian protests have spread to college campuses across the US stoked by the mass arrest of over 100 people on Columbia University s campus last week In addition to a ceasefire, protesters are demanding that their schools divest from companies involved with Israel s military and seeking an end to US military assistance for Israel along with amnesty for students and faculty members who have been disciplined or fired for protesting School leaders at several universities have responded in the past week by asking police to clear out camps and arrest those who refuse to leave While saying they defend free speech rights to protest, the leaders say they will not abide activists infringing on campus poli-

cies against hate speech or camping out on university grounds Massachusetts State Police said in statement that they helped clear out a protest encampment at Northeastern University in Boston and that 102 protesters who refused to leave were arrested and will be charged with trespassing Northeastern University said in a statement on social media that it decided to call in police as what began as a student demonstration two days ago was infiltrated by professional organizers with no affiliation to Northeastern ” At Arizona State University campus police arrested 69 protesters early Saturday the school said in a statement The university said a group of people – most of whom were not ASU students, faculty or staff – created an encampment and demonstration”

Bangladesh reels under longest heat wave in 76 years

DHAKA A G E N C I E S Bangladesh experienced its longest heat wave in recorded history this April with forecasts showing no

“According to the data available since 1948 this month (April) has already seen records of heat wave days in a single year, he added This year, for the first time, nearly 75% of the country has experienced continuous heat waves

The closest example of such extreme heat was recorded in 2014 when the country saw 25 days of heat wave Rashid added

The Met Office weather forecast said Saturday that a very severe heat wave was sweeping over

mid-west west and central Bangladesh while the rest of the country was seeing severe to mild heat waves Climate change is among the major causes of the extreme weather,” said Rashid, adding that the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka has become a tough place to live in during summer due to declining greenery and water bodies

Meanwhile, a season-high temperature of 42 7C (108 9F) was recorded in Chuadanga on Friday

Elon Musk visits China as Tesla seeks self-driving technology rollout

SHANGHAI/ BEIJING A G E N C I E S Tesla (TSLA O) CEO Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Sunday on an unannounced visit where he is expected to meet senior officials to discuss the rollout of Full Self-Driving software and permission to transfer data overseas, according to a person with knowledge of the matter Chinese state media reported that he met Premier Li Qiang in Beijing during which Li told Musk that Tesla s development in China could be regarded as a successful example of US-China economic and trade cooperation The US electric vehicle maker rolled out Full SelfDriving, or FSD, the most autonomous version of its Autopilot software, four years ago but has yet to make it available in China its second-largest market globally despite customers urging it to do so Musk said this month Tesla may make FSD available to customers in China very soon in response to a query on social media platform X Rival Chinese automakers such as Xpeng (9868 HK) have been seeking to gain an advantage over Tesla by rolling out similar software Musk is looking to obtain approval to transfer data collected in the country abroad to train algorithms for its autonomous driving technologies the person said Tesla has since 2021 stored all data collected by its Chinese fleet in Shanghai as required by Chinese regulators and has not transferred any back to the United States Musk’s visit to China, first reported by Reuters was not flagged publicly and the person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak with media Tesla did not respond immediately to a request for comment Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, in its report about Musk s meeting with Li, did not say whether the two had discussed FSD, or data

Earlier in the day a separate report carried by state radio said Li had visited the ongoing Beijing auto show and had commented about how China s smart new energy vehicle (NEV) sector had gained a leading position in the market and that the country had to work hard and maintain its advantages

Musk also met with Ren Hongbin, a government official who heads the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade the organiser of the Beijing auto show state media reported

It is good to see electric vehicles making progress in China All cars will be electric in the future Musk said in a video posted on social media by a user affiliated with state media Musk’s trip came just over a week after he scrapped a planned visit to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi citing “very heavy Tesla obligations ” The company said this month it would lay off 10% of its global workforce as it grapples with falling sales and an intensifying price war for EVs led by Chinese brands

US auto safety regulators said on Friday they had opened an investigation into whether Tesla’s recall of more than 2 million vehicles in the US announced in December to install new Autopilot safeguards was adequate following a series of crashes

