FPTI rejects seven-member bench on judges’ letter, demands for mation of full cour t
IHC suspends Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi ’s sentence in Toshakhana c ase
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended the sentence awarded by the trial court to PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in Toshakhana case
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended the sentence awarded by the trial court to PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in Toshakhana case Two-judge bench consisting of IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Aurangzeb Monday conducted the hearing on appeals of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi against their conviction and sentencing in Toshakhana case The court pronounced its ruling after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) lawyer said the Bureau had no objection to the suspension of sentence IHC orders to let PTI founder Bushra Bibi meet on Eid Meanwhile, Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday ordered to arrange Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi meeting on Eid-ul-Fitr As per details, IHC s Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb heard Bushra Bibi’s request to be transferred from Bani Gala Sub Jail to Adiala Jail
The court ordered the authorities to arrange Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi s meeting on the occasion of Eid and a meeting was also allowed once a week Justice Hassan Aurangzeb further questioned how the state can declare private property as a sub-jail At this, the hearing of Bushra Bibi s plea seeking her transfer from Bani Gala Sub Jail to Adiala Jail was adjourned
PM vows to ensure exemplar y punishment for culprits of Behsam attack
In par tnership with Profit Tu e s d a y, 2 A p r i l , 2 0 2 4 I 2 2 Ra m a z a n , 1 4 4 5 R s 2 0 0 0 | Vo l X I V N o 2 7 5 I 8 Pa g e s I Ka r a c h i E d i t i o n
Ani reCuses HiMselF FroM HeAding CoMMission As sC tAKes suo-Motu notiCe oF iHC Judges’ letter
Assembly speaker files review petition against PHC verdict ordering oath-taking of reser ved seat MPAs PESHAWAR S TA F F R E P O R T Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati on Monday filed a review petition against the Peshawar High Court s (PHC) order wherein it directed him to administer oaths to opposition MPAs elected to reserved seats The opposition and provincial government are at odds over the assembly session for the oath-taking of MPAs elected on reserved seats for women and minorities Last month, a controversy had emerged as KP Governor Haji Ghulam Ali had summoned the assembly session for March 22, but the provincial government declared the move against the rules as well as the Constitution and refused to implement it The opposition members later demonstrated against the government accusing it of trying to block the right of women and non-Muslim MPAs to participate in the Senate polls slated for next month On March 25, more than a dozen candidates of the province’s opposition who were notified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on reserved seats urged the PHC to ensure they are administered the oaths before the Senate elections scheduled for April 2 (Tuesday) Among the petitioners were six women MPAs-elect of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and eight returned candidates of the PML-N and PPP On March 27, the PHC had ordered Swati to administer the oaths to the MPAs elected on reserved seats for women and non-Muslims and facilitate them to cast votes in the Senate elections A PHC division bench consisting of Justice Syed Mohammad Attique Shah and Justice Shakeel Ahmad accepted three almost identical petitions filed by around 20 opposition MPAs elected on reserved seats, and directed the speaker to include the matter as agenda item No 1 of the first business day of the session requisitioned for the upcoming Senate elections DASU M I A N A B R A R Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed for ensuring foolproof security measures for the Chinese nationals working on Dasu Hydropower Project as well as across the country and expressed resolve to ensure exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of Besham terrorist attack of March 26 While addressing a gathering of the Chinese nationals working on the hydropower project, he said the government would ensure that the perpetrators and culprits of March 26 incident should get the exemplary punishment so that it would be a lesson and that no one could commit such dastardly act in future Premier Shehbaz Sharif said that the sole purpose of his visit was to offer deep and sincere condolences and express feelings to the Chinese brothers and sisters in Dasu over a sad incident that took place on March 26 in which five Chinese and one local lost their lives He said it was a cowardly act on part of the terrorists to kill innocent Chinese and a Pakistani for no other reason except to disturb and damage the exceptional friendship between Pakistan and China Present on the occasion were federal ministers Amir Muqam, Attaullah Tarar, Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen (retd) Sajjad Ghani, Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Jiang Zaidong members of the Chinese company and senior officials PM Shehbaz termed it conspiracy of the enemies of Pakistan and it was a dastardly act on part of the perpetrators who found every opportunity to harm this friendship which was strengthening by each passing day and expanding and moving forward with speed That is the reason enemies do not spare any opportunity to damage and create a wedge between the two Iron Brothers he added Prime Minister Sharif said that they shared the moment of sadness and sorrow and assured that the government would not leave any stone unturned and would not spare any opportunity to ensure the best possible security measures for the Chinese families and nationals He also assured the Chinese leadership the people and the Chinese ambassador that all foolproof security arrangements would be made for the Chinese people working and supporting a prosperous and developing Pakistan The prime minister said that after the incident, he had visited embassy immediately to offer condolences on behalf of his government and the people of Pakistan to the Chinese leadership and the Chinese people He informed that a joint investigation team was also constituted on the same day and its report was due any time He further assured that they would not waste time to act upon the recommendations of the inquiry committee in letter and spirit Besides a high level security meeting was held on March 27 in which they discussed better coordination with the provincial governments over the additional security measures, he added The prime minister said that Pak-China friendship would march forward in unison and the enemies of CPEC and this exceptional relationship would be defeated completely Speaking on the occasion Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said that the prime minister visited the embassy and reassured security for the Chinese nationals He also expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for expressing solidarity adding that they were ready to work together to further build their strategic partnership with Pakistan The gathering also observed 30-second s i l e n c e f o r t h o s e w h o l o s t l i v e s i n t h e tragic incident
Jill
KP
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finalized the arrangements for the upcoming Senate elections scheduled to take place today According to the commission, voting will be conducted in both the National and provincial assemblies from 9 am to 4pm In preparation for the elections a motion to utilize the National Assembly hall for the Senate election will be presented and approved during today s Lower House session Ballot papers have been printed in four different colours for the Senate elections to represent various categories of seats White papers will be used for general seats green for technocrat seats pink for women seats and yellow for minority seats The delivery of election materials including ballot papers, to the returning officer has been completed, ensuring the smooth conduct of the electoral process In some provincial assemblies candidates have been elected unopposed All 11 candidates from the Balochistan Assembly have been elected unopposed along with candidates on seven general seats from the Punjab Assembly However, in other regions, tough contest is expected between the treasury and opposition parties In Islamabad two candidates each are competing for general and technocrat seats In Punjab, there are four candidates for women s seats, and three each for technocrat and ulema seats Moreover, two candidates are contesting the minority seat in the province The election commission also unveiled the final list of candidates vying for the Senate seats in Punjab In the race for the two technocrat seats, federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb PML-N’s Dr Musadik Malik and PTI s Dr Yasmin Rashid will go head-to-head Similarly, four candidates will compete for the two seats reserved for women, including Anusha Rehman, Bushra Anjum Butt, Faiza Malik, and Sanam Javed Khalil Tahir Sandhu and Sunni Ittehad Council’s Asif Ashiq are set to contest for the minority seat Moreover the returning officer concerned has issued notifications confirming the unopposed victories of certain candidates on general seats for the upcoming Senate elections in Punjab Returning Officer Ijaz Anwar Chauhan issued notifications for seven newly selected senators on general seats where Ahad Khan Cheema Pervaiz Rasheed Mohsin Naqvi Talal Chaudhry, and Nasir Mehmood have emerged victorious through PML-N’s support Hamid Khan and Raja Nasir Abbas from the Sunni Ittehad Council have also been declared winners without facing any opposition On the other hand there are 11 candidates for general seats and three for women’s seats from Sindh There are four candidates for technocrat seats and two for minority seats From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa there are 16 candidates running for general seats and four candidates for women s seats Moreover, there is a contest among six candidates on ulema and technocrat seats The election commission had declared that the Senate poll in KP Assembly will be postponed if the members on reserved seats are not sworn in The candidates vying for a spot in the Senate from Balochistan in the upcoming elections to the Upper House of parliament were elected unopposed on all the seats on March 29 The election commission announced that the candidates from Balochistan were elected unopposed on all seats of the Senate The seats up for grabs from Balochistan were seven general seats, two women’s seats, and two technocrat seats Also 20 of the 33 candidates of the Senate had withdrawn their nomination papers while two contenders stepped down in favour of their opposing candidates the ECP confirmed A l l s e t f o r S e n a t e e l e c t i o n s t o d a y a s E C P i s s u e s f i n a l l i s t o f c o n t e n d e rs
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
O R M E R chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani has got release of heading the inquiry commission constituted to probe allegations of interference by intelligence agencies in judicial affairs as the Supreme Court on Monday took suo-motu notice of the matter A week earlier, six out the eight judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a letter addressed to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) members regarding attempts to pressure judges through the abduction and torture of their relatives as well as secret surveillance inside their homes The IHC judges who wrote the letter included Mohsin Akhtar Kayani Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri Babar Sattar Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Saman Rafat Imtiaz Following the allegation, demand emerged from various quarters for a probe into the investigation, amid which CJP Qazi Faez Isa summoned a full court meeting of the SC judges Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met CJP Isa and the two decided to form a commission to investigate the concerns of interference in judicial affairs following the cabinet’s approval O n S a t u r d a y t h e f e d e r a l c a b i n e t a pp r o v e d t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n o f a n i n q u i r y c o mm i s s i o n h e a d e d b y e x - C J P J i l l a n i t o p r o b e t h e a l l e g a t i o n s a n d d e c i d e w h e t h e r t h e s e a r e t r u e o r o t h e r w i s e
seven-member larger bench of like-minded
Chief Justice of Pakistan to probe into the six judges letter documenting intelligence agencies interference in judicial affairs demanding that the matter should be heard by the full court and the proceeding should be televised Speaking at a press conference along with former chief minister Gilgit-Baltistan Khalid Khurshid PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan termed the suspension of PTI Chairman-for-life sentence in Thoshakhana case a ray of hope; however he added that the sentence should have been quashed altogether since it was one of the around 200 frivolous, bogus and politically motivated cases based on political vendetta Raoof Hasan said that the full court should hear the letter saga and should such decision that no institution could ever dare to interfere in judiciary again He announced that the PTI would not accept the seven-member bench because the CJP Isa constituted the bench of like-minded judges to get decision of their choice, which, he said, PTI would not accept come what may He demanded that the matter should be investigated through full court and the court proceeding should be live telecasted adding that judicial conference should also be convened; where all judges should be allowed to tell their stories Raoof went on to say that it would be travesty of law to task a person to form a commission to probe the matter in which he was a nominated accused as the premier showed his intent during his meeting with former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani as the former wanted a decision of his choice He noted that Jillani was a credible person and he took a right decision to recuse himself from heading a one-man inquiry commission to probe the interference by intelligence agencies in judicial affairs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vehemently rejected the
judges headed by
g J I L A N I S AY S TO R S F O R I N Q U I R Y A R E N OT ‘ S T R I C T LY ’ R E L E VA N T TO T H E S U B J E C T U N D E R C O N S I D E R AT I O N g C J P F O R M S 7 - M E M B E R L A R G E R B E N C H TO TA K E U P S I X I H C J U D G E S ’ L E T T E R C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 03 C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 03
than 8% of the total Balochistan experienced a staggering
96% surge in violence during the first quarter of 2024 and fatalities doubled from 91 to 178
Similarly Sindh witnessed a nearly 47% rise in violence, albeit with low fatalities In contrast to the alarming escalation of violence in Balochistan and Sindh, K-P, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) recorded significant decreases in violence during the same period
K-P witnessed a notable 24% decline signalling progress in the region s security situation Likewise Punjab and G-B saw substantial declines of 85% and 65%, respectively, offering hope for improved stability and peace in these areas However, these positive trends must be sustained through continued vigilance and strategic interventions
Despite the encouraging decrease in violence, G-B faced renewed security concerns, as evidenced by the terror threat alert issued by the G-B home minister The recent suicide attack on Chinese engineers working on the Dasu Dam project in K-P serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent threat posed by banned militant groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
It s worth noting that last year, G-B had
suffered the highest number of fatalities in a decade with 17 lives lost
The CRSS report highlights the disproportionate impact of violence on civilians and security forces personnel Civilians and security officials suffered over 65% of all fatalities in nearly 200 terror attacks, compared to outlaws who suffered only 35% in around 48 counter-terror operations
Among the victims civilians emerged as the primary targets bearing the brunt of violence with 154 fatalities, surpassing any other category of victims This grim reality underscores the devastating impact of terrorism on innocent lives
In the first quarter of 2024 civilians and security forces personnel accounted for over 65% of all fatalities in nearly 200 terror attacks, compared to outlaws who suffered only 35% in around 48 counter-terror operations The staggering disparity between the number of attacks on civilians and security forces and the limited counter-terror operations against outlaws highlights the asymmetrical nature of the conflict with innocent civilians disproportionately affected by terrorist violence
Among the victims, civilians emerged as
the primary targets bearing the brunt of violence with 154 fatalities surpassing any other category of victims This grim reality underscores the devastating impact of terrorism on innocent lives
Comparing the data from the first quarter of 2024 to the preceding quarter reveals a disturbing escalation in violence targeting civilians and security forces While the combined fatalities of civilians and security officials surged by 17% fatalities among outlaws, militants, and insurgents combined decreased by almost 15%
Notably, there was a significant increase in the number of insurgent fatalities skyrocketing by 215% while militants fatalities decreased by approximately 33%
Despite the prevalence of violence militant organisations surprisingly claimed responsibility for less than 20% of the total casualties attributed to terrorism in the first quarter of the year Notably prominent groups such as Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP) Lashkar-e-Islami (LI) and Lashkare-Jhangvi (LeJ) known for their previous activities, refrained from claiming any acts of terrorism during this period
