Wednesday, 26 August, 2020 I 6 Muharram, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 57 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition
CM deClares eMergenCy as rains wreak havoC in sindh KARACHI
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STaFF rEPOrT
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INDH Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah declared rain emergency in the province as heavy rainfall on Tuesday battered various cities of the province, including Karachi, as it fell victim to the destruction of property and lives at the hands of another spell of rain. Residents of Sindh had to bear numerous problems such as prolonged power failures, flooded roads, damaged infrastructure, traffic jams, vehicle breakdowns, improper drainage and sewage system, etc. The chief minister reviewed the rainfall situation at Nursery area in Karachi and directed the chief secretary on the telephone to issue a notification imposing rain emergency in the province. CM Murad cancelled holidays of all government employees and directed them to report to their departments. “The city has received heavy rainfall and some low-lying areas have submerged,” said the chief minister as he directed the PDMA to initiate relief activities in the metropolis. He said that the government would
Citizens bear prolonged power failures as parts of Karachi submerged in another spell of rain
not leave the masses alone at this testing time and he had visited parts of the city to ensure immediate clearing of rainwater from the roads. Later, spokesman of the Sindh government, Murtaza Wahab, also took to Twitter to share the decision of imposing rain emergency in the province.
The meteorological department on Monday had expressed its apprehensions regarding urban flooding in Karachi as it had predicted heavy rainfall until Thursday. Malir, Korangi, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Saadi Town, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area,
North Karachi, Surjani Town and North Nazimabad were among the areas most adversely affected by the rain in the metropolitan. At least three feet deep water had accumulated on Karachi’s main artery — Shahrah-e-Faisal — after water could not be drained from either side of the road. Various transport vehicles got stuck in the water and broke down because of the water seeping into their engines. The first drop of rain initiated prolong power outages in many areas of the city which added on to the misery of the people. A K-Electric spokesperson said that power was shut down in many areas as a safety precaution. “Due to water entering houses in many of the low-lying areas of the city, we have turned off power as a safety precaution,” he said. The spokesperson added that resuming power during the flood-like situation in the city could be dangerous. “We are working with the relevant departments to restore power,” the spokesperson further said, adding that water had entered installations at Bin Qasim, Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Society. The heavy downpour resulted in the inundation of the road leading to Karachi
University, and accumulation of a few feet high rainwater on the road linking Hassan Square with Safoora Chorangi. Water entered people’s home and forced around 200 families to relocate form the low-lying areas in Surjani Town. Meanwhile, rainwater found its way through the roofs of the accountability courts halting the processes within. In a similar fashion, torrential rain pushed Hyderabad into crisis as well. Water rose few feet high outside several hospitals, and the heaviest hit areas included Latifabad and Qasimabad. According to the meteorological department, Hyderabad recorded 133mm of rain. It warned that intermittent rain showers will continue to hit the city. Separately, Shahdadkot, Thatta, Duggri, Tharparkar, Tando Allahyar, and Mirpurkhas also faced severe damages as a result of heavy rain. Met department has warned further that rain could hit the southern parts of Sindh from Monday to Wednesday and also upper parts of Sindh from Tuesday to Thursday. It further said that urban flooding and waterlogging could also be generated in Hyderabad, Thatta and Badin in addition to Karachi.
Qureshi cautions Afghan Taliban against ‘spoilers’ g
Foreign minister urges holding of intra-Afghan talks at the earliest ISLAMABAD Mian ibrar
Pakistan on Tuesday urged for implementation of United States-Taliban Peace Agreement in its ‘entirety ’, holding of Intra-Afghan talks at the earliest, cautioning the visiting Afghan Taliban delegation against ‘spoilers’ who did not wish to see return of peace in the region. The views were expressed by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi during his meeting with a delegation of Taliban Political Commission (TPC), headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The foreign minister emphasised the implementation of the US-Taliban Peace Agreement, in its entirety, paving the way for the earliest possible commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations. The foreign minister also cautioned against ‘spoilers’ who did not wish to see return of peace in the region,” says an official handout issued following the meeting, which officials said was held in ‘frank and candid’ manner. During the meeting, views were exchanged on the current status of the Afghan peace process and the way forward. For its part, the foreign minister stressed that Pakistan will continue to
Coronavirus in
Pakistan
CONFIRMED CASES:
293,711
LAST UPDATED AT 9:33 AM ON AUGUST 25, 2020 DAY'S DEATH TOLL: NEW CASES:
9
RECOVERED:
450
DEATHS:
278,425 6,255 SINDH:
128,456
PUNJAB:
96,391
KP:
BALOCHISTAN:
AJK/GB:
ISLAMABAD:
35,796
12,560
2,257/2,720 15,531
support an Afghan-led and Afghanowned peace process for durable peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond. Welcoming the delegation, FM Qureshi underscored Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that a political settlement was the only way forward. Highlighting Pakistan’s positive contribution to the peace and reconciliation process, culminating in the US-Taliban Peace Agreement in Doha on February 29, 2020, the foreign minister underlined that this historic opportunity must be seized by the Afghan stakeholders to secure an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive negotiated political solution. FM Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s
commitment to a peaceful, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. He also highlighted the importance of Pakistan-Afghanistan ties based on amity, shared history and ge-
PM Imran orders immediate repatriation of Nawaz Sharif Faisal Vawda says Maryam Nawaz should’ve been arrested after clash outside NAB office g Asad Umar says NA speaker should suspend membership of ‘abusive’ opposition lawmakers g
NEWS DESK Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed his administration to review all the legal aspects of former premier Nawaz Sharif’s case, and to make efforts for immediate repatriation of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader, a local news outlet reported on Tuesday. The federal cabinet, which met in Islamabad, discussed the political atmosphere of the country. During the meeting, Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda, while expressing concern over authorities’ failure to arrest PMLN Vice President Maryam Nawaz after her party workers clashed with the security personnel outside the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) office in Lahore, said that the government will not allow her to leave the country, no matter what happens. The cabinet decided not to
ography and reaffirmed Pakistan’s abiding solidarity with the brotherly people of Afghanistan.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 05
more inside
Appointment of advisers is PM’s prerogative, IHC declares STORY ON PAGE 03
Active Covid-19 cases drop to four-digits STORY ON PAGE 02
give any concession to the former prime minister, saying that all were entitled to similar treatment under the rule of law. PM Imran categorically stated that “the government would not be blackmailed over the tactics to get an NRO in shape of relief to the corrupt”. The premier mentioned that two such National Reconciliation Ordinances (NROs) given by the previous governments incurred heavy financial losses to
the country, pushing it to the verge of collapse under debts. The cabinet noted that Nawaz misused the facility extended to him by the government. The cabinet was told that a request was made by the former prime minister in the court for bail on medical grounds and a guarantee for his return to the country was given by Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 05
Shehbaz says Opp’s plan of action to be announced in next few days
STORY ON PAGE 02
Toshakhana case: Nawaz to be declared proclaimed offender on Sept 9 STORY ON PAGE 03
02
Wednesday, 26 August, 2020
NEWS
ACtive CoviD-19 CAses DroP to four-DiGits ISLAMABAD
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STAFF REPORT
HERE are now 9,031 active Covid-19 patients in the country as 278,425 people have recovered from the disease, said National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday. According to the latest statistics, 450 new coronavirus cases surfaced in the country, raising the tally of cases to 293,711. Nine new deaths have also been reported during this period, lifting the death toll to 6, 255. As many as 24,231 samples were tested for the presence of Covid-19, out of which 450 turned out to be positive. More than 2.4 million tests have been conducted across the country thus far. Out of 1,128 patients under treatment in 735 hospitals across the country, 117 are on ventilators.
Meanwhile, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) has directed the provinces to expedite administrative measures to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding coronavirus and security measures during Muharram-ul-Haram gatherings and processions. Speaking at the video-link meeting of NCOC, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar directed all provincial governments as well as Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to closely monitor the situation of Covid19 during Muharram. The forum was informed about the gatherings and processions taking place in different parts of the country from 1st of Muharram. The provincial chief secretaries briefed the forum through video-link about measures taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus during Muharram.
fawad advises shehbaz to bring nawaz back to Pakistan or face disqualification ISLAMABAD: Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday advised Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif to bring back his brother Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan or face disqualification as he had provided guarantee to the court. Talking to a private news channel, he said that the bail period has expired and now, the opposition leader in the National Assembly (NA) should fulfil his responsibility and bring back the former prime minister to the country. He warned Shehbaz of disqualification on non-compliance of the court order. Commenting on “fake medical reports”, he said that an inquiry would be conducted against the elements involved in preparing suspicious medical documents, on which, the ex-premier was granted permission for availing medical facility abroad. To a question, the minister said that the cabinet had given decision to call Nawaz back to Pakistan. He said that there was an option of plea bargain and Nawaz, following the option, should deposit the looted money into the national exchequer to get rid of the cases. APP
Court to hear plea to unfreeze shehbaz family assets today LAHORE: An accountability court on Tuesday asked the counsels of Opposition Leader in National Assembly (NA) Shahbaz Sharif and his family member to deliver arguments to substantiate their claim to unfreeze Sharif assets. Admin Judge Jawadul Hassan directed lawyers representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president to appear at the next hearing on August 27 to put forth their arguments in the case. Shehbaz stated in his plea that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) froze his family’s properties in utter disregard for the actual facts as assets cannot be frozen during the process of investigation. He requested the accountability court to review its verdict of allowing the national graft buster to freeze the assets. Last year on December 11, the accountability court had ordered authorities to freeze properties of the PML-N president and his family. The court, in its verdict, directed the authorities concerned to freeze all assets of Shehbaz Sharif, Hamza Shehbaz, Suleman Shehbaz, two wives of Shehbaz including Nusrat Shehbaz and Tehmina Durrani. Moreover, the family members of Shehbaz were given 14 days to file objections. Prior to that, the anti-corruption watchdog submitted the complete record of the assets of the Shehbaz family. According to the NAB report, the Shehbaz Sharif family accumulated assets of billions of rupees through money laundering. STAFF REPORT
Govt appoints Lt Gen hilal hussain as federal secretary of Defence Division ISLAMABAD: The federal government has appointed Lt General (r) Hilal Hussain as the federal secretary of Defence Division. According to a notification issued in this regard, Lt Gen (r) Hilal is a reciepeint of Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military). He has been posted on contract basis for a period of two years with effect from August 24, 2020 and until further orders. STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) on Tuesday on behalf of power distributing companies urged National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to increase electricity tariffs by Rs0.86 per unit for a period of one month. The said increase was demanded keeping in mind the variations in the cost of power generation. Sources quoting CPPA’s plea said that the cost of electricity production had remained at Rs4.40 per unit in July while the reference fuel cost for the said month was Rs3.54 per unit. Sources further said that NEPRA will hold a hearing on September 1, 2020, regarding Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA) adding that the proposed increase if approved would put additional burden on the masses.
