PM urges Turkish firms to expand investment, relocate industries to Pakistan
stressed the urgency and importance of the realization of the two-state solution as the key to attainment of durable peace in the Middle East
The prime minister also reiterated his invitation to President Erdogan to undertake an early official visit to Pakistan for co-chairing with him the 7th meeting of High Level Strategic Cooperation Council Both sides reaffirmed their strong and abiding support to each other on the core issues of national interest
ISLAMABAD A G E N C I E S The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday slammed the country’s premium intelligence agency – the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) –saying it was running the country instead of following the law as it heard a case about the disappearance of poet Ahmed Farhad Farhad’s wife had filed a petition in the IHC seeking the recovery of her husband who went missing a week ago Lawyers Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha represented the petitioner The court was told that the ISI had denied having any information about Farhad’s whereabouts
The case has sparked widespread outrage in the country, with many calling for the government to take action to recover Farhad and hold those responsible accountable Farhad a prominent poet and writer is known for his progressive views and has been a vocal critic of the government and the establishment Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, who is hearing the case expressed frustration with the ISI’s response saying that it was not a simple matter and that the agency was running the country instead of following the law
“You are sending messages on one hand and on the other saying the person is not with us ” Justice
Kayani said Are you going to run the country or follow the law?
The judge also criticised the ISI’s claim that it had no information about Farhad’s disappearance saying that it was “not believable ”
You are saying that the person is not with you but your registers at police stations show that many people have gone missing, Justice Kayani said “Then why are you not taking action?”
The court stated that “sector commanders do not live on the moon don t turn them into kings the country can run without them It questioned, Who is the sector commander? He must be an 18-grade officer at maximum and you have placed him in the sky ”
In par tnership with Profit Tu e s d a y, 2 1 M a y, 2 0 2 4 I | 1 2 Z i l - Q a d a h , 1 4 4 5 R s 2 0 0 0 | Vo l X I V N o 3 2 1 I 8 Pa g e s I Ka r a c h i E d i t i o n PR OFIT I N P The power sector s circular debt has escalated to Rs2 635 billion as of January 2024 A report from the Power Division, highlights that despite significant hikes in power tariffs and fuel adjustments circular debt continued to rise From June 2023 when the debt stood at Rs2 310 billion there has been an increase of Rs325 billion over the subsequent seven months The report attributes this rise in circular debt partly to the poor performance and low collection rates by Distribution Companies (DISCOs) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to reduce the circular debt in the power sector and to increase electricity and gas prices as part of the conditions for a new loan program The Pakistani government had previously assured the IMF that it would maintain the power sector s circular debt at Rs2 31 trillion This commitment was discussed in detail before the Senate Standing Committee for Power where Power Division officials confirmed that the debt was managed at Rs2 31 trillion as of June 2023 g GOVT HAD PREVIOUSLY A SSURED IMF OF MAINTAINING POWER SECTOR'S CIRCULAR DEBT AT RS2 31TR Power sector circular debt soars to Rs2.63tr g SUPREME LEADER KHAMENEI CONFIRMS MOHAMMAD MOKHBER A S INTERIM PRESIDENT g I R A N I A N P R E S I D E N T R A I S I ' S F U N E R A L P R O C E S S I O N TO TA K E P L A C E TO D AY PROBE ORDERED INTO IRANIAN PRESIDENT RAISI’S DEATH IN HELICOPTER CRASH TEHRAN A G E N C I E S I RA N’s military chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri on Monday ordered a probe into the cause of a helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage Bagheri ordered “a high-ranking committee to launch an investigation into the cause of the president’s helicopter crash” that took place on Sunday the ISNA news agency reported Raisi a hardliner long seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border officials and state media said earlier in the day The charred wreckage of the helicopter which crashed on Sunday carrying Raisi Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and six other passengers and crew was found early on Monday after an overnight search in blizzard conditions Supreme Leader Khamenei who holds ultimate power with a final say on foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme, said First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber would take over as interim president the official IRNA news agency reported I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran, Khamenei said in a statement Mokhber, like Raisi, is seen as close to Khamenei Under Iran’s constitution a new presidential election must be held within 50 days Footage from Iranian state television showed wreckage scattered on a foggy hillside while separate images from IRNA showed Red Crescent workers carrying a covered body on a stretcher All those aboard the helicopter were killed, a senior Iranian official had earlier told Reuters ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday invited Turkish companies to further expand their investment portfolio in Pakistan, also urging them to consider relocating their industrial units to the country The prime minister talking to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan who called on him here said that the current level of bilateral trade was not commensurate with the existing potential He emphasized to undertake concerted efforts for achieving the bilateral trade target of US$ 5 billion in the next three years as already agreed by the leadership of the two brotherly countries While underscoring the special bonds of brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkiye, the prime minister expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral relationship He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to further expansion of bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest including trade investment technology and defence Regional and global developments, particularly the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza were also discussed in the meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz appre-
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s staunch advocacy for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and lasting peace in the Middle East He
ciated
I H C j u d g e q u e s t i o n s i n t e l l i g e n c e a g e n c y ’ s r o l e i n m i s s i n g p o e t c a s e ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and other senior officials who tragically perished in a helicopter crash Pakistan will observe a day of mourning, and the flag will be flown at half-mast as a gesture of respect for President Raisi and his companions, and to show solidarity with our brotherly nation Iran ” PM Shehbaz stated in a message on X previously known as Twitter I along with the government and people of Pakistan extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss,” the premier said while praying for the martyred souls The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage the prime minister noted Shehbaz s remarks come as Iran s Vice President Mohsen Mansouri Monday confirmed Raisi’s death in a statement on social media and on state television President Raisi along with Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian and other senior officials were returning from an inauguration ceremony for a dam on Iran s border with the Republic of Azerbaijan when their helicopter crashed in the Varzaqan region of East Azerbaijan province The crash occurred amid heavy fog while flying through mountainous terrain on a Sunday afternoon Among those onboard were East Azarbaijan Province s Governor Malek Rahmati and Mehdi Mousavi the head of Raisi s guard team A large-scale search and rescue operation commenced in the foggy mountain area, eventually locating the wreckage on Monday morning Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari has also expressed “profound shock and sorrow over the tragic accident Pakistan mourns the loss of a great friend [ ] may Allah Almighty bless his soul and grant patience and strength to his family and the people of Iran in this time of irreparable loss,” read a statement issued by the President House The statement also said that the Iranian president will be dearly missed and fondly remembered in Iran, Pakistan, and the Islamic World for his efforts to enhance relations with regional and Islamic countries ” Stressing that the deceased Iranian head of state “had a special place for Pakistan and its people Zardari recalled his commitment to strengthen bilateral relations between the neighbouring countries President Raisi will be dearly missed and fondly remembered in Iran, Pakistan, and the Islamic World ” the statement added while highlighting his the Iranian head of state s support for Muslims especially the the Palestinian and Kashmiri people Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed sorrow and conveyed condolences over the fatal crash “I express my heartfelt condolences to the government and citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran [ ] every Pakistani is saddened by this tragic incident and shares the grief of his Iranian brothers and sisters equally, Bilawal said in a statement Pakistan to obser ve one day of mour ning TEHRAN N E W S D E S K I r a n i a n P r e s i d e n t E b r a h i m R a i s i a n d F o r e i g n M i n i s t e r H o s s e i n A m i r a b d o ll a h i a n h a v e d i e d i n a h e l i c o p t e r c r a s h T h e i n c i d e n t w a s c o n f i r m e d o n M o n d a y b y Vi c e P r e s i d e n t M o h s e n M a n s o u r i i n s t a t e m e n t s o n s o c i a l m e d i a a n d s t a t e t e l e v i s i o n Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, East Azarbaijan Province s Governor Malek Rahmati, and Mehdi Mousavi, the head of Raisi’s guard team, were also on board the crashed aircraft ” reported the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) The report added that Mohammad Ali Al-e-Hashem the Supreme Leader s representative in East Azerbaijan province, was also accompanying President Raisi and other officials President Raisi dead; helicopter fully bur ned in fatal crash: Iranian govt 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
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a day of mourning to pay tribute to the late Iranian President Ebrahim
G ovt to revisit solar net metering polic y, says minister
time is reduced to one and a half years, the minister added
The minister said that the PML-N government
had encouraged solarisation in 2017 and currently 113 000 connections are on net meters He affirmed that the government supports continuing solar net metering, promoting renewable energy, and taking steps to eliminate power theft to reduce the financial burden on the national exchequer
He reported an 8% reduction in electricity demand noting that the power demand was 19 000MW while Discos generated over 16 500MW with over 4 000MW of economic load-shedding on feeders experiencing high losses
To reduce losses in the power sector, the energy minister emphasized the continuation of the antipower theft drive across the country He also mentioned that billing issues in many Discos have been recognized and new boards will be formed to run power firms independently
Leghari added that the country aims to overcome the power crisis by completing
T d y 21 M y 2024 | KARACHI 02 newS PR OFIT M O N I T O R I N G D E S K The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a significant decline on Monday with the benchmark KSE-100 index dropping 258 34 points, triggered by the recent visit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Starting the trading session on a sideways note the index took a downward turn ultimately falling by 416 91 points or 0 55 percent to close at 74 925 43 by noon down from the previous close of 75,342 34 Market analysts have pointed to concerns over potential hikes in electricity prices and new taxation measures as primary reasons for the bearish momentum The stock market had previously seen a substantial rally, making some degree of consolidation expected by financial experts The focus among traders and investors is now shifting towards the upcoming monetary policy the national budget and adjustments that may arise from the next IMF program These elements are critical as they could dictate market directions in the near term Concerns were also magnified by geopolitical tensions following the reported death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border, adding to the cautious sentiment on the trading floor Market participants are particularly anxious about the IMF’s expectations w h i c h r e p o r t e d l y i n c l u d e s u b s t a n t i a l increases in tax revenue reductions in g o v e r n m e n t s p e n d i n g a m o v e t owards a market-based exchange rate, and maintaining a tight monetary policy Moreover the market is reacting to profit-taking actions after a signifi c a n t r i s e i n t h e p r e v i o u s s e s s i o n s with the KSE-100 gaining over 2,700 points With ongoing discussions about a m o r e e x t e n s i v e a n d p r o l o n g e d p r og r a m w i t h t h e I M F t h e r e a r e a p p r eh e n s i o n s t h a t t h e u p c o m i n g b u d g e t might introduce inflationary taxation measures potentially affecting interest rate trends and overall market sentiment PSX dips 258 points amid IMF visit, spec ulations of economic tightening g INVESTOR WORRIES MOUNT OVER ANTICIPATED TAX HIKES AND MONETARY TIGHTENING AHEAD OF THE NEW IMF PROGRAM PR OFIT A H M A D A H M A D A N I IIn a decisive move to combat power theft and corruption within the power sector, the government has mandated the appointment of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officers in power distribution companies (DISCOs) This directive comes directly from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who has ordered the Power Division to take stringent measures against electricity theft and corrupt practices within DISCOs Sources revealed that the prime minister has specifically instructed the Power Division to coordinate with provincial authorities and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to ensure robust enforcement actions against power theft across the country Additionally, the Secretary of the Power Division has been tasked with visiting all provinces to develop a comprehensive action plan As part of this plan, dedicated teams of civil armed forces will be deployed at the circle level to assist in enforcement efforts A significant aspect of the prime minister s directive is the appointment of dedicated FIA officers within each DISCO A deputy director of the FIA will be appointed in every DISCO to collaborate with the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) on integrity issues concerning DISCO employees Furthermore, an additional Director General of the FIA will be appointed at the headquarters level to oversee coordination and monitoring efforts The role of the FIA deputy director will include preparing cases against corrupt DISCO officers aiming to eliminate corruption from within the power distribution companies This move is expected to enhance accountability and transparency in DISCO operations Moreover the prime minister has issued orders to remove all politically appointed members from the boards of directors (BoD) of DISCOs In an effort to depoliticise the DISCOs new boards will be constituted comprising individuals with established credentials and integrity This is aimed at ensuring that the governance of DISCOs is handled by professionals with a strong reputation free from political influence The Power Division has started implementing these directives tightening the noose around corrupt officials within DISCOs The appointment of FIA officers is seen as a critical step in curbing electricity theft, which has been a significant issue affecting the power sector s efficiency and financial stability The involvement of FIA in DISCO operations is expected to bring about a more rigorous approach to tackling power theft and corruption By working closely with provincial authorities and LEAs the government aims to create a more secure and transparent environment within the power sector, ultimately benefiting the nation’s economy and reducing losses incurred due to theft and corrupt practices This strategic move by the government underscores its commitment to improving the power sector s integrity and efficiency, ensuring that the distribution of electricity is fair and corruption-free As these measures take effect it is anticipated that there will be a significant reduction in power theft and an improvement in the overall management and operations of DISCOs across the country F I A m a n d at e d t o e r a d i c at e c o r r u p t i o n i n D i s c o s, c o m b at p owe r t h e f t g FIA DEPUTY DIRECTORS TO BE APPOINTED IN EVERY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY; DEDICATED TEAMS DEPLOYED AT CIRCLE LEVELS; DEPOLITICISATION OF DISCOS' BOARDS PLANNED LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T T H E Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued an ultimatum to the Punjab government regarding the appointment of judges Chief Justice Shehzad Ahmed Khan presided over a hearing on the Punjab government s petition to transfer cases from LHC s anti-terrorism court 1 Rawalpindi to another court D u r i n g t h e p r o c e e d i n g s , t h e a d v o c a t e g e n e r a l P u n j a b i n f o r m e d t h e c o u r t t h a t a g o v e r n m e n t c o m m i t t e e h a d c o n s u l t e d w i t h P u n j a b C h i e f M i n i s t e r o n t h e m a t t e r o f j u d g e s a p p o i n t m e n t a s s u r i n g t h a t i t h a d b e e n p r i o r i t i z e d f o r t h e u p c o m i n g c a b i n e t s e s s i o n However, Chief Justice Khan inquired about the timeline for the next cabinet session expressing dissatisfaction with the absence of immediate action T h e C h i e f J u s t i c e r u l e d t h a t e i t h e r a special cabinet meeting should have been c a l l e d o r t h e g o v e r n m e n t c o m m i t t e e s h o u l d h a v e a p p e a r e d b e f o r e t h e c o u r t a f t e r c o m p l e t i n g i t s t a s k In response the advocate general assured that the matter would be resolved in the cabinet session scheduled for Friday Expressing dismay over the absence of the government committee in court, Chief Justice Khan deemed it disrespectful The advocate general promptly promised the committee s presence within half an hour upon receiving the court s call order Consequently, the court directed the Punjab CM and the cabinet to issue a notification regarding judges appointment before the next hearing The court also warned that if the notification was not issued by then, the Punjab Chief Minister would be required to appear in the next hearing Addressing any potential concerns the advocate general clarified that the government had no objections to the names recommended by the court for judges appointment Consequently, the case hearing has been adjourned until May 24 L H C G I V E S P U N J A B G O V T U LT I M AT U M F O R J U D G E S ’ A P P O I N T M E