Por tugal’s government rejec ts paying reparations for colonial, slaver y legac y

called relations with former colonies “truly excellent” and cited cooperation in areas such as education language culture and health in addition to financial budgetary and economic cooperation On Tuesday the president suggested a need for reparations sparking strong criticism from right-wing parties, including the junior partner of the Democratic Alliance govern-

ment coalition, CDS-Popular Party, and the far-right Chega “We cannot put this under the carpet or in a drawer We have an obligation to pilot to lead this process (of reparations) the president told reporters on Saturday Portugal s colonial era lasted more than five centuries, with Angola, Mozambique, Brazil, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, East Timor and some territories in Asia subject to Portuguese rule Decolonisation of the African countries and the end of empire in Africa only happened months after Portugal s Carnation Revolution on April 25 1974 toppled the longest fascist dictatorship in Europe and ushered in democracy

Biden takes Trump to task at White House correspondents’ dinner as Gaza protesters rally outside

PIAF emphasizes joint effor ts to tackle Pakistan’s fiscal challenges

LAHORE

The Pakistan Industrial Associations Front (PIAF) has asked the government to give priority to the economic recovery, emphasizing the necessity of joint efforts to tackle Pakistan’s economic difficulties

PIAF Chairman Faheemur Rehman Saigol observed that country s GDP growth rate has always remained below its potential despite efforts to boost economic growth, as the development of important sectors and investment prospects was hampered by inadequate revenue collection, structural problems, and governance issues Since it has been causing serious governance and economic issues for years the cost of goods food petrol and other necessities has increased and inflation has almost reached 45 percent, which is not bearable for the common man On the other hand, there has been an increase in dissatisfaction among the public that no state institution is performing well and to save them from the haughtiness and bad administration pervasive in the system The only way for this to go from a failure to a success story as in other countries is if the federal and provincial governments defy them and pursue fundamental changes in governance, fairness, openness, accountability, and the consistent economic policies minimum for 15 years

Faheem Saigol expressed confidence in the country’s ability to overcome these challenges and highlighted the new government should fulfill the commitment to eradicating poverty and unemployment He said that the government should remain steadfast in its commitment to guide Pakistan through its current economic and political challenges, with a focus on unity effective governance and public welfare The PIAF Chairman said that the country has had trouble raising enough money to cover its expenses Due to the low tax-to-GDP ratio borrowing and outside help are heavily relied upon to close the fiscal imbalance In Pakistan, there is a recurring budget deficit because the government spends more than it takes in The national debt burden has risen as a result needing substantial financial resources for debt repayment Both internal and external debt in Pakistan has been constantly rising

Economic reforms useless without political reforms: President PEW

LAHORE

S TA F F R E P O R T President Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW), Dr Murtaza Mughal has said that economic reforms are useless without practical political reforms In a statement issued here on Sunday he said that economic reforms will only achieve goals when political reforms were introduced otherwise it would be nothing than wasting time and resources Murtaza Mughal said that economic reforms were being carried out under the pressure of the IMF, but the elite were spared and all burden was being placed on the poor More attention should be paid to political reforms otherwise process of economic reforms will remain incomplete and ineffective he added The business leader said that a person who used to work at a roadside tea stall has become prime minister of India and has been changing the destiny of his country The son of an African migrant has served as president of the US and the son of an Indian migrant was presently the prime minister of the UK he added However politics has transformed into a money game in Pakistan Our politicians were often considered disgustingly rich, self-serving, and uncaring of the people they govern Our politicians were known for scheming and cutting ruthless deals to secure a big stack of cash Poor and mediocre were getting top slots in other countries but in Pakistan such people cannot reach the district council because here politics has been turned into a game of wealth and greed Murtaza Mughal said that certain families dominate all major political parties and that intra-party elections were a joke and deception

SEEKING ANOTHER IMF BAILOUT REFLECTS ‘GOVT FAILURE’: ABBASI

g A SSERTS NO INVESTMENT WILL FLOW INTO COUNTRY UNTIL JUSTICE SYSTEM RECTIFIED

LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T

FO R M E R prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Sunday stated that all economic indicators were negative and the decision to seek another bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was the clear admission of failure by the government Economic growth stalls and inflation rises due to such agreements with the IMF, as the Fund keeps you alive, but your economic condition deteriorates on every parameter Shahid Khaqan Abbasi remarked while addressing the Asma Jahangir Conference in Lahore on Sunday Mr Abbasi emphasised that people often inquire about relief in the annual budget, but governments resort to borrowing for everything He asserted that no investment will flow into the country until the justice system is rectified