Shehbaz says Opp’s plan of action to be announced in next few days ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Opposition Leader and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has said that the key opposition parties have formulated a joint action plan that will be announced in the coming days. Shehbaz made these comments after meeting with Jamiat Ulema-eIslam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence in Islamabad. While addressing a press confer-
CCPA for rs0.86 Per unit hike in Power tAriff
ence with the JUI-F chief, he remarked, “We will announce a course of action in a few days.” “We had a good conversation [with Fazl] and are in consensus. We will sit together with other opposition parties and take this consultation session forward,” he added. Fazl also expressed that they had reached common ground after a productive conversation. “We had already called a meeting of the smaller opposition parties for today; however, it was postponed due to Mir Hasil Bizenjo’s death. The
meeting will now be held at a later date,” he said. “We want all the opposition parties united on a joint strategy,” Fazl added. According to a local news channel, Shehbaz had been asked by PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to communicate with Fazl to settle the worries of disunity among the opposition ranks. Reportedly, Shehbaz had been in contact with Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leadership and that he had set up informal meetings with PPP leaders during his current visit.
Okara DPO constitutes team to probe female lawyer’s kidnapping LAHORE STAFF REPORT
Okara Police has formed a high-level investigation team comprising three members to probe the alleged kidnapping of a female barrister in the Depalpur city of Okara district, a statement issued from the office of District Police Officer (DPO) Omer Saeed Malik said Monday. According to a first information report (FIR), Nasreen Irshad was kidnapped on August 15 near Depalpur kutcheri, where she worked. The complainant, Irshad’s son, said she was kidnapped by “unidentified men on gunpoint” and added that her “life was in danger”. DPO Malik visited Irshad, who was recovered two days ago, at the Depalpur DHQ Hospital, according to the police statement. Malik also met her husband Akmal Wattoo and son Muhammad Moiz and assured them that the perpetrators will not be able to escape the law “no matter
Free electricity for Wapda employees illegal, rules PHC PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT
Declaring verdict in the unannounced electricity load shedding case on Tuesday, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has termed the provision of free electricity to Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) employees as illegal and unconstitutional. In a seven-page detailed ver-
how influential they are”. The police team investigating the matter includes Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Shamsul Haq Durrani, Depalpur Circle Tehsil Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abid Hussain Zafar and DSP (Legal) Kaleemullah. Police said the woman’s statement will be recorded in court as soon as she is discharged from hospital. The case came to limelight after a video and photos of a woman went viral on Twitter purportedly after she was recovered from the captivity of her kidnappers. In the video, she can be seen saying that she is a lawyer as she tries to string together words to explain the ordeal she went through. According to police, Irshad is a complainant in six other cases, of which five are registered in Haveli Lakkha police station while one is lodged in Baseerpur police station. She is also nominated in two cases and a guarantor in another case, all of which are registered in Haveli Lakkha police station. dict written by PHC Chief Justice Waqar Seth, the high court ordered WAPDA to provide uninterrupted power supplies to the consumers who are regularly paying their utility bills. The consumers who are clearing their utility bills should not be punished due to the defaulters. It is the responsibility of WAPDA and Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (PESCO) to recover utility payments from the defaulters, it stated. The PHC asked consumers to file cases against PESCO if they are facing load shedding despite clearing the electricity bills. Moreover, the power authorities have been ordered to end provision of free electricity to WAPDA workers, terming it as illegal and unconstitutional.
ihC turns down request to remove drug provisions in ephedrine case ISLAMABAD APP
Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday rejected an appeal seeking removal of drug provisions in the ephedrine quota case. While announcing the decision, the court directed authorities to continue trial against former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani’s son Ali Musa Gillani and former health minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin for their alleged involvement in the alleged allocation of 9,000 kilogrammes of ephedrine to two pharmaceutical companies — Berlex Lab International and Danas Pharmaceutical Limited. According to the rules, a company cannot be allocated more than 500kg of the drug, a limit fixed by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). The AntiNarcotics Force (ANF) registered a case in June 2012 against nine suspects.
nAB's response sought on omni Group chief's bail petition ISLAMABAD APP
The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday issued a notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on a bail petition filed by former president Asif Ali Zardari’s close aide Anwar Majeed in the multi-billion-rupee fake bank accounts case. A division bench of the apex court comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Qazi Amin directed the bureau’s prosecutor general to submit its response by the next hearing. Majeed, who is also the owner of Omni Group, moved the petition seeking bail on medical grounds. The petitioner stated that the Sindh High Court (SHC) in a ruling observed while the country’s laws don’t provide for allowing an under-trial or convicted prisoner to go abroad for treatment, Majeed needs to undergo a medical procedure possible only abroad. He requested the bench to grant him bail so that he could travel abroad for treatment. The hearing of the case was adjourned till September 2.
E-commerce can create 2 million jobs, add $40bn to GDP in two years: RCCI RAWALPINDI TLTP
Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Saboor Malik on Tuesday said that e-commerce has a potential for creating two million jobs in Pakistan which can boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to $40 billion during the next couple of years. The RCCI president said that Pak-
istan’s information, communications and technology sectors should be transformed to reposition the country in the digital economy. He said that digital platforms have been rapidly growing around the world adding that Pakistan needs to make progress in this domain. He further said that mobile phone penetration in Pakistan is high with the country having over 160 million mobile phone subscribers and around 150 mil-
lion internet users. However, the country still lacks digital platforms for e-payments. Currently more than 66 per cent of payments for eshopping are being made on a Cash on Delivery (COD) basis, the RCCI president informed. He said that in developed economies digital transactions account for 20 per cent of overall transactions adding that digitisation will also have a serious impact on jobs transformation.
He urged the government to overhaul the banking infrastructure and encourage businesses, retailers, petrol pumps, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan Railways, superstores, schools and colleges to introduce payment gateways. The federal cabinet has already approved an e-commerce policy for promoting a move towards digital economy in a bid to enhance trade volumes.
Wednesday, 26 August, 2020
NEWS
APPointMent of ADvisers is PM's PreroGAtive, ihC DeCLAres ISLAMABAD
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STAFF REPORT
SLAMABAD High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah, while hearing a case pertaining to the appointment of Mirza Shahzad Akbar as a special assistant to the prime minister on accountability and interior on Tuesday, noted that the government’s head can appoint anyone as an adviser as per the Constitution. The high court chief justice was hearing a petition which challenged Akbar’s appointment as a special assistant. The petition urged the court to de-
clare the appointment null and void, arguing that Supreme Court (SC) Judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa had also questioned Akbar’s credentials and his appointment. The petition filed in the IHC further alleged that Akbar was “using political influence”. During the hearing, Justice Minallah remarked, “If the prime minister did not appoint a qualified person as his adviser, it is his prerogative.” In his arguments, the petitioner’s counsel Amanullah Kinrani argued that the appointment of unelected members was against the National Assembly’s (NA) rules, at which Justice Minallah said, “Constitutionally, the prime minis-
Mahmood directs for preparing upcoming ADP
ter can appoint anyone as an adviser.” “Shahzad Akbar is part of the federal cabinet,” Kinrani said. Justice Minallah said that the IHC, in its ruling in a case pertaining to the sugar scam, had said that Akbar “cannot be a part of the federal cabinet”. The petitioner’s lawyer told the court that during Monday’s sitting of the NA, Akbar had answered questions even though ministers were present. He further said that according to the rules of business, accountability is an independent institution. “What has happened now to cause fear that he [Akbar] is interfering in
NAB?” the IHC chief justice inquired. The petitioner said that those anticorruption laws have been separated from the accountability institution, at which Justice Minallah said, “Merely naming [something] does not prove interference.” “Did he [Akbar] interfere in the matters of NAB chairman? Did he interfere in FIA? You have not presented any such thing to us.” Justice Minallah noted that the prime minister was answerable to the parliament, adding, “We should strengthen the parliament.” He further said that if the matter was related to the rule of law, the petitioner should take it to the relevant bar councils. “Lack of governance and lack of implementation of laws cause some issues,” he said and added, “Instead of investing time in such matters, shouldn’t we allot it to common petitioners?” The high court reserved its verdict on the case.
Development of digital media under focus: Faraz
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan Chief Minister has directed the provincial departments to start work on preparation of upcoming Annual Developmental Programme (ADP). Presiding over a review meeting of previous ADP on Tuesday, he said that 10 per cent of the development fund will be allocated for new projects. The chief minister said that no funds lapsed during the last fiscal year. The meeting was informed that Rs55 billion have been spent on development of tribal districts during the previous ADP. The chief minister also directed to issue red letters to the departments having weak performance in monitoring reports. STAFF REPORT
Public stands with government, says Punjab governor LAHORE: Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Imran Khan will not compromise on principles and people stand with the government. During a meeting with provincial energy minister at Governor House, Sarwar said that the government stabilised the economy after tough decisions and now Pakistan’s image in the world is improving. He said that providing relief to the masses is top priority of government. He added that they are working on institutional reforms and main focus of the government is to attain long term stability in the country. Talking about coronavirus pandemic, he said that Covid-19 has been defected with collective efforts, however, he stressed on need of strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of coronavirus. INP
toshakhana case: nawaz to be declared proclaimed offender on sept 9 ISLAMABAD: An accountability court on Tuesday adjourned proceedings to declare former prime minister Nawaz Sharif a proclaimed offender over his perpetual absence from the Toshakhana case for two weeks. As Accountability Court (AC) Judge Asghar Ali is on summer vacation so the adjudication over proclamation proceedings was adjourned till September 9. On August 17, the accountability court had ruled that former president Asif Ali Zardari and former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gillani would be indicted in the Toshakhana reference on September 9. Earlier, Judge Ali had halted the process to declare the former prime minister a proclaimed offender over his perpetual absence from the court’s proceedings in the case until August 25 after he was informed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader’s arrest warrants have been challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz has said that the government is laying special focus on the development of digital media, as it has attained tremendous significance in the dissemination of information. The information minister was talking to Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Gabriela Cuevas Barron. Giving his views on the print and electronic media landscape in Pakistan, Faraz said that it has undergone a complete transformation over the past years in terms of outreach and gaining influence in shaping up public opinion. The minister also informed the IPU president about the working and functioning of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and its various departments. Both sides also emphasised the need for cooperation in the fields of information and tourism between Pakistan and Mexico. Separately, Faraz, while talking to a delegation of Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) which called on him, said that Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly believes in freedom of expression. He said that there was no pressure or interference
from the government in the media and transparency and merit would be ensured in resolving media related issues. He expressed the need to improve and strengthen the institutions and the system, and added that “we want to build a strong system that should be effective in the future as well.” He said that he considered the best relations with the media as his most valuable asset. Faraz said that due to the coronavirus pandemic, face-to-face meetings were reduced, but now owing to the effective strategy of the government the situation had improved. The minister said that the process of meetings should continue so that issues could be discussed and resolved. The delegation briefed the minister in detail about the problems being faced by the media industry. The CPNE delegation consisted of President Arif Nizami, General Secretary Dr Jabbar Khattak, Sardar Khan Niazi, Irshad Arif, Ayaz Khan, Kazim Khan, Ejazul Haq, Anwar Sajidi, Tahir Farooq, Hassan Abidi, Ghulam Nabi Chandio, Amir Mahmood, Hafiz Sanaullah, Yousaf Nizami and Amin Haider. Information Secretary Akbar Durrani and Principal Information Officer (PIO) Shaheera Shahid were also present in the meeting.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia enjoy deep-rooted ties: Rasheed ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy long-standing and deeprooted relations. He was talking to Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Tuesday. The minister said that both the countries have always supported each other's stance on international issues. “Hearts of the people of both the countries beat together,” he added. The meeting was a part of the Saudi envoy’s routine contacts with Pakistani lawmakers and officials.