PR OFIT M O N I T O R I N G D E S K Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari announced plans to revise the country s solar net metering policy We are facing an issue of solar net metering these days,” Leghari stated at a press conference with Minister of State for Finance Revenue and Power Ali Pervaiz Malik He said if needed the policy in this regard will be revised after thorough studies and taking aboard all stakeholders within the next two months
government is studying the impacts of the increasing trend of rooftop-generated electricity, assessing the rate of return on investments in solar equipment and analyzing the effect of solar panels on electricity prices for local households The minister mentioned that Pakistan like other countries will analyze and balance the solar net metering system He, however, refuted all fabricated news reports, assuring that the government would protect those investors’
N T
The
interests by making no changes in their agreements with respective companies Around one-and-a-half years ago solar panels were costly and the investors (of domestic connections) had been recovering their investment for around three years, but today, the solar panels prices are low and the investment recovery
various hydroelectric power generation projects in the next six to seven years PR OFIT N E W S D E S K Gold prices in Pakistan saw significant increases on Monday reflecting a similar uptrend in the international market with the price per tola reaching Rs250,400, marking a substantial gain of Rs2,300 in just one day For a 10-gram portion, gold was priced at Rs214 678 up by Rs1 972 as reported by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA) This rise aligns with the global movement where the price of gold climbed to $2,439 per ounce, including a $20 premium, after increasing by $25 on the same day In contrast silver prices in Pakistan remained unchanged holding steady at Rs2 850 per tola Historically gold prices reached an all-time peak last month hitting Rs252 200 per tola in the local market Just the previous Saturday, the price for gold rose by Rs3,100 per tola, underscoring a continuing upward trend in the precious metal’s market value in Pakistan Power consumers to face Rs 3.49/unit hike under FCA of April PR OFIT A H M A D A H M A D A N I Already burdened power consumers are likely to face a heavy jolt of Rs 3 4883 per unit hike on account of fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for the month of April, 2024 Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has submitted an application to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on the request of distribution companies (DISCOs) to increase the electricity price by Rs 3 4883 per kilowatt hour (kWh) under the head Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) of April 2024 Following this request, the NEPRA has called a public hearing on May 30, 2024 If approved, this adjustment will be billed from consumers in June bills The NEPRA has invited all the parties to raise objections as permissible under the law at the public hearing The CPPA in its application has claimed that the total electricity generated with various fuels in March 2024 was recorded a 8,639 GWh, at Rs 9 2086 per unit The total cost of energy was Rs 79,556 million The power generation with the hydel source was 2 070 GWh (gigawatt per hour) constituting 23 96 percent with zero cost of power generation while power production with coal-fired power plants was 902 GWh (local coal) and the total power generated for Rs 14,421 million Similarly, the power generation from gas-based power plants was 975GWh, 11 28 percent of the total generation totaling Rs13 2535 per unit and the generation from Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) was 2 157 GWh which was 24 97 percent of total generation at Rs 22 1261 per unit Likewise, power production from bagasse was recorded at 56 GWh, the price of which has been calculated at Rs 5 9822 per unit The electricity generated from wind was recorded at 287 GWh 3 32 per cent of total generation and solar at 113 GWh 1 31 per cent of the total generation in April 2024 Moreover electricity generation from nuclear sources was 2,043 GWh which came out at Rs 1 5341 per unit, 23 64 per cent of the total generation, and electricity imported from Iran was 37 GWh amounted to Rs 27 4484 per unit, 0 43 per cent of the total power generation in the said month of April 2024 It is also learnt from the data submitted by the CCPA with NEPRA that net electricity delivered to DISCOs in April 2024 was 8 375 GWh (96 94pc) at a rate of Rs 8 9801 per unit the total price of which was Rs 75,205 million SBP allows Bank Alfalah to conduct due diligence of Samba Bank PR OFIT N E W S D E S K The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has granted its approval to Bank Alfalah Limited (BAFL) to conduct Due Diligence of Samba Bank Limited (SBL) Samba Bank on Monday shared this information through a notice with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) According to the notice, this due diligence is, however subject to compliance with applicable laws rules and regulations Read This: After its own employees opposed an attempt to sell Samba Bank two years ago the Saudiowned bank is up for sale again Will Bank Alfalah succeed where five others failed? Last month, Bank Alfalah announced its intention to acquire up to 84 51% shares of the Samba Bank held by Saudi National Bank Saudi National Bank is the principal shareholder of Samba Bank Limited with 84 51% which Bank Alfalah intends to acquire On March 29, 2024, Bank Alfalah submitted a nonbinding indicative offer to Saudi National Bank (SNB), proposing to acquire its entire 84 51% stake in Samba Bank Pakistan SNB responded positively to the non-binding indicative offer expressing willingness to consider Bank Alfalah s proposal KE receives NEPRA’s approval for power acquisition programme PR OFIT S TA F F R E P O R T K-Electric Limited (KEL) on Monday announced that it has received approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for its Power Acquisition Programme (PAP), spanning from FY2024 to FY2028 The power utility shared this information with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) through a notice The approval which KEL sought on March 20 2023 aligns with regulations set forth in the 1997 Electric Power Act and subsequent NEPRA regulations of 2022 This program is designed to address long-term energy demands by expanding capacity in a sustainable reliable and cost-effective manner across KEL’s licensed service areas The PAP is crucial for KEL as it positions the company to continue fulfilling its role as the Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) ensuring that all consumers within its territory have access to electricity, especially in times of market shortfall This strategic plan not only underscores KEL’s commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure but also plays a vital part in stabilizing the national grid by mitigating future power shortages and contributing to the economic stability of the region
g BANK ALFALAH INTENDS TO ACQUIRE UP TO 84.51% SHARES OF THE SAMBA BANK, HELD BY SAUDI NATIONAL BANK
PROGRAMME
RS2,300 Significant rise in gold prices mirrors international market trends
g POLICY WILL BE REVISED AFTER THOROUGH STUDIES AND TAKING ALL STAKEHOLDERS ABOARD WITHIN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS, LEGHARI
g APPROVAL OF
SETS STAGE FOR ENERGY CAPACITY EXPANSION THROUGH 2028 g GOLD MARKET SEES STEEP PRICE INCREA SE OF
GB GovT PARTNeRs wITh coRPoRATe
fIRM To MAke The ReGIoN Pl AsTIc-fRee
TCCP conduc ts hearing on collusive prac tices of poultr y companies
Probe ordered into Iranian President Raisi ’s death in helicopter crash
of Amirabdollahian IRNA said A total of nine people were on board the aircraft according to Tasnim news agency Raisi s convoy had included three helicopters, and the other two had reached their destination safely”, said the news agency An Israeli official told Reuters it was not involved in the crash It wasn t us said the official who requested anonymity Iranian authorities first raised the alarm on Sunday afternoon when they lost contact with Raisi’s helicopter as it flew through a fogshrouded mountain area of the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province
The helicopter went down in the Varzeqan region north of Tabriz, IRNA reported, as Raisi re-
turned from an official visit to the border with Azerbaijan Raisi had been at the Azerbaijani border to inaugurate the QizQalasi Dam, a joint project Azerbaijan s President Ilham Aliyev, who said he had bid a “friendly farewell” to Raisi earlier in the day also offered assistance in the rescue State media reported that images from the site showed the US-made Bell 212 helicopter slammed into a mountain peak, although there was no official word on the cause of the crash An Iranian official earlier told Reuters that the helicopter was completely burned in the crash Rescue teams fought blizzards and difficult terrain through the night to reach the wreckage in East Azerbaijan province in the early hours of Monday “Upon finding the helicopter there was no sign of the helicopter passengers being alive as of yet state TV reported about 15 hours after the aircraft went missing
The crash comes at a time of growing dissent within Iran over an array of political, social and economic crises Iran’s clerical rulers face international pressure over
Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme and its deepening military ties with Russia during the war in Ukraine
Since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct 7, provoking Israel s assault on Gaza that has killed more than 35 000 Palestinians conflagrations involving Iran-aligned groups have erupted throughout the Middle East A long shadow war between Iran and Israel broke into the open last month with tit-for-tat exchanges of drone and missile fire Raisi, 63, was elected president in 2021 and since taking office has ordered a tightening of morality laws overseen a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests and pushed hard in nuclear talks with world powers Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate power with a final say on foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme sought to reassure Iranians saying there would be no disruption to state affairs
The Iranian government will continue to operate “without the slightest disruption” following Raisi’s death said a cabinet statement on Monday
NEWS DESK
Syed Ali Kasim Gilani the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate in the NA-148 Multan-I by-election defeated Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) candidate Barrister Taimur Malik with a significant margin, it was reported on Monday
The by-election was held for the seat vacated following the resignation of Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani According to unofficial and unconfirmed results the PPP candidate received 89 097 votes while the SIC candidate got 53 572 votes resulting in Malik losing by 35,572 votes in the crucial Multan contest held on Sunday The overall process of the polls was conducted peacefully with strict security measures in place No untoward incidents were reported despite police declaring 69 polling stations sensitive Pakistan Army and Punjab Rangers personnel patrolled the sensitive polling stations throughout the day, with CCTV cameras and walk-through gates installed to monitor the situation
However, the polling staff complained about a lack of facilities such as cold water and fans at the polling stations Poll monitoring bodies also observed an extremely low turnout largely due to the scorching heat in the city Polling began at 8 am and ended at 5 pm without any interval
The historically crucial constituency previously labelled as NA-154 Multan-I in the 2018 election delimitations, was re-designated as NA-148 Multan-I for
03 NEWS Tuesday 21 May 2024 | K AR ACH PR OFIT G H U L A M A B B A S The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) conducted a hearing in the poultry cartelization case, wherein the Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) presented its defence against allegations of price fixing This hearing was fixed after show cause notices were issued to PPA and eight other entities for cartelization As per details the CCP s investigation revealed prima facie collusion and price fixing of day-old broiler chicks by a suspected cartel of eight hatcheries from 2019 to June 2021 These entities include Hitech Group Islamabad Group of Companies Olympia Group Jadeed Group Supreme Farms (Season s Foods) Big Bird Group, and Sabirs Group The enquiry was initiated following a surge in prices and complaints from broiler farmers through the Pakistan Citizens Portal alleging cartelization in the sector Subsequently search and inspections were conducted at the premises of PPA and forensic analysis of the evidence uncovered that an official of one of the member firms played a central role in the cartel by coordinating mutually agreed prices of day-old broiler chicks These rates were communicated daily to other hatcheries and PPA through SMS and WhatsApp, with pricing discussions also conducted through these mediums The enquiry also found PPA in violation of Section 4 of the Act as one of its officials was involved in the pricing discussions and announcements The general principle is that if price sensitive information is being discussed an undertaking/trade association must be seen to be distancing itself from the collusive practices Most of the hatcheries involved in the suspected cartel are also vertically integrated and engaged in the entire poultry supply chain from breeding to the production of broiler chicken including poultry feed and eggs production The next hearing is scheduled for 21 May 2024, where the remaining eight undertakings implicated in the case will present their stances
PPA ACCUSED OF FIXING PRICES BY COLLUDING WITH EIGHT OTHER HATCHERIES ISLAMABAD G H U L A M A B B A S
g
population in the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has posed a serious threat to the climate and natural ecosystem In response the GB government has partnered with a leading corporate firm to tackle the issue of garbage During a recent visit to various cities and districts of GB, it was encouraging to observe that the regional government and its relevant department the Gilgit-Baltistan Waste Management Company (GBWMC) were actively addressing cleanliness concerns in this area which now hosts thou-