Indirectly criticising recent government initiatives, he highlighted that governments often distribute flour as a solution to poverty, yet 40% of it gets misappropriated in the process

“Your industry cannot thrive if political issues remain unresolved as everything is interconnected Do not harbour the illusion that things will improve spontaneously, he cautioned Abbasi pointed out that IMF agreements impede growth and exacerbate inflation Likening IMF bailout programmes to treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) he expressed concern over the country s repeated recourse to such measures This prolonged stay in the ICU won t cure the disease Show me one dollar of aid that has been utilised to generate revenue,” he challenged Identifying internal debt as the nation’s foremost challenge Abbasi lamented the government s inability to address its own problems In his address, BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal remarked that neither martial law nor democracy prevails in the country “It is a dictatorship veiled in the green flag ” he asserted He noted that all political parties in Pakistan now espouse nationalist agendas with the PML-N championing Punjabi nationalism and the PPP representing Sindh Referring to PTI s Ali Amin Gandapur ’s recent statements, he suggested that even the PTI has veered towards KhyberPakhtunkhwa nationalism Commenting on PTI founder Imran

Pak , China Edu Institutions to enhance collaboration on professional skills promotion

BEIJING

A G E N C I E S

Speakers at a Professionals and Students Forum underlined the need for devising various strategies and best practices to promote mutual understanding between these two vital sectors The Forum was titled: Building Bridges between Academia and Industry, the China Economic Net reported The forum provided a platform for key stakeholders from academia and industry to engage in constructive dialogue and identify strategies to better align educational curricula with the needs of enterprises Pakistan s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi addressed the Forum, stating, as Pakistan continues to strengthen its economic ties with China through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Cor-

ridor (CPEC) it is essential to en-

sure that the country s workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this evolving landscape Afifa Shajia Awais Education Attaché at Pakistan s Embassy in Beijing said that one of the key focal points of the forum was the role of academia in equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic job market The event brought together diverse participants including students researchers educators industry professionals and policymakers, all united by a common goal of fostering stronger ties between academia and industry

Through panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions attendees explored various strategies and best practices for enhancing collaboration and promoting

mutual understanding between these two vital sectors Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing told the audience that by integrating industry perspectives into academic programs and fostering closer ties with companies educational institutions can ensure graduates are equipped with the practical skills and insights needed to excel in their careers Prominent speakers highlighted the importance of fostering closer collaboration between universities and businesses emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application Discussions centred around internship programs, industry-sponsored research and the development of specialized training modules to enhance the employability of Pakistan s graduates

I G P I s l a m a b a d d i r e c t s t r a f f i c p o l i c e

ISLAMABAD

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi met with the officers of Islamabad Traffic Police performing their duties in fields, and directed to enhance traffic management and enforcement of traffic laws a public relations officer

said that on this occasion

Khan s reported willingness to hold negotiations with the military establishment, Mengal predicted relief for the PTI in the days ahead

“If the events of May 12 can be ignored then the events of May 9 can also be ignored he added On May 12 2007 dozens of people were killed in Karachi allegedly by the MQM on the implicit desire of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf during a visit of a sacked chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry

On May 9 2023 violent protestors allegedly belonging to the PTI attacked state and army properties acts of vandalism that were followed by a massive crackdown against the party Mengal, who belongs to Balochistan, said the people of the province are not even allowed to hold peaceful protests in Islamabad against the enforced disappearance of their family members When the prime minister talks about the missing persons, he refers to the [role of] powerful people I am disappointed with Pakistan’s parliament, judiciary and political parties

“The state is completed with parliament judiciary and constitutional institutions Until the political people of Balochistan are not considered humans the matter will not move forward, he added