A day earlier, on Monday, Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman and former National Assembly (NA) deputy speaker Faisal Karim Kundi met the Saudi envoy at his office. During a press talk on Monday, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are aligned in their stance on Kashmir and their ties remain strong and stable. Qureshi’s remarks come just weeks after he sparked controversy with statements over the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) being lukewarm on Pakistan’s territorial dispute with arch-rival India over Kashmir.
Court summons Farzana Raja in BISP corruption case ISLAMABAD TLTP
While summoning Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Farzana Raja along with 18 accused persons, an accountability court on Tuesday asked all the persons to appear before it on September 17 in a case related to alleged corruption in Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir resumed hearing in the matter where former BISP chairperson Farzana’s counsel secured exemption of his client from appearing before the court on medical grounds. “My client is unable to appear before the court and is seeking to attend proceedings via video link due to her health issues,” Farzana’s lawyer requested.
To this, the judge remarked the court will decide over the request after examining Farzana’s medical reports and issued directives to Farzana and other accused persons to ensure appearance during the next hearing before the court. It is pertinent to mention that top anti-graft body’s Rawalpindi bureau had filed a reference against Farzana and other accused persons as Frazana remained chairperson of the BISP from the year 2008 to 2013 during the tenure of PPP government. The reference comprising 32 volumes has been sent to the Registrar Office for scrutiny, in which overall 19 persons have been made the party. The Executive Board of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had approved the filing of reference against the former chairperson of Benazir Income Support Programme and others in a meeting in December last year.
Khursheed Shah’s indictment deferred yet again SUKKUR APP
The accountability court of Sukkur on Tuesday deferred till September 8 the indictment of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Syed Khursheed Shah in the assets beyond means case against him. The hearing was adjourned after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)
prosecutor sought more time to gather more evidence against Shah and other suspects. The agency had arrested Shah in September last year in a case regarding his alleged assets beyond means. Shah, however, has distanced himself from the properties which the bureau attributed to him, saying that these properties belonged to someone else and he had noth-
ing to do with them. Multiple corruption cases against Shah are under investigation with NAB. In 2012, an accountability court had directed NAB to file a reference against him on a complaint pertaining to the alleged accumulation of illegitimate assets. The following year, NAB had reopened two corruption cases against Shah under the directives of the Lahore
High Court (LHC). In July last, NAB Chairman (r) Justice Javed Iqbal had approved nine inquiries against different personalities, including Shah. At the time of his arrest, Shah said he had declared his assets before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and there was nothing in his name or in the name of his dependents.
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Government announces public holidays on 9th and 10th of Muharram ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
The federal government on Tuesday announced public holiday across the country on 9th and 10th Muharram, falling on 29 and 30 August. The notification for the holidays was issued by the Interior Ministry as all private and government offices, educational institutes, business and other activities would remain shut during the two days. The authorities have taken strict security measures for the protection of mourners as they take out processions to commemorate the sacrifice of the Karbala martyrs.
1,000 cameras installed in karachi to monitor Ashura procession KARACHI TLTP
Karachi police have installed 1,000 new surveillance cameras in more than 25 locations of Karachi to monitor the main Ashura procession. According to police, 1,000 CCTV cameras have been installed on the route of the main procession of Ashura-e-Muharram to be taken out from Nishtar Park. Meanwhile, more than 100 police surveillance mobiles, equipped with CCTV cameras have been set up to monitor Muharram processions and Majalis, while mourning processions will also be monitored from the Command and Control Centre. Police said that surveillance would also be done with the help of drones whereas the Commissioner had issued directives to law enforcement agencies to ensure strict security arrangements and vigilance on the occasion. Concerned civic departments were also directed to provide all necessary facilities to the participants of the procession.
President urges world to hold india accountable for Muslims’ repression ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
President Dr Arif Alvi has said that isolation of Muslims by the Indian government is a matter of grave concern and it is the responsibility of the world to hold India accountable for the repressive actions against minority groups. This was expressed by the president while talking to outgoing Ambassador of Indonesia Iwan Suyudhie Amri, who paid a farewell call on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday. The president said that India is increasingly becoming intolerant to Muslims, who are being persecuted and targeted persistently. He said that Pakistan highly values its ties with Indonesia, and wants to further expand bilateral relations in areas of trade, economy and defence. He thanked the government of Indonesia for very ably steering the discussion in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK). Both sides emphasized the need to further expand bilateral relations in the fields of defence and trade.
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Wednesday, 26 August, 2020
NEWS
GORS mOnOpOlISed By BuReauCRaCy OF punjaB CIvIl SeCRetaRIat LAHORE
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SHAHAB OMER
NDER the latest policy, the bureaucracy of Punjab Civil Secretariat has increased its residential quota by more than 57 per cent in the five Government Officers Residences (GORs), Pakistan Today has learnt. In GORs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 located in the provincial capital, the quota for officers of other departments were left at 20 per cent, for judicial employees at 5 per cent and Punjab Assembly employees at only 3 per cent. Interestingly, during the two years (January
2018 to March 2020), the government of Punjab has collected only Rs40,325,876 in rent from these posh residential units. On the other hand, sources in the estate office of Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) believe that the said residential units are extensive in terms of area and located in the posh locations of the city. However, they amount to Rs2,000 worth of monthly rent only, sources added. Sources further said that the government spends billions of rupees every year for the repair and maintenance of these residential units out of the pockets of the public. Sources added that the bureaucrats of the
IHC orders for recovery of missing person in seven weeks ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered the law enforcement agencies to recover a missing person named Ghulam Qadir in seven weeks otherwise, it would announce a stern decision in the case. Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani conducted hearing on a case filed by the missing person's brother for the recovery. On behalf of the Defence Ministry, Brigadier Falak Naz, Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance Registrar Khalid Naseem, SP Naeem Iqbal, SP Sarfraz Malik, DSP Khalid Awan and DSP Legal Azhar Shah appeared before the court. On query of the bench, the petitioner's lawyer apprised that Qadir was missing since 2014. It had been informed by the defense ministry that the missing person was not into the custody of any state institution, he said. The bench said that the citizen was missing for last six years but the investigation had not reached any conclusion. The police said that the missing citizen might be in Afghanistan as the interrogation was underway in that regard as well. The police prayed the court to grant six weeks’ time in the case. To this, the bench said it was giving seven weeks to the police to recover the citizen. The court adjourned hearing of the case till October 19. APP
Fake cases against farmers to be done away with: Basharat LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Social Welfare, Raja Basharat has said that the cases filed against the members of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad during the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) era are political in nature and the government will do its utmost to end them. He said this while holding a meeting with a delegation of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad at the Civil Secretariat on Tuesday. Provincial Minister for Population Welfare Col (r) Hashim Dogar, DSPs legal of Vehari, DG Khan and Kasur and other police officers were also present on the occasion. The cases against members of the Kisan Ittehad were set up by the PML-N government after they protested against former premier Nawaz Sharif during 2018. Raja Basharat directed the three DSPs Legal to conduct case-to-case review and give their opinion to end these. Colonel (r) Hashim said that the Sharif family-owned Chunian Sugar Mills owed billions of rupees to the farmers. Many farmers died while waiting for the money but they did not get compensation for sugarcane. STAFF REPORT
Punjab Civil Secretariat have maintained their monopoly on these residential units while the officials of the authorities and autonomous bodies cannot even think of allotting houses in the GORs, and this reflects on the reason behind employees and officers of the civil secretariat having more houses there. They informed this scribe that the provincial capital has more residential areas for government employees and officers, but the GORs are always tempting for the officers because of their locations and sizes. According to the documents obtained by the estate office of S&GAD, the total residential units in GOR-2 were 156. Out of
these residential units, employees of the Civil Secretariat used 99, employees of other departments used 44, employees of Punjab Assembly used five, and judicial employees used only three. The documents further revealed that in GOR-3, the total residential units were 315. Out of these residential units, employees of the Civil Secretariat used 174, employees of other departments used 76, employees of Punjab Assembly used eight, and judicial employees used 16. Similarly, the total residential units in GOR-4 were 240. Out of these, employees of the Civil Secretariat used 120, employees of
Shehbaz told two big lies publicly: Chohan
US donates 54 ventilators to hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT
As part of the on-going partnership with Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), in cooperation with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Health Department, has delivered 54 brand new ventilators to hospitals in KP province to support Pakistan’s fight against Covid-19. Five of these ventilators have been provided to the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar. This equipment is part of the 200 ventilators contributed to Pak-
istan by the United States. These ventilators were delivered in partnership with the NDMA and Chemonics. “The delivery of these ventilators at this critical time will help save precious lives,” said USAID Pakistan Deputy Mission Director Michael Nehrbass. “These compact and easily deployable ventilators will contribute to Pakistan’s overall response to the Covid19 outbreak by increasing the capacity of the Lady Reading Hospital to provide advanced life support for critical patients in KP. We thank Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority and the country’s Ministry of Health, along with the KP Health Department officials for their dedicated
support and leadership.” In partnership with Pakistani health authorities, physicians, and medical professors, USAID also is sponsoring the training of 180 doctors and paramedics to operate the equipment to help patients in need. Artema Medical has provided the initial training for KP healthcare workers and John Snow Inc. will provide comprehensive training to intensive care unit healthcare providers at various KP hospitals. The Pakistan-US partnership is helping to improve and expand laboratory testing, disease monitoring, case tracking, infection prevention and control, and patient care across the country.
