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I H C G R A N T S B A I L T O I M R A N K H A N

I N £ 1 9 0 M C O R R U P T I O N C A S E

TNational Accountability Ordinance (NAO)

It added that the investigation proceedings and findings so far “established that accused persons in connivance with each other have committed the offence of corruption and corrupt practices as defined under the NAO

The reference said Imran played a pivotal role in the illicit transfer of funds which were meant for the state which ultimately benefited Riaz Akbar, a former special assistant to the premier and Asset Recovery Unit chief played a crucial role in the illegal design of the funds which were meant for the state, the reference said Malik, the reference said, had “actively aided, abetted and assisted and acted in conspiracy” with the other respondents for the diversion of funds earmarked for the state

Latif Khosa, challenged the allegations, particularly those made by former aide Shahzad Akbar Khosa questioned why Imran Khan was being held accountable for matters beyond his control Khosa highlighted that a

of NAB acknowledged the absence of Imran Khan’s signature and affirmed that no funds were directed to the PTI founder s account or that of his wife Bushra Bibi Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi did not derive any personal benefit from these transactions,” Khosa emphasised

provide information but they deliberately with malafide intention refused t

the other pretext Furthermore, it is established through their responses that they have nothing in their defence to rebut the above-mentioned allegations Thus they all have committed an offence under the

Bushra Bibi and Shahzadi also played a significant and crucial role in the “illegal activities”, the latter also a “front woman” for Imran and his wife it said

The reference said that it was just and proper to proceed against the eight suspects as there was sufficient incriminating evidence available to justify the reference

It pleaded that the eight suspects be tried and punished in accordance with the law by the court or any other to which the reference was entrusted

Wang added

The Chinese foreign minister said that his country is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, pool efforts to promote the construction of an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and work together to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era

In addition, China will not waver in its determination to deepen cooperation with Pakistan, and hopes that Pakistan will continue to do its utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel projects and institutions in Pakistan and eliminate the worries of Chinese enterprises and personnel, he added

The Pakistan-China friendship is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy Dar said adding that Pakistan abides by the one-China principle firmly supports China without hesitation on all issues concerning China s core interests, and looks forward to further deepening bilateral practical cooperation in various fields

He further said that Pakistan will do its utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan

He also thanked China for its consistent support on the Kashmir issue, saying it is crucial for resolving the dispute to bring peace in the region

The two countries also agreed to continue their cooperation on issues related to regional security and stability

wheat procurement by provinces and the government has decreased, adversely affecting farmers’ ability to obtain fair rates for their produce This loss to farmers and economy were a result of decisions made by incapable and inefficient individuals and they must be held accountable Bilawal Bhutto emphasized that it is not the fault of the farmers, and the government should step in to assist them He stressed the importance of recognizing Pakistan as an agricultural country and urged a renewed focus on agriculture as a means to earn and thrive PPP Chairperson shared his views on the Presidential address to both Houses of Parliament on April 18, 2024 He congratulated

Shehbaz Sharif to take up three agenda items including Circular Debt Report for February 2024, Illegal Spectrum of Goods and Services: Incentive Mechanism for Recovery of Electricity Arrears above two years and from Theft of Electricity from Private Consumers and Pakistan Oil Refining Policy for Upgradation of Existing/Brownfield Refineries-Extension of Deadline for Signing of Upgrade Agreement The Petroleum Division has prepared a summary of Brownfield Refining Policy for approval by the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCOE) Earlier the deadline for signing plant upgrade agreements with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra)

was April 22 2024 Three refineries namely Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), National Refinery Limited (NRL), and Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) had agreed to ink agreements before the deadline while two other refineries – Pak Arab Refinery (Parco) and Cnergyico PK –needed more time However, the Petroleum Division neither arranged the signing of agreements with the willing refineries nor extended the date to accommodate the requests of others The formulation of a new refining policy has already taken more than four years, causing a loss of about $4 billion to the country ARL, NRL, and PRL plan to invest $3 billion in upgrading their plants while total investment will reach $6 billion when PARCO and Cnergyico also join them

The CCOE had already reviewed a summary dated January 25, 2024, submitted by the Petroleum Division on February 6, 2024, and approved proposed amendments to the policy The CCOE s decision was also ratified by the federal cabinet Accordingly the amended Pak-

istan Oil Refining Policy for Up-gradation of Existing/Brownfield Refineries 2023 was notified for implementation

The policy envisages upgrading the existing refineries to produce environmentally friendly Euro-V fuels and reduce the production of furnace oil To achieve this objective the policy provides a 2 5% incremental incentive on high-speed diesel (HSD) in addition to the current 7 5% and 10% on motor spirit (petrol) in the form of deemed duty for seven years

The deemed duty will be deposited in an escrow account maintained by OGRA with refineries for meeting up to 27 5% of plant upgrade costs OGRA will allow the withdrawal of funds by the refineries from the escrow account post-financial close of upgrade projects and for meeting the expenditure made to achieve each milestone