KP govt rejec ts caretaker govt ’s claim of leaving Rs100b
PESHAWAR a z i z B u n e R
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on Monday rejected the caretaker government’s claim of leaving Rs100 billion in the treasury According to the government there were only Rs17 billion in the treasury Adviser to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam in a reaction to a statement by former caretaker Finance Minister Musharaf Rasool Bangash, said that the former caretaker finance minister should tell where the Rs100bn were on February 28 Money comes from the federation at the end of the month which goes into salaries and pensions on the 1st, he said There was not even Rs100 in the treasury before the salaries were released The former caretaker finance minister himself is saying that there were Rs2 billion in one account and Rs15 in another Aslam said that the entire year s profit of the Bank of Khyber is Rs3 5 billion, so how can the caretaker government say that the Bank of Khyber gave Rs7 5 billion to the government? The Bank of Khyber has only granted Rs1
No immediate relief to masses as countr y nears financial collapse: Khawaja Asif
Mediterranean
Instead, groups like TTP and Da’ish emerged as the primary claimants of responsibility with a new militant group Jabhat Ansar al-Mahdi Khorasan (JAMK) affiliating with the Gul Bahadur group making its presence felt
The absence of claims does not diminish the severity of the situation, as evidenced by the tragic loss of seven
Bilateral trade, tourism revive as Pak-China border opens
ISLAMABAD
S ta f f R e p o R t Pak-China border Khunjerab was opened on Monday for trade and tourism after remained closed for four months According to the details under the border agreement every year Pak-China border remain closed from December 1 till March 31 Border officials stated that under the agreement border transportation is closed due to snow and cold weather During this period Pak-China border also closed for trade and tourism activities However the exchange of progressive work to the country s level continues
JI’s Hafiz Naeem declared victor from PS-129 after giving up seat over ‘rigging’
ISLAMABAD
S ta f f R e p o R t
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Monday issued a victory notification of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chapter Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman after he submitted his election-related expenses to the electoral watchdog As per the ECP s notification Naeem emerged as a victorious candidate with 26 296 votes in the PS-129 Karachi constituency The ECP sources said that the victory notification was issued after the JI leader submitted Form C to the election watchdog According to the election laws all the contesting candidates are bound to submit the return of their election expenses on Form C within thirty days of the publication of the name of the returned candidates The return of election expenses of the returned candidate and a contesting candidate shall be submitted to the Returning Officer on Form C ” In February Naeem announced he would be relinquishing his provincial assembly seat PS129 from Karachi claiming he did not win the seat rather it was the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed candidate who won the seat Addressing a press conference, Naeem had claimed that his PTI-backed opponent won the seat and he does not want a “charity” seat The JI leader had said he was returning the seat but would continue the
and
to
ause Gwadar flooding: Chairman Federal Flood Commission
Tuesday 2 Apr l 2024 | KARACHI 02 NEWS
brings back remains of 5 of its citizens killed in Dasu terror attack ABIDOON NADEEM A spokesperson from the Chinese foreign ministry on Monday announced that the bodies of five Chinese nationals who perished in a terrorist attack at the Dasu project in Pakistan were repatriated to China on a Pakistani military aircraft During his routine press briefing, Wang Wenbin revealed that a highlevel Pakistani official and a working group from the Chinese Foreign Ministry accompanied the remains on the flight in response to inquiries about the response to the Dasu attack Wang detailed that on March 29 a joint Chinese task force and embassy officials in Pakistan visited a hospital in Rawalpindi, Punjab province, to honor the deceased Chinese citizens and extend condolences and support on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party and the government to the employees of the Chinese companies affected Wang emphasized China s strong commitment to supporting Pakistan in its thorough investigation of the incident, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and enhancing the safety and security of Chinese projects and institutions in Pakistan Chaudhry Salik Hussain the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, traveled to Wuhan aboard the aircraft that transported the remains of the five Chinese victims of the March 26 terrorist attack At Wuhan airport senior government officials and representatives from the Pakistan Embassy were in attendance A memorial service was conducted to honor the lives of the deceased individuals
warrants of CM Gandapur cancelled ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t The arrest warrants of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in case pertaining to protest and vandalizing the public property were cancelled by a local court on Monday Issuing the order Judicial Magistrate Naveed Khan adjourned hearing of the case against Gandapur till May 20 Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had approached the District and Sessions Court of Islamabad to cancel the nonbailable arrest warrant in the long march and vandalism case The petition has stated that Ali Amin Gandapur never deliberately avoided appearance in the court It has been stated in the application that Ali Amin Gandapur could not appear in the court due to his election engagements, and he apologizes unconditionally for disobeying the court orders The petition has requested that the ongoing non-bailable arrest warrant of Ali Amin Gandapur be cancelled KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t P A K I S TA N witnessed a total of 432 violence-related fatalities and 370 injuries during the first quarter of 2024 stemming from 245 incidents of terror attacks and counterterror operations, as revealed in a report released by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) According to the report, the provinces of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
and Balochistan bore the brunt of this violence accounting for over 92% of all fatalities and 86% of attacks during this period The surge in violence, particularly in Balochistan, highlights the escalating challenges faced by security forces in maintaining stability and safeguarding civilian lives it added The report underscores significant regional variations in the intensity of violence with K-P and Balochistan emerging as epicentres of conflict While other regions experienced relative peace, with fatalities accounting for less
China
Arrest
(K-P)
security officials, including high-ranking officers in an unclaimed terror incident in North Waziristan In contrast to the limited claims by militant groups insurgent organisations such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), Baloch Raji Ajoi Sangar (BRAS), and Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) significantly contributed to the violence claiming responsibility for 18 attacks These groups targeted security and government installations posing a persistent threat to stability in the region During the first quarter of 2024, there were eight instances of sectarian violence documented, affecting various religious groups both Muslim and non-Muslim Ahmadis suffered the most significant losses with nine casualties while three fatalities were reported among Shia Muslims as a result of the violence Furthermore, a Sunni Muslim was also subjected to targeted violence The report highlights the complex challenges faced by security forces in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens While there has been a notable decrease in violence in some regions the resurgence of violence in others highlights the need for sustained efforts BALOCHISTAN, KP AT FOREFRONT OF VIOLENCE IN FIRST QUARTER: REPORT GWADAR S ta f f R e p o R t Mediterranean cold winds cause Gwadar flooding said Ahmed Kamal Chief Engineering Advisor & Chairman Federal Flood Commission Responding to the misinformation from some media on Gwadar s flood situation and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he pointed out that main reason for recent torrential rains in Gwadar is the stream of cold winds coming from the Mediterranean He told Gwadar Pro here on Monday that between mid-February to mid-April the temperature has been a bit higher, and this time this condition and the temperature were higher Due to the higher temperature and the penetration of the system there had an impact of the seaside also in Gwadar That s why there was increased rainfall due to higher temperatures at that time and sea surface vapor being sucked into it Ahmed Kamal explained Such incidents have happened in the past in Gwadar and nearby areas such as Kage or Lasbela, but not with the intensity that has happened this time This is very much indicating the impact of climate change and this is an indication of western wave or cold winds coming to Pakistan and increasing its impact in Pakistan he further said According to Ahmed Kamal China and Pakistan have been closely working together on disaster management We have also signed an MoU with the relevant Ministry of the Chinese Government, and Hohai University of China under which there will be a Joint Water Management Center Besides this a large number of personnel every year i e junior middle and senior students who will be water resources and management professionals from colleges and universities will be trained in Pakistan as well as in China, he said If we want to develop a place and we want to improve our country, then no one should have any kind of objection People of my country especially people of Balochistan have as much right to develop as anyone else Ahmed Kamal remarked
1 billion, he said The caretaker government s calculations are wrong and they have become controversial The caretaker government should tell how much money they brought from the federation in terms of profit on electricity and FATA funds They should also explain how much outstanding dues of the province have been paid Why was the health card closed? How many projects were started for the welfare of the people According to the adviser to the chief minister, the newly elected government
released Rs5 billion
the health card, Rs10 billion
the Ramazan package,
Rs3 billion
the police
infrastructure development cess imposed by the caretaker government has not yet started generating revenue he
The parties have obtained stay order from court
the infrastructure development cess
cabinet
now reimposing it
has
for
for
and
for
“The
said
on
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legal
political battle
reclaim
all the seats that his party lost due to rigging
in treasur y SIALKOT S ta f f R e p o R t In a candid revelation Defense Minister Khawaja Asif acknowledged that Pakistan stands on the brink of financial collapse, resembling a default scenario Speaking to the press in Sialkot, Asif highlighted the gravity of the situation attributing it primarily to the country s near-bankruptcy and rampant tax evasion plaguing various sectors As it stands, the government is unable to provide immediate relief to the populace,” remarked Asif, addressing the dire economic predicament He pointed out that a staggering number of citizens particularly in key sectors such as retail and wholesale evade their tax obligations, exacerbating the nation s economic woes Shockingly, only a fraction of the population amounting to a mere few hundred thousand individuals, diligently fulfill their tax duties Compounding the issue, Asif revealed that tax disputes worth a colossal 2 6 trillion rupees linger unresolved in the courts with the judiciary s sluggishness further impeding any semblance of fiscal stability The burden of taxation disproportionately burdens the salaried class, exacerbating the socio-economic disparities within the country However Asif expressed cautious optimism for a turnaround within the next 18 to 24 months citing the government s strategic policies as the beacon of hope He assured that the fruition of these measures would gradually alleviate the financial strain on the populace In a bid to alleviate the tax burden and encourage compliance the government unveiled the Tajir Dost Scheme commencing its registration today Targeting traders and shopkeepers across major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Quetta, and Islamabad, the scheme aims to foster a business-friendly environment while bolstering tax revenues Under the scheme participants stand to benefit from a 25 percent discount for prompt tax payments and return submissions, with an estimated additional tax influx of approximately Rs 500 billion annually anticipated Small traders shopkeepers wholesalers retailers manufacturers and importers will all be eligible to partake in the initiative, underscoring the government s commitment to inclusive economic reform As Pakistan navigates through its financial turbulence the Tajir Dost Scheme emerges as a beacon of hope signaling a concerted effort towards economic revival and stability in the foreseeable future
PESHAWAR S ta f f R e p o R t The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) confirmed on Monday that the terror attack in Besham which killed five Chinese nationals was b a c k e d b y t h e Te h r e e k - i - Ta l i b a n P a kistan (TTP) The report submitted by the CTD stated that the authorities had nabbed the main facilitator who brought the suicide bomber from Afghanistan It added that the explosives-laden vehicle was brought through Chaman to DaraZinda town in Dera Ismail Khan district for Rs0 25 million CTD sources also said that the vehicle used was non-custom paid and was parked at a petrol station for a fee of Rs500 per day Two facilitators were also arrested from Balochistan The report added that CTD arrested over a dozen militants and facilitators of the Dasu suicide attack Multiple raids have also been carried out to arrest the reported mastermind of the attack Hazrat Bilal who is also wanted in prior attacks on Chinese engineers Earlier Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed a thorough joint investigation into the Besham terrorist attack A vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers in the remote Besham area of KhyberPakhtunkhwa on Tuesday killing six people The Chinese engineers were en route from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu – the district headquarters of the Upper Kohistan district of K-P Their vehicle was hit by an explosive-laden vehicle, coming from the opposite direction near Lahore Nala on the Karakoram Highway The Chinese engineers vehicle was thrown off the mountainous road into a deep ravine by the impact of the blast, killing all six on board, including five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver The security forces reached the spot shut the strategic highway for traffic on both sides and launched an investigation
suicide attack a handiwork of T TP; claims C TD
cold winds c
Besham
Developing bond between people to boost China-US ties
economic interactions between businesses and individuals contribute to the growth of trade and investment benefiting both nations economies The importance of maintaining and strengthening these exchanges cannot be overstated In fact, it is the reaching out to each other by the two peoples that has time and again brought China-US relations from a low ebb back onto the right track
Jam Kamal, envoy reiterate to boost Pak-Japan trade ties
ISLAMABAD s ta f f R e p o R t
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, WADA Mitsuhiro have reiterated to strengthen trade relations and mutual trust between Japan and Pakistan The Japanese Ambassador congratulated Jam Kamal Khan on his recent portfolio expressing a commitment to enhancing bilateral ties Notably, the ambassador extended an invitation to Pakistani businessmen to participate in World Expo 2025 which was scheduled to be held in Osaka Japan in 2025 to promote economic cooperation Despite the optimism challenges faced by the Japanese business community in imports were brought to light by Ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro Minister Jam Kamal Khan responded by assuring government support to facilitate ease of doing business for local and international entrepreneurs Emphasizing sustainable economic development Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted key sectors such as automobile
IHC orders Fawad Chaudhr y ’s release in NAB c ase
Jillani rec uses himself from heading commission as SC takes suo -motu notice of IHC judges’ letter
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Under the Terms of Reference (ToR), the inquiry commission would fully probe the allegations levelled by the IHC judges and decide whether these are true or otherwise It would also investigate whether any personnel of intelligence agencies were directly responsible for interfering in judicial matters
On Sunday, lawyers and civil society members in a joint letter had urged the top court to take “cognisance of the matter in its jurisdiction under Article 184(3) of the Constitution as this issue eminently relates to public interest and to the enforcement of fundamental rights They had called on the top court to initiate suo motu proceedings as it rejected the “powerless” one-man commission appointed by the federal cabinet to probe the claims The letter said the apex court should form a bench of all available judges to hear the matter and proceedings should be telecast live for public consumption It also urged the court to look into the allegations levelled by retired justice Shaukat Sid-
diqui, besides the recent claims of meddling in judicial affairs