KP allocates Rs29b for procurement of 300,000 metric tons of wheat

PESHAWAR

Taking advantage of bumper wheat crop in Punjab, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has initiated the approval process for the purchase of wheat from Punjab Starting from May 1 the KP government will purchase 300 000 metric tons of wheat for which the provincial government has released Rs29 billion Capitalizing on the bumper wheat crop in Punjab this year, a decision has been made to purchase 300,000 metric tons of wheat from Punjab In this regard the provincial government has also released funds to the Food Department to start wheat procurement from May 1 According to the Food Department KP the price of wheat has been fixed at Rs3,900 per 40 kilograms The provincial government has released Rs29 billion to the Food Department for the purchase of wheat If necessary, the provincial government can purchase an additional 300 000 metric tons of wheat later The purchase of wheat locally will save the provincial government 9 billion rupees The price of wheat per mand in the province has been fixed at 3,900 rupees and 5,300 rupees from Pasco According to Food Department sources, the said wheat stock will be stored and supplied to the market in November to control the possible wheat crisis

smooth traffic flow while providing citizens with all possible travel facilities

He further said that while maintaining civility and good conduct, every possible assistance should be provided to citizens on the roads and all traffic officers must obtain permission from their respective DSPs before impounding any motorcycle or vehicle in a police station Citizens should be educated about traffic laws and road safety, speeding up the process of issuing

o f f i c e r s t o e n h a n c e p e r f o r m a n c e LAHORE

minimal tickets to drivers and assisting them with awareness so that citizens can be informed about traffic laws and road safety and the city can be kept safe from accidents, he added He further said that our goal is not to issue tickets but to protect the lives and property of citizens and ensure smooth traffic flow Every possible step should be taken to ensure strict enforcement of the law and ensure uninterrupted traffic flow to gain the trust and cooperation of the citizens, he maintained

Rs86b recovered from power thieves, defaulters in crackdown so far: Power Division

T The government has recovered Rs86 billion during the countrywide campaign against power theft, according to

IGATEX PAKISTAN to open its doors in Lahore on May Day

Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt ) Ltd will be organizing IGATEX PAKISTAN, International Garment, Textile, Digital Printing Machinery & Accessories Exhibition and Conference

textile, digital printing

and technology With a focus on introducing the latest expertise and innovations, the tradeshow is poised to unlock new business opportunities enhance export value and stimulate economic prosperity within the country Alongside the exhibition IGATEX PAKISTAN Conference will take place on 2nd May 2024 at Expo

Lahore The conference will provide a platform for industry stakeholders and thought leaders to exchange insights and explore innovative solutions, sustainability and technological advancement in the textile and garment sector Saleem Khan Tanoli CEO of Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt ) Ltd said IGATEX PAKISTAN is not just an exhibition it s a testament to our commitment towards fostering innovation and driving economic growth within Pakistan's textile industry The event will provide an opportunity for knowledge exchange and forge meaningful business connections

PAKISTAN will once again bring together industry leaders innovators and stakeholders to unlock unlimited opportunities for growth and collaboration

K a r a c h i: Mr Dinshaw B Avari, Chairman Avari Group of Hotels warmly wellcoming Mr Kamran Khan Tessori Governor of Sindh upon his arrival at Beach Luxury Hotel PR

‘REAL DEMOCRACY’ ONLY WAY TO DO AWAY WITH ‘IMPOSED SYSTEM’ IN COUNTRY: FA ZL

PESHAWAR S TA F F R E P O R T

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday declared that the country was being run through by “fake assemblies” and its solution lied only in the restoration of real democracy saying HUI-F would save the country by launching a freedom movement to abolish the imposed system

“JUI-F’s future action plan would be announced in Peshawar on May 9” the JUI-F chief said while addressing via a video link an organisational meeting of his party held at Mufti Mehmood Centre in Peshawar

The JUI-F chief maintained that his party had always played a leading role against election rigging He added that his father and former party chief Mufti Mehmood had led the movement against polls rigging in 1977 the worst manipulation of elections took place in 2018 and the same drama was

repeated now in 2024 Why are those who raised their voice against rigging in the past silent on the manipulation of the elections now? he asked, apparently referring to his party’s former ally, the PML-N The JUIF chief claimed that those who fought for

Torrential rains claim 21 lives in Balochistan, five in KP: PDMA

QUETTA/PESHAWAR S TA F F R E P O R T

As many as 21 persons lost lives and 25 injured in various rain-related incidents in Balochistan while five people died and eight were injured in separate related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Balochistan Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) released its report on human sufferings and infrastructure damage in recent month due to torrential rains and floods across the province