To avail themselves of the incremental incentive the refineries are required under the policy to execute plant upgrade agreements open an escrow account and provide an Rs1 billion bank guarantee to OGRA within 60 days of the notification of the policy, ie, by April 22 2024 Clause 6 1 3 5 of the policy provides that deemed duty on HSD shall be reduced from 7 5% to 5% for refineries that do not sign the upgrade agreement within the deadline of 60 days OGRA said that ARL, NRL, and PRL had conveyed their readiness to sign the agreement and the Petroleum Division may coordinate in this respect However PARCO and Cnergyico which jointly contribute more than 50% of the country s refining output, have yet to finalise the agreement PARCO is in the process of updating its feasibility study after which its board of directors will decide on the planned refinery upgrade These activities may take five to six months CCo E m ay ex

g With ne W r atings, that ta Cement demonstr ates r obust finanCial health and sound liquidit y

ADIAL A JAIL SECURIT Y: HEARING OF £190 MILLION ADJOURNED TILL MAY 17

Tprofile prisoners with political background are also in the Jail The letter added that the Home Department of the Punjab Government has received a report of a plan to attack prisons by banned organizations According to the report, there are security threats to Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi and Attock Jail Mock drills have also been conducted with the help of law enforcement agencies for the security of Adiala Jail According to the letter, the security clearance of the residents of the residential areas adjacent to the jail is also being done, therefore, the hearing on the 190 million pounds reference should be postponed till next week in the context of security arrangements

It is pertinent to note that mock drills were conducted yesterday to ensure the security of Adiala Jail Rawalpindi Police, Elite Force, Rescue 1122, Bomb Disposal Squad and law enforcement agencies participated in the mock exercise, said Rawalpindi Police spokesperson According to the spokesman, mock exercises were conducted to simulate joint operational actions in an operation or emergency situation Earlier, there were reports that a ban was imposed on meeting prisoners in Adiala Jail for three days The ban on meetings with prisoners will be applied till 12 midnight on May 15 and this decision was taken in view of security concerns around the prison It is pertinent to note that a few days ago, the US State Department emphasized the im-

portance of ensuring the safety of all prisoners in Pakistan, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan During a news briefing in Washington on May 7, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said, “Obviously, we want to see the protection and security of every prisoner in the world, including Pakistan Every detained person, every prisoner is entitled to basic human

S earle Company to divest entire stake in S earle Pakistan Limited

National Bank of Pakistan added to MSCI Frontier M arket Index

following the May 2024 index review No changes were made to the MSCI Small Cap Index for Pakistan The adjustments will be effective from May 31, 2024 With this update, Pakistan now has 21 constituents in the MSCI Standard Index, including Hub Power Company Limited, United Bank Limited, Lucky Cement Limited, Engro Corporation, MCB Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, Engro Fertilizers Limited, Bank AL Habib Limited, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Oil & Gas Development Company Limited, Millat Tractors Limited, Mari Petroleum Company Limited, Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited, Systems Limited, POL, PSO, BAFL, TRG, In-

terloop Limited, SNGPL, and NBP Overall weight of Pakistan in Frontier market index with inclusion of NBP and increase in free float market cap of existing 20 constituents by 12% is likely to increase by 30-40 basis points to 4 0-4 3%, Topline Pakistan Research said in a note Similarly, Pakistan weight in MSCI Small Cap Index is also likely to increase despite no addition of any scrip in the index as existing 56 constituents of Pakistan have returned 16% in USD terms since Feb 01, 2024 (last review) compared to 5% decline in MSCI Frontier market small cap index, the brokerage house said We estimate Pakistan weight to increase in the range of 50-60 bps in the small cap index to 3 4-3 5% Estimations indicate potential gross inflows of $30-40 million into the Frontier Market Index, attributed to the changes in weight and the addition of NBP These estimates are based on approxi-

FBR proposes new tax measures to meet fisc al targets

mately $10 billion in assets under management (AUM) benchmarked to the MSCI FM Index, which has a free float market cap of $119 billion, the brokerage firm said In the last two weeks, foreign corporations have already bought shares worth $34 4 million and sold shares totaling $20 7 million in Pakistan s market This activity suggests that Pakistan has already experienced a portion of the expected inflows, with the remainder anticipated to continue until the changes are implemented on June 3, 2024, read the note Previously, in September 2021, Pakistan was downgraded from its status as an emerging market by MSCI, over four years after being reclassified from the Frontier Markets Index MSCI noted at the time that while the Pakistani equity market met the market accessibility requirements for the Emerging Markets classification, it fell short in terms of size and liquid-