of domestic and international tourists In addition to the department s efforts to collect and dispose of waste primarily plastic bags, bottles, and other disposables a leading private firm, Nestlé Pakistan, has joined the initiative Nestlé has donated compressing machines generators and other essential accessories to the GBWMC in the major cities of Gilgit Skardu and Hunza These cities are key tourist hubs in GB and face significant waste management challenges Gilgit-Baltistan is a popular destination, attracting over 1 million tourists annually This influx generates substantial income for local communities but also contributes to increased plastic waste The GBWMC with support from the respective District Councils manages the region s waste segregation and management system Tourists often bring packaged goods, leaving waste behind after consumption In line with its global vision for a waste-free future Nestlé Pakistan has partnered with the GBWMC to launch the Clean Gilgit-Baltistan Project (CGBP) Supported by leading brands NESTLÉ FRUITA VITALS and NESTLÉ PURE LIFE, the project focuses on waste segregation and recycling in the region Under this project Nestlé has installed three compressing and baling machines in Gilgit Hunza and Skardu In 2023 alone this initiative managed over 2 600 tons of plastic and paper packaging waste, promoting sustainable tourism, said Rahat Hussain, spokesperson for Nestlé Pakistan while talking to journalists Additionally the project has installed 48 benches and waste bins at popular tourist locations in Gilgit Hunza and Skardu and distributed 15 000 reusable bags among the local communities in 2023 This initiative, the first of its kind at such high-altitude tourist locations, aims to make a positive environmental impact both locally and nationally Nestlé Pakistan’s efforts align with UN Sustainable Development Goals 12 and 17 Responsible Consumption & Production and Partnerships for the Goals An official from GBWMC stated that the collected and compressed plastic waste is currently transported to other parts of the country for recycling where private contractors purchase the waste in bulk He added that the regional government plans to install recycling machines and facilities near Gilgit to handle collected waste from all districts Encouragingly, local residents are volunteering and contributing to garbage collection and transportation from their streets and homes The GBWMC official also invited other private and corporate firms to join the GB government in making the region garbage-free Climate change, especially in mountainous areas poses serious threats to human lives In recent years rapidly melting glaciers have caused massive flash floods destroying properties and infrastructure in both the region and downstream areas This collaborative effort aims to preserve the natural beauty and ecosystem of Gilgit-Baltistan while promoting sustainable tourism and protecting the environment for future generations
H E increasing influx of tourists and rising
sands
CONTINUED FR OM PAGE 01 Killed alongside Raisi were FM Amirabdollahian, known for his fierce anti-Israel sentiment and scepticism of the West
seven others including the governor of East Azerbaijan Province and a senior imam from Tabriz city Deputy Foreign Minister Ali
was appointed as acting foreign minister following the death
and
Bagheri Kani
the February 8 elections The total number of registered voters in the constituency stood at 444,231, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan At least 2 248 polling staff were appointed at the polling stations while 2 555 police personnel performed security duties Kasim s victory in the by-election has allowed the Gilani family to create a unique political and parliamentary record, with all male members of the family present in the National Assembly, Punjab Assembly and Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani the head of the Gilani family and former prime minister currently holds the Senate chairman office Syed Ali K asim Gilani vic torious in NA-148 by- elec tion; beats PTI-backed Taimur Malik ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa proposed on Monday nine judges from the Lahore and Sindh high courts to fill in three vacant seats of the Supreme Court (SC) The six senior judges nominated from the Lahore High Court (LHC) for two SC positions were Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan Justice Shujaat Ali Khan, Justice Ali Baqar Najfi, Justice Shahid Bilal and Justice Abdul Abid Aziz Sheikh Justice Aqeel Abbasi Justice Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto were nominated from the Sindh High Court (SHC) for one apex court seat A meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) is scheduled for June 7 to consider the nine nominees The JCP serves as the highest authority for recommending judicial appointments to the SC high courts and Shariat court It consists of the CJP as its chairman The matter comes amidst a proposal pending approval for change in the rules of judges appointment to the apex court This proposal has been prepared by JCP member from the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) Akhtar Hussain, and former JCP member Advocate Amjad Farooq Khattak Three judges are to be appointed to the Supreme Court On April 16 Hussain told media that one SC judge should be appointed from the SHC, and at least one judge from the LHC should be elevated to the SC He said CJP Isa also held the opinion that chief justices should not have the sole authority to nominate judges The draft prepared by the Rules Making Committee has been finalized; now, a full JCP meeting should be called to approve it, he said Khattak said appointments of judges in the higher judiciary should be based on merit rather than relationships and affiliations with chambers
JP recommends nine judges for elevation to three vac ant SC seats PTI terms NA-148 bypoll as ‘continuation of public mandate theft’ ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson on Monday termed the NA-148 by-election as a continuation of the public mandate theft and another black spot on the face of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) However, he vowed that PTI would not give up its struggle from reclaiming its stolen mandate and supremacy of constitution and rule of law no matter what PTI Spokesperson expressed gratitude to the people of NA-148 for coming out in huge number to vote for the PTI-backed candidate despite adversarial circumstances He stated that those celebrating victory after flouting laws, using state machinery, and committing election rigging should be drowned in shame Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani who was elected as the Chairman of the Upper House from the incomplete house should apologize to the nation especially the people of Multan for destroying the sanctity of the vote, PTI Spokesperson urged He asserted that if the father and in his son, the claimant of Bhutto’s political legacy, had any sense of shame or democracy, they would have preferred to drown in shame instead of contesting an election in such a fraudulently way PTI Spokesperson lamented that the shameful series of open discrediting of democracy and the basic constitutional right of the people to vote continues unabated in Pakistan He pointed out that in Sunday’s by-election in NA-148 Multan the state machinery used the same old tricks of polls fraud which were carried out on February 9 and April 21 adding that every fraud on people s right to vote was facilitated by the criminals in the ECP PTI Spokesperson recalled that a member of the most crooked Gilani family of Multan was seen by the entire nation buying votes in Senate elections with bags full of money but the dishonest and unscrupulous Chief Election Commissioner avoided taking any action against Gilani s son at that time Pak-Malaysia bilateral ties need to be consolidated fur ther: Acting President ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Acting President Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stressed the need of further strengthening the bilateral relations with Malaysia for mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries He said that Pakistan and Malaysia enjoyed cordial cooperation at all international fora which needed to be consolidated further These views were expressed by the Acting President during his meeting with the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman bin Ayob, who along with his delegation called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr The meeting was also attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf Speaking on the occasion Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani urged the need to further explore avenues of cooperation in maritime sectors for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries He expressed the hope that training and exchange programmes between the two navies would further cement naval cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia The Acting President expressed satisfaction over the regular conduct of bilateral naval exercises and training collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia He appreciated the Royal Malaysian Navy for regular participation in AMAN exercises and emphasized the need for continuity of the same in future He stated that Pakistan was looking forward to the continued support of Malaysia for Pakistan’s bid to become the Full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN Earlier the Acting President conferred the award of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman bin Ayob during a special investiture ceremony Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman bin Ayob is a close friend of Pakistan and has played a prominent role in promoting cooperation between the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Pakistan Navy The award was conferred upon him in recognition of his professional achievements and endeavours for strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two navies President Raisi dead; helicopter fully burned in fatal crash: Iranian gov t CONTINUED FR OM PAGE 01 A senior Iranian official speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the situation told Reuters: “President Raisi the foreign minister and all the passengers in the helicopter were killed in the crash Iran s Mehr news agency also confirmed that all passengers of the helicopter were martyred The helicopter carrying President Raisi and the foreign minister crashed on Sunday while flying through mountainous terrain amid heavy fog in the Varzaqan region of East Azerbaijan province Iranian state media attributed the crash to bad weather which also hindered rescue efforts in the country s northwestern region The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that Raisi was flying in a US-made Bell 212 helicopter Iran Red Crescent Society chief Pir-Hossein Kolivand in an interview with the semi-official Tasnim news agency said: No trace of survivors has been found at the crash site He further revealed that rescue teams discovered the crash site after hours of extensive search in a mountainous region” in East Azerbaijan province President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian and other high-ranking officials were returning to Iran after attending an inauguration ceremony of a dam on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan when the helicopter crashed Sunday afternoon Following the death of the Iranian President, the Islamic Republic s First Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber is set to assume power upon the Supreme Leader ’s approval as per Article 131 of Iran’s Constitution Pakistan-Qatar expanded trade ties to benefit people of both countries: Ambassador ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater has said that his country accords immense importance to its brotherly relations with Pakistan and the incumbent leadership of his country is keen to further enhance ties with Pakistan He said Both Pakistan and Qatar should take advantage of each other s experiences in the field of business and economy for the mutual benefits of the people of two the countries ” Talking to a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) headed by its President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari which called on him here on Monday, Ambassador Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater emphasized that ICCI should come up with its ideas relating to promotion of business between the two countries which will be shared with Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their quick materialization g INFLUX OF TOURISTS RISKS CLIMATE, ECOSYSTEM IN GILGIT BALTISTAN
C
Compounding the ordeal frequent power outages further compound the misery of communities already grappling with the unforgiving climate With fans and air conditioners rendered useless during prolonged blackouts, households are left defenseless against the blistering heat, aggravating discomfort and exacerbating health risks particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children
Moreover the economic strain induced by inflation exacerbates the plight of the working classes, limiting their ability to access essential resources like cooling supplies, safe drinking water and nutritious food As prices soar and purchasing power dwindles families are forced to make agonizing trade-offs between meeting basic needs and enduring the oppressive heat
In times of crisis, it is imperative for authorities at all levels to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the welfare of their citizens Urgent measures must be implemented to mitigate the impact of the heatwave on the working classes including the provision of cooling centers, ensuring uninterrupted access to electricity, and subsidizing essential commodities to alleviate the burden of inflation
Furthermore comprehensive public health initiatives are needed to raise awareness about heat-related illnesses and promote preventive measures among vulnerable communities Accessible healthcare services must be readily available to treat heat-related ailments promptly preventing unnecessary loss of life
E c o n o m y i n d o l d r u m s
Insaf alI Bangwar
and
With
oping
as the
as the
and agrarian
economic
are
as
to Pakistan from the day of independence The defining causes of an economy being in doldrums include but are not limited to economic recession external shocks that is climate induced problems geopolitical mayhem and pandemics, like Coronavirus high inflation and declining people s purchasing power Government induced maladies also add injuries to economic recession given the historical references of myopically crafted economic policies to favour the economically burgeoning population and damaging financial services for the underprivileged portion The public-centred economic policies often create stories The Singapore Story is one of the examples that explores how Lee Kuan Yew’s vision made a seemingly invisible country on the ending tip of Malaysia one of the wealthiest nations in modern times The story of M i
r i v e r also showcased the world in the economic realm, how economies are bolstered by investing in its indicators, though its northern counterpart North Korea epitomises dictatorial regimes along with halting all socioeconomic and political incentives Not identical to North Korea though the extractive institutions and elite patronised policies and practices made a president the winner of Z$100,000 nationwide lottery organised by a partly nationalised bank, Zimbank RG Mugabe Prior to this lottery, Mugabe incremented salaries of his cabinet by 200 per cent By mentioning stories and facts implies that there lies two ways priorities make the difference at the end Hark back Dr Ishrat Hussain writes in governing the ungovernable Pakistan s economy was akin to countries nearly touching the threshold of developed status in the 1980s and 1990s, let alone the regional countries of Pakistan “Pakistan is the one of the easiest populations to govern given the naturally induced capabilities Pakistanis possess as they don’t demand for much He adds Demanding not much he implies the basic facilities the Constitution provides, health, education, power supply etc And they don t because they re not aware of their basic facilities The lawns of the elite are turning greener at the expense of public ignorance One of the reasons Pakistan’s economy’s growth is stagnant is the country s ordinary class is not empowered or mobilised Another reason is the elite s capture of the economy and bourgeois control on the goods and services The third is the my-
n d i a ’ s e l e c t i o n : N o r a y o f h o p e f o r M u s l i m s
opically created non-punitive economic regulatory policies that fuels black marketing, racketeering, and man-made treasure troving The fourth is the inability to transition from an agrarian economy to an industrial one which is more effective sound and productive The growth of an economy emphasises on the effective and skillful workforce, a milieu of free market and inclusion of all individuals regardless of gender to work for them, and ergo, for the economy too The wreckage of recessions in the past the great depression (1929-1939) The Asian Financial Crisis (1997-1998) and Global Financial Crisis (2007-2009) linger upon Pakistan s economy though deeply struck economies survived the blow of the later two With the 23rd visit to the IMF for another bailout package, one presumes the incompetency and dysfunctionality of economic policies enacted for the public good and they often turn in favour of otherwise With a solely $380B GDP and
in India Washington Post 24 March 2017 ) Yogi government repealed pre-requisite of two witnesses to register a marriage to validate forced marriage of a Hindu boy to a Muslim girl (Seth Maulshree, Uttar Pradesh government considers relaxing norms to register Hindu
Love Jihad ) Hindu militant organisation Bajrang Dal conducted an exercise with live arms Some of the participants disguised themselves as Muslims Later a group of 100 Hindus armed with weapons attacked Muslim community at Pedda a hamlet on the outskirts of Bijnor city (Angad Abhishek Bijnor
The growth of an economy emphasises on the effective and skillful workforce , a milieu of free market and inclusion of all individuals regardless of g ender to work for them, and ergo, for the economy too The wreckag e of recessions in the past the great depression (1929-1939), The Asian Financial Crisis (1997-1998) and Global Financial Crisis (2007-2009) ling er upon PakistanÊs economy though deeply struck economies sur vived the blow of the later two.