In a letter addressed to PM Shehbaz on Monday Jillani thanked the premier and the federal cabinet for reposing confidence in him to head the commission He also expressed gratitude to CJP Isa and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah for expressing confidence in him Jillani said that he had gone through the letter by the IHC judges the ToRs approved by the federal cabinet and Article 209 Article 209 of the Constitution empowers the SJC to carry out inquiries into the capacity and conduct of Supreme Court and high court judges
Since the letter is addressed to the members of SJC and its chairman the chief justice of Pakistan it would be violative of judicial propriety for me to inquire into a matter which may fall within the jurisdiction of a constitutional body which is the SJC or the Supreme Court of Pakistan itself ” he said He further said that the ToRs for the inquiry were strictly not germane to the subject matter of the letter , noting
that the IHC judges had asked the SJC for guidance “Towards
Karachi-origin ‘wine fraud who swindled’ wealthy Wall Street bigwigs out of millions pleads guilt y MONITORING REPORT Omar
tuted a seven-member larger bench to hear the matter According to the roster issued here the bench will comprise the chief justice, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan all available judges on principal seat Islamabad The case will be taken up on
Wednesday (April 3) at 11:30am
PTI rejec ts seven-member bench on judges’ letter, demands formation of full cour t
restaurants featuring exceedingly rare wines Allegedly Khan attracted investments for these dinners priced between $500 and $25 000 per plate promising to share profits However, numerous dinners were never held One investor, Krešimir Penavić, revealed investing around $5 million in Khan’s events before realizing no profits Penavić a successful quant at Renaissance Technologies was among 13 plaintiffs who sued Khan winning an $8 million judgment Penavić s statement indicates ongoing efforts to recover assets related to the judgment, with his attorney emphasizing the importance of holding such perpetrators accountable Khan’s attorney expressed his client’s desire to move past this chapter Khan faced charges since February 2020 but they were sealed as he resided in Sri Lanka He was deported this year due to visa overstay, prompting his extradition to face charges
Kejriwal gets two more weeks in jail with general elections set to begin on 19th April
WEB DESK
A court ruling has extended the custody of Delhi s chief minister a prominent opposition figure, by an additional two weeks, sparking accusations of political manipulation ahead of India’s upcoming elections Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and accused of corruption will remain in judicial custody until April 15th according to Monday s court decision and will be transferred to Delhi s infamous Tihar jail This development comes amidst intense campaigning for AAP and the opposition coalition, just before the national elections starting on April 19th where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek a third term
Captainc y crisis: Shaheen Afridi and PCB hold talks following statement misattribution
Tuesday 2 Apri 2024 | KARACHI NEWS 03
BEIJING X i N h ua On social media platform X pictures capturing recent excursions of students from US state of Washington to iconic Chinese landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, as well as their engagement in Tai Chi practice, have sparked vibrant online conversations The latest visit was part of an exchange and study program that would invite 50 000 American youths to China over the next five years an initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his US visit last November Nearly concurrent with the students tour, representatives from the US business, strategic and academic communities also visited China late March Their visit reached its apex on Wednesday when Xi met with them To revive China-US relations from their current challenges the Chinese president has placed his faith in the American people Apart from meetings with prominent figures such as Henry Kissinger, Bill Gates, Senator Chuck Schumer, and California Governor Gavin Newsom he has maintained correspondence with ordinary Americans like the Flying Tigers and US students through letters and has consistently advocated for increased people-to-people exchanges between the two nations on various occasions His dedication to fostering exchanges between the Chinese and Americans offers insight into the fundamental bedrock of China-US relations: the enduring friendship between the people of both nations That was also one of the key messages Xi conveyed during his meeting with representatives of US businesses, strategic and academic communities on Wednesday Noting that the history of China-US relations is one of friendly exchanges between the two peoples Xi expressed the hope that people from all sectors of Chinese and American societies will have more mutual visits and exchanges, expand common ground and mutual trust, overcome various distractions, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation Despite the ebbs and flows in the trajectory of China-US relations the enduring exchanges between their people have offered distinct contributions to the advancement of bilateral ties These interactions, spanning cultural, educational, and economic domains, have nurtured mutual understanding and cooperation between the two sides Educational exchanges, in particular give students invaluable insights into each other s cultures encouraging empathy and eradicating misconceptions Similarly cultural exchanges serve as a forum for showcasing both cultures richness and diversity, encouraging appreciation and respect for each other’s diverse social system Furthermore
steel machinery textiles minerals and IT HR for potential collaboration with Japan Moreover, Minister Jam Kamal Khan disclosed the Ministry of Commerce’s comprehensive five-year plan aimed at streamlining business processes and attracting both local and foreign investors Both dignitaries reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a balanced trade environment and strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan They also agreed to work towards enhancing the trade volume, which stood at $1 26 billion USD in 2022-23, according to sources from FBR and TDAS
accused
fine-wine enthusiasts of at least $9 5 million, admitted guilt to identity theft last week on Thursday shortly after being apprehended by the FBI at John F Kennedy International Airport The specifics of Khan s plea agreement remain undisclosed, although it
involved the dismissal of a wire fraud charge A decade ago, Khan gained renown among wine connoisseurs in the city for organizing lavish dinners at toptier
Khan,
of defrauding
likely
the case is a political ploy to undermine the opposition, calling his arrest a fabrication While the BJP government denies political motives, the ED has accused Kejriwal of hindering the investigation by not providing access to his electronic devices citing concerns about revealing confidential political strategies LAHORE s ta f f R e p o R t G O v E R N O R Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman on Monday visited the residence of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and discussed with overall situation of the country and the promotion of technical education The meeting was also attended by Punjab Minister for Industry and Commerce, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain Governor Punjab congratulated Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on assigning ministries to Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Chaudhry Shafay Hussain Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Balighur Rehman said that the youth are the valuable asset of the country He said that the technical education institutions like TEvTA, Skill Development Fund, NAvTTC and Punjab vocational Training Council are playing a key role in equipping the youth to find employment opportunities in the country and abroad The Governor Punjab appreciated political understanding and experience Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain also appreciated the Governor Balighur Rehman for performing his duties in an efficient manner GOVERNOR PUNJAB, SHUJAAT DISCUSS COUNTRY’S SITUATION, PROMOTION OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION ISLAMABAD s ta f f R e p o R t The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail on Monday to former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry in a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) case concerning land in Jhelum The court presided over by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri ordered the release of the former information minister Fawad was represented in court by his counsel and is incarcerated in Adiala jail on judicial remand The Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in Rawalpindi booked the former federal information minister, his cousin and frontman and others in a case pertaining to allegedly taking millions of rupees in bribes and misuse of authority for grant of a noobjection certificate (NOC) and public land acquisition for the establishment of a private housing society in Dina area of GT Road Fawad, once regarded as one of the hawks in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced his departure from the former ruling party on May 24 just weeks after authorities initiated a heavyhanded crackdown against mostly PTI leaders, workers, and sympathisers who had allegedly committed acts of vandalism following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on May 9 The former federal minister, who initially expressed his plan to take a break from politics during his May 24 news conference was soon spotted in meetings of disgruntled PTI leaders who later announced the formation of a new party, the IPP
Kejriwal s arrest two weeks ago marked the first time a sitting chief minister was detained part of allegations linking him to a corruption scandal involving about 1 billion rupees from questionable deals and kickbacks related to an alcohol licensing policy The courts have granted three extensions to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) the agency leading the investigation to detain Kejriwal He and his party claim
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01 Raoof said that Jillani stated in the letter “Since the letter is addressed to the members of SJC and its chairman the chief justice of Pakistan it would be violative of judicial propriety for me to inquire into a matter which may fall within the jurisdiction of a constitutional body which is the SJC or the Supreme Court of Pakistan itself,” he said PTI CIS stated that Jillani endorsed PTI’s stance because they were also advocating that it was a serious matter and were demanding an investigation through full court Raoof congratulated the legal fraternity and bar associations for their unified stance and hoped that they would exert pressure in the same way so as to take the issue to its logical ends He asserted that it was high time, the nation should take a united stand to restore supremacy of constitution and upholding rule of law as PTI would not compromise in this regard Talking about the suspension of PTI Founding Chairman s sentence in thoshakhana he expressed hope that the sentences in other cases would also be suspended soon because all the decisions were against the law and morality He reiterated that PTI always talked about supremacy of constitution and law and stood by the judiciary PTI CIS said that PTI never lost trust in the courts despite the fact that Imran Khan, other leaders and workers had been subjecting to the worst barbarities and fascism during the past 23 months without any respite “Even today hundreds of our people are unjustly imprisoned if our workers get bail in one case, they are arrested in another case, Raoof maintained However, he stated: “Today is a great day for our party and first drop of hope as the nation beloved leader Imran Khan stood victorious and soon he will be released from unlawful detention to take the reins of the country as the Prime Minister of Pakistan He went on to say that all coercive tactics were employed to eliminate Imran Khan politically and even physically but they failed humiliation always Raoof stated that the nation accorded PTI Chairman and his party with overwhelming majority in February 8 general elections but the public mandate was stolen in the midnight polls robbery, resultantly mandate thieves public-rejected clique was fraudulent imposed on the nation He said that the courts were virtually converted into kangaroo courts, as they were reduced as a tool of political engineering at the hands of the establishment, hoping that dirty practice of political engineering would eventually come to a halt Speaking on the occasion Khalid Khurshid said that the judiciary was always fractured for vested interests that was the reason it ranked 138 in the world He stated that six judges did a commendable job by demonstrating great courage to expose the meddling in judicial affairs and vowed that they would let not rest and would take the matter to its logical conclusion We have never seen such a judicial surrender in 75 years, as CJP surrendered six judges at the mercy of the executive,” he lamented Talking about Chief Justice’s extension reports, he said that it was all parts of London Plan as he would have rewarded for his services
the end the request made in the letter is for an institutional consultation in terms of the mechanism suggested in the said letter Though the letter in question may not strictly fall within the parameters of Article 209 of the Constitution but the honourable chief justice of Pakistan being a paterfamilias may address and resolve the issues raised in the letter at the institutional level he said adding that he was recusing himself from heading the commission Meanwhile, the top court took suo motu notice of the allegations levelled by the six IHC judges CJP Isa consti-
LAHORE N e w s D e s k The turmoil around the leadership of Pakistan s cricket team has deepened, with Shaheen Afridi reportedly incensed over a press statement on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) official website that falsely attributed certain comments to him As per reports Afridi was close to publicly addressing the issue prompting the PCB to engage in urgent discussions with him An impromptu session with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled for Monday (today) Afridi is reportedly dismayed by the PCB s actions during the recent captaincy reversal claiming he was never consulted for a statement before the PCB released one right after reinstating Babar Azam as captain This press release falsely quoted Shaheen expressing full support for Babar Azam and calling his own previous captaincy tenure an “honour ” The alleged statement read I will always value the memories and the opportunity to lead Supporting our captain Babar Azam, is my responsibility as a team player Having played under his leadership, I hold immense respect for him and am ready to assist him both on and off the field We stand united in our goal to make Pakistan the top cricket team globally However it is believed that Afridi did not contribute to this statement, exacerbating the unrest within the Pakistan team This instability follows the PCB’s inconsistent decisions on the team captaincy highlighted by Chairman Naqvi’s refusal to endorse Afridi during a press briefing in Lahore suggesting a decision post the military training camp at Kakul although Afridi’s dismissal seemed imminent Shaheen is reportedly confused about the reasons for his replacement and is upset over the PCB s poor communication The PCB s efforts to mitigate the situation with a fabricated exchange of praises between Babar and Shaheen has only aggravated the situation The switch of captaincy from Shaheen back to Babar could potentially strain the relationship between two of Pakistan’s cricket luminaries who have previously shared a good rapport with Shaheen supporting Babar s leadership last year when it seemed at risk Afridi s evident dissatisfaction has propelled the PCB into a reactive stance, seeking a non-inflammatory resolution to this escalating conflict Naqvi and the PCB are likely to try to mollify Afridi and resolve the underlying tension though the effectiveness of these efforts is yet to be determined
T h e i m p e r a t i v e o f l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t i n P a k i s t a n
Mr Naqvi has had a lot on his plate over the past year or so He first served as Chief Minister of Punjab for a year (a longer stint than many even though he was a caretaker) before he was appointed PCB Chairman while he was still the CM Quite soon after the new government took over he was also tapped as the interior minister On top of this, Mr Naqvi has applied for a senate seat and will soon have duties of the upper house to attend to if he is successful In such a situation it can often get confusing how to refer to Mr Naqvi Do we treat him simply as two different entities? When reporting on matters of sports is he just the PCB Chairman and when discussing politics is he just the interior minister? Or perhaps both his designations should be mentioned any time he is being reported on
Our concerns of course are miniscule Mr Naqvi has a lot more to worry about than silly matters of stylesheet He is responsible not just for fixing a fast fracturing Pakistan Cricket Team but also coordinating a response against increasing terrorist activity in the country
One worries for all he has to do After all, he is working two full time jobs and not taking a salary for either There is some precedent for holding high office and also running cricket in the country The late Field Marshal Ayub Khan was both Army Chief and President of Pakistan when he was chairman of the then Board of Control for Cricket in Pakistan (BCCP) from 1958-1960 before handing it over to Justice Cornellius The late Chief Justice thankfully didn t take the job while he was still the country s premier judge, but he did take up the appointment the very next month after his retirement
Of course, Mr Naqvi is in a particularly unique position that presents unique challenges He is holding two jobs that many have failed to do justice by