Buzdar announces Rs13bn uplift package for Faisalabad LAHORE STAFF REPORT
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has restored the frozen funds of local government institutions and announced a development package, worth Rs13 billion, for Faisalabad. According to a press statement issued on Tuesday, Buzdar said that problems like sewage and potable water would be resolved on priority basis. He said that Kashmir underpass will be completed as soon as possible, adding that Rs500 million have been issued for this purpose. Similarly, Rs500 million have also been released for Haseeb Shaheed Hospital. He said that identification of land for Journalists Colony in Faisalabad has been completed and 187 kanals of land has been identified in Bismillahpur area for this purpose. He vowed that the promise of establishing Journalists Colony in Faisalabad will be fulfilled. He said that he wants to resolve every single problem of Faisalabad. He also said that 10,000 new constables are recruited in police whereas 600 new vehicles will soon be provided to the police department. The government has curbed the political inference in the police department and appointments have been made on merit, he claimed. He directed police officers to work hard for eliminating crimes. He said that appointment of the chairman of Faisalabad Development Authority, Faisalabad Solid
other departments used 40, employees of the Punjab Assembly used 11, and judiciary employees used 20. According to documents, out of the total 100 residential units of GOR-5, a single unit was allotted to the employees of Punjab Assembly, nine were to the judicial employees while the rest residential 45 units were in the use of the employees of Civil Secretariat and 15 other departments. The documents further stated that out of total 58 residential units of GOR-6, only one was allotted to the employees of Punjab Assembly, two were allotted to judicial employees, 51 to the employees of the civil secretariat, and 180 to the employees of other departments. The documents also revealed that during the year 2014, a total of 58 residential units were allotted to the government officers and employees. In comparison to that, 40 units were allotted to the government officers and employees in the year 2015, 26 units in 2016, 45 units in 2017, 81 units in 2018, and 94 units in 2019 were allotted to government employees and officers.
RESTORES FROZEN FUND OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS Waste Management Company and PHA Faisalabad will be made soon. More than 1,200 schools have been upgraded and more schools will be upgraded as well, and funds will be provided to solve the basic problems of Faisalabad city, he further said. Members of national and provincial assemblies informed the chief minister about the problems of their constituencies. The chief minister noted down the recommendations of assembly members and issued orders for their redressal. Buzdar, while announcing to restore the funds of local bodies institutions, said that this will start the new era of progress and development in the province. He said that the deputy commissioners will utilise the funds of local bodies with the consultation of public representatives. He said that the representatives of local bodies institutions will be free to perform at grassroots level. He added that special attention is being paid on the development projects in Southern Punjab. He further said that the meeting with the business community of Faisalabad was fruitful.
LAHORE STAFF REPORT
Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan Tuesday said that Opposition Leader in National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif blatantly told two big lies in front of the nation on Monday. “The first lie was that he did not guarantee Nawaz Sharif's return after eight weeks as ordered by high court, and second was the unbelievable lie that PML-N [Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz] did not commit corruption of even a single rupee during its tenure,” said the minister in a statement. He said that the whole world knows that Shahbaz had guaranteed Nawaz Sharif's return from abroad once his treatment was over. “This is the biggest "Wturn" by Shehbaz Sharif who is always talking about U-turns by the government,” he added. Referring to yet another meeting between Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Shehbaz Sharif, he said that a true believer does not get betrayed twice for the same reason, but it is unknown how long Maulana Fazlur Rehman intends to be misused by Sharif and Zardari clan. Chohan said, "I have repeatedly said that Maulana should repent for his political, economic and administrative sins indefinitely." He termed it highly unlikely that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will trust Maulana Fazlur Rehman again for its mandate.
Crackdown on hoarders, 16,000 tonnes wheat seized LAHORE STAFF REPORT
On the direction of Punjab Chief Secretary Jawwad Rafique Malik, the crackdown on wheat and flour hoarders has been intensified by the food department and administration, and 10 mills were sealed during raids in Multan, Attock, and Hafizabad. The chief secretary said that the food department and administration jointly carried out raids at different places and seized 16,000 tonnes of hoarded wheat. He directed the field officers to remain alert round the clock to bring stability in the price of flour and take stern action against the hoarders without any discrimination. He said that any negligence on the part of the administration would not be tolerated.
Masood for turning IOK resistance movement into global drive BAGH STAFF REPORT
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan has urged the men and women of AJK to practically contribute to turning the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) resistance movement into a global campaign to end the Indian occupation on Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing Youth Skills Enhancement Conference organised by Women's University Bagh in collaboration with the UK-based BTM Global on Tuesday, he said that the international community and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) would come into action only when the Kashmir liberation movement becomes an international campaign against Indian colonial rule. He said that the youngsters of AJK, on one hand, should keep themselves abreast with the emerging technologies to make AJK and Pakistan strong economic powers and on the other help their brothers and sisters in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) whose demand for freedom and dignity is being reciprocated with bombs and bullets.
“Tragically, the Indian Army martyr or put in the torture cells the Kashmiri children of 12 to 14 years of age declaring them terrorists. Defending your life, property and honour is not terrorism or even illegitimate act under international law,” he added. Appreciating the efforts of the BTM Global for acquainting the youngsters of AJK with the new expertise and the skills, the state president said that the BTM's vi-
sion, if implemented in letter and spirit, can bring about a revolution in the liberated territory. He expressed the satisfaction that the public sector universities of AJK had introduced programmes and disciplines of tourism, hospitality, gardening, biotechnology, computer technology and artificial intelligence, etc. and said that this will help achieve in the economic field what we could not gain in the last 70 years. Khan particularly lauded the social services offered by the BTM Global during the recent coronavirus pandemic as well as its intervention in education, health and social welfare sectors in AJK. He said that the youngsters should gain expertise in entrepreneurship to become selfemployed instead of relying on government jobs. BTM Chief Sumera Farrukh, while appreciating Women University Bagh for organising Skills Enhancement Conference, said that her organisation, besides imparting vocational training to more than 1,400 youth, has provided furniture to the educational institutions of AJK, and now a women hospital is being established at Palai in Mirpur for which the whole medical equipment would be imported from the UK.
Wednesday, 26 August, 2020
MCB aiMs for deposits to grow 12pC this year KARACHI
M
STAFF REPORT
CB Bank Ltd's (MCB) management on Tuesday held a conference call for analysts and investors to review the results of the half-year ended June 30, 2020. To recap, MCB had announced its financial statements on August 20. According to the financials, the bank’s unconsolidated profit after tax increased to Rs13.2 billion in the half-year ending June 2020, as compared to the Rs10.67 billion
in the corresponding period last year, showing a growth of 24pc year-on-year. The bank’s earnings per share (EPS) clocked in at Rs11.15, which is an increase from the Rs9.01 during the same period last year. According to KASB Research, in today's conference call, management said that deposits witnessed a growth of 8pc on a quarterly basis to Rs1.27 trillion. This rise was largely driven by an increase in the deposits in the current account, as expatriates from the Gulf and Middle east looked to park any excess liquidity, in case of any layoffs or restrictions on the transfer of
funds in the future. The bank said it expects deposit growth of 11pc to 12pc for 2020. The bank said it expected single-digit growth in advances in the second half of the year, due to low credit demand, as most businesses are still recovering from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic. Non-performing loans (NPL) increased by Rs929 million during the half of 2020, while the bank’s infection ratio fell to 9.9pc. However, management said that coverage improved to 94pc as the bank had also taken an additional surcharge of Rs4 billion during the first half of 2020 to counter any NPLs.
NEWS MCB also had to book additional provisioning expenses of Rs6 billion, to implement International Financing Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9, which the SECP has made mandatory. The bank’s investment portfolio increased by 21pc during the first half, mostly due to an increase in the portfolio of Pakistan Investment Bond, up to 41pc to Rs413 billion. The net interest margin is expected to shrink after the third quarter of this year, as the majority of T-Bills are expected to mature by September. Most of the bank’s T-bills have a duration of one year. The bank’s management expects the policy rate to remain the same for the next four to six months. However, the bank’s fee income is expected to rebound in the third quarter of this year, as most branches are operating again. On the topic of NIB, the bank’s management said it had been able to recover Rs4.98 billion, or around 18pc of NIB’s portfolio, in the last three years. The bank expected more recoveries in the second half of 2020 given the increase in construction activity.
OGRA may carry out UFG audits to verify gas losses ISLAMABAD AHMAD AHMADANI
Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Tuesday said that it may carry out independent verification of gas losses through unaccounted for gas (UFG) audits. OGRA spokesperson Imran Ghaznavi said that retrospective adjustments in the light of audit findings are a part of the determination process. He said that Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) is an optional fuel, price of which is to be determined by OGRA as per the policy guidelines issued by the federal government that require RLNG to be ring fenced in order to ensure actual cost recovery from
respective customers. As per the latest Final Revenue Requirement (FRR) actual UFG has been included in the RLNG price. However, the matter of RLNG price is currently subjudice and prices are being determined on a provisional basis. According to sources, deliberations on proposals pertaining to determination of UFG on RLNG are in progress. Raising serious concerns over proposed provisional price calculations for the month of July 2020 which contains a 17.83 per cent loss as calculated by the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited’s (SSGCL) Finance Department and a 11.45 per cent loss for Sui Northern Gas
Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), OGRA Member Gas Muhammad Arif said that he is not convinced on the percentages used therein. He said that a review of OGRA’s internal working and approach being adopted in accepting UFG on RLNG should be carried out while the authority needs to formulate an appropriate strategy to ensure proper due diligence, evaluation, analysis, verification and independent determination of the actual distribution loss relating to RLNG of both the companies. Reportedly, OGRA has allowed gas companies to additionally charge about 6-7 per cent higher system losses to consumers of RLNG for at least five years resulting in significantly higher rates.