Privatizing profitable SOEs

R I M E M I N I S T E R Shehbaz Sharif ’s putting profitable State-Owned Enterprises up for sale may reflect a change in orientation The main argument for the privatization of SOEs was that they were a drain the public exchequer at least those that were making a loss, because that loss was being picked up by the taxpayer The problem with loss-making SOEs was not mere inefficiency resulting from the state mishandling the business of business, but that some of them were providing services that had to be provided, even if losses had to be incurred The theory goes that loss-making SOEs might make a profit if they were placed in private hands, while profitable SOEs would make greater profits If state finances are parlous enough to need an end to the bleeding of loss-making SOEs, why does the state want to forgo the revenue in the shape of profits from profitable SOEs? For a start, they would be easier to sell for two reasons For one they would not be encumbered with the debt needed to cover losses, and for another, the new owner would need to do nothing different to make a profit In other words they would be easier to sell This gives the impression that government finances are beyond merely needing to stop the bleeding caused by losses, and cash is urgently needed, even if it means selling off the family silver

The problem with selling off any assets, let alone profitable ones, is that it can only be done once If the money is used just to make ends meet that is only something temporary That has been the fate of all previous privatization proceeds They were used to meet debt servicing obligations, but that has not made the debt servicing obligations go away Indeed, they have ballooned Though the government does not as the Prime Minister told a visiting Saudi delegation very recently have any business in business unless there is a more imaginative means of using privatization proceeds that merely making a couple of debt servicing payments, the

h a t d o t h e y k n o w o f I s l a m ?

last reports) for phenomenology What a spectacular

in the first place? How did matter before that suddenly materialize out of nothing? How can a just God guide some and leave others to proceed blindly in their errant ways? How can an All-powerful and All-knowing God be All-good as well? This is only the tip of the iceberg The list goes on What is knowledge? How do we know what we think we know? Can we be certain that it is reality however distorted that in some sense or form gets known by us? What objective reason, if any, is there to believe that it is not just a

fall from grace! Where philosophers have failed so miserably, the Quran has been an absolute breath of fresh air It addresses all these questions (and more) in one of three ways: Some questions it answers by correcting man s point-of-view For the correct perspective takes away much of the mystery from many a question In case of other questions, it points out how they are faultily constructed in the first place As they are rephrased to get rid of the fault, the mystery too has usually been eliminated in the process Responding to yet other questions the Quran advises man to know the limits of his knowledge and warns against wasting his time running after unattainable holy grails It tells man to be humble and understand that there are certain things that he cannot possibly wrap his head around until after the Day of Judgment That it is no limitation of God’s but an unavoidable part of the human condition that accounts for this fact Also that man s conduct is not contingent upon answers to numerous questions and that many of those will therefore only be made known to him in the next life That to

not needed to make the relevant point The commonality between all these questions is that philosophers have been grappling with them for centuries now without having resolved any of them to anybody s satisfaction And it was the philosophers themselves who realized that they had been going around in circles without having anything to show for their efforts But they reached this conclusion in stages spanning hundreds of years First they abandoned thinking about ontology and took up epistemology in its stead Having scarcely better luck in this arena, they shifted for a while to language The search for objective philosophy gave way to existentialism and postmodernism before the philosophers finally settled (till

It is true that those who know Islam superficially merely by vir tue of having been born to Muslim parents cannot appreciate what Islam brings to the table . Those, however, who take their religion seriously enough to consult the Quran and who are also well-versed in the history of thought can appreciate how much sense Islam makes and how uncomplicated it makes life thereby

Tat 47 2 percent followed by KP at 34 6 percent while Punjab and Sindh fare relatively better at 19 6 percent and 25 3 percent respectively The quality of education also varies significantly across provinces, with rural areas bearing the brunt of inadequate infrastructure, poorly trained teachers and outdated curricula ASER

sults albeit still far from satisfactory Poverty exacerbates these challenges and creates additional barriers to accessing quality education Families living below the poverty line struggle to afford school fees, books, and uniforms, forcing children to drop out of school and contribute to household incomes through labour or domestic work This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in rural areas where poverty rates are higher and educational infrastructure is often lacking Moreover poverty intersects with other social determinants, such as gender, ethnicity, and disability, further marginalizing vulnerable populations and hindering their access to education Girls for instance are disproportionately affected by poverty with cultural norms and economic constraints often prioritizing boys education over girls Similarly children from minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities face additional barriers to accessing quality education, perpetuating cycles of exclusion and marginalization While poverty poses significant challenges to education in Pakistan education also holds the promise of breaking the cycle of poverty by equipping individuals with the knowledge skills and opportunities to improve their socioeconomic status