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Ia beacon of meritocracy and fairness, free from the shadows of political patronage and favoritism Yet, the entrenched nexus between cricket administration and political forces threatens to tarnish the sport s reputation and alienate fans who yearn for a return to the golden era of Pakistan cricket Furthermore the lack of transparency and accountability in these appointments exacerbates the issues, fostering a culture of opacity and suspicion within the cricketing fraternity
Dcrucial
in fortifying the democratic edifice Despite sporadic attempts at decentralization the absence of a vibrant and empowered local government has left a glaring void in the governance landscape perpetuating systemic inefficiencies disenfranchisement and governance deficits It is high time for Pakistan to recognize the indispensable role of local government as the third tier of democracy and undertake substantive reforms to empower local bodies thereby fostering grassroots democracy and equitable development Local government often hailed as the bedrock of democracy holds immense potential to bring governance closer to the people, amplify citizen participation, and ensure the effective delivery of services tailored to local needs In Pakistan, however, the historical legacy of centralized governance coupled with political expediency and bureaucratic inertia has stymied the evolution of robust local government structures Despite constitutional provisions enshrining the principle of local government, successive governments have failed to translate rhetoric into action, relegating local bodies to the periphery of the governance discourse
The ramifications of this neglect are manifold At the grassroots level communities remain marginalized
In conclusion, the imperative of local government in Pakistan cannot be overstated As the bedrock of democracy and the engine of grassroots development, local bodies have the power to transform governance , empower communities, and build a more just and equitable society
and disempowered deprived of agency in shaping their own destinies The absence of local government translates into a disconnect between policymakers and the populace, exacerbating grievances and breeding apathy towards the democratic process Moreover, it perpetuates a culture of dependency, wherein citizens are relegated to passive recipients of top-down governance rather than active participants in decision-making processes that impact their lives
The significance of local government extends beyond the realm of democratic ideals; it is intrinsically linked to the socio-economic development and stability of a nation Empowered local bodies serve as catalysts for inclusive growth channeling resources efficiently and implementing development projects that resonate with the aspirations of the people By decentralizing decision-making authority local government fosters innovation, responsiveness, and accountability, thereby mitigating the bureaucratic red tape and corruption endemic to centralized governance structures
Moreover local government plays a pivotal role in fostering social cohesion and harmony particularly in ethnically diverse countries like Pakistan By providing avenues for dialogue consensus-building and conflict resolution at the grassroots level, local bodies serve as bulwarks against communal tensions and sectarian strife They create spaces for interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaborative problem-solving, thereby fostering a sense of shared identity and collective purpose transcending parochial divides
The dearth of empowered local government in Pakistan is not merely a governance issue; it is a manifestation of the broader democratic deficit plaguing the country In a landscape dominated by centralized authority and entrenched patronage networks, the voices of ordinary citizens often drown in the cacophony of vested interests and political maneuvering To reverse this trend Pakistan must embark on a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at devolving power resources and decision-making authority to the grassroots level Key to this reform agenda is the revitalization of
local government institutions ensuring their autonomy capacity and accountability This necessitates legislative reforms to enshrine the autonomy of local bodies, delineate their powers and functions, and establish mechanisms for fiscal decentralization Moreover, it requires investments in building institutional capacity enhancing the skills and competencies of local officials and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability
Furthermore meaningful devolution entails not only the transfer of authority but also the creation of mechanisms for citizen engagement and participation in local governance processes This involves promoting civic education fostering community-based organizations and leveraging technology to facilitate inclusive decision-making and feedback mechanisms By empowering citizens as active agents of change local government can harness the collective wisdom and creativity of diverse communities, driving bottom-up development and social transformation
The benefits of empowered local government are manifold and far-reaching From enhancing democratic participation and accountability to fostering inclusive development and social cohesion local bodies hold the key to unlocking Pakistan s potential as a vibrant, pluralistic democracy As the third tier of democracy, local government represents the last mile in the journey towards governance that is responsive accountable and inclusive In conclusion the imperative of local government in Pakistan cannot be overstated As the bedrock of democracy and the engine of grassroots development, local bodies have the power to transform governance, empower communities, and build a more just and equitable society It is incumbent upon policymakers civil society and citizens alike to advocate strongly for the revitalization of local government thereby realizing the promise of democracy and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come
The writer is a freelance columnist
T h e p e r i l o u s ca r o u se l o f P a k i sta n Cr i ck e t Ca p ta i n cy
Cricket as a national obsession in Pakistan deserves better than to be held hostage to the whims of political expediency Instead, it should serve as a platform for nurturing talent, fostering unity and inspiring generations to come The current state of affairs marred by political intrigue and institutional instability undermines the very essence of the sport and betrays the trust of millions of cricket enthusiasts across the country The reappointment of Babar Azam as captain amidst political maneuverings is not merely a reflection of individual talent but a testament to the systemic challenges plaguing Pakistan cricket Azam s tumultuous journey from captaincy to obscurity and back raises pertinent questions about the resilience of players amidst the ever-shifting sands of cricket administration While his reinstatement may offer a glimmer of hope for stability the fragmented approach to
leadership with Shan Masood retaining the Test captaincy, adds another layer of complexity to an already convoluted narrative In conclusion, the carousel of Pakistan cricket leadership driven by political patronage and personal affiliations undermines the sport’s potential and damages its integrity The PCB must prioritize stability transparency and meritocracy in its leadership appointments, ensuring that the focus remains squarely on cricketing excellence rather than political expediency Only then can Pakistan cricket emerge from the shadows of its tumultuous past and reclaim its status as a global powerhouse revered for its talent resilience and unwavering commitment to the spirit of the game
This writer is a graduate of Economics and librarian at BTTN, Quetta He can be reached at hamzan039@gmail com
Rise of ChatGPT
become slaves to the very technology they built to aid us in our lives IFRAH SHAHBAZ ISLAMABAD
Gas crisis
T H E people of Karachi have been facing issues with the supply of natural gas for a long time Problems like infrastructure limitations low gas pressure and loadshedding continue to cause great inconvenience to those residing in the city, especially in Clifton, Korangi, Defence, Nazimabad, Gulistan-i-Jauhar and such other areas The shortage makes it difficult for the people to cook, heat water, and perform other daily tasks Moreover, scheduled and unscheduled gas
Rural education struggle
ro m c a p t a i n c y t o o b s c u r i t y a n d b a ck r a i s e s p e r t i n e n t q u e s t i o n s a b o u t t h e r e s i l i e n c e o f p l ay e rs a m i d s t t h e ev e r- s h i f t i n g s a n d s o f c r i ck e t a d m i n i s t r a t i o n W h i l e h i s r e i n s t a t e m e n t m ay o f f e r a g l i m m e r o f h o p e fo r s t a b i l i t y, t h e f r a g m e n t e d a p p ro a c h t o l e a d e rs h i p , w i t h S h a n M a s o o d r e t a i n i n g t h e Te s t c a p t a i n c y,
04 Tuesday 2 Apri 2024 COMMENT Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965 I K arachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545 I Web: www pakistantoday com pk I Email: editorial@pakistantoday com pk O n e m a n t w o j o
s
newsrooms
the
b
A strange situation has arisen within the
of Pakistan Today and Profit over
past couple of weeks It is a conundrum that others in newsrooms across the country may possibly also be facing How do we report on Mohsin Naqvi? Yesterday Mr Naqvi was on a visit to Kakul to check in on the Pakistan men s national cricket team The team is there on an intensive training regimen under the supervision of the Pakistan Armed Forces The question is do we refer to Mr Naqvi as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or as the Interior Minister?
in the past Juggling both might just be beyond everyone not just him
WITH the advent of technology and internet access even in remote areas one had the notion that knowledge would be easily obtained by all However the human brain has been rendered dumb True knowledge has disappeared and self-declared influencers have taken over, corrupting the minds of the youth with indecent content and ways to sell brand image only, instead of
imparting ideas that can come in handy in a society that is already in ruins It’s unfortunate to see students using ChatGPT or various other AI methods to produce assignments that lack originality and more astonishing to see teachers supporting this concept Gone are the days when people dedicated their lives to researching content that built civilizations; Rome was not built with the help of Google and neither did Aristotle use ChatGPT to construct ideas The era of scholars, poets, and academic writers is coming to an end, and originality in content is disappearing Saving time and earning money to waste on luxuries has become a necessity Indeed, humans have
outages and unexpected gas leaks also disrupt normal life especially during winter months when the demand for natural gas goes up really high The government and the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) management should work together to resolve the issue EEMAN ASAD KARACHI
THROUGH your esteemed newspaper, I am writing this letter to draw your attention to the difficulties faced by both boys and girls in accessing education in rural areas of Balochistan However, the situation for girls is particularly concerning, with the literacy rate for women in rural areas of the province standing at less than 2 percent a surprisingly low figure Moreover Pakistan’s allocation to education has decreased to 2 5 percent of the budget which is 0 5 percent less than in 2000 ranking Pakistan 113th out of 120 countries on the Education Development Index This has resulted in an overall literacy rate of 63 3 percent, with approximately 60 million people lacking literacy skills While some districts in Balochistan boast higher literacy rates, such as Kech with 67 percent and Panjgur with 59 4 percent, the majority of districts are still struggling compared to other regions across the country Makran Division has the highest level of awareness but Turbat lags behind other provinces in terms of girls education Private schools charge exorbitant fees and transportation is problematic due to the long distances to schools Government school conditions are also concerning, with poor infrastructure and often absent teachers due to a lack of attention from management Additionally, there are religious influences that forbid girls from attending school in some areas It is crucial for the government to step in and provide incentives and support to parents to send their daughters to school Every girl has the right to education and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this right is fulfilled Empowering girls to pursue their dreams will improve their future prospects Let us come together to ensure that every girl in Balochistan has access to education and the opportunity to create a better future for herself and her community ZAFAR AHMED BALOCH ISLAMABAD E d i t o r ’ s m a i l Send your letters to: Letters to Editor Pakistan Today 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah Lahore Pakistan E-mail: letters@pakistantoday com pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively
N the labyrinthine corridors of Pakistan cricket administration leadership transitions have become as common as the fluctuating fortunes of the team on the field The recent reappointment of Babar Azam as captain for the limited overs formats supplanting the brief stint of Shaheen Afridi not only echoes the past but also casts a shadow on the future trajectory of Pakistan cricket This decision orchestrated under the auspices of the newly appointed PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, not only mirrors historical patterns but raises pertinent questions about the sustainability and efficacy of the system governing Pakistan cricket Babar Azam s reinstatement as captain comes with a backdrop laden with complexities and historical context His initial ousting during the tenure of former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf left many observers bewildered, with speculations rife about the underlying motivations and influences shaping the decision-making process Now with the political winds once again shifting Azam finds himself back in the captain s seat under Naqvi s leadership However the political affiliations surrounding these appointments cast a long shadow over the purported meritocracy and transparency within the PCB The continuous reshuffling of leadership at the upper echelons of Pakistan cricket administration poses multifaceted challenges each with far-reaching implications for the team s performance and the integrity of the sport Firstly, the perpetual state of flux destabilizes the team s structure, impeding the formulation and execution of a cohesive long-term strategy Cricket, more than any other sport thrives on stability and consistency attributes that are conspicuously absent amidst the revolving door of captains This instability not only undermines the morale of the players but also hampers their ability to perform consistently at the highest level Secondly, the frequent changes in leadership erode the institutional integrity of the PCB casting doubt on the credibility and transparency of its decision-making processes Cricket often revered as a unifying force in Pakistan, should serve as
T h e r e a p p o i n t m e n t o f B a b a r A z a m a s c a p t a i n a m i d s t p o l i t i c a l m a n e u v e r i n g s i s n o t m e r e ly a r e f l e c t i o n o f i n d i v i d u a l t a l e n t bu t a t e s t a m e n t t o t h e s y s t e m i c c h a l l e n g e s p l a g u i n g Pa k i s t a n c r i ck e t A z a m Ês t u mu l t u o u s j o u r n ey f
a d d s a n o t h e r l ay e r o f c o m p l ex i t y t o a n a l r e a dy c o nvo l u t e d n a r r a t i v e
hAmzA NAsir
M O C R A C Y, the cornerstone of modern governance
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Pak Army’s significant contribution to education in A JK
TIn
concerns often impede access to quality education the Pakistan Army emerges as a significant catalyst for positive change in the education sector Through a variety of initiatives aimed at widening access, enhancing quality, and promoting community development the Pakistan Army plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future by investing in its most valuable asset: its youth
One of the most noteworthy contributions of the Pakistan Army to the education sector is its establishment of a network of schools and colleges across the country, particularly in remote and underserved areas These institutions known as Army Public Schools and Colleges (APSACS) offer highquality education to students from various backgrounds including the children of military personnel and civilians With an emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and extracurricular activities, APSACS are renowned for nurturing wellrounded individuals equipped with the skills and values necessary for success in life
Additionally the Pakistan Army has initiated numerous efforts to improve educational infrastructure and resources in conflict-affected, disaster-prone, or socio-economically disadvantaged areas Through initiatives such as the Army Public Schools and Colleges System (APSCS) and the Army Welfare Trust (AWT) the military has constructed schools libraries and vocational training centers providing communities with essential educational facilities and opportunities for skills development Moreover, the Pakistan Army is actively engaged in enhancing the quality of education through initiatives focused on teacher training curriculum development and educational technology By investing in the professional development of teachers and educators, the military aims to raise teaching standards and pedagogical practices, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education aligned with international standards Furthermore the Pakistan Army plays a crucial role in promoting education as a catalyst for community development and social cohesion Through outreach programs, scholarships, and youth engagement initiatives, the military empowers students from marginalized and disadvantaged backgrounds to overcome barriers to education and pursue their academic and career aspirations By fostering a culture of learning and empowerment the Pakistan Army contributes to building resilient communities and fostering national unity Nestled in the scenic Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) boasts a vibrant culture