The US-based think tank Freedom House ranked India as only “partly free” The report noted love jihad laws widespread crackdown on dissent a crackdown on journalists discrimination against Muslims, blaming Muslims for transmitting the CORONA disease, and misuse of sedition laws Sedition laws have become handmaidens of India’s government under Narendra Modi to stifle dissent incarcerate political opponents or persecute minorities particularly the Muslim Shouting a slogan wall chalking a social post of azadi (liberty), wearing a prayer cap, or offering prayer on adjoining roads when a mosque is overcrowded, could attract
The Muslims are downtrodden as highlighted by several official reports (Gopal, Sachar, etc) Yet they are targets of BJPÊs wrath There is a systematic campaign of persecution against the Muslim A Hindu religious assembly urged Hindus to buy the latest arms and ammunition to exterminate the Muslim.
sedition charges Even interfaith marriages or cow-related offences could be tried as sedition The Hindu-monk chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath had directed his administration to try cow-related offences under the National Security Act Some states have passed love-jihad laws to prevent interfaith marriages The over-ebullient Hindu extremists even haul such people to the police stations as have been happily married long before enactment of the law banning interfaith marriages We look upon the Indian Muslim as a homogeneous caste-free community But, they too are stratified on the lines of the Hindu caste system Fifteen percent ashrafia or nobility (Syed Sheikh Mughal Pathan etc or native upper caste converts like Rangad or Muslim Rajput Taga or Tyagi Muslims Garhe or Gaur Muslims etc) descendents of the Arab or the Afghan, dominate 85 per cent low-caste Muslim ajlaf (backward Muslim) together with arzal (dalit Muslim) The ‘high-caste’ Muslim, hand in glove with ruling political Brahmin-dominated parties reap benefits The low castes are left in the lurch In case of communal riots the low-caste Muslims bear the brunt The low caste Muslim suffer double persecution One at the hands of the fanatic Hindu and secondly at that of the ‘syeds’ Concluding reflections If Modi gets a new term he will try to enforce a Civil Code binding Muslims to monogamy Ganvapi and several other mosques would be razed Muslim share in civil and military services as well as in parliament
Noise pollution
04 Tuesday 21 May 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 U n f o r g i v i n g m e r c u r y
A
sweep across Pakistan a cruel
power
inflation
nation
sweltering heat burdens all,
working
brunt
this trifecta of
struggle
survival
prosperity
heights
now faces
enduring relentless heat
labor such as
S scorching temperatures
convergence of heatwaves
outages and
threatens to suffocate the
with unbearable hardships While the
it is the
classes who bear the
of
challenges, amplifying their
for
and
With mercury levels soaring to unprecedented
the oppressive heat becomes more than just discomfort; it transforms into a formidable obstacle to productivity and well-being The working populace, already grappling with economic uncertainties exacerbated by inflation,
the additional hurdle of
without adequate respite In sectors reliant on physical
agriculture and construction, the heatwave becomes a formidable adversary, impairing efficiency and endangering the health and safety of workers
Beyond immediate relief efforts long-term strategies are essential to address the underlying vulnerabilities that exacerbate the impact of heatwaves on the working classes Investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and climate resilience can bolster communities’ ability to withstand extreme weather events while creating sustainable opportunities for economic growth and prosperity As we navigate these challenging times, let us unite in solidarity to support the most vulnerable among us By harnessing the collective strength of our communities and prioritizing the well-being of all citizens we can weather this storm and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate than ever before M
Editor Pakistan Today
Editor Profit Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor Higher education system challenges I am writing to express my deep concerns about the alarming challenges faced by the higher education system of Pakistan First of all there is a significant lack of access to higher education in Pakistan especially in rural areas which includes a number of factors such as poverty unemployment, and many others Another challenge is the quality of education; most of the teaching methods used in higher education are outdated There is a mismatch between the skills taught at higher education institutions and those required by employers leading to an alarming level of unemployment in the country Perhaps most notably corruption is a major problem in higher education manifesting in a number of ways such as bribery and nepotism Last but not least, sectarian violence is also a challenge affecting universities ability to function properly and effectively, as many universities are closed due to security issues, and students are targeted by violence These factors create an environment that is not conducive to learning As a concerned citizen and student through your esteemed newspaper I request the relevant authorities and government to take necessary actions to address these problems and challenges and create an environment beneficial to the interests of Pakistan ZAINAB TANVEER RAWALPINDI Honour public mandate for prosperit y P E O P L E have spoken The election results are an indictment of the entire political process The lacklustre turnout the split mandate and voting pattern is nothing but a vote of no-confidence against the existing political as well as administrative system The power politics and games that seasoned politicians play have created a polarised society waiting to ignite with the smallest spark It's about time the political leaders need to take stock of their surroundings and rethink their agenda The sooner the better lest they will be rooted out from their own political parties If they are sincere they will bury the political hatchet give up their personal differences and form a national government If Pakistan has to survive and be recognised as a resilient state we all need to huddle up and draw out an amended social contract A constitution which guarantees and mandates local Government elections also guarantees healthcare system Similarly, it also guarantees no interference by the Parliamentarians in development projects The public servants need to have guaranteed and tenured service Let's do away with the selection system and put together all Pakistan Judicial Service We need to reimagine the 18th amendment Let s agree to economic reforms which encourage local investment Give Constitutional guarantees to farmers industrialists and the businesses ATIYA ZAIDI LAHORE
A Niazi
Babar Nizami
G E N E R A L LY, when people talk about pollution, they refer to air and water pollution Indeed they are the major categories but noise pollution is often neglected even though it ruins the peaceful environment that one needs to carry out a range of essential activities As such houses close to main roads are more affected by noise pollution as vehicles playing loud music whizz past them, disrupting the peace of mind All of us need to work actively to focus on the problem and to somehow manage it effectively AGHA ABDUL BASIT PATHAN KHAIRPUR MIRS 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 D I A S general elections (fourth of the seventh stage) would end on 1 t June 2024 Results would be announced on 4th June 2024 Predictions by political pundits (psephologists) are odd Prashant Kishore says the BJP could become the single largest party in West Bengal and Odisha Besides, it could garner a considerable number of votes, if not seats, for the first time in Tamil Nadu But Yogendra Yadav veteran former psephologist now a member of Rahul Gandhi s cross-country unity march for democracy foresees Modi to lose He expects Maharashtra and Bihar to be Modi s Waterloo Past elections reflect that money power is a key factor determining who wins elections Thus the BJP is a foregone conclusion Co\ngress party funds were frozen by a judicial order Key challenger Kejriwal of am admi party was imprisoned before the election and released only for a short time Indian farmers organised a year-long protest to resist mechanization of agriculture at the hands of “crony capitalism” The BJP enjoys an edge It is supported by big business the ilk of Ambanis and Adanis (crony capitalism) The Muslims are downtrodden
saffron chief minister of Uttar Pradesh in a video statement said: If they [Muslims] take one Hindu girl, we will take 100 Muslim girls If they kill one Hindu, we ll kill 100 Muslims (Bhaomick, Nilnjan Meet the militant monk spreading Islamophobia
marriage es , Indian Express 13 May 2016) Two investigative panels Cobra Post and Gulailo
reported that the Hindutva groups used violence intimidation and blackmail to break up Hindu Muslim married couples (Deccan Herald BJP, VHP, RSS nexus against
violence:Before violence made 12 calls to cops MLA but no action was taken Indian Express 18 Sep 2016
I
as highlighted by several official reports (Gopal Sachar, etc) Yet they are targets of BJP s wrath There is a systematic campaign of persecution against the Muslim A Hindu religious assembly urged Hindus to buy the latest arms and ammunition to exterminate the Muslim Yogi Adityanath
(2015)
would further diminish Already the RSS has defined a Hindus the one who looks to Ayodhya not Mecca The contributor is a freelance columnist
MohaMMad asad MalIk
Y
N D professional jargon and expert s opinion, the economy of Pakistan is in doldrums due to the imbalance of consuming more and producing much less The productivity guilt from the bottom portion of
population
constant
e o n t h e H a n
I
B E
O
the
and megalomaniac tendencies of the elite perpetuates the unbalance and results in
decline of economic productivity
security
capitalism
economic system, devel-
country’
current world status
based output,
woes
given
dowry
r a c l
The would-be panacea for the economic woes for Pakistan has been the hires and fires of finance ministers with Daronomics dominating the position for serving Pakistan the longest period of time And for not good, rather otherwise Undoubtedly, the issue of instability played a significant role in forestalling the economy towards transformation and growth A buzzword though the growth is the very need of an hour The supreme executives of the country carry begging bowls all the time while visiting a country attending a summit, and participating in an organisation s annual call That desperateness, if applied, in the country’s own growth would have borne fruit To explore a fun fact: if Adam Smith would have been given the economy portfolio of Pakistan he too would not have been able to deliver desired fruits since the country s economic policies are ephemeral ineffective and obsolete in a changing world The way forward? As Adam Smith s example is explored, sans a practical, effective, long-lasting and resilient economic policies and their holistic implementation are not carried away along with financial empowerment is not engineered within the population and a commitment of own growth is committed Pakistan s economy would always be in doldrums as it is now Since change is not a switch and actually takes time to happen, educating population sans discrimination, empowering farmer class with adequate supply of essentialities and fluctuating job-oriented stance to business-oriented mindset will pave the way forward with pace and exponentiality The keys to the treasures of productivity circulation and other economic indicators is public mobilisation, women inclusion and halt of elite and military interventions in the economy Government intervention often hinders the very critical juncture for economic growth more often than not Economy in hand with technology is a prospect for rapid growth use of biotechnology might be another success story in the coming decades, vertical farming and innovative means can help Pakistan reach its desired threshold of growth, development and prosperity Irrefutably, effective economic policies and a visionary leadership would considerably push the country for national success The writer is a freelancer He can be reached: insafalibangwar98@gmail com
a growth rate restricted to 4 7 per cent (World Bank, 2022) Pakistan seems broken economically since the population touches 230M and is growing exponentially Fiscal deficits, dwindling foreign reserves and the non-existent direct foreign investments further push Pakistan into the economic quagmire
Today is the 73rd anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations
IN the limelight of international relations there exists a thread woven with the deepest hues of solidarity and trust Pakistan and China, bound by an unbreakable bond, stand as testament to the enduring power of friendship amidst the tumult of global politics
From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the bustling streets of Islamabad and Beijing their diplomatic embrace echoes with the whispers of shared history and common aspirations Pakistan and China’s diplomatic journey, which commenced on the 21st of May 1951, has transcended time evolving into a formidable alliance with each passing day and year This cherished relationship rooted in mutual recognition and respect has blossomed into an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, epitomizing the unwavering commitment of both nations’ leadership to propel it forward Pakistan among the first nations to embrace the People’s Republic of China holds China dear as its Iron Brother while China in turn cherishes Pakistan as one of its closest friends and partners This deepseated camaraderie is underpinned by feelings of mutual trust, respect, and goodwill, fostering a regular exchange of high-level visits and strategic consultations between the two neighbors Economically China s stature as Pakistan s largest trading partner and a major investor particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors, amplifies the bilateral synergy The official launch of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under President Xi Jinping’s “One Road One Belt” initiative marks a significant milestone elevating the bilateral relationship to unprecedented heights CPEC envisioned to enhance connectivity and infrastructure, has catalyzed monumental developments, fostering socio-economic prosperity and job creation across Pakistan
This transformative journey facilitated by a robust mechanism of Joint Cooperation Committees and Working Groups underscores the depth of commitment towards mutual progress and shared prosperity As Pakistan and China continue to script a narrative of unparalleled friendship and cooperation their enduring partnership serves as a beacon of hope inspiring a more harmonious
global community Pakistan s diplomatic ties with China have stood the test of time evolving into a robust alliance with multifaceted dimensions Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China their relationship has grown from strength to strength Throughout the years their partnership has become a cornerstone of regional stability and economic growth
In the early years the two nations established their camaraderie on the foundation of countering common threats and challenges As the geopolitical landscape evolved, their alliance served as a strategic counterbalance to the influence of neighboring India
Moreover China s substantial investments in Pakistan s infrastructure including the transformative CPEC, have not only fueled Pakistan s economic growth but have also deepened the bond between the two nations
Over time their collaboration expanded beyond economic ventures to encompass defense and security cooperation With a shared commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring regional security China and Pakistan have engaged in intelligence sharing and military exchanges Pakistan’s pivotal role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) further solidifies their partnership with CPEC emerging as a flagship project under this ambitious endeavor
Their friendship extends beyond bilateral interests, manifesting in unwavering diplomatic support in international forums
Through thick and thin, China and Pakistan have stood by each other forging a bond
based on trust respect and mutual benefit
As they continue to navigate the complexities of global politics, the China-Pakistan relationship remains a beacon of stability and cooperation in an ever-changing world
n 1949: The People’s Republic of China was established n 1950: Pakistan becomes one of the first countries to recognize the People s Republic of China
n 1951: Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China are formally established
n 1962: The Sino-Indian War strengthens Pakistan s ties with China as Pakistan supported China during the conflict1963: The Sino-Pakistani Agreement is signed, transferring territory from Pakistan-administered Kashmir to China
n 1971: During the Bangladesh Liberation War China supports Pakistan leading to further strengthening of bilateral relations
n 1978: China s reform and opening-up policies begin, leading to increased economic cooperation between China and Pakistan
n 2013: China announces the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project enhancing economic collaboration between the two countries
n 2024: China and Pakistan celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, highlighting the strong and enduring friendship between the two nations
As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, spanning over seven decades, it becomes evident that the bond between these two nations is not merely defined by geography or shared interests, but by the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation With a border stretching over 5000 kilometers, their relationship stands taller than the mighty Himalayas, symbolizing the strength and resilience that characterize their partnership.