As per PDMA report 21 lives lost and 25 individuals injured in rain-related incidents in the current month across the province In the province, 251 houses completely razed, while 1910 others suffer partial damage due to relentless rain and ensuing floods Moreover the flood has taken its toll on infrastructure with four bridges and 14 roads have been rendered impassable

The deceased included eight men, seven women, and six children along with 127 animals perished across three spells of rains in the province Compounding the agricultural woes as 62 acres of crops lie damaged in the wake of the rains and floods in Balochistan KP torrential rains leave five dead

The KP PDMA issued a report on the loss of lives and property due to rains in the province during the last two days, in which five people died and eight were injured According to the report, three men and two women died, while five children, two men and one woman were injured

A total of 14 houses were damaged of which one was completely damaged and 13 were partially damaged Due to heavy rains life and financial accidents took place in different districts of Bajaur Batagram Mansehra, Buner, Dir Upper, and Lower All highways and link roads in the province have been opened for all types of traffic Relief activities are ongoing in the rain-affected districts by PDMA and all related agencies

Earlier today the Met Office predicted more rainfall in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the next 24 hours, with a possibility of heavy showers in some areas According to the Met Office, Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, and Swabi are expected to receive rainfall, while Abbotabad, Kohistan Haripur and other cities may also experience light to moderate rain There is also a possibility of hailstorms in some areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the Met Office warned The department has also alerted relevant authorities about the possibility of landsliding and flooding in nullahs (streams) due to heavy rainfall PDMA’s Emergency Operation Center is fully functional so people should report any untoward incident to 1700 CM KP announces financial assistance for affectees Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed heartfelt grief and sorrow over the death of five people in a rain-related incident here on Sunday In a message the CM expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families He also expressed best wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accidents The KP CM also announced financial assistance for the affected families and directed the authorities concerned to take necessary measures in this regard Timely relief should be ensured to the affected families Gandapur directed

power gained it by poll rigging He continued that his party would never accept slavery in a veiled reference to the powerful circles Fazl warned that those who had kept the JUI-F away from parliament should listen that the party would raise its voice

against their oppression in the grounds He noted that for the last 76 years, the country had been irreparably damaged politically, economically and democratically The JUF-F chief continued that they had stepped out to save the country and launch a freedom movement to restore true democracy by abolishing the imposed system

He said after Quetta and Karachi, a public gathering would be staged in Peshawar on May 9 where the nation would be informed about the conspiracies against the country He continued that some forces not only trampled the people s right to vote but held it hostage

Fazl said as long as the political parties were not on the same page, the JUIF would run the freedom movement from its own platform Fazl pointed out that today Israel and its followers had stepped up their atrocities against the oppressed Muslims of Gaza

Undoc umented economy biggest challenge for Pakistan: Aurangzeb

RIYADH

S TA F F R E P O R T

Pakistan s Finance Minister

Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that the undocumented economy has been the biggest challenge for the country

Speaking at the World Economic Forum special meeting at Riyadh on Sunday finance minister said that around 10 trillion tax circulating in the market We are considering over moving to digital currency,” Aurangzeb further said

“We have 9 4 trillion annual revenues and half of our economy has been undocumented Finance Minister pointed out

He said that the government providing cash assistance to entitled women as income support Beneficiary women want to get the cash by digital vault, he added Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the urgent need for implementing a framework for a green tax economy

He recognized the importance of fundamental changes in business models, and highlighted the necessity of rolling out this framework to secure international financing

Even international institutions like the World Bank (WB) are exploring innovative financing structures he added The minister stressed the need for combination

of domestic efforts and international financing to meet the country s financial requirements

IMF Managing Director

Kristalina Georgieva speaking at the World Economic Forum special meeting said some countries including Pakistan facing economic hardships The IMF chief said some countries are doing well but others are falling behind, without providing further clarification IMF chief said that Covid-19 pandemic hit hard to the economies of low-income countries “The global economic suffered 3 3 trillion dollars loss during the pandemic Kristalina Georgieva said