and resilient population However like many regions worldwide AJK grapples with significant challenges in its education sector particularly concerning children From inadequate infrastructure to socio-economic disparities, addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that every child in AJK has access to quality education and the opportunity to realize their potential One of the primary hurdles confronting the education sector in AJK is the insufficient infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas Numerous schools contend with deteriorating buildings, overcrowded classrooms and a deficiency in fundamental amenities like electricity clean water and sanitation These circumstances not only impede the learning process but also jeopardize the safety and well-being of both students and teachers Additionally, the quality of education in AJK often suffers due to outdated curricula inadequate teacher training and a scarcity of educational materials Many educational institutions struggle to attract and retain qualified educators especially in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English Furthermore, socio-economic disparities pose significant obstacles to education in AJK, with poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services hindering children s attendance or causing premature dropout rates Cultural norms and attitudes towards gender and education may further discourage girls from pursuing academic endeavors, exacerbating disparities in access and outcomes Natural disasters and conflict also present challenges with the region’s susceptibility to earthquakes floods and landslides disrupting schooling and damaging educational infrastructure Additionally, the ongoing conflict in occupied Jammu and Kashmir heightens security concerns and instability, complicating efforts to ensure a safe learning environment for children
Despite these challenges initiatives are underway to address the issues plaguing the education sector in AJK Governments nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and international partners collaborate to enhance infrastructure, bolster teacher training, and promote inclusive access to education Efforts also focus on curriculum revision the introduction of innovative teaching methods and the expansion of vocational and technical education opportunities to better prepare students for the workforce However, rectifying the problems in AJK s education sector demands sustained efforts from all stakeholders It necessitates investment in infrastructure, resources and teacher development alongside
‘Modi wants to be king forever’: Why ordinary voters flocked to the Save Democracy rally in Delhi
‘ Th e m a c h i n e s a re f a u l t y – n o m at te r w h e re yo u p re s s t h e b u t to n , t h e vo te s g o to t h e l o t u s,’ s a i d S h a h a n a K h ato o n , a m i d d l e - a g e d wo m a n f ro m a wo r ki n g - c l a s s n e i g h b o u r h o o d i n S o u t h D e l h i . Lo t u s i s t h e s y m b o l o f t h e B J P. ‘ I f vo te s a re s t a m p e d o n b a l l o t p a p e r s, s e e w h o w i n s t h e n’
10
policies and programs prioritizing equity inclusivity and quality Furthermore engagement with communities parents and students themselves is vital to ensure their needs are addressed and their voices heard
In the scenic region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) the Pakistan Army emerges as a transformative force in the education sector significantly expanding access enhancing quality and fostering community development Through various initiatives and collaborations, the Pakistan Army s dedication to education in AJK has profoundly impacted the lives of numerous children and communities One remarkable facet of the Pakistan Army s involvement in AJK s education sector is its establishment and management of a network of schools and colleges throughout the region These institutions deliver highquality education to students from diverse backgrounds, including military personnel’s children and civilians With modern facilities proficient faculty and an emphasis on holistic development APSACS have set a new benchmark for educational excellence in AJK Moreover, the Pakistan Army has undertaken extensive efforts to enhance educational infrastructure and resources in AJK, particularly in remote and underserved areas Through initiatives like the Army Public Schools and Colleges System (APSCS) the military has erected schools libraries computer labs and vocational training centers granting communities access to vital educational facilities and opportunities for skills enhancement In addition to broadening educational access, the Pakistan Army is actively engaged in enhancing the quality of education in AJK Through endeavors focused on teacher training curriculum development and educational technology, the military endeavors to ensure students receive a comprehensive education that equips them for success in a rapidly evolving world By investing in the professional growth of teachers and educators the Pakistan Army is reinforcing the educational framework in AJK and enabling teachers to provide high-caliber instruction to their students Moreover, the Pakistan Army s involvement in the education sector transcends classroom boundaries, encompassing initiatives aimed at fostering community development and social cohesion Through outreach programs scholarships and youth engagement initiatives the military empowers students from marginalized and disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to surmount barriers to education and pursue their academic and career aspirations By nurturing a culture of learning and empowerment the Pakistan
Army is cultivating resilient communities and fostering national unity in AJK
The list of work done by the Pak Army in AJK s education sector is extensive, and it is heartening to highlight here some of the key projects In the backdrop of the “Parha Likha Lipa Drive ” renovation and uplifting of Read Foundation Middle School LubgranDSS commenced in February 24 In a short span of time the school building underwent upgrades facilitated by 653 MR/75 Bde, including painting, installation of a Main Gate, preparation of Model classrooms and new stairs, leveling of the ground, installation of educational charts construction of cemented link pathways between classrooms overall building maintenance and preparation of lawns & plantation in the schoolyard Additionally, 830 MMRA/6 AK Bde oversaw the renovation of a Madrassa at Bhont Bazar, where whitewashing and distempering of the building were carried out Furthermore 646 MR/75 Bde conducted renovation work at Govt Boys Pilot High School in Lipa including distempering of the building In GilgitBaltistan (GB), there is one cadet college, while in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), there are four AJK hosts 28 Army Public Schools (APS), accommodating a total of 19 604 students supported by 1 330 teachers and 467 ancillary staff members Additionally AJK is home to five Federal government Education Institutions catering to 2 266 students along with two special education institutions situated in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot, serving 57 special students Recently, the Arfa Karim one-month Pilot Project offered free of cost at APS Hjira concluded on March 22 2024 with 120 students and local youths attending the course physically and 38 individuals participating online An extension phase of the paid course, spanning three months, is scheduled to commence from May 24 Furthermore, efforts have been made to provide free internet services at four locations establishing freelancing hotspots at the University of Poonch Rawalakot Neelum University Athmuqam APS Athmuqam and APS Bagh Readers, these examples are just a glimpse of the remarkable work carried out by the
The writer is a freelance columnist
W h e re w i l l g o l d g o f ro m h e re ? I t ’s h a rd t o k n o w G o l d d o e s n’t p a y a n y i n c o m e A s Wa r re n B u f f e t t l i ke s t o s a y, i t ‘ j u s t s i t s t h e re ’ I n f a c t , g o l d c o s t s m o n e y t o h o l d , b e c a u s e i t re q u i re s s t o r a g e s p a c e a n d s e c u r i t y
HHUMBLEDOLLAR a da m m G r o S S m a n SCR
Tuesday 2 Apr l 2024 COMMENT 05
I S family told him not to go But the 33-yearold man, who chose not to reveal any personal details other than the fact that he works in the Information Technology sector said he felt compelled to attend the Opposition s Save Democracy rally on Sunday Not only because he wanted to express support for jailed Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, but also because he is concerned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to be a king “Modi ji ek raja ki tarah rehna chahte hain,” said the IT professional “He wants to rule India forever ” Like the young man 58-year-old Mohar Pal cut a solitary figure in the crowd Two years short of retiring from the forest department of Haryana he rode a train to Delhi because he is convinced that Modi s Bharatiya Janata Party is carrying out election fraud EVM mein ghotala hain – the electronic voting machines have been rigged, he said In the sea of thousands of flag-wielding cap-wearing committed party workers that flooded the Ramlila Maidan on Sunday was just a sprinkling of ordinary voters like Pal and the IT professional But their presence marked a growing disquiet over the state of Indian democracy now spilling over beyond India s elite circles Its most worrying dimension is the erosion of trust in the electoral process itself “The machines are faulty – no matter where you press the button the votes go to the lotus said Shahana Khatoon a middle-aged woman from a working-class neighbourhood in South Delhi Lotus is the symbol of the BJP If votes are stamped on ballot papers, see who wins then, she declared, as other women around her nodded in agreement So far, no evidence has surfaced to back allegations that ballot machines can be gamed to swing the outcome in the ruling party’s favour However both the Opposition and a former election commissioner have asked for ballots to be verified through paper slips to restore public confidence in voting in India Nearly a billion Indians will vote this summer in the largest electoral exercise in the world But do voters consider the elections to be free and fair? We explore this question through a series of dispatches from the ground The immediate trigger for the Sunday meeting was the arrest of Kejriwal A little over a decade ago he had stormed into politics as India s most prominent anti-corruption crusader But after he was arrested ten days ago on charges that his party took bribes while handing out liquor licences in Delhi, he has now joined a growing list of Opposition politicians put behind bars by the Enforcement Directorate the federal agency that investigates financial crimes I don t think it is fair to put a sitting chief minister in jail right before elections said 15-year-old Nayantara I think that s a very undemocratic thing to do The Class
student was attending her first political meeting ever, in the company of her parents her brother and friends Dressed in cotton hats the families pushed their way forward till they found a place to sit Nayantara s nine-yearold brother
up
poster he had drawn Free Kejriwal, it
showing Kejriwal behind bars loomed large everywhere – on billboards lining up the roads leading to Ramlila Maidan, on posters displayed at the venue even on shirts worn by his supporters Shahana Khatoon said she believed the charges against him were false He had been arrested only because he represented a threat to the BJP because his schemes resonated with poor people like her Aisa nahi to waise, kono kar ke lapete mein lena tha This way or that way, they would have somehow ensnared him The IT professional said the arrest was only a part of a larger attempt to systematically undercut the Opposition starting with the shock move that rendered 86% of India s currency illegal in November 2016 The BJP claimed demonetisation was done to end terrorism and corruption But the real aim was to wipe off the funds of the Opposition,” he said “Now they are doing it even more blatantly by serving an income tax notice to the Congress ” A level playing field is vital to democracy the young man said “It is important to keep changing governments In 2014 when Modi first led the BJP in a national election the IT professional then 24 was working abroad and was unable to vote in the election, but had he voted, he said he would have voted for Modi to defeat the Congress “After a party has ruled for 10 years, it is better to vote it out so it doesn’t become hegemonic ” he said Mohar Pal the forest department official who belongs to the Jat community had voted for the BJP in 2014 I thought the new government will do good work generate employment and jobs, and double the income of farmers he said But it did nothing And yet he voted for the BJP again in 2019 because “Modi said give me another chance” “But this time, I am not voting for him,” Pal said, emphatically His sons are unemployed despite having masters degrees All the young men in the villages are roaming jobless he said Even steady army jobs have been snatched from them Yet, neither Pal nor the IT professional believe the BJP is likely to lose the election Pal insisted it was because of compromised EVMs If voting machines are rigged, then how come the BJP loses state elections I asked “Dikhawe ke liye” – to maintain a pretence he said The IT professional however is sceptical of the theory According to him the reason the BJP wins is because a fear has been created that if they lose, Muslims will regain the upper hand He said even though his friends and colleagues admit “what is happening is wrong”, their voting choice is ultimately swayed by the Hindu-Muslim question For Shahana Khatoon the last 10 years have been marked by rising insecurity – both social and economic Khatoon grew up in Bihar before she got married and came to Delhi four decades ago Her husband was a mason in the public works department After he died in 2016, nobody in the family has been able to hold down a steady job Worse, the growing communal discord has cast a shadow on their lives Shahana Khatoon had come to the rally with a group of neighbours “I have been living in the same neighbourhood for 40 years and no one knew who is Hindu who is Muslim she said But Modi has changed that Babri Masjid tuta tha tab bhi itna hungama nahi hua tha – even when the Babri Masjid was demolished, there wasn’t so much upheaval as there has been in the past decade, she said
held
a
said A photoshopped image
E military has long been acknowledged for its role in defending nations and safeguarding their interests However beyond its traditional security functions the military also wields significant influence in shaping societies through its involvement in the education sector From providing access to quality education in underserved areas to cultivating discipline and leadership skills among students the military s contribution to education is diverse and impactful One of the primary ways in which the military contributes to the education sector is through the establishment of schools and educational institutions, particularly in remote or conflict-affected regions where educational access is limited These military-operated schools not only deliver quality education but also serve as hubs for community development offering opportunities for skills training vocational education and adult literacy programs Additionally, the military frequently collaborates with civil authorities and educational institutions to implement initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and addressing specific needs within the education system This may encompass efforts to improve teacher training develop curricula and enhance infrastructure, thus enhancing the overall quality and efficacy of the education sector Beyond providing access to education, the military also plays a role in instilling values such as discipline respect and civic responsibility among students Military-run educational institutions often integrate elements of military training and leadership development into their curriculum, enabling students to cultivate vital life skills and character traits that are beneficial both inside and outside the classroom Furthermore the military can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for students particularly those hailing from marginalized or disadvantaged backgrounds Through initiatives like career guidance, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities, the military provides students with avenues for success and upward mobility empowering them to pursue their academic and career aspirations Alongside its direct involvement in education the military supports educational initiatives and outreach programs, partnering with schools and universities to offer scholarships, internships, and educational resources to students interested in military or related fields
H
Pakistan where obstacles
poverty regional disparities and security
such as
Pak Army in the education sector of AJK, while the detailed list is considerably extensive The active participation of the Pak Army in providing educational facilities in AJK is highly appreciated by the people of AJK Both the people of Pakistan and AJK are grateful to the Pak Army for their practical contributions towards the
of society
betterment