How Kashmiri politicians are co-opting the language of resistance
WH I L E campaigning in Srinagar last month ahead of India s parliamentary elections, People s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Waheed Para chanted: “Let the traitors hear! Will you become like Farooq [Abdullah]? Will you become like Omar [Abdullah]? Upon hearing the names of the two politicians the crowd responded emphatically: No!
As I watched this video, the chants and their tone screamed of non-belonging For the longest time in spaces of resistance - in streets and alleys across Indian Occupied Kashmir - such chants have risen to a crescendo Every time an act of violence has been committed by the Indian state, Indian Occupied Kashmir has resonated with the slogan “azadi” This chant has represented joy at weddings and commemorated martyrdom at funerals of armed fighters; it has arisen in both moments of triumph and times of despair Today, as the silencing of Indian Occupied Kashmir reaches unprecedented levels, this chorus seeking freedom has embedded itself in the international lexicon as recently witnessed during Palestine solidarity protests on US campuses Kashmiris use the collective affirmation of azadi to reject those seen as traitors to the disputed region’s fight for freedom including members of political parties such as the PDP National Conference and other foot soldiers of the military occupation
As India holds its mammoth parliamentary vote, which will include the election of client politicians from Indian Occupied Kashmir, why are establishment candidates co-opting the tone and language of pro-resistance politics?
As they seek power in a coercive state apparatus why are they deploying language associated with the resistance movement, which opposes the very same apparatus that they seek to
strengthen and legitimise?
DECEPTION AND REPRESSION:
Borrowing from the work of scholars
Mona Bhan and Haley Duschinski, India’s “procedural performance” of holding elections in Kashmir can be framed as an apparatus of erasure - one that seeks to uphold the facade of Indian democracy while normalising the proceduralism of an occupying state Voter turnout remains immaterial to the status of India s settler-colonial rule over Kashmir and its lack of legitimacy The history of India-held elections in Indian Occupied Kashmir has been one of deception maneuvering and the installation and dismantling at will of client regimes
The current climate of repression and extensive use of anti-terrorism laws against human rights defenders, journalists resistance leaders and youth have resulted in an environment where counter-narratives are criminalised and pro-freedom voices silenced
The Indian state is seeking to rewrite history, claiming that a new era of peace has begun in the region, while working to erase any vestiges or memories of resistance
The co-option by pro-India politicians of resistance slogans is a discursive strategy that engineers such memoricide, while also aiming to appeal to people by invoking the language of resistance Para for example has referred to the elections as a referendum for people to convey their dissatisfaction with the Indian government s decisions since 2019 when it repealed Article 370, thus removing Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy
This invokes the discourse of freedom which has long relied on the promise of a referendum for the territory to create an illusion of resistance being put up by the PDP Para spent more than a year in jail under an anti-terrorism law, which he says was because of his opposition to
the Indian government’s decision on
Article 370 He places this in the larger context of the Modi government silencing opponents, claiming to hold the fortress of resistance against the Hindu rightwing Bharatiya Janata Party
THE RIGHT TO DIGNITY: Meanwhile Aga Ruhullah Mehdi the National Conference s Srinagar candidate spoke in a recent interview about the humiliation Kashmiris face when they are forced to stop on the highway to allow the Indian army’s convoys to pass and how Kashmiris lack the dignity of free movement
Altaf Bukhari s Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party formed in 2020 has also made repeated references to seeking a dignified life for people, with little reflection on the factors preventing this So has Sajad Lone of the People’s Conference invoking the need for “development with dignity in Indian Occupied Kashmir The right to a life of dignity has long been at the core of the freedom struggle, because life under Indian occupation is the antithesis of this Various parties have blamed each other for the different phases of violence in Indian Occupied Kashmir
Lone has targeted the National Conference for being the dacoits of 1987 who rigged elections and filled graveyards” in Kashmir, and he has vowed to hold the party accountable For his part Bukhari has said that his opponents are hoodwinking Kashmiris when they call for the restoration of Article 370 What is left out of the debate is the role of the Indian state in administering Kashmir through violence, regardless of who holds power locally While these client politicians are busy reinforcing the Indian state s authority through electoral politics the latter has escalated its campaign of mass arbitrary detentions to facilitate smooth elections This is conveniently erased from the blame game of the political contenders seeking to benefit from a system of repression Yet even as the chants of azadi are silenced or co-opted the Indian state and its client politicians must continually find new maneuvers to appeal to people amid growing perceptions and experiences of injustice As they seek votes by invoking the language of resistance they fail to acknowledge that the state responsible for disappearing maiming torturing humiliating dispossessing and dehumanising Kashmiris cannot be the source of their rights, dignity and freedom MEE correspondent previously known as MEE contributor is a byline usually used by journalists working in dangerous parts of the world where revealing their identities could jeopardise their safety
These milestones highlight the close and strategic partnership that has developed between Pakistan and China over the years
Further developments in Pakistan-China relations include ongoing military cooperation, cultural exchanges and economic collaborations The CPEC has emerged as a flagship project aiming to enhance connectivity and promote economic development in Pakistan
Both countries continue to support each other on various international platforms, maintaining a strong strategic partnership People-to-people exchanges, educational cooperation and mutual support on regional and global issues further cement the bond between Pakistan and China
The bilateral relationship between the two countries remains vital for regional stability and economic development in the broader context of South Asia and beyond Worth mentioning that Pakistan and China’s diplomatic relations have evolved into a multifaceted partnership with several key aspects driving their enduring bond Firstly their strategic partnership stands as a pillar of regional stability, with both nations collaborating closely on security, defense, and counterterrorism efforts Secondly, economic cooperation forms a cornerstone of their relationship with China emerging as a major investor in Pakistan s infrastructure projects notably through the CPEC Additionally, military cooperation between the two countries is robust, encompassing joint exercises, technology transfer, and defense collaboration Diplomatically China consistently extends support to Pakistan on various international platforms while Pakistan aligns itself with China on matters of mutual interest Finally, people-topeople ties foster cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and tourism, strengthening the bond between the peoples of both nations beyond official channels As Pakistan and China celebrate the 73rd anniversary of their diplomatic relations these five aspects underscore the depth and resilience of their friendship, which continues to shape the geopolitical landscape of the region This relationship goes beyond mere strategic cooperation; it embodies a deeprooted friendship that has weathered the tests of time and emerged stronger Their partnership is characterized by a shared commitment to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region The bond also extends beyond bilateral interests, manifesting in a robust
diplomatic support system in various international forums Whether it s advocating for each other s positions on critical issues or standing shoulder to shoulder in times of global challenges, the two countries exemplify the true essence of solidarity and collaboration At its core the friendship between Pakistan and China is built on a foundation of trust respect and mutual benefit This symbiotic relationship allows both nations to leverage their respective strengths and resources for collective advancement From infrastructure development projects like BRI & CPEC to joint military exercises their collaboration spans across diverse sectors of mutual interest In an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan serves as a beacon of stability and cooperation As both countries navigate complex global challenges and opportunities their shared commitment to each other highlights the importance of fostering genuine relationships in the realm of international politics By continuing to stand by each other through thick and thin China and Pakistan set a commendable example for the world on how genuine friendship can transcend borders and contribute to a more harmonious global community As we reflect on the remarkable journey
AS K any middle-class, hardworking American and they will all tell you the same thing: Life today is a lot harder and a lot more expensive since President Biden took office In a Fox News poll released in March 52% of voters said they are worse off today than they were when Biden took office The reason for that is simple
Tuesday 21 May 2024 COMMENT 05
of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations spanning over seven decades it becomes evident that the bond between these two nations is not merely defined by geography or shared interests, but by the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation With a border stretching over 5000 kilometers their relationship stands taller than the mighty Himalayas symbolizing the strength and resilience that characterize their partnership Like the sweetness of honey, their relations are imbued with warmth and sincerity, transcending borders and cultural differences As the old saying goes “Iron brothers” indeed their bond is unbreakable and their commitment to each other unwavering Through thick and thin Pakistan and China have stood by each other, and their friendship will last forever, ever, a testament to the power of genuine camaraderie in shaping a brighter future for generations to come (The writer is a foreign affairs commentator and Secretary General of the Pakistan China Friendship Association s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter He can be reached at syeed gilani@gmail com )
syEd alI nawaz gIlanI
MIDDLE EAST EYE M E E c o r r E s p o n d E n t
Over the last four years, Biden has decimated our economy through reckless spending overregulation and tax hikes His refusal to protect the border has cost the American taxpayer billions and just recently he openly campaigned on his platform of further raising taxes The last eight years have been a tale of two economies, with President Trump working diligently to build a stronger, more prosperous America, and Biden doing everything in his power to bring the economy crashing down Under Trump the American people enjoyed the strongest economy in the world From 2016 to 2020 household incomes increased 401(k)s hit record highs, and unemployment hit the lowest rate in half a century – all while inflation remained below the 2% targeted by the Federal Reserve Notably Trump’s pro-growth and pro-worker policies built an economy that worked for all Americans –not just the wealthy and privileged The Trump years saw unemployment rates for minorities, women, disabled individuals and those without high school diplomas hit record lows Low-income and blue-collar workers saw their wages grow, and fewer individuals applied for food stamps and unemployment Not only did Trump s economy benefit American families and workers – it was also a boom for businesses entrepreneurs and job creators Trump s historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cut burdensome taxes for small businesses and helped them grow It also rewrote the complex tax code to make it easier for businesses to keep jobs local rather than looking for labor overseas Unfortunately these reforms are set to expire at the end of 2025 with certain provisions expiring even sooner Rather than renewing the tax cuts that brought prosperity to so many American families, workers and businesses, Biden intends to raise taxes by a staggering $7 trillion Just a few weeks ago Biden boasted about his mind-boggling tax plan on the campaign trail and proudly peddled a new plan to cancel student loan debt – a move that would cost the American taxpayer an additional $559 billion and force them to subsidize households making more than $300,000 At a time when American families are facing crippling inflation and struggling to make ends meet this move is both callous and tone-deaf Biden s reckless approach to the economy explains a lot about how we got to where we are today In 2021, Biden rammed the $1 9 trillion American Rescue Plan through Congress – despite warnings from liberal economists that this would set off inflationary pressures Biden then continued his radical spending spree jamming through the $1 2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the $1 2 trillion Inflation Reduction Act Since Biden took office inflation has increased 19 4%, ultimately hitting a 40-year high in 2022 Today, prices for everything from housing and groceries to energy and transportation remain sky-high Food prices are up 21%, gas prices have increased 47 8% rental prices have gone up 20 4% and used cars are up 20 9% Biden recently bragged that the American economy is the best in the world Meanwhile American families are struggling to put food on the table and gas in their cars Often, we tend to view the economy in terms of grocery prices, housing costs and tax rates In reality that only represents the tip of the iceberg During the Trump years cutting red tape and reducing regulatory hurdles became a hallmark of the Trump economy From 2016-2020, agencies in the Trump administration reduced regulatory costs that amounted to almost $11,000 per American household Not only did this reduce costs to the American taxpayer it also made it easier to open and operate a business and create good well-paying jobs Since Biden took office he has done his best to undo that progress As of June 2023 regulatory costs imposed under the Biden administration amounted to almost $10,000 per household If Biden continues implementing his regulatory agenda at this speed and if he is re-elected in November regulatory costs could skyrocket to almost $60 000 per household Biden s failures are not limited to the economy – far from it Biden has actively facilitated a massive increase in illegal immigration From December 2020 to December 2023, we saw a 307% increase in illegal immigration under Biden While this has unquestionably made our country less safe it has also become a drain on our already fragile economy More than 85% of illegal immigrants crossing our southern border have been released into the country According to a recent study, the cost of every illegal immigrant to the taxpayer is $8,776 per year That amounts to $72 8 billion since Biden took office – and taxpayers of course are footing the bill State and local governments are also overwhelmed by the influx of illegal migrants Total state and local expenditures in response to illegal immigration amount to a whopping $115 6 billion – a staggering figure that could instead be spent on education, infrastructure or any number of other key priorities The facts are clear The numbers do not lie Biden has spent and regulated our economy into the gutter Now even as Americans struggle to make ends meet, Biden plans to raise taxes on hardworking Americans and small businesses to pay for radical liberal priorities As if that were not enough, Biden is forcing the American taxpayer to foot the bill for every illegal immigrant he allows into our country It s no surprise that American economic optimism is low with Biden at the helm In 2020 Joe Biden bragged on the campaign trail that he would be the antithesis to President Trump in terms of the economy That is one thing he was honest about David McIntosh is president of Club for Growth Action and the School Freedom Fund He served as a Republican U S representative from Indiana 1995-2001 Were you better off under Trump’s economy or Biden’s? FOX NEWS dav I d M c n to s h U n d e r Tr u m p, A m e r i c a n s e n j oye d t h e s t ro n g e s t e co n o my i n t h e wo r l d These client politicians are busy reinforcing the Indian state’s authority through elec toral politics