BL A’s ‘most wanted’ terrorist arrested from Karachi ’s Lyari

KARACHI

S TA F F R E P O R T

Karachi

s Lyari area witnessed the arrest of a high-profile terrorist affiliated with the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) announced Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) South Asad Raza on Sunday Identified as Mairaj alias Mama, the arrested militant played a crucial role in providing intelligence to BLA commander Jalal

Notably in 2017 Mairaj conducted surveillance on an army convoy traveling from Turbat to Gwadar in Balochistan, facilitating a deadly attack that resulted in the martyrdom of Pakistan Army personnel

According to DIG South Raza the terrorist was also involved in espionage activities targeting a military encampment situated within a school premises in Balochistan s Naseerabad, leading to fatal assaults on soldiers

Furthermore, Mairaj assisted

in the assassination of four individuals who happened to be relatives of an intelligence agency officer by gathering intelligence on them, the DIG revealed Additionally, the arrested militant played a role in orchestrating an attack on the Gwadar Port during the holy month of Ramadan claiming the lives of several soldiers

In another incident Mairaj was implicated in an assault on army personnel in Nushki, resulting in the tragic loss of many lives

PTI ready for talks with establishment only on its constitutional role

ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson Rauf Hasan reaffirmed the party s commitment to engaging with the establishment within constitutional boundaries During a talk show with local TV channel, Hasan clarified Shehryar Afridi’s statement on army negotiations asserting it does not reflect party policy

Highlighting PTI s stance Hasan emphasized the importance of institutional adherence to constitutional roles, stating that talks with the establishment aim to ensure compliance with these mandates

Moreover, Hasan underscored PTI’s willingness to engage with political parties evident in the formation of a six-party opposition alliance However PTI chief Imran Khan has directed against negotiations with PPP, PML-N, and MQM, alleging mandate infringement Sources within PTI revealed Imran Khan’s authorization for negotiations with the establishment and political factions subject to adherence to constitutional principles

PTI leader Shibli Faraz confirmed Khan s approval for talks Ahead of negotiations, Terms of Reference (TORs) will be established in accordance with Khan’s directives facilitating discussions

with various stakeholders Speaking to journalists, Faraz stressed the necessity of defining negotiation parameters amidst prevailing political turbulence He advocated for stakeholder involvement in determining negotiation modalities and environments Faraz acknowledged both PTI and the establishment as political realities noting the government’s formation under Article 47 necessitates clarity on its authority

The invitation extended by PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui for talks during a Senate session underscores growing political dialogue amid evolving circumstances

St u d y u rg e s fo r d o m e s t i c c a rb o n t a x p o l i c y to

PM, IDB President agree to expedite work on different projects

RIAYDH

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser on Sunday agreed to early completion of different IDB-funded development projects in Pakistan

The prime minister thanked the IDB president for its $1 billion worth investment in different uplift projects in Pakistan during his previous tenure in office

The president of IDB called on the prime minister on the sidelines of the special meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF) PM Office Media Wing said in a press release

The meeting was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance and Revenues Muhammad Aurangzeb Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari

During the meeting, progress on different projects in Pakistan was reviewed and both sides discussed ways to explore further avenues for cooperation

The prime minister also lauded the IDP’s assistance in the rehabilitation of flood affected people and commended the personal cooperation and leadership role of Dr Al Jasser

He observed that IDB s beneficial partnership with Pakistan was not only providing job opportunities and assisting in reconstruction efforts but also supporting the government’s endeavours for achievement of objectives of sustainable progress

The prime minister informed that for fast tracking the foreign investment removing all concerns of foreign investors and provision of one window operation, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was fully functional

The IDB president said that Pakistan was a founding and the most important member of the Bank He observed that the country was blessed with abundant natural and water resources and its huge manpower source could be fully utilized Dr Al Jasser also prayed for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan

T wo terrorists gunned down in DI Khan IBO: ISPR

Two terrorists were killed by the security forces in an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan District on Sunday, the military media wing reported According to a press statement from ISPR, the security forces conducted the operation following intelligence about the presence of terrorists During conduct of the operation intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists and resultantly two terrorists Faheem Nawaz alias Andapuri and Mohsin Nawaz were killed Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in terrorist activities against Security Forces and innocent civilians including target killings and extortion the ISPR said Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area as Security Forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism from the country, the ISPR added

i d E U ’s C BA M