G O L D reached a new high last week, climbing above $2,200 for the first time Year-to-date gold is up 8% and since the end of 2021 it s gained more than 20% outpacing the S&P 500 This raises two questions: Can we expect the rally to continue? And does gold deserve a place in your portfolio? To answer these questions, let s start by looking at the drivers of the recent rally The first factor is interest rates While rates are still elevated and the Federal Reserve has yet to cut its benchmark rate it’s indicated its intention to do so soon As a result other rates have already started to drop The yield on the 10-year Treasury note has edged down from almost 5% in October to 4 2% today How do interest rates impact the price of gold? To understand the connection, think about it from the point of view of an investor with cash to invest Investments are in a sense all in competition w i t h e a c h o t h e r f o r i n v e s t o r s d o l l a r s B e c a u s e gold doesn t produce any income it becomes rela t i v e l y l e s s a t t r a c t i v e w h e n i n v e s t o r s c a n e a r n more elsewhere When a simple U S government bond offers nearly 5%, gold looks much less app e a l i n g B u t w h e n i n t e r e s t r a t e s s t a r t t o c o m e down the scales begin to tilt back and that’s what we ve seen recently Another factor is geopolitical instability There s Russia s ongoing attack on Ukraine, and terrorists seem to be striking with increasing frequency around the world, with attacks recently in Israel, Russia, Turkey, South Korea and Pakistan Terrorists have also been attacking cargo ships off the coast of Yemen disrupting a key global shipping lane Uncertainty like this makes gold relatively more attractive because it offers a safe haven that s independent of any country or currency There are other reasons, too, for gold s runup According to a Wall Street Journal analysis, China’s central bank bought more gold last year than it had in any year since the 1970s Consumer demand for gold in China has also been strong with jewelry sales up nearly 25% during the recent lunar new year holiday season Overall, China increased its gold imports by 51% in 2023 Why the sudden surge in popularity? One reason is the weakness in China’s stock market which dropped in 2021 2022 and 2023 and is down again so far this year China s real estate market has also been going through a rough patch With these investment options looking less appealing gold has become relatively more attractive Putting these factors together, it looks like gold prices have a lot of support Where will gold go from here? It’s hard to know Gold doesn’t pay any income As Warren Buffett likes to say, it “just sits there ” In fact gold costs money to hold because it requires storage space and security This is relevant because the cash flow that an investment generates provides investors with a tangible basis for valuing that investment a concept known as intrinsic value When an investment doesn t generate any income, it’s very difficult to say what the right price should be, and that makes it much more unpredictable To be fair gold isn t the only investment lacking intrinsic value Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin also lack intrinsic value But the comparison with cryptocurrencies also highlights three unique aspects of gold First is its long history Archeologists have found evidence of gold being used in jewelry in Mesopotamia as much as 4 000 years ago Gold is hardly a passing fad Second gold is an internationally recognized store of value for governments Indeed for decades after World War II, under the Bretton Woods system, world currencies were pegged to the U S dollar, which in turn was pegged to gold at a fixed exchange rate Though we’ve moved away from that system, central banks continue to hold vast reserves of gold Finally gold has a number of industrial uses in medical devices in electronics and in aviation For all these reasons gold is a unique investment and many feel it deserves a place in a diversified portfolio For gold enthusiasts, the dynamics we’ve seen this year prove its value There is however another challenge gold bulls need to consider: You may notice that so far I ve left out any mention of inflation Because gold is a store of value that s independent of any country or currency, many view it as an effective hedge against inflation During the 1970s, for example, when annual inflation in the U S topped 12%, gold soared But we’ve seen gold do precisely the opposite over the past few years In 2022 when inflation began to rise gold fell And in 2023 when inflation started to recede gold rose In other words gold has run completely counter to expectations The bottom line: For investors, life would be easier if investments were more predictable if we knew with certainty which factors would drive their prices up and down For investments that carry intrinsic value this dynamic exists to some degree Look at a chart of the S&P 500-stock index for example and compare it to a chart of the earnings of the 500 companies in the index, and you ll see they generally move in the same direction Share prices follow profits Even so the relationship is loose That’s because there’s always more than one variable at work Market sentiment geopolitical news and other factors also drive share prices And they can drive prices in the opposite direction from earnings As a result despite having intrinsic value, stock prices can still do anything in the short term When it comes to gold where there’s no intrinsic value the investor ’s job becomes that much harder As we ve seen some factors are positive for gold while others are negative But because there s always a mix of factors at work at any given time it s impossible to know which will ultimately win out For that reason, despite its recent gains, I continue to recommend against owning gold except as jewelry Adam M Grossman is the founder of Mayport a fixed-fee wealth management firm
Gold’s shining moment
abdul baSit alvi
OLL S u p r i ya S h a r m a
ISRAELI TROOPS LEAVE GA Z A’S SHIFA HOSPITAL A WRECK IN SEA OF RUBBLE
I8 killed as Israel strikes Iran embassy annex in Damascus: monitor
of Damascus” Israeli strikes on targets in Syria, mostly Syrian army positions as well as Iran-backed combatants including fighters from Lebanon s Hezbollah movement have intensified since October when Israel began fighting Hezbollah-allied Hamas militants in the Gaza strip
Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for the
of a stable
France relationship and jointly injecting more certainty into world development through multilateral cooperation as he met with visiting French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne on Monday in Beijing
Some Chinese experts said that Sejourne s visit his first to China as French foreign minister, aims to pave the way for future high-level interactions between the leaders of the two countries It also signals that China and France share more common strategic interests and can overcome some differences in cooperating on major issues of concerns such as the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict
China-France relations have long been at the forefront of China s relations with Western major powers benefiting not only the peoples of both countries but also having a profound impact on the world, Li said on Monday
The stability of China-France relations will promote better development for both countries and by strengthening multilateral cooperation both countries can inject more certainty into world development, Li said Li also noted that the Chinese and French economies have strong
complementary advantages and many points of mutual interest China has always regarded France as a priority cooperation partner and hopes that by continuing to deepen traditional cooperative relations, both countries can further tap into cooperation potentials in areas such as green energy, technology innovation advanced manufacturing artificial intelligence digital economy and better achieve mutual benefit and winwin outcomes, Li said We hope the French side can provide a business environment that is open, fair, and non-discriminatory for Chinese enterprises while actively promoting the European side to follow economic rules and market principles and properly resolve concerns of both sides through consultation, Li said “Lack of cooperation and lack of development pose the greatest risks ” Li noted He said China is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with the French side to make positive contributions to solving international hotspot issues and improving global governance
This year is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and also the Year of China-France Cultural and Tourism Exchange China and France are both great nations with a spirit of independence The historical wealth of friendship between the two coun-
tries is something to be cherished, and the responsibilities and missions they share are undeniable Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said when meeting with Sejourne
Both sides agree that under the leadership of their heads of state and taking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France as an opportunity they should closely communicate and coordinate deepen exchanges and cooperation, and make China-France relations more strategically stable and forward-looking
The two sides should continue communicating closely on major international and regional issues deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as aerospace nuclear energy, agriculture and finance, and actively explore cooperation in emerging fields such as green transformation and intelligent manufacturing according to a readout from the Chinese Foreign Ministry
This visit by the French foreign minister also laid the groundwork for upcoming high-level visits,” Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China told the Global Times on Monday T h e F r e n c h s i d e a l s o h o p e s t h a t C h i n a c a n u n d e r t a k e s o m e p o s i t i v e c o o r d i n a t i o n e ff o r t s o n b o t h t h e R u s s i a - U k r a i n e a n d I sr a e l - P a l e s t i n e i s s u e s , t h e e x p e r t s a i d
Afghanistan confirms detention of two Americ ans for ‘violating law ’
Erdogan concedes defeat in Turkiye local polls
ISTANBUL
A F P
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conceded defeat on Sunday in the country s local elections, saying the vote was a “turning point” for his party after two decades in power
Partial results from across the nation of 85 million people showed major advances for the Republican People s Party (CHP) at the expense of Erdogan s Justice and Development Party (AKP)
Istanbul s mayor, the opposition s Ekrem Imamoglu, claimed re-election with nearly all ballot boxes opened, telling a euphoric crowd of supporters:
“Tomorrow is a new spring day for our country ”
Final results are expected to be released on Monday (today) by the country s electoral commission Erdogan 70 had launched an all-out personal campaign to win back Istanbul, the economic powerhouse where he was once mayor Rampant inflation and an economic crisis have, however, hit confidence in the ruling party Large crowds filled the square outside the opposition party s Istanbul city headquarters waving Turkish flags and lighting torches to celebrate the result
After casting his vote Imamoglu emerged to applause and chants of Everything will be fine , the slogan he used when he first took the city hall from the AKP in 2019 The 52-year-old is increasingly seen as the biggest rival to Erdogan’s AKP ahead of the next presidential election in 2028
In Ankara mayor Mansur Yavas also of the CHP claimed victory in front of large crowds of supporters, declaring the elections are over, we will continue to serve Ankara “Those who have been ignored have sent a clear message to those who rule this country,” he added Yavas led with 58 6 per cent of the vote to 33 5pc for his AKP opponent with 46 4pc of ballot boxes opened Opposition supporters celebrated victory in Izmir Turkiye s third-largest city as well as in the southern city of Antalya
Some AKP stronghold towns were at risk of being lost, results indicated “Voters have chosen to change the face of Turkiye ” said CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel as the results emerged They want to open the door to a new political climate in our country Erdogan acknowledged the electoral setback in a speech to supporters at the headquarters of his party “Unfortunately, we have not obtained the results that we wanted,” he told a subdued crowd “We will of course respect the decision of the nation We will avoid being stubborn acting against the national will and questioning the power of the nation he added Erdogan has been president since 2014 and won a new term in May last year He had called Istanbul the national “treasure” when launching his campaign to retake the city But while he dominated the campaign his personal role did not help overcome the widespread concerns over the country s economy Everyone is worried about the day-to-day, said 43year-old Istanbul resident Guler Kaya as she voted “The crisis is swallowing up the middle class We have had to change all our habits,” she said “If Erdogan wins it will get even worse” Although opposition parties had been fractured ahead of the poll analysts predicted a stormy political future for the AKP and its allies Berk Esen, an academic at Sabanci University, said that the CHP had pulled off the biggest election defeat of Erdogan’s career”
“Despite an uneven playing field government candidates have lost even in conservative strongholds
This is the CHP s best results since the 1977 elections Esen said on his social media account Whoever wins Istanbul, wins Turkiye, Erman Bakirci, a pollster from Konda Research and Consultancy, recalled Erdogan once saying The election was held with the country reeling from an inflation rate of 67pc and having seen the lira currency slide from 19 to a dollar to 32 to a dollar in one year Clashes were reported in Turkiye s Kurdishmajority southeast leaving one dead and 12 wounded a local official told AFP
The pro-Kurdish DEM party said it had identified irregularities “in almost all the Kurdish provinces”, in particular through suspicious cases of proxy voting Observers from France were refused access to a polling station in the region according to the lawyers association MLSA
T d y 2 Ap l 2024 | K AR ACHI 06 NEWS GAZA R E U T E R S
S R A E L I forces have withdrawn from Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after a two-week operation, the Israeli military said on Monday leaving behind a wasteland of destroyed buildings and Palestinian bodies scattered in the dirt of the complex Hundreds of residents rushed to the area around Gaza s largest hospital to check on damage to surrounding residential districts after fighting between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas that administers Gaza The Israeli military said it had killed and detained hundreds of gunmen in clashes in the area of the hospital and seized weaponry and intelligence documents Hamas and medical staff deny that Palestinian fighters have any armed presence in hospitals A spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Emergency Service said Israeli forces had executed two people whose bodies were found at the complex in handcuffs, and used bulldozers to dig up the grounds of the complex and exhume buried bodies Reuters could not verify the allegation of executions and Israel’s military did not immediately respond to a request for comment Footage circulated on social media and not yet verified by Reuters showed the bodies of dead Palestinians, some covered in dirty blankets, scattered on the ground around the charred hulk of the hospital building, many of whose outer walls were missing It showed the grounds heavily ploughed up and numerous buildings outside the facility either flattened or burned down I haven t stopped crying since I arrived here, horrible massacres were committed by the occupation here, said Samir Basel, 43, speaking to Reuters via a chat app as he toured Al Shifa “The place is destroyed buildings have been burnt and destroyed This place needs to be rebuilt – there is no Shifa hospital anymore Israel said operations inside Al Shifa had been conducted “while preventing harm to civilians, patients, and medical teams” Gaza media office said Israeli forces killed 400 Palestinians in the area of Al Shifa including a woman doctor and her son also a doctor and put the medical facility out of function There was no immediate Israeli comment More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed including 63 in the past 24 hours in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza since October 7 last year The war erupted after Hamas fighters broke through the border and rampaged through settler-occupied communities in southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 253 captives, according to Israeli tallies Meanwhile in Egypt mediators held talks with Israeli officials in a bid to bridge gaps between the positions of Hamas and Israel over reaching a ceasefire But a Palestinian official close to the mediation effort told Reuters: “There has been no sign of a breakthrough ”
R E P O R T
BEIJING S TA F F
building
China-
C h i n e s e P r e m i e r, Fr e n c h FM d i s c u s s s t a b l e C h i n a - Fr a n c e r e l at i o n s h i p
DAMASCUS A G E N C I E S Israeli strikes hit an Iranian consulate annex in Syria s capital Monday, state media said, amid rising regional tensions due to the Gaza war as a war monitor reported eight people were killed Iranian state media said a senior commander with Quds Force of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, was among the dead Israeli strikes on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital have killed a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Iranian state media has reported Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi one of the senior commanders of the IRGC s Quds Force was martyred in an attack by Zionist regime fighters on the Islamic Republic of Iran s consulate building in Damascus,” state TV reported The Quds Force is the foreign operations arm of the Guards AFP reports It was the fifth strike in eight days to hit Syria whose President Bashar al-Assad is widely supported by Iran and its allies There was no immediate comment from Israel, but the incident will further raise tensions as Israel has intensified its strikes on Iran-linked militant groups during its war in Gaza against Hamas Syria s official news agency SANA said the Israeli attack targeted the Iranian consulate building in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus AFP correspondents at the scene confirmed the building next to the embassy, an annex, had been levelled, in an upscale neighbourhood of Damascus AFP images showed a pile of rubble about two stories high beside a fenced compound Iranian media also reported that the strikes in Damascus completely destroyed the annex building and that the ambassador was unharmed Hossein Akbari, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, and his family were not harmed in the Israeli attack,” Iran’s Nour news agency said Britain-based group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said: Israeli missiles destroyed the building of an annex to the Iranian embassy in Damascus killing six people in an initial toll it quickly raised to eight Syria s defence ministry said there were many wounded, killed in an Israeli strike, and the Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad denounced the attack after visiting the site “We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack that targeted the Iranian consulate building in Damascus killing a number of innocent people Mekdad said in a statement carried by SANA SANA earlier reported that our air defence systems confronted enemy targets in the vicinity