DEADLY STRIKES HIT GA Z A AS US ENVOY VISITS ISRAEL
Assassination or accident? R aisi ’s shock ing death spar ks finger-pointing at Israel
The crash site was difficult to access due to thick fog, hampering immediate rescue efforts However, the recovery operation has since been completed with all bodies accounted for
The unexpected death of Raisi has led to rampant speculation about a pos-
sible assassination, with numerous social media users and commentators suspecting Israeli involvement Former Member of the European Parliament Nick Griffin suggested that the crash could be linked to Israel s strategic interests in the region, noting that improving Iran-Azerbaijan relations might undermine Israeli influence and arms sales to Azerbaijan “Israel has been making big profits selling drones and other weapons used to devastate Armenian fighters in NagornoKarabakh Iran has firmly backed the Armenians, Griffin said He emphasized that continued conflict in the region ben-
efits Israel’s arms industry and aligns with long-standing animosities
Social media has been abuzz with theories including a tweet from BritishIraqi rapper Lowkey highlighting Israel s established intelligence and military presence in Azerbaijan This, combined with recent Israeli actions against Iranian interests has fueled conjecture about Israeli involvement in Raisi s death
Despite the rumors an unnamed Israeli official categorically denied any involvement in the crash, telling Reuters, “It wasn’t us ” Israeli authorities have
Taiwan politic al
No matter how the political situation regarding the Taiwan island changes it will not change the historical and legal facts that both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China and the historical trend that China will eventually be reunified and will inevitably be reunified, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday
Noting that the one-China principle is a general consensus of the international community and is consistent with the basic norms of international relations Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the ministry, said it is also the political foundation and premise for China to develop relations with other countries in the world
The vast majority of countries as well as international and regional organizations stand firmly with the Chinese government and people supporting China s just cause of opposing Taiwan independence separatist activities and striving for national reunification, he said Certain politicians from a few countries engage in political manipulation and “personal shows” on
consistently distanced themselves from the incident, although they have a history of targeting Iranian military figures and infrastructure Iranian officials have not formally accused Israel of orchestrating the crash However, the context of escalating tensions between the two nations lends weight to the suspicions Just last month, Israel conducted a targeted strike in Damascus that killed senior Iranian military officers prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Iran
The death of Raisi comes at a critical juncture in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with significant implications for regional stability
The potential destabilization following Raisi’s death could influence Iran’s foreign policy and its engagements in the region Moreover the incident could exacerbate the already high tensions between Israel and Iran, with both countries engaged in a protracted shadow war that has occasionally spilled into direct conflict
As investigations continue the world watches closely to see how Iran will respond and whether the true cause of the crash will be uncovered The incident underscores the fragile and volatile nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where alliances and enmities often blur the lines between accident and intent
Biden faces silent G aza protest at Mar tin Luther King Jr ’s
T d y 21 M y 2024 | KARACHI 06 NEWS GAZA A G E N C I E S A N Israeli strike killed 31 people in central Gaza Sunday the Palestinian territory s civil defence agency said as US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited for talks on the conflict Israeli troops have moved in on the Gaza Strip’s far-southern city of Rafah which the army describes as the last Hamas stronghold and where the United States says 800 000 civilians have been newly displaced by the fighting Hamas s armed wing, the Ezzedine AlQassam Brigades, said it was targeting Israeli forces stationed at Rafah crossing a vital conduit for humanitarian aid that is now closed with mortar fire Israel has also fought and bombed resurgent Hamas forces in northern and central areas of the coastal territory previously considered to be under army control sparking US warnings that it could become mired in a lengthy counterinsurgency campaign In the latest aerial bombardment overnight, Gaza’s civil defence agency said an Israeli strike had killed 31 people and wounded 20 in a home in the central Nuseirat refugee camp Israel s military which on Sunday reported its aircraft had struck dozens of terror targets over the past 24 hours, said it was checking the reports Witness Yasser Abu Oula told reporters an entire residential complex “was destroyed” and “there are still bodies under the rubble” S U L L I VA N M E E T S N ETA N YA H U: Israel s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to keep fighting Hamas in Gaza, following its October 7 attack that sparked the war, until the Iranbacked Islamist group is defeated and all remaining hostages are released But he has faced intense opposition and calls to announce a plan for Gaza s post-war governance from top ally Washington from mass street protests and now also from members of his war cabinet Amid the political turmoil, Sullivan met his Israeli counterpart Tzachi Hanegbi and Netanyahu in Jerusalem for talks on the brutal Gaza conflict and post-war scenarios He briefed Netanyahu on the potential of a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia after holding talks in the region the White House said Sunday Sullivan also called on the Israeli prime minister to link the military operation against Hamas in Gaza with a “political strategy” for the future of the Palestinian enclave it added Washington has pushed for a post-war plan for Gaza involving Palestinians and supported by regional powers as well as for a broader diplomatic deal under which Israel and regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia would normalise relations Israel’s Centrist politician Benny Gantz threatened Saturday to quit the governing hard-right coalition over just this issue He has called for Netanyahu to approve a postwar action plan by June 8 Gantz demanded steps to defeat Hamas to bring home the hostages, and towards forming an American, European, Arab and Palestinian administration that will manage civilian affairs in the Gaza Strip” Netanyahu has dismissed Gantz’s comments saying they would lead to a defeat for Israel and the establishment of a Palestinian state , which he fiercely opposes
MANAL JAFFERY I n a s h o c k i n g t u r n o f e v e n t s I r a n i a n President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan b o r d e r o n S u n d a y T h e c r a s h , w h i c h also claimed the lives of Iran’s Foreign M i n i s t e r H o s s e i n A m i r- A b d o l l a h i a n and several other officials has sparked w i d e s p r e a d s p e c u l a t i o n a b o u t p o t e ntial foul play, with many pointing fingers at Israel Iranian state media confirmed the death of the 63-year-old Raisi who was aboard the helicopter when it went down in the mountainous region under adverse weather conditions The crash occurred while returning from the Qiz Qalasi hydroelectric dam, a significant project symbolizing burgeoning cooperation
Azerbaijan
both
seen
crit-
improving
between Iran and
The dam’s opening, attended by
Raisi and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was
as a
ical step toward
relations between the two neighboring countries
BEIJING S TA F F C O R R E S P O N D E N T
Ta i w a n - r e l a t e d i s s u e s w h i c h h a s s e r i o u s l y i n t e rf e r e d i n C h i n a s i n t e r n a l a ff a i r s a n d v i o l a t e d t h e o n e - C h i n a p r i n c i p l e , s a i d Wa n g C h i n a s t r o n g l y condemns such moves and will take all necessary m e a s u r e s t o f i r m l y s a f e g u a r d i t s n a t i o n a l s o v e reignty and territorial integrity ” The general trend of history is unstoppable he said adding that Taiwan independence is doomed to run into a dead end The day will come when China is completely reunified, said the spokesperson
situation doesn’t change fac t there’s only one China: China’s FM GEOR GIA A G E N C I E S US President Joe Biden said Sunday he heard the voice of Gaza war protesters as some students turned their backs on his graduation ceremony speech at the former university of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr A small number of graduates carried out the silent protest, with some holding Palestinian flags and one holding up a fist as Biden spoke at Morehouse College a historically Black university in Atlanta Georgia Others wore keffiyeh scarves over their gowns i n a s i g n o f s o l i d a r i t y w i t h t h e p r o t e s t s t h a t h a v e roiled campuses across the United States over Israel s offensive on the Gaza Strip after the Hamas October 7 attacks “I support peaceful non-violent protest Your voices should be heard, and I promise you I hear them,” said Biden, who wore a maroon and black gown in the colors of the all-male university The speech was Biden’s most direct encounter with American students since the Gaza protests engulfed campuses nationwide causing him political troubles with an election rematch against Donald Trump just over six months away “This is one of the hardest, most complicated problems in the world There’s nothing easy about it,” added Biden about Gaza “I know it angers and frustrates many of you including my family but most of all I know it breaks your heart It breaks mine as well He did not elaborate but First Lady Jill Biden reportedly urged the president in April to stop it now as the toll of Palestinian civilians mounted from Israel’s offensive
BEIJING M I A N A B R A R Liu Jianchao Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is scheduled to visit Japan later this month to meet with ruling and opposition Japanese officials The visit comes at a time roughly coinciding with the reported trilateral leaders’ meeting between China Japan and South Korea Such high-level exchanges between the parties and governments of China and Japan will help improve and stabilize bilateral relations Chinese analysts commented on Monday Meanwhile Japan in recent years following or actively cooperating with the US in containing China, is urged to strengthen the management of differences, and return to the track of dialogue, cooperation, and exchanges with its Asian neighbor Japanese media outlet Kyodo News citing sources reported on Saturday that Liu plans to visit Japan later this month to meet with ruling and opposition officials and possibly Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa as early as May 27 This will be Liu s first visit to Japan after taking his current position in 2022, Kyodo noted Liu’s potential Japan visit will be a proactive action taken by China to stabilize and improve bilateral relations as well as to implement the political consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries last November, Xiang Haoyu, a research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told Chinese media The trip would also come as China, Japan and South Korea plan to hold a trilateral leaders’ meeting later this month in Seoul Kyodo reported According to Xiang considering the sphere of differences between China and Japan, such high-level exchanges can play a very important role in improving the political mutual trust between the two countries, influencing public opinion and creating a more positive atmosphere for cooperation Also under the spotlight during Liu s reported Japan visit is whether the two sides will talk about the resumption of the China-Japan ruling party exchange mechanism, which has stalled since 2018 Chinese analysts said the mechanism, an irreplaceable and unique channel that complements governmentto-government exchanges has played a very important role in the development of China-Japan relations in the past However in recent years Japan s perception of China and its China policy have undergone a negative shift, affecting political and security mutual trust between the two countries, as well as public sentiment, analysts said High-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields have been affected and the overall momentum of recovery of such exchanges has been unsatisfactory even after the pandemic, they said Liu’s Japan trip would be a good opportunity for the two sides to promote the resumption of the China-Japan ruling party exchange mechanism Xiang believes If it can be restarted the mechanism will play a very positive role in promoting high-level party-to-party exchanges and mutual trust between China and Japan as well as in increasing exchanges on each other s core interests, Xiang stated Also, Kyodo News noted that the potential visit comes as the two countries seek dialogue on issues of concern including China’s recent total ban on Japanese marine products in protest against the dumping of nuclear-contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant Chinese analysts revealed that the two countries have been in communication over the issue, which could also be discussed by both sides during the visit Saudi crown prince’s visit to Japan postponed over King Salman’s health TOKYO A G E N C I E S Japan s top government spokesman said Monday a planned visit this week by Saudi Arabia s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been postponed due to the health condition of King Salman The announcement came hours after the Royal Court in Riyadh said Prince Mohammed’s 88-year-old father had a lung infection and was undergoing treatment involving antibiotics Prince Mohammed had been due to meet Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the Japanese emperor on his trip from Monday, which would have been his first to Japan since 2019 But Saudi Arabia’s government informed Tokyo late on Sunday that due to King Salman’s health the visit had been postponed Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters The visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed to Japan will be re-coordinated between the two countries, Hayashi said Saudi sources told reproters on Monday that members of the delegation would still travel to Japan for some talks King Salman has been on the throne since 2015 though his 38-year-old son was named crown prince in 2017 and acts as day-to-day ruler Saudi Arabia, the world s biggest crude exporter, has for years sought to quell speculation over King Salman’s health, which is rarely discussed But the Royal Court disclosed in April that he had been admitted to King Faisal Specialist Hospital for routine examinations He left the hospital later the same day Before that, his most recent hospitalisation had been in May 2022, when he went in for a colonoscopy and stayed for just over a week The court had said earlier on Sunday the king was suffering from “high temperature” and joint pain and would undergo medical tests Japan s Kishida visited Saudi Arabia last July and the focus of his talks with Prince Mohammed was on energy, particularly around green energy and decarbonisation This time “energy security and clean energy” as well as “soft power exchanges” economic diversification and foreign affairs were on the agenda the foreign ministry had said Analysts had said Prince Mohammed known by his initials MBS, would also be on the lookout for more opportunities in gaming as he seeks to improve Saudi Arabia’s image The reputed “Call of Duty” fan has launched a multi-billion-dollar push into the gaming sector from eSports to game development as part of his Vision 2030 transformation strategy for the oil-rich kingdom Saudi Arabia s sovereign wealth fund holds a stake of around eight percent in Nintendo, and the country is planning a theme park based on Japan’s “Dragon Ball” manga franchise in a new “entertainment city” outside Riyadh China lists US companies as unreliable entities over arms sales to Taiwan region BEIJING S TA F F C O R R E S P O N D E N T The Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Monday added several U S companies to the Unreliable Entity List over their involvement in arms sales to China s Taiwan region The companies include General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems and Boeing Defense Space & Security They will be barred from engaging in Chinarelated import or export activities and are forbidden from making new investments in China according to the announcement Senior executives from the companies are prohibited from entering China their work permits will be revoked, along with their visitor and residential status, and any related applications they submit will not be approved, according to the announcement “Such measures are being taken to safeguard China s national sovereignty security and development interests it said The ministry also said there was evidence that Caplugs of the United States circumvented the unreliable entities list regulations by transferring goods purchased from China to the unreliable entities The ministry urged Caplugs to take measures as soon as possible to ensure that all relevant goods technologies and services purchased from China are not transferred to the unreliable entities and that relevant evidentiary material be submitted to the office of the unreliable entities list as per the working mechanism Otherwise, the ministry said, the office will take measures against it in accordance with the laws and regulations S enior CPC official to visit Japan to help stabilize Sino -Japan ties