Studies have shown that each additional year of schooling correlates with higher earnings and improved job prospects highlighting the transformative potential of education in lifting individuals out of poverty However realizing this potential requires concerted efforts to address the structural inequalities that perpetuate poverty and educational disparities in Pakistan It demands targeted interventions that prioritize marginalized communities and ensure equitable access to quality education for all Investments in educational infrastructure teacher training curriculum reform and social protection programs are essential components for enhancing educational opportunities To effectively break the cycle of poverty and improve education, a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach is necessary This approach must tackle

the root causes of poverty including economic inequality social exclusion and limited access to basic services Collaboration among government agencies civil society organizations and the private sector is crucial for designing and implementing strategies that address both poverty and educational disparities concurrently

Understanding the intricate relationship between poverty and education in Pakistan requires a nuanced perspective Analyzing data from across the provinces reveals the disparities and challenges hindering progress towards equitable education To advance, prioritizing investments in education, particularly in marginalized regions, is paramount Adopting a holistic approach that addresses the underlying drivers of poverty and educational inequality is crucial

Developing a robust policy framework aligned with international best practices and allocating financial resources to support these initiatives are essential steps Prioritizing infrastructure development, such as schools and facilities, along with ensuring access to clean water can significantly improve educational outcomes Investing in teacher training programs enhances teaching effectiveness while curriculum reform prepares students for the workforce Implementing access and equity policies ensures that education is accessible to all segments of society Fostering community engagement and establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation system are vital for tracking progress Forming partnerships with the private sector civil society organizations, and international donors can leverage resources and expertise for sustainable development efforts With these concerted efforts, Pakistan can work towards a future where education becomes a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering inclusive development

The writer has a PhD in Political Science and is a visiting faculty member at QAU Islamabad He can be reached at zafarkhansafdar@yahoo com and tweets @zafarkhansafdar B r e a k i n g t h e c y c l e

Fostering community engagement and establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation system are vital for tracking progress. Forming par tnerships with the private sector, civil society organizations, and international donors can leverage resources and exper tise for sustainable development effor ts. With these concer ted effor ts, Pakistan can work towards a future where education becomes a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of pover ty and fostering inclusive development.

Lack of funds

War criminals

Not all is lost

Dr ZAFAr KHAN SAFDAr

HASAN AFTAB SAEED

Peace in South Asia and the Middle East

TH E rapidity with which the newly appointed Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, embarked on his inaugural official visit to Saudi Arabia underscored the significance of the relationship between the two nations However what truly captured global attention was the outcome of this visit marked by a joint declaration that not only reaffirmed Saudi Arabia s commitment to invest $5 billion in Pakistan but also urged for the resolution of longstanding disputes between Pakistan and India notably the contentious issue of Jammu and Kashmir this diplomatic move by Saudi Arabia aligns with a broader trend of Gulf nations actively engaging in efforts to facilitate peace between India and Pakistan the United Arab Emirates, in particular, had previously brokered a crucial ceasefire between the two South Asian neighbors in 2021 effectively diffusing escalating tensions and averting potentially catastrophic cross-border conflicts that had flared up since 2019 the motivations driving Saudi Arabia and the UAE to step into the role of mediators in the India-Pakistan conflict are multifaceted and rooted in both regional geopolitics and historical dynamics Understanding the complexities behind their intervention necessitates a nuanced appreciation of the evolving landscape in both the Middle East and South Asia Firstly, the Gulf states have strategic interests in fostering stability in South Asia, given its proximity to the energy-rich region they inhabit Instability or conflict in the Indian subcontinent could have ripple effects on global energy markets which the Gulf economies heavily rely on Additionally, Saudi Arabia and the UAE seek to position themselves as key players in

regional diplomacy, enhancing their geopolitical stature and influence on the world stage Furthermore, both countries have historical ties with Pakistan shaped by shared religious affiliations and long-standing economic partnerships However they also maintain significant relations with India the world s largest democracy and a crucial trading partner By advocating for peace between Islamabad and New Delhi, Saudi Arabia and the UAE aim to navigate a delicate balancing act maintaining cordial relations with both countries while promoting regional stability Moreover the Gulf States involvement in mediating the India-Pakistan conflict reflects a broader trend of increased diplomatic activism in the region As traditional power dynamics undergo shifts and new geopolitical fault lines emerge Saudi Arabia and the UAE are seeking to assert themselves as key arbiters of peace and stability not only within the Middle East but also in neighbouring regions the ties between the Middle East and South Asia have a rich and complex history, spanning centuries of commercial, religious, and cultural interactions these connections have endured through various historical epochs but recent times have seen significant developments particularly since the establishment of modern Middle Eastern states after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the partition of India and Pakistan Saudi Arabia emerged as a crucial supporter of Pakistan shortly after its inception in 1947 Despite being resource-constrained Pakistan with its substantial Sunni-majority Muslim population found a reliable ally in Saudi Arabia Over the years, Saudi Arabia, along with the UAE, has provided Pakistan with essential financial assistance in the form of loans, grants and concessional oil Pakistan reciprocates by sending a significant portion of its workforce numbering 12 4 million overseas workers predominantly to these Gulf states these workers, constituting over 77 percent of nearly 830,000 who ventured abroad for employment in 2022, contribute substantially to Pakistan’s economy through remittances the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia extends beyond economics to encompass strategic and security dimensions Pakistan played a pivotal role in training holy warriors alongside Saudi Arabia and the USA to combat the USSR s presence in Afghanistan following its occupation in 1979 Furthermore during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s Pakistan stationed tens of thousands of troops in Saudi Arabia Military col-