Qureshi cautions Afghan Taliban against ‘spoilers’ ContInueD fRoM pAge 01 He urged the international community to enhance its engagement for reconstruction and economic development of Afghanistan. The foreign minister also underscored the need for creating economic opportunities and an environment conducive for return of Afghan refugees to their homeland with dignity and honour. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, commonly known as Mullah Baradar’, thanked the foreign minister for the invitation and affirmed support for efforts for peace, security and development in Afghanistan. The delegation also thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their consistent support to the people of Afghanistan, including for graciously hosting Afghan refugees for over four decades. A Taliban Political Commission delegation led by Mullah Baradar had also visited Pakistan in October 2019 for wide-ranging consultations on the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. Baradar spent nearly eight years in the custody of Pakistani security agencies before he was set free in 2018 on the US request for facilitating the Afghan peace process. Qureshi told a press conference on Monday that the
delegation would visit the Foreign Office (FO) for a formal dialogue on Tuesday. He, however, did not give any details about the length of the delegation’s visit and other engagements during their stay. In a Twitter post shared Monday, Taliban political office spokesman Suhail Shaheen announced that the visiting delegation would discuss “recent developments in Afghanistan’s peace process, relaxation and facilitation of peoples’ movement and trade between the two neighbouring countries, issues related to the Afghan refugees in Pakistan and other related topics”. This is a second visit of the Taliban’s political delegation to Pakistan, as they had visited Islamabad previously in October 2019. Qureshi, in his presser, had recalled how the last visit had helped in the eventual signing of the US-Taliban agreement in February 2020 and said the delegation had been invited again with the hope that the complexities holding back the intra-Afghan dialogue could be addressed and the process could start soon. As prisoners’ exchange from both sides was the most important pre-requisite for the start of intra-Afghan talks, which were originally scheduled for March 10 under the US-Taliban agreement inked in Doha, the delay in prisoners’ release has been the chief reason preventing the start
of the talks for several months. Taliban claim to have released all the 1,000 Afghan security forces they had committed to release, whereas Kabul is yet to set free 320 prisoners of the 5,000 people they were to liberate. The Afghan government had obtained the assent for the release of the last of the 400 Taliban prisoners, who, it says, have been convicted in grave crimes. So far only 80 of those have been returned, while 320 remain in government custody. The latest Afghan explanation on the delay in the release is that the Taliban, too, are still holding 20 of the Afghan commandos, whom they had agreed to release. The differences between the Taliban and Afghan administration over prisoners’ release is therefore a major obstacle in the commencement of the intra-Afghan dialogue.2
PM Imran orders immediate repatriation of Nawaz Sharif ContInueD fRoM pAge 01 In Al-Azizia Reference case, Nawaz was given bail on October 29, 2019, while on November 16, 2019, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed to remove his name from Exit Control List (ECL), allowing him a fourweek bail to go abroad. Both Nawaz and Shehbaz, in their personal affidavits had pledged to return, submit medical reports on regular basis, have no objection on the government representatives to examine his reports and extend full cooperation to the government. The cabinet was informed that the counsels of Nawaz had filed a request for extension in his bail. In this regard, a medical board was constituted and opportunity of personal hearing was given on February 19, 20 and 21, however, neither appearance was made by Nawaz Sharif nor any report was submitted on his behalf. On February 27, 2020, the request for extension in bail was dismissed. The cabinet was apprised that the government of United Kingdom (UK) was informed about the decision of IHC at the time of Sharif’s departure from the country, while the decision of Punjab government was conveyed on March 2. It was discussed that Nawaz was in the UK on an extension visa granted by its government as an overall policy for visitors. A written judgment is awaited on the petition
filed by the counsels of Nawaz in the IHC. Reportedly, some ministers also raised the issue of disturbance during the National Assembly (NA) session on Monday, with one cabinet member highlighting the offensive language used by former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the floor of the House. Vawda said that the public did not vote for the lawmakers to hear them abuse in the House. He added that the government would respond bluntly if the opposition uses abusive language in the future. Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that the NA speaker should suspend the membership of the members who used abusive language in the lower house of the parliament. The meeting was briefed about the quota system and especially its importance, after the merger of erstwhile tribal areas, and efforts to bring the people of those areas equal to other parts of the country. The premier said that the quota system has been continuing as it was before and its sole objective is to bring people of the backward areas at part with rest of the country. He said that justice will be ensured while implementing the quota system. The federal cabinet also approved inclusion of 61 food and non-food items in Compulsory Certification Mark Scheme in view of consumers’ health and protection. The meeting was apprised that the gov-
ernment is making efforts to revive Roosevelt Hotel, which is a national asset, and to avert ever growing losses in this regard. The cabinet was informed that a ship carrying 60,000 tonnes of wheat will arrive at Karachi port on Wednesday, while another ship will reach Pakistan with 60,000 metric tonnes of wheat on Friday. It was said that half million tonnes of wheat will reach Pakistan in September this year. The cabinet was briefed that a declining trend in wheat prices is being seen due to government’s timely efforts. Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar told the meeting that prices of sugar have come down from Rs5 to Rs4 as a result of government’s steps and this reduction of prices will be seen at retail level in next two days. Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam apprised the cabinet about steps taken for the increase in production of wheat, cotton and other crops, which include provision of quality seed. The preier advised to formulate shortterm, medium-term, and long-term policies to ensure food security. The cabinet also appreciated efforts of Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed to take ML-1 project forward successfully. The meeting expressed concern over problems being faced by the people of Sindh especially the residents of Karachi as a result of recent rains. The meeting also stressed the need for taking steps to address people’s problems.
CMYK
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respiratory viruses may spread via airborne dust: study ISLAMABAD ONLINE
A study suggests that influenza viruses can spread through the air not only in droplets which a person who has the virus releases when they talk, cough, or sneeze but also on microscopic dust particles. Seasonal flu outbreaks are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide every year. In a pandemic, such as the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, millions can lose their lives. In order to reduce transmission, scientists need to understand exactly how influenza viruses spread from person to person. Experts have assumed that the droplets produced when a person with the virus breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes are solely responsible for the airborne transmission of viruses. But a new study suggests that dust, fibers, and other microscopic particles can also transmit influenza viruses through the air, with far-reaching implications for preventing and controlling outbreaks. It’s really shocking to most virologists and epidemiologists that airborne dust, rather than expiratory droplets, can carry influenza virus capable of infecting animals. The implicit assumption is always that airborne transmission occurs because of respiratory droplets emitted by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Transmission via dust opens up whole new areas of investigation and has profound implications for how we interpret laboratory experiments, as well as epidemiological investigations of outbreaks. People can contract viruses by touching contaminated objects, such as doorknobs, toys, towels, and used tissues. Scientists call these contaminated objects fomites. The researchers believe that aerosolized fomites, or contaminated dust particles, can also carry viruses. Experiments found that the influenza virus remained viable on materials, such as paper tissues and on guinea pigs’ bodies, for long enough to become airborne on dust particles. They showed that these particles could then transmit the infection to new hosts. In their experiments, they found that the influenza virus remained viable on materials such as paper tissues and the bodies of guinea pigs for long enough to become airborne on dust particles. They showed that these particles could then transmit the infection to new hosts. First, the scientists used a device called an aerodynamic particle sizer to sample the air from a cage containing a guinea pig. The device revealed that the animal generated airborne particles ranging in size from 0.3 to 20 micrometers (or thousandths of a millimeter) in bursts of about 1,000 particles per second whenever it moved.
Wednesday, 26 August, 2020
06 COMMENT
Climate change and future of the world
Dial down rhetoric Concentrate on fundamentals
O
NE can understand the need on the part of a ruling party to advertise its successes. Exaggerated claims however are likely to give birth to cynicism. That the current account balance recorded a surplus of $424 million in July has led the PM to tom-tom that the country’s economy has taken off. Several factors, some of a temporary nature, are responsible for a positive current account balance, like a decline in petroleum prices, funds transferred by offshore Pakistani to families in Pakistan in dire need due to the pandemic, and restricted imports. The economy cannot simply take off with a 1.5percent growth rate. The country cannot pay off its debts with a puny rise in exports. Business activity has yet to attain the pre-pandemic level. There are 2.2 million unemployed while the inflation rate is about 9 percent. Several businesses that closed down due to the pandemic might never open again on account of the backbreaking losses they had to undergo. Agriculture is expected to witness low growth in FY 2020 due to the failure to check locust infestation, that has damaged major crops, including cotton. Chinese investments under the CPEC remain the only lifebuoy, and that too if the government performs its part of the job efficiently. Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked a group of leading Chinese businessmen to set up offices in Pakistan, assuring them that his government would accord the highest priority to providing facilitation to investors. But will it? While the PML(N) government raised the country’s power production capacity, the PTI administration should have improved the distribution system, which it failed to do. The ongoing power shutdowns all over the country in general, and Karachi in particular, act as disincentives for investors. Pakistan needs to impart skills training to its youthful manpower to attract foreign investors. The government is however more focused on recruiting the youth as the PTI’s Tiger Force, so as to use them as a political instrument. The economy cannot take off unless the government develops the capacity to achieve its revenue targets. With five CBr chiefs appointed one after another in two years and the search for a sixth one continuing, the institution has failed to achieve its annual targets. unless the fundamentals are looked after, minor improvements might not lead to a take-off.
The problem endangers life as we know it Abdul ShAkoor ShAh
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ur mission should be to transfer Planet Earth to posterity at least in the same condition as we have got it. If we do not lend an ear to climatic changes in time, we will never be in the good books of posterity. Climate changes with their drastic effects will change the whole world, especially for the 2.6 billion poorest people of the world. It will also eliminate other living creatures. During last 40 years, animals and plants have dropped down 50 percent. According to ICuCN report, 20 to 30 percent of plants and animals are in danger and are likely to extinct soon due to climatic changes. Oceans are the best source of absorbing heat, they have also fallen a victim to climatic changes. Since 1969, 700 meters of oceans have been getting warmer by an estimated temperature of ≠0.4° degree. NASA statistics show that from 1993 to 2016 the average melting rate of ice has been recorded at 280 billion tons annually, while in Antarctica during the same period 127 billion tons per annum melting of ice has been recorded. Antarctica has recorded a 3 percent melting ratio during the last decade. Melting glaciers, boiling oceans, dying marine life and wildlife and increasing heat are the harbingers of climatic changes. We are fully responsible for inflicting it. Temperature is consistently increasing due to greenhouse gases. Juliet Georgia, uSA, has the largest coil plant daily consuming 34,000 coils and is annually adding 25 million tons of CO2. Deforestation has been started in the Amazon forests for acquiring agricultural land. Scientists have been warning about the havoc of climatic changes since 1824 and later on in 1895. The fluctuating history of greenhouse gases is continuously increasing now. World temperature has been increasing during the last 150 years at an alarming rate. Volcano eruption, solar winds and other factors which cause climatic changes are contributing less than the human share. Volcano eruption causes only a twopercent effect on climate change. CO2 has increased three percent since the Industrial revolution. The changes which used to occur after centuries are happening in decades. The average temperature of the planet has booted up 9° higher than the Ice Age. There will be an estimated increase of 1 to 2.3 ft in oceans due to rapid melting of ice with an increase of 4 percent being able to can cause tsunamis. Severe
Political discourse Deteriorating by the day
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HEN the PTI took over in 2018 there was an expectation that the deterioration in the level of political discourse that had gone on for the better part of the PML(N)’s tenure, when the party was in opposition, would stop. That has not happened and instead there has been a doubling down of sorts when it comes to the PTI government berating opposition politicians both inside and outside of Parliament. Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan has said that “PML(N) and PPP leaders who had looted the country for 35 years are liable to be murdered.” A year ago, Federal Minister for Water resources said in a TV talk show that, “Hanging 5,000 people would transform the future of the 220-million strong nation.” A few days later he stated on the National Assembly floor that the ‘corrupt moneylaunderers (read opposition) should be tied and dragged behind a vehicle before being hanged’. Such statements are a product of years of the same sort of overlyaggressive violence-inducing rhetoric coming from the very top of the PTI that not only encourages its ministers to speak about opponents with the same viciousness but also gives fuel to the party’s many followers and online trolls. These are dangerous words being spoken by senior leaders of the party, endorsed by the Prime Minister, and it would be highly unfortunate, equivalent to an incitement to violence, if an overly-passionate PTI supporter takes these statements literally as instructions to act and attacks an opposition party politician one day. Politics can never be completely devoid of mudslinging and slanderous attacks between parties, and certain debates can occasionally get to a point where some things are said that should not have been said but apologies are made and the process moves forward. The atmosphere in Pakistan under the PTI government is quite the opposite with hardly any meaningful debate reaching any logical conclusion, with some very unsavoury and nasty things being said from both sides of the aisle. There is a need to control this practice as it has clearly gotten out of hand and unless a change is made at the top, it will not trickle downwards. However, as things stand, with the opposition and government at each other’s throats, one should only expect more of the same with a scuffle or two inside Parliament to boot.