college
65 TOURISM SCHEMES INCLUDED IN ADP WORTH TRILLIONS OF RUPEES
Finance Minister updated on Banking Sec tor ’s
initiatives in priority sec tors
Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) held a meeting with the Federal Minister for Finance
Forging Pathways to Inclusivity: BOP and LGISE Unite for Special Education Empowerment
in Lahore Attendees included Major Gen Saeed Ahmad Nagra (Chairman LGES), Zafar Masud (President & CEO –BOP), Raza Bashir (Chief of Staff & Strategy), Brig Javed Shahid (Secretary LGES) Mrs Zaib-un-Nisa (Principal – LGISE) and other senior officials from both organizations Major Gen Saeed Ahmad Nagra expressed his gratitude, stating, LGISE is a pioneering institution committed to delivering quality education to children with special needs Our mission is to foster an inclusive and supportive environment, empowering students through education and therapeutic interventions to become independent contributors to society The Bank of Punjab s invaluable support enhances our services and infrastructure and signifies a shared commitment to inclusive education
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
The Transform Pakistan campaign managed by civil society organizations Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA) Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), Heartfile, UNICEF, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) and many others urged Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to take decisive steps towards regulating industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) to less than 2 per cent in all type of foods in Pakistan, without any further delay Currently Pakistan is categorized as partially meeting the criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding trans-fat regulation and is placed in the less restrictive category While significant progress has been made with the inclusion of banaspati
ghee, bakery shortenings, biscuits, rusk and breads, and bakery items under regulation in 2023, Pakistan still falls short of WHO recommended best practices policy To fully meet these standards for best practice policy it is imperative that all foods should be covered through a single regulation, with mandatory limits of no more than 2 percent of iTFAs of the total fats
Areebah Shahid Executive Director at PYCA emphasized the importance of this comprehensive approach stating The health of our nation is at stake, and it is imperative that we take decisive action to protect the well-being of our citizens By regulating trans-fatty acids in all foods we can significantly reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases and improve public health outcomes
Mukhtar Ahmed, Executive Director of CPDI, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for government intervention "Regulating trans-fatty acids is a public
health imperative It is the responsibility of the government to prioritize the health of its citizens by ensuring that all foods meet established safety standards " Dr Saba Amjad CEO of Heartfile emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, Trans-fatty acids pose a serious risk to cardiovascular health and contribute to a range of non-communicable diseases By implementing comprehensive regulations we can protect the health of future generations and create a healthier Pakistan
The campaign, while appreciating the current progress, urged PSQCA to ensure that all foods items are brought under a single regulation without any further delay Every single passing day means more people are prone to diseases and more deaths In order to ensure that the people of Pakistan are safe from the hazards of iTFAs, potential delays must be prevented in adopting the best practice policy
07 NEWS Tuesday 21 May 2024 | K AR ACH CORPORATE CORNER PESHAWAR S TA F F R E P O R T I N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 35 ongoing and 20 new mega schemes have been proposed for you inclusion in the annual development program of the new financial year in various sectors of tourism culture and archeology the cost of which is estimated at trillions of rupees However in view of the meagre financial resources of the province, most of the projects will be completed through public private participation (PPP) While under the AIP program that was launched with the support of the federal government for the merged districts, five ongoing and new schemes are being included in the new annual development program for which three billion rupees are being allocated This was disclosed in Peshawar in a meeting chaired by Advisor to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tourism and Culture and Archeology Zahid Chinzeb wherein the preparation of the annual development program (ADP) in tourism culture and archeology sectors was taken into stock as well as suggestions and recommendations were discussed and certain necessary decisions were also made thereof Secretary Tourism Muhammad Bakhtiar Khan Chief Planning Officer Zainullah Khan Director General Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) Barkatullah Marwat Director Archives Dr Abdul Samad and other concerned high-ups attended the meeting On this occasion, the Adviser Tourism while highlighting the priorities of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI ) led provincial government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur clarified that only viable schemes should be included in the new ADP like all other sectors of which can be ensured timely and quality completion and have direct and maximum results in all aspects of public and economic interests even if such mega projects are dozens instead of hundreds in number, he added Zahid Chanzeb said that in the future, instead of wasting valuable resources on the construction of buildings and rest houses in tourist areas eco-friendly tourism should be promoted
KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T
Revenue
Muhammad
meeting focused on enhancing support by the banks for the three key sectors of Agriculture Small and Medium Enterprises
Digital
Technology in Pakistan
discussion
banking sector s commitment to fostering financial inclusion in the Country Federal Minister mentioned at
priority
per their size
Vice Chairman PBA Ahmed Bozai CEO & SG PBA Muneer Kamal Executive Director (Financial Inclusion Group) State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Syed Irfan Ali, and President & CEO Meezan Bank, Irfan Siddiqui presented a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at promoting growth and sustainability in these vital sectors The proposals were developed in close consultation with SBP to ensure they effectively address the unique challenges and highlight the opportunities within each sector The key recommendations in the agriculture sector included among other steps restructuring crop loan insurance schemes to integrate crop yield factors revitalizing agricultural cooperative banks and upgrading provincial agricultural cooperative legislations to facilitate the creation of agricultural cooperative lending institutions The recommendations also included exploring technology-driven solutions to facilitate the distribution of targeted subsidies through banks, particularly to the subsistence-level farmers
&
Mr
Aurangzeb The
(SMEs) and
&
The
underlined the
the outset that the idea of this exercise shall be to encourage the entire sector to contribute towards these
sectors as
and unique offerings & strengths While there will be no directed lending ; however, there shall be voluntary targets to be set between the banks and the regulator to share the responsibility to contribute towards these critical sectors He expects the banks to step up and continue to work with the Government in the revival and the growth of the economy During the session, Chairman PBA, Zafar Masud, along with the Steering Committee members on these initiatives including
strategic
S L A M A B A D: The star-studded promotional ceremony for the highly anticipated Pakistani film Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning enthralled the audience at the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) on Monday The event, which took place at the university s main auditorium, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of enthusiastic students faculty staff and their families eager to catch a glimpse of the cast and crew of the VR Chilli Production s film Umro Ayyar inspired from Hamzanama and the first-ever VFX-based film in Pakistan with some of its scenes picturised at NUST, promises a visual and narrative treat, bringing to life the legendary adventures of the iconic trickster The film’s promotional ceremony at the university was marked by an engaging panel discussion a captivating trailer screening and an interactive Q&A session STAFF REPORT IG Islamabad meets with officer suffering from c ancer; orders to provide best medic al facilities According to details, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, continues to hold open courts on a daily basis without interruption On Monday citizens and police officers presented their complaints and issues at the Central Police Office IG Islamabad after hearing the citizens' issues, immediately directed the relevant officers to resolve them as soon as possible Similarly, he also met with a police officer suffering from cancer and issued orders to provide immediate and best medical facilities to the police officer Citizens expressed their gratitude to IG Islamabad for the prompt resolution of their issues IG Islamabad issued clear directions to the officers, stating that the timely resolution of citizens issues is the top priority and that intentional delays will not be tolerated under any circumstances He also called for an intensified crackdown against drug dealers and criminal elements He assured the citizens that if their issues are not addressed his doors are always open However if there is a delay in addressing any issue, citizens should cooperate with the police and their matters would be resolved on merit and on a priority basis STAFF REPORT TCL Middle East & Afric a showc ases their latest lineup of produc ts in Istanbul LAHORE: TCL Electronics (1070 HK) the world s Top 2 TV brand and Top 1 98-inch TV brand, recently held its highly anticipated MEA Product Launch 2024 at the prestigious Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus This esteemed gathering provided an ideal platform for TCL to unveil its latest line of QDMini LED TVs including TCL 115 X955 Max the world s largest QD-Mini LED TV and domestic appliances, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in a hands-on experience with each cutting-edge product The event welcomed over 600 distinguished guests, comprising executives, partners, and industry insiders for an exclusive preview of the groundbreaking technological advancements developed for the MEA region Alongside immersive demonstrations TCL showcased its newest products and solutions in a dedicated area, underscoring its unwavering commitment to crafting bespoke innovations tailored to enrich the lifestyles of its discerning customers Ms Sunny Yang General Manager of TCL MEA said Our products are a testament to our commitment to enhancing the lives of our customers STAFF REPORT LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T The Bank of Punjab (BOP) remains dedicated to empowering communities and promoting inclusivity in Pakistan In line with this commitment BOP has signed an MoU with the Lahore Garrison Institute for Special Education (LGISE) to provide special support for the next three years This support will allocate
annually for the education & rehabilitation of special students at LGISE The ceremony took place at the Lahore Garrison
System
Secretariat
‘Umro Ayyar ’ promotional ceremony receives tremendous reception at NUST I
funds
Education
(LGES)
S takeholders c all for comprehensive regulation of trans-fatty acids in foods KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T Senior Minister of Sindh and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, Excise Taxation and Narcotics Control Sharjeel Inam Memon presided over a high-level meeting of the Excise Taxation and Narcotics Control Department in Karachi In the meeting it was decided to establish a Rapid Response Force within the Excise Department for operations against tax evaders and drug dealers While presiding over the meeting Senior Minister of Sindh Sharjeel Inam Memon instructed the Excise officials to set up checkpoints to prevent all kinds of drug-smuggling In the meeting, it was also decided to finalize the SOPs regarding the auction of premium number plates and to commence the issuance of premium number plates immediately after Eid-ul-Azha by the Excise Department Speaking in the meeting Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that initially there will be an auction of 7 premium number plates in each category However there will be a strict procedure for using these premium number plates and strict action will be taken against those using fake plates He said that an event will be held immediately after Eid-ulAdha regarding the auction of premium number plates Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon Announces Rapid Response Force for Excise Department Zong 4G Collaborates with Planet Beyond to simplify C redit Management system for Zong Users I S L A M A B A D: Pakistan s leading telecom provider Zong 4G has joined hands with Planet Beyond to create a seamless solution aimed at streamlining balance management for Zong 4G users Established in 2004, Planet Beyond stands as a prominent company specializing in mobile Value Added Services (VAS) with operational presence in both the United Kingdom and Pakistan The direct integration between Zong and Planet Beyond signifies that Zong 4G recharge services will now be seamlessly accessible through the Planet Beyond platform The MOU was formally signed on April 30th at Zong 4G’s Islamabad headquarters This pivotal collaboration included Zong 4G’s Director Sales & Distribution Wasi Ansari and the CEO of Planet Beyond Asad Ali STAFF REPORT K-Elec tric S trongly Condemns O ffice Attack K A R A C H I: K-Electric strongly condemns the attack on its office and will pursue legal action against those responsible for the criminal assault and property damage The utility company has called on local elected representatives to help restore peace in the area The spokesperson for KElectric highlighted that the outstanding dues from defaulters in PIB Colony, Lines Area, Kernal Basti, and Purani Sabzi Mandi have surged beyond PKR 4 9 billion Despite this loadshedding is being conducted as per the schedule available on the K-Electric website Addressing public concerns KE spokesperson reiterated that the duration of loadshedding is directly linked with to the ratio of electricity theft and non-payment of bills in a given area Areas where theft and nonpayment are reduced can benefit from improved power supply Shutdowns due to maintenance or local faults should not be equated with loadshedding For assistance customers are encouraged to contact K-Electric s call center at 118, use the SMS service at 8119, the KE Live app, social media platforms, or the WhatsApp selfservice portal, all of which are available 24/7 PR L u c k y C o r e I n d u s t r i e s a n d P f i z e r s i g n a g r e e m e n t s f o r a c q u i s i t