BEIJING S TA F F C O R R E S P O N D E N T Chinese President Xi Jinping said China is ready to deepen all-round strategic cooperation with Indonesia during talks with President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia and Great Indonesia Movement Party General Chairman Prabowo Subianto in Beijing on Monday Xi congratulated Prabowo on winning the election and asked Prabowo to relay sincere greetings and best wishes to President Joko Widodo Recalling the rapidly developing and fruitful bilateral ties over the past decade under the guidance of the two heads of state, Xi said both sides have made the JakartaBandung high-speed railway an exemplar of high-quality bilateral cooperation and the countries have entered a new stage of building a community with a shared future The Chinese side views China-Indonesia relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, said Xi China is ready to work with Indonesia to build a China-Indonesia community with a shared future that has regional and global influence, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and contribute to peace stability and prosperity of the region and the world he added Xi said the key to the achievements in China-Indonesia relations lies in both countries adherence to strategic independence, mutual trust and assistance, win-win cooperation, and fairness and justice China and Indonesia are both major developing countries and emerging markets he said In the past the two countries always supported each other in the struggle for national independence and national construction, said Xi In the future, both countries should remain united to become a model of promoting mutual benefit win-win outcome and common development between countries and a pioneer of South-South cooperation he added Both countries should firmly follow a development path that suits their own national conditions, he said The two countries should also firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty security and development interests and understand and support each other on issues involving each other ’s core interests and major concerns Xi said He said China is willing to maintain close exchanges with Indonesia exchange experience in state governance strengthen the alignment of development strategies, promote construction of the Two Countries, Twin Parks” and the “Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor,” and continue to deepen maritime cooperation China is also ready to strengthen cooperation and provide support with Indonesia in poverty reduction and alleviation added Xi Noting the accelerating changes in the world unseen in a century, Xi said China and Indonesia should practice the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence carry forward the Bandung Spirit of unity friendship and cooperation promote an equal and orderly multi-polar world and universal and inclusive economic globalization, strengthen multilateral collaboration, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries China is willing to work with Indonesia to safeguard the unity and centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) maintain an open and inclusive regional architecture, and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future said Xi On his part Prabowo said he is delighted to make China the first country he visits after being elected Describing China as a major country with important influence, he said Indonesia and China have always respected each other and treated each other as equals China is a robust cooperative partner of Indonesia said Prabowo adding that Chinese companies have actively and deeply participated in Indonesia s economic construction and assisted the country s national development in recent years
hina to deepen all-round strategic cooperation
Indonesia,
i KABUL A G E N C I E S Afghanistan’s government has arrested two United States nationals over violations of law in the country spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on Monday Mujahid did not reveal the identities of the detained individuals and said that other foreigners have also been arrested I think there are two Americans, and the reasons for their arrest are not clear yet; but whatever the reasons, anyone coming to Afghanistan is obliged to observe the laws of Afghanistan Anyone who gets an Afghan visa means they agree to follow our laws he was quoted by TOLO News as saying American officials have already said that two of their nationals are in Afghan custody They had even identified one of the men as Ryan Corbett The US officials had also claimed that the Americans were being detained ‘without reason’ International relations analyst Rashid Qutbzada said that it was possible that the Taliban might ask for the release of someone they want in exchange for the two detained Americans The State Department had said in a February briefing that America was continuously pressing Afghanistan over the release of its citizens “U S officials have continuously, consistently pressed – including in meetings with Taliban representatives – for the immediate and unconditional release of Americans detained in Afghanistan noting that these tensions are a significant obstacle to positive engagement, Matthew Miller had said
C
with
says President X
CM Mar yam Nawaz Sharif pays tribute to security forces for arresting perpetrators of Shangla attack
K arandaaz Pakistan and Bank of Punjab Join Forces to Digitize Agric ulture Lending
Pakistan, China to finalise framework for third-par t y
First
g
regional influence by enhancing the connectivity of neighboring areas with Pakistan’s ports and utilising land transportation
A draft from the Chinese authorities intended for the CPEC Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC), outlines the principles for third-party engagement These principles emphasise that CPEC will remain a collaborative and inclusive initiative welcoming third-party contributions in agreed areas on a caseby-case basis The goal is to bring in high-quality capital technology, and expertise without compromising the project s leadership by Pakistan and China or altering the structure of existing CPEC mechanisms
The JWG-ICC was designated to create the framework for third-party project involvement It will conduct bilateral talks to form a consensus on these modalities ensuring all engagements are approved by the respective authorities before public announcement The confidentiality of information is a priority until official project acceptance Following approval from the necessary authorities, the JWG-ICC will distribute cooperation proposals to relevant CPEC working groups for technical and implementation planning Additionally to promote understanding of CPEC and third-party investment opportunities, informational briefings will be held at selected Pakistani and Chinese diplomatic missions A meeting is scheduled this week by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review the Chinese proposal and finalize the guidelines for third-party participation in
Captain (R) Muhammad Mahmood appointed as chairman PTCL
07 NEWS Tuesday 2 Apr l 2024 K AR ACH P S X g a i n s 3 . 7 6 % M o M i n M a rc h PR OFIT N E W S D E S K The Pakistan stock market s benchmark KSE-100 index closed the month at 67,005 points, recording a gain of 2,427 points or 3 76% and setting a new record A c c o r d i n g t o a n o t e b y A K D R esearch the month under review saw seve r a l k e y e v e n t s i n c l u d i n g t h e inauguration of a new government and the smooth progress of the IMF s second rev i e w u n d e r i t s S t a n d - B y A r r a n g e m e n t , culminating in a staff-level agreement The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) maintained the policy rate at 22% in its March meeting a move that was anticipated by the market Remittances rose by 18% year-overyear and imports declined by 6% monthover-month, resulting in a current account surplus of $128 million for February, a significant improvement from the $303 million deficit the previous month This shift contributed to reducing the c u r r e n t a c c o u n t d e f i c i t t o j u s t b e l o w $ 1 billion for the first eight months of the fiscal year The GDP growth rate for the second quarter of FY24 was 1 0% year-over-year, supported by a 5% increase in agriculture but hindered by a 0 8% decrease in industrial activity Brokerage firm said that inflation is projected to decrease with March s consumer price index expected at 20 6% year-overyear, down from 23 1% in February, marking the first instance of positive real interest rates in 38 months The first initial public offering of the year was concluded by Secure Logistics Group Ltd The State Bank s foreign exchange reserves slightly increased by US$69 million to US$8 billion as of March 22 The Pakistani rupee remained stable against the US dollar closing at 278 7 Brokerage note further said that investor interest in the transport sector surged partly due to discussions on the privatisation of state-owned enterprises and the government s plans to restructure and sell the national airline, PIA, leading to a 94% increase in the sector Refineries gained 7% following the announcement of an amended refinery policy Conversely textile weaving and leasing sectors experienced declines of 9% and 6%, respectively Companies were net sellers, offloading $25 6 million in holdings, while the insurance sector was a net buyer with $33 4 million in purchases Foreign investors also showed interest especially in banks contributing to a net purchase of US$15 3 million As per AKD s note, the easing inflation trend suggests the possibility of a policy rate cut in the final quarter of the fiscal year The upcoming earnings season will provide insight into corporate profitability Despite high market levels the forward price-to-earnings ratio remains at 3 5 indicating strong fundamentals The market is expected to see growth in sectors that have previously lagged, such as cement and chemicals g MARKET IS EXPECTED TO SEE GROWTH IN SECTORS THAT PREVIOUSLY LAGGED, REPORT PR OFIT N E W S D E S K T H E International Monetary Fund (IMF) has instructed Pakistan s Petroleum Division to gradually eliminate cross subsidies with a focus on ensuring the protection of vulnerable gas consumers through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) mechanism The global financial institution s strategy aims at safeguarding those most in need while aligning with economic stabilization efforts The directive stipulates the discontinuation of the budgeted gas subsidies s t a r t i n g J u l y 1 , 2 0 2 4 , f o l l o w i n g t h e government s diversion of Re-Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) to domestic consumers Over the past two years the government has allocated substantial subsidies to mitigate the costs associated with RLNG diversion totaling Rs69 billion In response to IMF s guidelines, the interim government adjusted gas tariffs for domestic consumers identified as ‘protected’ under the subsidy program These adjustments which took eff e c t f r o m F e b r u a r y 1 2 0 2 4 s a w i ncreases ranging from 40% to over 65% f o r v a r i o u s c o n s u m p t i o n b r a c k e t s , with the intent to lessen the financial burden of cross-subsidies estimated at Rs100 billion This strategy not only seeks to realign the gas pricing to more sustainable levels but also aims to introduce a more targeted support system for low-income households Under the proposed plan, subsidies for protected consumers would be administered through BISP or a similar framework ensuring these households are not adversely affected by the full cost of gas For the fiscal year 2024-25, the government plans to recover RLNG diversion costs directly from domestic consumers via the weighted average cost of gas (WACOG) method This approach will be integral to the gas companies estimated revenue requirements, marking a significant shift towards full cost recovery and fiscal sustainability in the energy sector IMF DIRECTS GRADUAL REMOVAL OF GAS SUBSIDIES IN PAKISTAN BY NEXT F Y PR OFIT N E W S D E S K In a significant boost to Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sector the first batch of high-breed cattle imported from Brazil has arrived in the country The importation, facilitated by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is part of the Green Pakistan Livestock Initiative (GPLI) aimed at enhancing local livestock quality and productivity The arrival of these cattle marks a crucial step in the GPLI, with the goal of distributing genetically superior cattle to local farmers to meet the increasing demands for meat and milk The consignment consists of nine different breeds integrating both Pakistani and Brazilian varieties, to improve the genetic pool of the local livestock population Upon arrival at Sialkot Airport the cattle were transported to Okara where they are undergoing a two-week quarantine period as a precautionary measure to ensure they are free from diseases The logistical feat was accomplished with a Boeing 747, chartered for this specific purpose that traveled from Sao Paulo to Sialkot covering a distance of 9 044 miles The journey included stopovers in Angola and Oman, setting a record for the longest livestock transport in history According to sources the initiative is spearheaded by Fongrow a subsidiary of the Fauji Foundation which boasts a management team with extensive experience in livestock management
consignment of high breed Brazilian cattle under SIFC reaches Pakistan
PR OFIT N E W S D E S K Sazgar Engineering (SAZEW) has announced to kickstart pre-booking of its new model of locally assembled/manufactured Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) under the brand HAVAL JOLION HEV The company informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) through a notification that CKD (Completely Knocked Down) rollout of these vehicles on a commercial scale is expected in April 2024 We are pleased to inform you that the company has commenced pre-booking of a new model of locally assembled/ manufactured Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) under the brand Haval Jolion HEV and CKD roll-out of these vehicles on a commercial scale is expected in April 2024 ” read the SAZEW’s notice Known as Pakistan s leading rickshaw manufacturer and exporter Sazgar has expanded its portfolio by partnering with Chinese automobile manufacturer, BAIC Through this collaboration, Sazgar introduced BAIC’s D20 vehicle the X25 crossover and the BJ40-Plus off-roader SUV in the Pakistani market In 2022 Sazgar Engineering finalised its manufacturing facilities for Haval SUVs, while in 2021, it was granted green-field status by the government to produce Haval SUVs, signifying its entry into the SUV manufacturing sector These initiatives with Haval and BAIC were facilitated under the government s green-field status, a part of the auto development policy (ADP-2016-21) This policy provides tax benefits to automotive manufacturers as an incentive to invest in the local industry allowing them to avail themselves of significant tax and duty advantages S azgar star ts pre -booking of its latest model HAVAL JOLION HEV g CKD ROLL-OUT OF THESE VEHICLES ON A COMMERCIAL SCALE IS ALSO EXPECTED IN APRIL 2024 CORPORATE CORNER ISLAMABAD P R The Bank of Punjab (BOP) and Karandaaz Pakistan join forces in a strategic alliance aimed at revolutionizing Pakistan's Agriculture Sector under Karandaaz s inaugural Digital Financing for Agriculture (DFA) Challenge 2023 The landmark Agreement inked on April 1 2024 signals the commencement of pioneering initiative geared towards enhancing digital agriculture loans and fostering financial inclusion nationwide The agreement signing, held at the Marriott Hotel Islamabad was performed by Mr Zafar Masud President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab and Mr Waqas ul Hassan CEO of Karandaaz Pakistan Other notable attendees included, Mr Sharjeel Murtaza, Director DFS Karandaaz, Mr Asif Riaz Group Head Consumer Banking Mr Nadeem Khanzada Senior Joint Director of SBP and Mr Qasim Javed representing Techlogix alongside other senior management of BOP, Karandaaz, Agri, and Fintech Sector Mr Zafar Masud, President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab opined that the collaboration aims to overcome farmers financial hurdles It not only aims to improve productivity but also addresses the challenge of loan securitization by offering collateral-free financing By easing out the loan process and leveraging innovative solutions such as real-time loan disbursement based on predictive AI assessments the initiative is poised to empower farming community across the country, foster resilience and bring prosperity to the marginalized agriculturists Mr Masud extended gratitude to Karandaaz Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan Techlogix and all other stakeholders for their unwavering support Mr Waqas ul Hassan CEO of Karandaaz Pakistan expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Banks are one of the most suited partners to address farmers access-to-credit challenges The collaboration between Karandaaz Pakistan and Bank of Punjab represents a significant opportunity for demonstrating increase in the productivity of the agricultural value chains through digital inclusion of small farmers ”