Where are the ‘free speech’ defenders now?

laboration, including training and arms exports, has been a consistent feature of Pakistan’s engagement with Saudi Arabia and the UAE Additionally Pakistan along with Saudi Arabia and the UAE supported the rise of the taliban in Afghanistan during the early 1990s, perceiving it as a buffer against India this stance contrasted with India s and Iran s backing of the multi-ethnic Northern Alliance reflecting broader regional power dynamics Despite its close ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE Pakistan also seeks to maintain relations with Iran mindful of its significant Shi a minority Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan’s independence, and both nations enjoyed closer security cooperation during the reign of the shah particularly through their involvement in the Baghdad Pact However the 1979 Iranian revolution altered the geopolitical landscape fracturing alliances and forcing Pakistan to navigate a divided Middle East marked by the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia Pakistan found itself embroiled in a sectarian proxy war exacerbated by the rise of Sunni militant groups nurtured by Saudi and American support for the Afghan jihad Consequently sectarian tensions have become entrenched within Pakistan, posing challenges to its internal stability

In recent years, Pakistan has made concerted efforts to strengthen its ties with Iran, albeit hindered by US sanctions on Iran and concerns regarding cross-border militancy the prospect of being drawn into Saudi-Iranian proxy conflicts has further complicated Pakistan s diplomatic stance, notably demonstrated by its 2015 parliamentary decision against joining the Saudi-led coalition aimed at combating the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and reinstating Yemen’s internationally recognized government this neutrality in Yemen s conflict was a difficult choice for Pakistan, given its historically strong relationship with Saudi Arabia, which has provided crucial diplomatic and financial support, particularly during times of international isolation following Pakistan s nuclearization in response to India s tests in 1998 Former Prime Minister Imran Khan s efforts to foster alliances with Muslim-majority countries such as Qatar, turkey, and Malaysia have strained Pakistan’s ties with traditional Gulf allies, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE these tensions have inadvertently allowed India to enhance its trade and security

relations with the Gulf states While India s engagement with the Gulf historically revolved around energy imports and labor exports Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to deepen bilateral ties both economically and strategically with countries like Saudi Arabia the UAE and Iran Pakistan recognizing the shifting dynamics, has attempted to mitigate strains with its traditional Gulf partners For instance former Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif assumed leadership of the Islamic Military Counter terrorism Coalition comprising 42 nations in 2017 However Prime Minister Khan s decision to forgo participation in the alternative Muslim Summit in Malaysia in 2019, seen as a challenge to Saudi leadership, failed to fully assuage tensions Meanwhile India’s growing clout in the region was underscored by the UAE s decision to confer its highest civil honour on Prime Minister Modi even amidst controversy over India s Citizenship Amendment Act, which discriminates against Muslim refugees Despite Pakistan’s pleas, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have refrained from openly opposing India’s actions including the revocation of Kashmir s special status in 2019 However the fluidity of bilateral relations in the region suggests that these dynamics are subject to change the interplay between major Middle Eastern powers and South Asian states, particularly India and Pakistan, is increasingly influenced by broader strategic considerations amidst the emerging great power competition between China and the United States As such the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and South Asia remains in flux, with implications for regional stability and global power dynamics the intensifying rivalry between China and the USA in the Middle East and South Asia has significantly heightened regional insecurities while simultaneously presenting unforeseen opportunities for reconciliation As China seeks to challenge US dominance in the Middle East, India, too, endeavours to expand its influence to counterbalance China’s growing presence in the region India s collaboration with Iran exemplified by its investment in the Chabahar seaport has emerged as a direct challenge to China s investment in Gwadar via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Conversely, China’s substantial investment plans in Iran signal its ambition to deepen ties in the region further solidifying its status as Iran s largest trade partner and fa-

cilitating Iran s integration into influential regional blocs Despite Pakistan’s aspirations to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia, China achieved a significant breakthrough by brokering the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two Middle Eastern rivals Amid escalating regional tensions triggered by conflicts such as the Gaza war, Saudi Arabia and the UAE demonstrate a willingness to de-escalate tensions with Iran rather than exploit them for strategic advantage

Recent efforts to repair ties between Iran and Pakistan following tensions sparked by missile exchanges reflect a renewed commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering security cooperation While the USA appears open to increased Saudi and UAE investments in Pakistan, it is concerned about Islamabad’s growing reliance on Beijing With the USA bolstering military cooperation with India to counter China its neutrality in potential Indo-Pakistani crises is increasingly questioned Consequently, the USA may encourage regional actors with influence over both India and Pakistan to establish crisis management mechanisms to prevent cross-border escalation Secret talks facilitated by the