i o n o f c e r t a i n a s s e t s o f P f i z e r KARACHI: Lucky Core Industries Limited (LCI) is pleased to announce that on May 17, 2024, the Company executed Asset Purchase Agreements with Pfizer Pakistan Limited and Pfizer Inc a leading global pharmaceutical group for the acquisition of certain assets The assets being acquired by LCI through this transaction include a manufacturing facility owned by Pfizer Pakistan Limited located in Karachi, along with a portfolio of well-established pharmaceutical brands, namely Ansaid, Ponstan, Ponstan Forte Basoquin Deltacortril Lysovit Corex-D and Mycitracin as well as trademarks associated with the said pharmaceutical products (either through an outright assignment of trademarks or a perpetual license to use the relevant trademarks) These leading brands are primary care products in the therapeutic areas including, pain, skin infections and vitamin deficiencies and have strong potential for growth in the market PR A. Aleem K han grieved on death of Iranian President L A H O R E: President Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and Federal Minister of Privatization, Investment Board and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has expressed his condolences on helicopter crash including Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi Iranian Foreign Minister and Tabriz Governor He added that we all are saddened and grieved on the sudden death of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and his colleagues in Tabri Abdul Aleem Khan in his condolence message said that the death of Ibrahim Raisi will not be mourned only in Iran but by the entire Islamic world Abdul Aleem Khan added that Iran is in undoubtedly facing of great depression and an irreparable loss while every Pakistani shares this tragedy with their Iranian brothers and sisters President IPP and Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said that helicopter accident in Tabrais has plunged the entire Islamic community into deep grief He prayed that may Allah Almighty raises the ranks of all those who died Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan while paying his respects to the Iranian President said that Ibrahim Raisi was considered to be the men of a tall personality and a strong voice politically in the region, his recent visit to Pakistan had given new recognition to PakistanIran relations He further said that President Raisi s services for peace in the Islamic world and the region will always be remembered Meanwhile, President Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party Punjab Rana Nazir Ahmad Khan, General Secretary Punjab and Member of Punjab Assembly Shoaib Siddiqui and Additional Secretary General Pakistan and Ex Provincial Minister Mian Khalid Mahmood have also expressed their condolences over the sudden death of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi PR
STRONG DEFENSE TIES AND MUTUAL SUPPORT IN REGIONAL CONFLICTS AT JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE WITH TURKISH FM
Imran Khan, others acquitted in two vandalism cases
A district and sessions court on Monday cleared Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) and several other party leaders of charges related to vandalism during two long marches Among those acquitted were Zartaj Gul, Ali Nawaz Awan, Faisal Javed, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Qasim Suri, Raja Khurram Nawaz Shireen Mazari Saifullah Niazi Asad Umar and Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmad
The cases against Khan and other politicians were registered in the Kohsar and Karachi Company police stations for violation of Section 144 The court’s verdict came during the hearing of acquittal pleas filed by the PTI founder and other politicos
The verdict on the acquittal of Khan, Qureshi, Rashid, Awan, Suri, Nawaz was issued by Judicial Magistrate Shahzad Khan for case registered at Kohsar police station Meanwhile Judicial Magistrate Mureed Abbas announced the reserved decision on the acquittal plea of Khan, Qureshi, Mazari, Niazi, Umar, Gul, Awan, Javed and Nawaz against the case filed in the Karachi Company police station
The court had earlier reserved its verdict in the long march vandalism case Khan’s lawyer Naeem Panjotha, speaking with journalists in the federal capital said that the cases against PTI founder were based on political vengeance
No evidence of vandalism found against PTI founder during the long march, he said, adding that the Islamabad administration did not issue any notification to enforce Section 144 in the capital city
Various cases of the same nature have been registered against the PTI founder and he has been acquitted in several cases pertaining to the long
march the counsel added He also noted that other political leaders were also acquitted in the vandalism cases
The development comes days after a district and sessions court on May 15 acquitted Khan in two cases pertaining to the May 9 vandalism Khan who remains behind bars in Adiala jail, and several others including some PTI leaders are facing various allegations in the cases related to the violence following his arrest on May 9 Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 16 had also approved PTI founder s bail petition in the £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) settlement reference
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T Tehreek Tahafuz Aien-e-Pakistan, the five-party opposition alliance President Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Monday urged institutions, including the military to respect constitutional boundaries similar to global practices
When we talk about the Constitution some institutions think we are against them, Achakzai said during a ceremony in Islamabad
“We only want our military to work within its constitutional limits like armies worldwide ” Expressing concern over the country s deteriorating condition he said that if those who are ruining the country are not stopped, Pakistan will not survive
“This nation was not created to hurl abuses at our own people’s mothers and sisters ” he said “Every blessing men-
tioned in Surah Rahman is present in Pakistan yet we are starving because we do not adhere to our Constitution Achakzai emphasised the need for the military to operate within its constitutional limits “Some institutions think we are criticising them when we talk about the Constitution We believe the country cannot function without intelligence agencies and we want our military to be among the best in the world, but they must stay within their boundaries,” he stated He advocated for respectful discourse and electoral integrity Nawaz Sharif used to say honour the vote and we echo that sentiment All people are equal; we must eliminate the divide between rich and poor and empower the elected Parliament, he said Commenting on the judiciary, Achakzai remarked on its vulnerability to
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 4:20 5:02 1 30 5:15 7:00 8:45 Tuesday 21 May 2024 NEWS LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T T H E Punjab Assembly on Monday approved the controversial Defamation Bill 2024 amid a strong and noisy protest by the opposition According to the treasury benches, the bill is aimed at stopping fake news, while the media bodies termed it “draconian” in its current form Brushing aside the media bodies request to differ the proposed bill Punjab s Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Mian Shuja-ur-Rehman tabled the bill in the House Earlier in the day representatives of the media bodies met Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari and requested her to defer the controversial bill for a few days The House witnessed a ruckus and strong protest when the bill was tabled, while the journalists boycotted the proceedings of the House to register their protest Journalist leaders were of the view that the government stabbed them in the back after holding negotiation over the bill Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar said that the Defamation Bill 2024 is a black law and his side of the bench would not be partake in passing the legislation PTI to strongly resist Punjab gov t’s attempt to restrict media freedom ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday came down hard on the Punjab government for its attempt to deprive citizens of their constitutional right of freedom to expression and press under the guise of new defamation law in the province, vowing that the party would strongly resist any such move at every level PTI spokesperson strongly condemned the organized state invasion against the basic constitutional rights of the citizens and added that PTI would not accept any unconstitutional legislative or administrative measures in any part of the country and would strongly resist any such move He said that the political puppets devoid of public support and mandate were providing a shield to unconstitutional state elements to implement their unconstitutional agenda in lieu of their illegal presence in the assemblies PTI spokesperson lamented that Pakistan was being shaped into a state based on lawlessness as law of jungle was being imposed as the new constitution of Pakistan and all basic constitutional rights were being usurped one by one by those who were hell-bent to impose their will He stated that the media social media and journalists in the country were facing the worst state repression and unconstitutional restrictions PTI spokesperson vowed that in this environment of gagging and forced silence, it was a condemnable attempt to turn the assemblies into the anti-democratic fortress, which would be resisted at all levels He said that the circles working for the sanctity of freedom of expression and press should come forward and organize a wider resistance against the criminal act of gagging citizens and media PR OFIT I N P Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to boost their bilateral trade to $5 billion following delegation-level talks in Islamabad on Monday The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar of Pakistan and his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the discussions reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation and touched upon regional and international issues of mutual interest During a joint press conference with Minister Fidan, Ishaq Dar announced plans to convene the next session of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council soon He also reflected on the longstanding defense collaboration between the two nations We are engaged in various joint ventures supporting each other in defending our territorial sovereignty and combating terrorism, Dar stated He praised Turkey for its steadfast support to the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Emphasising the deep-rooted ties between the two countries Dar remarked Pakistan and Turkey may be two countries but we are one nation with a heartto-heart relationship that predates the establishment of Pakistan Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan described Pakistan as a strategic partner emphasizing that their cooperation enhances regional peace and stability “Ours is a friendship and brotherhood that is deeply embedded in our shared history he added Pakistan, Turkiye agree to increase bilateral trade to $5bn PESHAWAR S TA F F R E P O R T The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on Monday filed a petition in Supreme Court (SC) seeking live broadcast of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Ordinance 1999 amendment case As per details, the petition was filed by Additional Attorney General Kausar Ali Shah stating that public interest cases are livestreamed by Bench I but the NAB amendment case was not live-streamed The plea stated that this move was amounts to discriminatory behavior The government has requested that the court order a live broadcast of the case s proceedings It is pertinent to mention here that Supreme Court had allowed video-link facility for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Ordinance 1999 amendment case On the direction of the top court Imran Khan appeared before the Supreme Court (SC) bench in the NAB amendment case However, the proceedings of the case were not live-streamed on the Supreme Court’s YouTube channel Later, the leaked pictures, which showed PTI founder Imran Khan sitting in Adiala Jail were widely shared on social media platforms The federal government filed the review plea in the NAB amendments case under the SC Practice and Procedure Law and made the Federation of Pakistan National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and PTI founder respondents Citing no violation of basic rights with the NAB amendments, the federal government pleaded with the SC to nullify its decision in the case “Legislation is the right of the Parliament,” the plea said In a majority 2-1 verdict the top court approved Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan s petition challenging amendments made to the country s accountability laws during the tenure of the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government The top court also restored graft cases against public office holders that were closed down following the amendments to National Accountability Bureau laws KP govt moves SC for live broadcast of NAB amendments case Pakistan won’t run smoothly without major reforms in system: Abbasi KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday said that the hybrid government have no place in the constitution Talking to media outside the accountability court in Karachi, he said the country will not run smoothly without drastic changes in the system He urged for handing powers to capable people for solution of the national problems He said no steps taken over breach of the constitution We have to go back to 1947 if we revisit the past The government have no public mandate, this setup has also come from the same route, earlier used by the PTI’s founder to form his government,” Shahid Khaqan said He said political parties used to form before elections to achieve specific targets We talk about people s problems political parties have adopted the route to win power he said The court asked about the offence The NAB has also told that no financial benefit taken in the case, talking on the case hearing he said Visiting courts for several years, the NAB have no evidence They even fail to point out which powers were misused ” former PM said ” Former chairman of the NAB have to respond for it He said the NAB has only devastated the national economy Talking on his political party, he said the party will come into existence by the next month and people from all parts of Pakistan will join it The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a previous hearing gave a clean chit to Shahid Khaqan Abbasi ex-finance minister Miftah Ismail Chairman Engro Hussain Dawood and Board member Abdul Samad Dawood and others in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) reference g DAR HIGHLIGHTS
P U N J A B G O V T B U L L D O Z E S ‘ C O N T R O V E R S
L L
24 ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
I A L ’ D E FA M AT I O N B I
2 0
pressure
LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed grave concern over the draft defamation bill tabled in the Punjab Assembly The content and language of the bill is troubling on several counts First, it proposes a parallel structure to adjudicate claims of defamation HRCP has consistently decried special parallel judicial structures on the grounds that they invariably violate fundamental rights and other universally accepted norms governing the fair functioning of the judiciary says an official handout issued here by HRCP Second the bill proposes to set up defamation tribunals while empowering the government to appoint judges at higher allowances and benefits than what are available to the existing provincial judiciary functioning at the district level Third all defamation claims have to be resolved within a short span of 180 days The bill proposes authorizing defamation tribunals to issue preliminary decrees to the tune of PKR 3 million without trial immediately upon receiving a defamation claim This will be a huge blow to freedom of expression and dissent Such orders are likely to be passed without following due process and ensuring fair trials Fourth, the draft law creates a special category of holders of constitutional office, such as the prime minister, chief justices and military chiefs among others Defamation claims pertaining to these categories will be heard by special onemember tribunals comprising a judge of the Lahore High Court This provision violates the principle of equality of citizens and equality before the law Pu n j a b d e f a m at i o n b i l l t h ro t t l e s f re e ex p re s s i o n , s ays H R C P
Achakzai urges establishment to work within its constitutional limits