CONSIGNMENT CONSISTS OF NINE DIFFERENT BREEDS, INTEGRATING BOTH PAKISTANI AND BRAZILIAN VARIETIES
PR OFIT N E W S D E S K Pakistan and China are nearing the completion of discussions on allowing third-party involvement in the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aimed to attract additional investment According to a report, the plan involves extending CPEC’s
CPEC
the sources added
par
in CPEC g M O V E, PA R T O F C P E C ' S S E C O N D P H A S E, A I M S TO AT T R A C T A D D I T I O N A L I N V E S TO R S PR OFIT N E W S D E S K Captain (Retd) Muhammad Mahmood has been appointed as the new chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) The PTCL informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) about this development through a notice on Monday We wish to inform you that Mr Hassan Nasir Jamy, chairman has/have ceased to be the chairman of the company w e f April 1 2024 and Capt (Retd ) Muhammad Mahmood has/have been appointed as chairman read the PTCL s notice
ticipation
PR OFIT N E W S D E S K The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) on Monday announced a reduction in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices According to a notification issued by a regulatory body the LPG price would go down by Rs6 45 per kilogram and it would now be sold out at Rs 250 33 per kilogram For those using domestic cylinders the price has seen a reduction The cost of a domestic cylinder has been slashed by Rs 76 per kilogram The new price for the domestic cylinder has been set at Rs 2,954 Separately, the government on Sunday decided to jack up petrol price by Rs9 66 for the next 15 days The finance ministry in a notification stated that as part of the fortnightly revision of prices of petroleum products on the recommendation of Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the Government of Pakistan has decided that the consumer prices, with effect from 1st April, 2024 However, the government decided to slash diesel price by Rs3 32 per litre it added LPG price reduced by Rs6.45 per kg g NEW PRICE FOR DOMESTIC CYLINDER HA S BEEN SET AT RS 2,954
Chinese
L A H O R E: People involved in terrorism do not deserve any exemption said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif while paying tribute to the security forces for arresting all those involved in Shangla attack on Chinese nationals She added,”It is inevitable to bring terrorists and their facilitators to justice ” Madam Chief Minister said Pakistani nation is united in its resolve to eradicate terrorism PR Coordinator to Prime Minister on Health D irec ts IDAP for Timely Completion of PGMI-II I S L A M A B A D: Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Regulations and Coordination conducted a visit to the construction site of Post Graduate Medical Institution II (PGMI-II) Accompanied by Federal Secretary Health, Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed received a detailed briefing on the progress of the vital public welfare project Coordinator to Prime Minister was briefed that the PGMI-II a 300-bed hospital is slated for completion by September 2025 Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to expeditiously completing public welfare projects He said that the initiative would play a role in alleviating the burden on existing healthcare facilities in Islamabad He directed the Infrastructure Development Authority of Punjab (IDAP) to strictly adhere to the construction schedule to ensure the timely completion of the PGMI-II project He further instructed the contractor to incorporate provisions for the addition of more floors in the future to ensures that the hospital can adapt and expand in response to evolving healthcare demands PR g OVER TWO YEARS, GOVT ALLOCATED RS69B IN SUBSIDIES FOR RLNG DIVERSION COSTS
on
National
DApril 19 to elect a new parliament, the world s largest election in which nearly one billion people are eligible to cast ballots Reuters reported The election pits two-term strongman Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his regional allies against a bickering alliance of two dozen opposition parties, with surveys suggesting a comfortable win for Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Epicentre of recent wave of terrorism in Pakistan is Afghanistan until the neighbouring country takes decisive action against the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) safe havens there The defence minister said that he,
Hammad A zhar resur faces after ten months in hiding, vows to hold ‘press conference’ in next 24 hours
along with a high-level delegation, visited Afghanistan to request the Taliban government there to take effective steps to stop terrorism However the solution proposed by Kabul was not practically possible he added Our options are now reducing dayby-day for the neighbour due to fluctuation in Afghan interim government s attitude towards Pakistan,” Asif said He added that Pakistan has always stood besides Afghanistan rendered sacrifices for them and even fought wars with them
He stressed treatment of Pak-Afghan border like other borders around the globe which restricts cross-border movement to visa holders under international laws
He was of the view that the movement of people from Afghanistan without visas allows terrorists to enter Pakistan
He also signalled on behalf of the federal government taking concrete steps in the coming days to the complete elimination of terrorism
Elaborating on ongoing probe into the attack on Chinese nationals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
General Asim Munir condemned the attack vowing that the perpetrators responsible for the heinous attack would be brought to justice
Meanwhile a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Rawalpindi s Nur Khan Airbase and a 30-second silence was observed as bodies of the deceased Chinese nationals were airlifted
back to China Floral wreaths were laid on behalf of the president prime minister army chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
In the aftermath of the attack, Chinese companies overseeing operations at the sites of the Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha Dams temporarily suspended the civil work at both sites owing to security concerns
Around 991 Chinese engineers were working on both projects, while the local staff has been told to stay at home till further instructions an official working on the project confirmed to the publication
Last week, a Chinese investiga-
tion team has also arrived in Pakistan to investigate the incident after China s military expressed its willingness to work with Pakistan to enhance the capability of the two countries to tackle various security risks and
Published by Asad Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited Ph: 021-32640318 Email: newsroom@pakistantoday com pk PRAYER TIMINGS FA J R S U N R I S E Z U H R A S R M AG H R I B S H A 4:50 5:50 1 30 5:00 6:25 8:15 Tuesday 2 Apri 2024 NEWS ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
E F E N C E Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday expressed hopes for betterment in bilateral ties with India after the neighbour comes out of its election phase commencing from April 19 and ending in June Regional arch-rivals Islamabad and New Delhi have a long history of strained relations, primarily due to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) dispute which led to several wars while tensions usually rise on the occasions of countrywide elections in India Our relations with India could be improved after elections there, the defence minister expressed his views while speaking to reporters outside the Parliament House in Islamabad adding that Pakistan and India ties have its own background As the country which borders with China, India, Afghanistan, and Iran witnessed tensions with other neighbours, except
China, following crossborder attacks from Iran and Afghanistan
is hopeful for a turn of event in terms of improvement of bilateral ties with New Delhi after the neighbour completes its upcoming election phase
is noteworthy to mention here that India will begin voting in phases starting
for
Asif
It
(KP), Asif said that joint investigation teams of Pakistan and China found some leads, and they would soon dig up all facts regarding the terrorist attack Five Chinese citizens including a woman and a Pakistani driver were killed when their vehicle was attacked in Shangla s Besham city as a suicide bomber crashed his explosives-laden vehicle into the car carrying the victims on March 26 To a question the minister replied that Islamabad is successfully fulfilling targets of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), however, the government would be able to provide relief to the nation after at least 1 5 years He detailed that cases related to tax recovery worth Rs2 700 are currently pending whereas billions of rupees are being drained from the national exchequer due to electricity and gas theft He, however, was optimistic of providing relief to the masses within next six months by taking effective moves DefeNCe miNiSter HopefuL of bettermeNt iN pAK-iNDiA tieS After iNDiAN eLeCtioNS
PESHAWAR A B I D O O N N A D E E M After remaining underground for more than 10 months senior PTI leader Hammad Azhar made a public appearance and spoke to media at Peshawar High Court to secure transit bail He criticised the process in which cases have been formed against him There are 91 cases against me at the moment And I was not present at any one of the locations where and when they were registered” he said while speaking to media He added that he would be holding a press conference in the next 24 hours to speak in more detail about the state of the judicial system and the country Hammad Azhar is among the few PTI leaders who have managed to avoid arrest But during these 10 months, there have been multiple raids on his residences and his family home A massive crackdown on the PTI began soon after the violence on May 9th 2023 when various sensitive military installations were ransacked by PTI activists
ban case LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday issued notices to the parties including the federal government on a miscellaneous petition challenging the ban on X formerly known as Twitter The court also ordered attaching the miscellaneous petition along with the main petition for the hearing scheduled to be held on April 18 Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan heard the plea filed by Hafiz Shakir Mehmood Later the court adjourned the hearing until April 18 LHC dismisses plea against printing Nawaz Sharif’s picture on Kisan Card LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T The Lahore High Court on Monday dismissed a plea against the printing of former PM Nawaz Sharif ’s picture on a Kisan Card in Punjab As per details Lahore High Court s (LHC) Justice Shahid Karim dismissed a petition filed by a citizen Mashkoor Hussain The Punjab government s lawyer informed the court that the plan to print Nawaz Sharif s picture on the Kisan card has not been finalized yet Last week the decision to emboss former prime minister Nawaz Sharif ’s picture on Kisan Card in Punjab was challenged in Lahore High Court (LHC) The applicant Mashkoor Hussain in his plea stated that CM Maryam Nawaz has okayed to emboss the picture of Nawaz Sharif on a Kisan Card but the public funds cannot be used for personal publicity Using the national treasury for personal publicity is a violation of the Supreme Court’s verdict the plea stated and urged the court to stay the decision until a decision on the plea Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz gave approval to the Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card Project aimed at uplifting the agriculture sector and socioeconomic condition of farmers in the province The chief minister presided over the meeting related to agricultural reforms here She said that under the Kisan card 500 000 small farmers would be given loans on easy terms This loan will be worth Rs150 billion and given in one year Farmers would also be given loans of Rs30,000 for per acre land for purchase of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides Under the Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card different types of subsidy would also be provided to farmers she added SHC orders action against kite flyers in Karachi KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday ordered action against the people found flying kites in Karachi The orders were passed by the SHC bench on a plea moved against kite flying in the metropolitan Stray strings of kite flyers have claimed several lives of people while the police were not taking any ‘action’ against the people involved in the kite flying The applicant urged the SHC to pass orders for action against kite makers and flyers in Karachi After the initial hearing, the SHC while ordering action against the kite flyers and makers in Karachi served notices to the Sindh government, IG Sindh and the Karachi commissioner The high court has summoned a response from the respondents till April 24 Meanwhile the Sindh government lawyer informed the court that a ban is already slapped on kite makers and flyers in Karachi On March 27, a Karachi youth was hospitalized after he suffered a serious injury due to a loose kite string in the Azizabad area In a statement the police said the 20-year-old man identified as Awais was riding a motorbike when he was tangled in kite string in Azizabad The police said he was shifted to a hospital where his condition was said to be out of danger ISLAMABAD M O N I T O R I N G R E P O R T The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has raised concerns about the lack of response from focal persons sitting at relevant Federal Ministries in Pakistan that are supposed to help companies based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that are interested in renewable energy projects in Pakistan In a letter addressed to relevant ministries the SIFC enclosed a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) based on communication from Pakistan s ambassador to the UAE, which provided further details Reports indicate that the Foreign Office was informed that the ambassador in Abu Dhabi had a meeting with the Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ) to discuss updates on seven bilateral investment MoUs signed with the UAE in November 2023 ADQ mentioned that they have initiated informal contact with all relevant ministry focal persons and sent emails about a month ago to establish formal communication channels However they are still awaiting responses despite reminders Additionally, ADQ is awaiting Pakistan s list of priorities and bankable projects Following MoFA’s suggestions SIFC has instructed all focal persons to establish formal communication channels with proper record-keeping mechanisms Moreover, SIFC has urged focal persons to regularly check and promptly respond to emails, highlighting that email is considered a formal communication channel in most countries contrasting with WhatsApp’s informal nature Given these directives SIFC has emp h a s i z e d t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f c o m p l i a n c e a n d r e q u e s t e d m o n t h l y u p d a t e s o n c o mm u n i c a t i o n s a n d p r o g r e s s m a d e o n M O U s
’ of foc al persons for UAE investment at relevant ministries irks SIFC
S TA F F R E P O R T
Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has “arrested” more than 10 terrorists facilitators involved in the attack on Chinese engineers in Shangla s Bisham city last week sources revealed on Monday As per the sources, a Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)-affiliated outfits are believed to be involved in the March 26 deadly attack During the attack five Chinese citizens including a woman and a Pakistani driver were killed when their vehicle was attacked in Shangla s Besham city as a suicide bomber crashed his explosivesladen vehicle into the car carrying the victims Following the incident the country s civil and military leadership notably Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
LHC issues notices to gov t , others in ‘X’
‘Unresponsiveness
ISLAMABAD
The
challenges including terrorist attacks The CTD sources say that the terrorist commander, responsible for bringing the suicide bomber to Pakistan from Afghanistan has also been arrested as well as four other facilitators Furthermore, the investigation has revealed that the explosiveladen vehicle used in the deadly attack was prepared in Afghanistan and was subsequently transported to Dera Ismail Khan s Darazinda via the Pak-Afghan Chaman border crossing in Balochistan LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T Punjab Police on Monday once again arrested Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) leaders Sanam Javaid Khan and Aliyah Hamza According to details, Sanam and Aliyah were apprehended by the Mianwali police and presented before an anti-terrorism court in Lahore ATC judge Arshad Javaid heard the police s request seeking a remand for the PTI leaders Upon which, the judge approved a oneday remand for Sanam and Aliyah, handing them over to the police Aliyah speaking informally to journalists in court expressed concerns over the rising inflation and deteriorating law and order situation in the country She criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and provincial police for their continuous efforts to arrest them for the past five days saying police officials have been waiting outside the jail day and night for their arrest We are so feared that your entire machinery is busy fixing our party On February 8 you turned majority [vote] into minority and now preparations are underway to rig the Senate elections she added For God s sake, rulers should come out of their delusions and think about the people and Pakistan beyond their false ego ” Aliyah further remarked “The existence of PTI is because of the Pakistani people and they have already made their decision on February 8 C T D ‘a r r e s t s ’ a r o u n d 1 0 t e r r o r i s t s , f a c i l i t a t o r s f o r i n vo l ve m e n t i n C h i n e s e e n g i n e e r s ’ a t t a c k PTI’s S anam Javed, Aliyah Hamza rearrested