BE F O R E writing about campus protests over Gaza I thought it would be good to speak to some actual protestors So I popped round to University College London, where there is a modest encampment It was a sunny evening and the sit-in looked peaceful enough But more I cannot say as I was politely ejected from the university grounds the Campus Experience team which was what Russell Group universities call in effect bouncers were polite but firm the protestors were but a few yards away, but the bouncers orders were to send any journalists packing I googled the current £375k-a-year provost, Dr Michael Spence and found his PR flacks had tweeted something he’d said only last August about “the need to disagree well and to approach any discussions with openness and a willingness to listen carefully I googled the university s website: We are a diverse community with the freedom and courage to challenge, to question and to think differently ” Hear, hear to that In fact, this venerable university decided it lacked the courage to allow me to listen carefully to its students So after an hour or so waiting to see if the head of the 10-strong media relations team would relent he didn t I cycled round the corner to the School of Oriental and African Studies (Soas) Soas, in contrast to UCL, was welcoming and open It’s a small and amiable enough protest the protestors’ four demands scrawled on a placard are: disclosure of university investments; divestment from certain Israeli companies; a termination of banking arrangements with Barclays; and a boycott of certain Israeli academic institutions I m sure we might all agree, or disagree, well about these proposals if allowed to have the freedom and courage” to have that conversation the truth is that university chiefs around the world are currently terrified they have witnessed the decapitation of the Universities of Pennsylvania and Harvard and decided they don t want

It s a good speech the freedom to offend is a fundamental right he affirmed Any disagreement over political or social questions that actually matters to people is likely to cause some of them to feel offence He referenced the Civil Rights movement thousands of black Americans were arrested or imprisoned in the 1960s for speech protesting against racial segregation But they were right Words are not a kind of violence he concluded they are the alternative to violence; and if we as a society forget this then we as a society are finished Couldn t be clearer Six months later many of the noisiest defenders of free speech have fallen a bit silent they take offence at some of the placards and chants that a minority of protestors have used and are frankly not going to tolerate them they suddenly see the point of safe spaces for those who might feel triggered or threatened they cheer on the riot police as they charge onto American campuses they ridicule the very idea of protest Vietnam, apartheid, civil rights as if campus protests changed anything, ever Nobody cares what you do or think Get back to work

Where is Prof Ahmed now? He is reported as saying that he would not pronounce on whether terms such as global intifada or slogans such as from the river to the sea are protected by the new legislation I d be reluctant to say any particular phrase is always going to be acceptable or always not, because with many of these things it’s going to depend on a variety of factors,” he told the Guardian in December “I’m definitely not going to say: oh you can always say something or you can never say something for that reason that makes sense though in time people may wonder what the point of the £100k-a-year role is Context is all, and difficult decisions will need to be made on a daily, if not hourly basis by university administrators and police commanders It’s a funny old world when the Metropolitan Police chief Mark Rowley seems to have a better grasp of the complicated context of free speech than some university panjandrums or the populist MPs calling for his head

We might all wish for an exquisitely balanced protest It would acknowledge Israel’s right to defend itself while deploring the number of civilian casualties It would call for the release of hostages while condemning the IDF’s aggressive tactics It would find a way of endorsing Israel s right to exist while distancing itself from the policies of Benjamin Netanyahu Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich It would find a way of footnoting from the river to the sea with a similar sentiment from the mouth of Benjamin Netanyahu It might offend, but not tip over into anything that could be experienced as harassment

But that’s a university seminar not a slogan on a campus placard the civil rights movement praised by Prof Ahmed understood that In his famous letter from Birmingham Jail 60 years ago Martin Luther King put it thus: You may well ask, Why direct action, why sit-ins, marches, and so forth? Isn’t negotiation a better path?’ You are exactly right in your call for negotiation Indeed, this is the purpose of direct action Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and establish such creative tension that a community that has consistently refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored I wasn t allowed to speak to the UCL demonstrators: their freedom to explain

no longer be ignored

remain in power even if BJP is defeated in the elections Ex-Central minister Yashwant Sinha while giving an interview to a channel said that Modi will not leave the chair even if BJP doesn t get the majority If India alliance doesn t get the majority BJP will be the single largest party and in that case, he will be called by the President and will be asked to form the government Another senior editor Shravan Garg said that the corporate sector wants Modi so he will not relinquish the chair Other points for doing so will be many charges of misdeed and corruption levelled against him Another factor concerns RSS If we go to the years of the independence movement at that time also RSS tried to capture the power in Delhi this fact is not discussed in the media as media is not separate from RSS, it is in fact part of it In an article in the Caravan magazine New Delhi this was exposed by Dhirendra K Jha He writes RSS role and its activities are needed to be fathomed RSS planned to kill Indian democracy even before Independence A 1945 police report shows the RSS s secret desire to capture political power (DHIRENDRA K JHA 11 August, 2022) Another revelation is by Prof Dr K L Mahale who lived in Wardha and Amravati near RSS headquarters Nagpur He keenly studied RSS and wrote a book Manucha Masa : Rashtriya Swaymsewak Sangha (Masa means fish in Marathi)