The need of the hour to promote the Kashmir cause MuhAMMAd ZAhid rifAt
J
uST 10 days prior to its turning 73, Pakistan had taken a very bold , courageous and unprecedented step forward when it published its new official map on August 4 in a befitting response to counter India’s false claim on GilgitBaltistan being part of its occupied Kashmir which was virtually annexed by Narendra Modi government on 5 August 2019 by scrapping its special status and making it an integral part of the Indian union. The new official map of Pakistan, showing the disputed territory of Kashmir and Sir Creek, was made public by taking all on the board with the consent of all political parties including the opposition parties. This was a very imaginative step onwards to say the least and due credit ought to be given to Prime Minister Imran Khan and his cabinet members which had thus shown the world at large the darkened and most horrible face of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had dared to lay false claim to those parts which enjoy genuine autonomy and have their own administration in the mountainous north of Pakistan. According to the Partition Plan of 3 June 1947, the British Indian Colony was to be divided into two sovereign states. The Hindu-majority areas were to constitute India while the Muslim-majority areas of the Western provinces and East Bengal were to be included in the new state of Pakistan. The last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, had set up a Boundary Commission headed by Barrister Cyril radcliffe, including two representatives each of the Muslim League and Congress. Justice Deen Mohammad and Justice Munir were representing Pakistan and Justice Mahajan and Justice Teja Singh India. While the Subcontinent’s Partition took place on 14 August 1947, with Pakistan coming into existence on the world map out of nowhere and India had become independent the next day on August 15, the Boundary Commission report was given on August 16. Contrary to earlier indications, the Muslim-majority areas of Ferozepur and Gurdaspur were to form part of Pakistan as per the radcliffe Commission report. But the report was tampered with by none other than Lord Mounbatten himself, who was bribed by Pandit Jawahir Lal Nehru by being made the first
Arif Nizami Editor Umar Aziz
Asher John
Joint Editor
Executive Editor
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If we try to ignore this grave issue, we are bound to face water shortage, economical degradation, and defensive and health problems along with a decline in agriculture and an increase in population shift in the near future. We have the time to ponder before taking the Trojan Horse into our fort. We must hit Achilles’ heel to win the battle against climate change
Abdul Shakoor Shah is a freelance columnist
New official map of Pakistan
Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami
Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad
weather conditions may further lead to devastating flood, drought, infertility and many more ills. Decrease in agricultural productivity and water scarcity hazards are anticipated. The year 2020 is the worst year in human history in regard to CO2 increase in the atmosphere. According to NASA statistics, the world temperature in 2019 was 1.8° which has jumped to more than expected during 2020. The five warmest years in human history from 1880 to 2019 are from 2015 to 2020. Humans are highly responsible by adding up 11 percent of greenhouse gases to the climatic changes as compared to 6 percent of the total added up by the other factors. It is also ironic that only three percent of total allocated funds to control climate change are used on natural solutions. We have to invest more in natural solutions to get rid of the monster. We have to plant and replant. Through plantation we can not only push the climate monster back to its den but we can also create more jobs than the oil and gas industry. If the temperature continues increasing with its present ration, there is apprehension of 1.5 percent temperature increase in 2030 to 2052. During the previous century, eight islands were swallowed up by oceans. According to the Zoology Society of London, wildlife has dropped 40 percent during the past 40 years and from 1970 to 2014 fish, birds, reptiles and some other species have declined 60 percent. CO2 is the biggest hazard in this regard, the amount of CO2 which is estimated to be present since 1750, has been added up in the air during the last 40 years. We are also consuming natural resources more than their production. The most fatal and perilous weather conditions of human history have occurred
three percent more in the last two decades. Heavy rain spell has increased four percent, heat stroke 43 percent, drought 17percent, floods up to 16 percent. In 2018, 120,000 sq km of tropical forests were cut down which resulted in 11 percent more CO2 in the world climate. We are going to add up 1 billion ton of plastic in the coming 20 years which will further intensify the situation. The uK has targeted to electrify motor cars by 2050 to avoid climate change. We have the same dubious policy about climate change as we have over the Kashmir issue. The sword of climate change is hanging over our heads and we have not reached a satisfactory level yet. We have to review our climate policy 2011 and mould it in accordance with the present scenario. We are bound to take initiatives to nip the evil in the bud. We need to create and raise awareness; we have to prescribe chapters in our national curriculum about it. We can handle it by protecting natural resources along with plantation campaigns. The recent heavy spell of rains is a hint towards climate change. We need to turn an ear to this issue forthwith. The melting of ice on the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalayan mountains may cause heavy floods which will mar our agriculture. This may further lead to population a shift. Although the planning commission has given valuable suggestions to tackle climate change, yet we need to get those file suggestions in practical form. If we try to ignore this grave issue, we are bound to face water shortage, economical degradation, and defensive and health problems along with a decline in agriculture and an increase in population shift in the near future. We have the time to ponder before taking the Trojan Horse into our fort. We must hit Achilles’ heel to win the battle against climate change.
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Governor General of freed India. Thus land road access to Kashmir was given to India and the Kashmir issue was created. Out of its hegemonic policy, India had forcibly not only captured Jammu and Kashmir territory, but also Junagadh among other territories. In the wake of revival of lingering unresolved Kashmir dispute through Prime Minister Imran Khan‘s maiden speech at the uN General Assembly last year, following which the otherwise dormant Kashmir issue has since been discussed by the uN Security Council thrice in less than a year, launching of the new official map was a big step to tell the sleeping international community to wake up from deep slumber and exert pressure on India to implement the uN Security Council’s resolutions. The uN Security Council resolutions give the struggling and suffering Kashmiris of occupied Kashmir the right to self-determination through a free and independent plebiscite under uN auspices in order to decide their future themselves. The resolution so passed at India’s own initiative were initially agreed to be implemented, but afterwards from first Prime Minister Nehru to the 14th PM Narendra Modi, all have been quite shamefully and brutally declining these resolutions, but Modi had crossed all limits when he on August 5 last year annexed the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir by scrapping its special status and putting the entire population of the Valley under lockdown, which is still continuing even after more than a year. The international community, barring a couple of countries, including China and Turkey, though keep on voicing their concern on human rights violations and ongoing Indian security forces atrocities and bru-
Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
talities on unarmed Kashmiris, but they do not go a step forward and exert any pressure whatsoever because of their own trade, financial and economic interests with the big country of India. Publication of the new official map of Pakistan at a crucial juncture of history, when India is trying to annex more and more territories which presently form part of its neighbouring countries, will apprise the world at large as to what was the real and certified map of Pakistan in the light of original and untampered radcliffe Commission Award. This is not all. The new official map also strengthens Pakistan’s case over India’s annexed Junagadh, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. The new official map is to be submitted before the united Nations and after it is okayed by the world body, it will set many wrongs and misgivings right and the world will be knowing and dealing with Pakistan according to its new official map. undoubtedly, Prime Minister Imran Khan has given a new narrative to the lingering Kashmir issue, as a flashpoint between two neighbouring nuclear powers and a looming threat on the regional as well as international peace. The tempo which the PM had so far built, and because of which has come to be known as the Ambassador of Kashmiris the world over, must be maintained and carried forward forcefully and emphatically by the official quarters concerned in Islamabad and also Pakistan’s missions in foreign countries around the world. A lot still remains to be done. There is no time to relax and rest. The moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris of occupied territory most be carried on more vociferously than before by plugging the loopholes here and there in our ranks and files.