In that book he writes, the Sangh had started internal talks in its congregation that the Sangh would soon take over power at Delhi While testifying before the Gandhi murder enquiry commission i e Kapoor Commission in 1969 some members of the Sangh ad-

mitted that the the RSS had conspired to seize power with the help of some institutions in the pre-Gandhi assassination period Volunteers were told in the RSS circle to wait and let time come (* Sardar Patel had come to know that the RSS people had taken possession of some military materials But Sardar Patel didn t want to incur the wrath of the RSS ) He was informed by the government Secret Service in November 1947 that something terrible was about to happen But he did not take proper notice of it In December 1947, the Delhi Police Secret Service informed Patel that Golwalkar ’s speech was held at Ramlila Maidan New Delhi Alwar Indore Maharajas Dr Gokuldas Narang and Seth Jugalkishore Birla were present Golwalkar had urged the volunteers to increase their presence to a great extent and declared that his intention was to raise

dr MuhaMMad akraM Zaheer

C hina vows ‘all necessar y measures

Chinese medical supplies such as syringes and needles will also face additional tariffs of 50 percent

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Tuesday urged the US to immediately cancel the additional tariffs on Chinese products and vowed to take resolute measures to defend its rights over US announcement to increase tariffs on Chinese products including electric vehicles (EVs)

The plan to impose additional tariffs will mark another significant escalation in Washington’s multi-year ill-conceived campaign to crack down on emerging Chinese industries that are gaining global prominence, experts said, noting that the politically motivated move won’t stop the rise of relevant Chinese industries, due to their small presence in the US market The Biden administration announced new tariff rates Tuesday on several Chinese products including a major hike in levies on Chinese EVs Starting this year, President Joe Biden will quadruple tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles from 25 percent to 100 percent The tariff rate on lithium-ion EV batteries will more than triple to 25 percent The announcement also added new tariffs on solar equipment and semiconductors The import tax on Chinese solar cells will double, from 25 percent to 50 percent in 2024 Starting in 2025 tariffs on imported Chinese semiconductors will jump from 25 percent to 50 percent

The MOFCOM slammed the US move, saying that it is a politicization and weaponization of trade issues and a typical case of political manipulation that will seriously impact the atmosphere for bilateral cooperation

The US decision to increase the tariffs goes against President Biden s commitment of not seeking to suppress China’s development, and not seeking to decouple with China It is also not in line with the spirit of consensus reached between the two heads of state the MOFCOM said China s Foreign Ministry vowed earlier on Tuesday to take all necessary measures” to safeguard the nation’s legitimate rights and interests

The move is part of the Biden administration

BME successfully concludes 8-week internship programme for Balochistan graduates

BALOCHISTAN

s ta f f r e p o r t

Bolan Mining Enterprises (BME) a pioneering mining joint venture between Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and Government of Balochistan, has successfully concluded an intensive 8-week internship programme designed to nurture local talent and empower young graduates from the region The programme a testament to BME s longstanding commitment to community development and fostering skilled professionals for the mineral sector, saw 25 graduates participation, including seven women, for the first time, marking a progressive step towards gender inclusivity and diversity within the traditionally male-dominated field

British House of Lords Member visits COMSATS

ISLAMABAD

s ta f f r e p o r t

Baroness Sayeeda Hussain Warsi, British lawyer, politician, and a member of the House of Lords, UK, who served as Co-chairperson of the Conservative Party from 2010 to 2012 visited the Secretariat of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) to meet the Executive Director COMSATS Ambassador Dr M Nafees Zakaria Amb Zakaria, who has also served as the High Commissioner for Pakistan to the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2020 shared with Baroness Warsi the information about COMSATS an intergovernmental organization of 27 developing countries with a Network of 25 International S&T Centres of Excellence He also shared the recent initiatives the organizations has taken in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology (IT) and digital technologies, industrial biotechnology, climate change and environment, renewable energy genomics electric vehicles precision agriculture and micro-chip circuit designing Amb Zakaria informed Baroness Warsi that the

Centres of Excellence provide COMSATS the technical ground for scientific cooperation and collaboration They were of the view that COMSATS should explore opportunities for cooperation with the U K while Baroness Sayeeda Warsi assured of her support to that end Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, in her erstwhile capacity as Co-Chair of the Conservatives Party U K had played a lead role in the establishment of the Conservative Friends of Pakistan with both countries then Prime Ministers present on the occasion Ambassador Zakaria, then as Dy High Commissioner, extended full assistance to baroness Warsi With the cherished memories of friendship and cooperation between the Baroness and Mr Zakaria as representatives of their respective countries the meeting afforded good opportunity to open discussion in new domains

IC AP hosts CFO Conference 2024 at Islamabad

The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) organized CFO Conference 2024 on theme Curating Responsible Growth: Innovate Illuminate and Integrate at a local hotel Mr Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, in his address, emphasized the critical role of responsible growth in shaping sustainable economic development He highlighted the need for innovative strategies illuminating insights and integrated approaches to drive progress while ensuring accountability transparency and inclusivity in the development agenda He underscored that peace political stability, and continuous reforms are indispen-

The Bank of Punjab Joins SME Finance Forum

agenda

In his compelling address, Mr Farrukh Rehman, President ICAP, underscored the imperative of curating growth with a conscientious approach He emphasized that sustainable ethical expansion aligned with the organization s long-term vision is paramount for enduring

He highlighted the need for innovation in financial management urging CFOs to explore new technologies, strategies, and business models to drive growth while maintaining financial

and social responsibility In his presentation on "CA Pakistan and its Contribution," Muhammad Maqbool, Council Member ICAP eloquently delineated the profound impact of chartered accountants on the socioeconomic landscape

to stringent and high phytosanitary import conditions Pakistan’s export of mangoes to these countries is almost far less than their import potential One major reason for this prejudice against Pakistan s imports is that the DPP is unable to carry out compliances of phy-

orchards The list of accredited facilities has not been communicated to the USA, Korea, Kenya, South Africa, and Japan The arrangement to

tosanitary import conditions of such countries due to its lack of infrastructure and shortage of qualified and trained manpower The DPP, the National Plant Protection Organization of Pakistan, an attached Department of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MoFS&R) is mandated to regulate the import and export of agricultural commodities with respect to sanitary and phytosanitary measures They are responsible for the biosecurity of Pakistan by preventing the entry and spread of alien biosecurity risks – insects plant diseases causal organisms weeds contaminants and food safety issues They are also responsible for making compliances of the phytosanitary import conditions of Pakistan s trading nations for the export of Pakistani agricultural merchandise Despite the importance of the DPP, the hirings are not given enough importance as highlighted by Profit previously Now the mango season is due to start on May 20 2024 and the DPP has not yet completed the annual audit of hot water treatment plants, packhouses, and mango

Vawda urges Justice Babar S attar to provide evidence of being threatened

t

Senator Faisal Vawda demanded on Wednesday that Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) Justice Babar Sattar present evidence supporting his allegations of interference in judicial matters and that he is being threatened

In the letter to IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, Justice Sattar reportedly disclosed that a ‘top official’ from the security establishment threatened him to back off from scrutinizing surveillance procedures in the audio leaks case

He highlighted that the focus of the malicious campaign in audio leak cases appears to be an intimidation tactic aimed at influencing judicial proceedings Vawda, in a press conference today, said it was time for Justice Sattar to prove his allegations with solid evidence or the matter would turn ‘vague and complicated’

He added that lack of proof will also raise several questions on the credibility of the judges allegations

Vawda stated that Justice Babar, before his elevation to the IHC, informed then IHC CJ Atthar Minallah about judicial interference and questioned why the matter was not brought to the public at that time only

The senator further asked Justice Sattar to provide evidence of the document sent to the IHC CJ citing judicial meddling Article 19 of the Constitution, every Pakistani has the right to seek details of information I, as a senator, seek details from you (Justice Sattar) ” said Vawda

forces

and

nificant

No work is finished until the paperwork is done

Vawda hoped the IHC judge will provide evidence soon and said several questions would arise if Justice Babar failed to do so He added that when he appeared before Justice Minallah in a case he found the judge ‘principally strict’

The senator added that no one is superior to Pakistan and the country has equal laws for all Vawda criticized the judiciary for taking notice of malicious campaigns against judges and not other incidents happening in the country Vawda earlier vehemently condemned the vilification of IHC’s Justice Sattar saying that any slanderous campaign against an individual is intolerable

He stressed that it was incumbent on the judge and the high court to clear the air and questioned whether the absence of written documentation regarding his financial matters, if indeed true, raised doubts not only about Justice Babar but also about the former IHC CJ Justice Sattar s letter to CJ Farooq surfaced on the same day Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan in a rare press talk, refuted allegations of government or any other state institution interfering in judicial matters

“According to my information no offic

judiciary And the contact that was made was done through the AGP s office to ensure sen-

and

leading to the arrest of three Afghan nationals The operation yielded sketches of the prison, hand grenades, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) Subsequently a mock exercise involving Pakistan Rangers Rawalpindi police anti-terrorism units from the prisons department Rescue 1122 and the