A lot still remains to be done. There is no time to relax and rest. The moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris of occupied territory most be carried on more vociferously than before by plugging the loopholes here and there in our ranks and file
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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
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Muhammad Zahid Rifat can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail.com
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
Wednesday, 26 August, 2020
COMMENT 07 Editor’s mail 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
Misunderstanding Islam NOT a single religion on the planet supports brutality, bad form and contempt against the presence of various cultures and human advancement. Thus, Islam is one of the quick scattering religion which consistently confers the lessons of affection and harmony. Islam is the main religion that elevates the norm of humankind and guarantees correspondence. Sadly, the current world delineates the helpless picture of Islam. From pre 9/11 to post 9/11 Islam has been accused for obliteration and springing up dread mentality on the planet. Be that as it may, the truth of the matter is that fear based oppression knows no religion. As of late, Islam announced outrageous religion for stopping the development of Hindu sanctuary in Islamabad. Pakistan was made as Islamic state and it is impermissible in Islamic state to fabricate a sanctuary by the costs of Muslims. Now from over the world, Turkey president, Tayyab Erdogon is being censured for remodeling Hagia Sophia as a mosque inside his domain. Islam isn’t as inflexible as world consider. Spreading love, guaranteeing harmony and controling prejudice are the welcoming standards of Islam. HAYA FATIMA KARACHI
Catastrophic blunder by India India needs to stop before it is too late
MAlik MuhAMMAd AShrAf
R
EPOrTEDLY half a dozen political parties, four belonging to Indian-Occupied Kashmir and two to India, including the main opposition Congress Party, have come together and vowed to fight for the restoration of the special status of the state scrapped by the Modi regime last year. The signatories to the statement, including Farooq Abdullah, member of the Indian parliament and head of the oldest pro-Indian political party of the state, and Ghulam Abbas Mir, regional head of the Congress party, said that the measures taken by the Indian government last year were ‘grossly unconstitutional’ and had unrecognizably changed the relationship between the region and New Delhi. Calling the changes ‘spitefully shortsighted and unconstitutional’ they pledged to fight collectively to achieve their objective. It is pertinent to point out that when BJP initiated a move in the Indian parliament to have Article 370 repealed, Congress strongly opposed the bill. One of its senior leader, P. Chidambaram, while speaking in the rajya Sabha remarked, “Momentarily you may think you have scored a victory...drum beats, that you will hear on the streets, certainly will encourage you to believe that you have corrected a so-called injustice but history will prove you wrong.... and future generations will realize what a grave mistake this House is making today. This will be a catastrophic blunder. It is a sad day. This will be the black day.” He appealed to the Modi government not to ‘dismember the state’, terming it a cardinal blunder. Even pro-Indian politician of Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, who have served as Chief Ministers of the state, condemned the repeal of Article 370. The latter admitted that it was a mistake on their part to prefer India over Pakistan. History cannot be decimated or reversed. Modi government has indeed made a historical and dangerous mistake. under Article 370 only the President of India could revoke the special status of the state on the advice of the constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. Since the constituent assembly of Kashmir was dissolved in 1957 after adoption of the state constitution and replaced by a legislative assembly, the possibility of this article ever being revoked was foreclosed, which probably was the basis of the Indian Supreme Court decision that it could not be revoked as it had attained permanency. The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in its decision had also ruled out any such possibility. The Bill moved in the Indian Lok Saba, instead of
the consent of the constituent or legislative assembly of Jummu and Kashmir, was based on the consent of the Indian appointed Governor of the state. Congress leader Chidambaram indeed made a visionary prediction about the consequences of the repeal of Article 370. The Indian move is facing strict resistance by the people of IndianOccupied Kashmir and reportedly 90 percent of the population has repudiated the unconstitutional action of the Modi government. The Indian government, fearing a strong backlash, has not only increased the number of security forces who are carrying out extra-judicial killings with impunity in the Valley, but has also imposed the longest ever lockdown in human history. The world community has refused to accept Indian narrative that its action in IndianOccupied Kashmir was her internal matter. The uNSC in its informal meetings, thrice since August 5, has reiterated that the solution of the Kashmir dispute should be found in conformity with the uN Charter and the relevant uN resolutions which is a vehement rejection of the Indian stance that Kashmir is its integral part. Kashmir remains a dispute waiting for its resolution in consonance with the uN reso l u t i o n s , notwithstanding the fact that the uN and the global powers have not shown any credible interest in the implementation of those resolutions The Indian government, in spite of its best efforts to keep the situation under wraps through her induced exchange of fire along the LoC and denial of access to the international media to the Valley, has failed to cover up its atrocities and oppression which continues unabated. The media has reported horrendous stories of persecution, killings and sufferings of the people of Kashmir who remain under siege and lockdown since 5 August 2019. International Human rights organizations like Amnesty international have regularly been compiling reports on that account. Even the uN Human rights commission in its two successive reports has corroborated blatant violations of human rights in the state and recommended the constitution of a commission to probe the issue. Calls to India for rescinding the action taken in Indian-Occupied Kashmir and concerns at the developing situation expressed by the interna-
tional community, have also echoed. India thus is finding it very difficult to sell its narrative and convince the world about the legitimacy of her action, though some big powers in league with their allies are looking at the situation through the prism of their own strategic and commercial interests. Their hypocrisy is actually encouraging India to continue with her persecution of the people of Kashmir. India and her supporters in fact have a very short-sighted view of the situation, being unmindful that freedom movements cannot be suppressed and subdued through the barrel of the gun. History of freedom movements in the world and the continuing resistance to the Indian oppression and occupation since 1989 and after 5 August 1990 testify to this irrepressible reality. India is also making a grave mistake by adopting a hostile posture against Pakistan and keeping the LoC hot. reportedly it has violated the ceasefire agreement 1595 times during this year, targeting civilian population, provoking retaliatory action by Pakistan. India also committed the indiscretion of sending its planes across the border to hit non-existent and imaginary terrorist camps at Balakot. It could have easily led to an armed conflict between the two nuclear powers. However Pakistan showed remarkable restraint by not allowing the situation to get out of hand with the help of the friendly countries. Nevertheless it made a strong statement that it was ready and capable of thwarting any aggression. The situation continues to be volatile and the danger is that it has the potential of pushing the two countries towards an armed conflict or fullfledged war with horrible consequences for the region and the world at large. The situation demands immediate intervention of the uN and the world community. Indian leaders also need to realize that their own security and prosperity is inextricably linked to peace in the region, particularly with Pakistan. That is only possible when they take a detour from the dangerous path that they are treading inebriated by rSS ideology of ‘Hindutva’, rescind the annexation of IndianOccupied Kashmir to the Indian union and give the right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir. If they fail to show foresight it would surely prove to be a catastrophic blunder by India, as rightly pointed out by P. Chidambaram.
The situation demands immediate intervention of the UN and the world community. Indian leaders also need to realize that their own security and prosperity is inextricably linked to peace in the region, particularly with Pakistan. That is only possible when they take a detour from the dangerous path that they are treading inebriated by RSS ideology of ‘Hindutva’, rescind the annexation of IndianOccupied Kashmir to the Indian Union and give the right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir. If they fail to show foresight it would surely prove to be a catastrophic blunder by India
Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic. He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail.com.
Private schools fees THE private sectors are going to demand for the fees after reopening the institutions. Owing to Covid-19 there was lockdown and it almost took about 7 months to take off everything smoothly and slowly. In Turbat, there were not even online classes due to lack of Internet. But, private sectors will still ask for fees as now after 7 months of closure they can face bankruptcy. Despite being the richest province in Pakistan, Balochistan is quite poor and people over here face a lot of hardships due to poverty. Parents work day in day out, so there children can get education but demanding for couple of months fees together despite of teaching nothing can push them to drop-out their children. Henceforth, I request the private sectors to lessen their fees as everyone is already in lose due to closure of every business. ZAHRA BAIG HOTH TURBAT
Extinction of wildlife THE increasing rate of extinction of wildlife is a matter of worry for us. As animals have been very useful to human for ages. They balance our environment and are the beauties of nature. Its really dissapointing that humen are hunting them for fun or money. According to In Defense of Animals, over 200 million animals are reported killed by hunters every year. Approximately 30,000 species per year about three per hour are being driven to extinction. Over 90 species of animals facing extinction in Pakistan: including 50 mammals, 27 birds and 17 reptiles. We need to raise awareness about endangered species. Pakistan is a member of the World Organisation on Animal health She must enforce laws relating to animal welfare. The government must also formulate a national policy on animal protection and welfare. AFROZ MJ TURBAT
Corona tests for teachers PuNJAB School Education Minister Dr. Muraad in his latest press Conference which was held at QAED said , “ it is mandatory for all School teachers to conduct Corona test before joining the schools which will reopen on 15th September.” Minister must be acknowledged that Govt. School teachers are the most vulnerable community of civil servants. Their salaries are very low. They cannot afford huge fee of Corona test. Govt has already denied to increase salaries of its employees in budget 2020-2021 and has been deducting conveyance Allowance from teachers salaries since march 2020. The entire teacher community is worried on latest announcement of Minister. Did all others Govt. employees joine their respective offices after conducting Corona test? If it is necessary to curb the spread of this deadly virus then Govt should pay the fee of this test or sanction “ corona test fee allowance “ in upcoming pay so the teachers can conduct their tests before joining the school again. Minister should review his decision. MAHTAB AlI KHAn BAHAwAlnAGAR
Keeping informed NEWSPAPEr which was firstly introduced in 16 century,in China,has become a supreme part in every individual’s life in the present age. However, it is not wrong to say that newspaper is a store house of knowledge. It provides current newses related the country and the world. Further, it gives information about the governmental programs and it’s works for the country. Newspaper reading informs one about the latest science discoveries and technological changes about many industries. Besides, now-a-days there are some pages in newspapers which are particularly printed for students. It not only acquaints them with all important happenings , but also supplies various knowledge about different subjects. newspapers have removed the global distance between the countries. In fact, one part of the world has been linked up with another through newspapers. In the modern world newspapers are the part of civilization and a product to facilitate human beings. So,we must accept the habit of reading newspaper regularly. FARAHnAZ FAROOq AHMEd TURBAT
Wednesday, 26 August, 2020
08 WORLD VIEW
Newsweek aNd the rise of the zombie magaziNe HOW A DECAYING LEGACY MAGAZINE IS BEING USED TO LAUNDER RIGHT-WING IDEAS AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES?
new republIc
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alex Shephard
RITING in The Columbia Journalism Review last year, Daniel Tovrov depicted Newsweek, once one of America’s most distinguished magazines, as a shell of its former self. All that was left was clickbait, op-eds from the likes of Nigel Farage and Newt Gingrich, and a general sense of drift. “Nobody I spoke to for this article had a sense of why Newsweek exists,” Tovrov wrote. “While the name Newsweek still carries a certain authority—remnants of its status as a legacy outlet—and the magazine can still bag an impressive interview now and then, it serves an opaque purpose in the media landscape.” Last week, Newsweek suggested one possible purpose: The legitimization of nar-
ratives straight out of the right-wing fever swamps. An op-ed written by John Eastman, a conservative lawyer and founding director of the Claremont Institute’s Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence, coyly suggested that Kamala Harris, who was born in California, may not be eligible to serve as vice president because her parents were immigrants. It was, as many pointed out, a racist attack with no constitutional merit, on par with the birther conspiracy theory that claimed Barack Obama was born in Kenya. Within a few hours, Eastman’s op-ed was being brandished by President Trump, who told reporters he had “heard” Harris may not be eligible to serve. Three days after the op-ed was published, Newsweek apologized, sort of. In an editor’s note signed by global Editor-inChief Nancy Cooper and opinion editor Josh Hammer, the magazine acknowledged, “We entirely failed to anticipate the ways in which the essay would be interpreted, distorted, and weaponized.... This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologize.” Still, the magazine refused to recognize what was obvious—that the op-ed was intended to spark questions about the eligibility of a Black woman running for high office. Newsweek’s editors merely feigned horror that the op-ed was taken in the only possible
way it could have been taken. The publication of Eastman’s op-ed says a great deal about the state of Newsweek’s opinion section, which has become a clearinghouse for right-wing nonsense. But it also points to a larger crisis in journalism itself: The rise of the zombie publication, whose former legitimacy is used to launder extreme and conspiratorial ideas. Even by the volatile standards of journalism in the twenty-first century, Newsweek’s recent problems are extraordinary. There are the usual issues: a sharp decline in print subscribers, Google and Facebook, the difficulty of running a massmarket general interest news magazine in an age of hyperpartisanship. But Newsweek has also been raided by the Manhattan district attorney’s office (a former owner and chief executive pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering charges in February) and has been accused of deep ties to a shadowy Christian cult, amid many other scandals. These controversies hollowed out Newsweek’s staff and its brand. Its clickbaitheavy approach, aimed at gaming search engines, has declined since it was spun off from parent company IBT Media in 2018. But it remains a publication that privileges the interests of Google over those of its hypothetical readers. While other publications
Court must remember: It is supreme because it’s final not because it’s infallible WHILST JUSTICE IS IMPORTANT, JUDGES MUST NOT TAKE THEMSELVES TOO SERIOUSLY. EVEN IF THEIR AMOUR PROPRE IS OFFENDED, IT DOES NOT MEAN THE INSTITUTION HAS BEEN QUESTIONED OR JUSTICE BROUGHT INTO DISREPUTE IndIan express Karan Thapar
Are judges special or is justice special? It’s an interesting question and not because it’s a tricky one. Actually, it’s the issue at the heart of the debate around the Law of Contempt. It’s been discussed before but two cases of contempt against the human rights lawyer Prashant Bhushan in the Supreme Court have brought it back into sharp focus. The first contempt case, called the Tehelka case, dates back to 2009 and hasn’t been heard for the last eight years. Why in the middle of a COVID crisis, when the Supreme Court is only functioning virtually and many cases are rejected because there is “no extreme urgency”, has this case been given priority? When the Court cannot find time for the Citizenship Amendment Act or habeas corpus petitions from Indian held Kashmir, are we to believe this case is more important? Of course, the Court’s concerns are allegations regarding the judiciary and corruption, made by Prashant Bhushan and published by Tehelka. But if this has really scandalised the Court how come it didn’t act for 11 years? The second contempt case is mystifying. It arises out of one of Bhushan’s tweets commenting on a photograph of the present Chief Justice. The Court claims his tweet “brought the administration of justice in disrepute … undermining the dignity and authority of the institution of Supreme Court in general and the office of the Chief Justice of India in particular”. These two cases have brought contempt of court back into focus and that’s the reason why the question I started with is important. As regards the cases themselves, they were heard on consecutive days last week (the 4th and 5th) and in both cases a three-judge bench presided over by Justice Arun Mishra reserved judgement. It’s expected in a week or 10 days. If good sense prevails he ought not to be sentenced. I now want to turn to what ought to constitute good sense in this matter. The answer to the question at the very start hinges upon it. The concept of contempt is a centuries old British law abolished in 2013. At the time the British Law Commission said the purpose was not just “preventing the public from getting the wrong idea of judges … but where there are shortcomings it’s equally important to prevent the public from getting the right idea”. In other words, one intention was to hide judicial corruption. The concept, therefore, clashed with the need for transparency but also freedom of speech. As far back as 1968, Lord Denning, Britain’s former
Master of the Rolls, had this to say of the Law of Contempt: “Let me say at once that we will never use this jurisdiction as a means to uphold our own dignity … nor will we use it to suppress those who speak against us. We do not fear criticism, nor do we resent it. For there is something far more important at stake. It is no less than freedom of speech itself. It’s the right of every man, in parliament or out of it, in the press or over the broadcast, to make fair comment, even outspoken comment, on matters of public interest … we must rely on our own conduct itself to be its own vindication.” In 1987, after the Spycatcher judgement, when the Daily Mirror called British Law Lords “You Old Fools” or, in 2016, after the Brexit ruling, when the Daily Mail called three judges “Enemies of the People” the British judiciary consciously and sensibly ignored the headlines and did not consider contempt prosecution. In fact, Lord Templeton’s comment on the Spycatcher headline is worth recalling: “I cannot deny that I am old; it’s the truth. Whether I am a fool or not is a matter of perception of someone else … there is no need to invoke the powers of contempt.” A similar position was adopted in a 2008 lecture by Justice MarkandeyKatju: “If a person calls me a fool, whether inside court or outside it, I for one would not take action as it does not prevent me from functioning, and I would simply ignore the comment or else say that everyone is entitled to his opinion. After all words break no bones”. More importantly, Justice Katju added: “The test to determine whether an act amounts to contempt of court or not is this: Does it make the functioning of judges impossible or extremely difficult? If it does not, then it does not amount to contempt of court even if it’s harsh criticism … the only situation where I would have to take some action was if my functioning as a judge was made impossible … after all I have to function if I wish to justify my salary.” I think that answers the question I began with. Whilst justice is important, judges must not take themselves too seriously. Even if their amour propre is offended, it does not mean the institution has been questioned or justice brought into disrepute. Judges deliver justice, they do not embody it. They should never forget their Court is supreme because it’s final not because it’s infallible. When they lapse they can be criticised, but of course, politely and fairly. I hope the Supreme Court will bear this in mind when it pronounces on Bhushan’s two cases. The writer is a senior journalist based in Delhi.
are abandoning the “scale” model pioneered by BuzzFeed and others in favor of building a loyal audience and raking in subscriptions, Newsweek is something of a throwback. It has attempted to rebuild some of its credibility post-IBT by partnering with the Poynter Institute, but it still has a distinctly seamy vibe. Earlier this month, the magazine’s cover story was a glowing profile of Jared Kushner of all people, which dropped right before a raft of more critical coverage, including the revelation that the president’s son-in-law had secretly met with potential spoiler candidate Kanye West. Meanwhile, the opinion section is brimming with right-wing columnists, who range from the barely credible to the foaming at the mouth. Farage and Gingrich are regulars, as is Alan Dershowitz. Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf took to Newsweek to attack the American Civil Liberties Union for standing up for peaceful protesters. Hammer, the op-ed editor, has a resume that is littered with stints in right-wing politics and advocacy organizations: He has worked for Ted Cruz, the Federalist Society, and the Claremont Institute as well as Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire. (Shapiro, last seen humiliating himself and his wife on Twitter, regularly contributed op-eds to Newsweek until February of last year.) Amid a larger reckoning about the role
of journalism in legitimizing anti-democratic ideas, Newsweek had largely stayed out of notice until Eastman’s op-ed. Newsweek claims that it is just asking questions, but its faux innocence is undercut by Hammer’s credentials and the ideological tilt of most of its contributors. Newsweek, the magazine you once read at the dentist, is like a batshit crazy version of the opinion section of The Wall Street Journal. Newsweek brass wrote a lengthy response to Tovrov’s story in Columbia Journalism Review, insisting that the magazine had turned a corner under Cooper’s leadership. But while Newsweek’s journalism hasn’t made much of a mark, the response to the Eastman op-ed suggests that its opinion coverage still does. What’s left of the magazine’s credibility is being used to bolster fringe views, amplified by the disinformation machine that is the president of the United States. In recent years there has been a rise in “pink slime journalism”: outlets that pose as local news outlets but rely on algorithms. These outlets manipulate readers’ trust in local news as a means of delivering rightwing talking points. Something similar is happening at Newsweek. The response to the Eastman op-ed suggests that many still see the magazine as the middlebrow, general-interest publication it was in the notthat-distant past—evidence that pink slime has entered the sphere of national publications as well. Alex Shephard is a staff writer at The New Republic.
The government has got it wrong again – reopening schools is not as simple as it seems Independent KimiChaddah
The government has got it wrong.No, not Brexit, classist algorithms, exam chaos, PPE – they’ve got it wrong about something else.They are fighting an argument that simply doesn’t exist. Echoing the words frequently uttered by our politicians, let me be clear: we are not simply asking if children are at risk from dying of coronavirus. We know, as Jenny Harries put it, “the risk to the child themselves is very small”. But we are asking if it is safe for schools to reopen, if the adults they come home to, the teachers they interact with and the wider community they may carry the disease to, are safe. The idea of both children and adults being safe are empty words from a government that so frequently spoke about providing a “safety net” that crushed the dreams of thousands of students in the A-level fiasco, that threw a "protective ring" around care homes and then, quite literally, threw them to the wolves through employing orders of “Do Not Resuscitate” at the height of the pandemic. Unlike many other jobs, competence is not on the specification for cabinet ministers. They do the photo-op in an empty school and avoid the opportunity to go when they’re open, they do the morning press rounds with all the drear and blunder of a candidate on The Apprentice, but they don’t attend COBRA meetings. After blaming everybody from care homes and Bame people to nurses, the government is subtly crafting a separate story where teachers must not “drop their guard” in their coffee breaks, where a “well controlled school environment...should be relatively safe”, where the idea of pubs closing as a trade-off for schools opening has now faded into the background. It appears that school staff will get the blame if there is an outbreak. This encapsulates the essence of the “world-beating” Tory
WE ARE ASKING IF IT IS SAFE FOR SCHOOLS TO REOPEN, AND IF THE ADULTS THE CHILDREN COME HOME TO, THE TEACHERS THEY INTERACT WITH AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY THEY MAY CARRY THE DISEASE TO, ARE SAFE TOO blame-game. Blaming everybody but themselves.The prime minister’s aides know to “keep memos short”. They won’t be able to mention the complete absence of a contingency plan for both a second wave and exams in 2021, the risk factors of being overweight, Bame or diabetic that increase one’s susceptibility to coronavirus. They will, however, regurgitate ingrained political messaging of schools being safe, based upon evidence from when schools were 10 per cent full and socially distanced. As for the plan in winter if a second wave were to arrive? There is no plan A, let alone plan B; back-up plans are not this government’s forte. We are not an “exemplar in preparedness”. The lack of communication is again staggering: there is the complete absence of a contingency plan for 2021 exams for students who have lost months of learning, no mention of how schools should respond to an inevitable outbreak, reinforcing their strategy of “ignorance is bliss”. It’s only a matter of time before “Get Coronavirus Done” comes into force. In exploiting personal fears in favour of promoting political agenda, the government is failing to take account of detail, mirroring their response to A-level results. A parent’s worst nightmare would indeed be the death of a child, and Harries insisted that death in a car crash was likelier for a child than death by coronavirus. But there are many individual nightmares for a child: the loss of a parent, a grandparent, or the adults who contribute to the very education they receive are too real possibilities come September. Nevertheless, the government still tries to cling
on to the naïve sense of exceptionalism and invincibility that pervades political propaganda. We were supposed to turn the tide in 12 weeks, remember? We are left in a country where trust in policies has dissipated, where the government panders to the ideology of herd immunity, confidence in ministers has eroded and the once elevated “well-developed public health systems” are being dismantled. Any respect for the rules dissipated when Dominic Cummings took a trip to Barnard Castle to, as it stands, check his eyesight. It is no secret that the government's paradoxical policies are economically driven; they will invest in polished marketing campaigns, find a “magic money tree” and propel the “eat out to help out" scheme. However, the idea of providing funds for schools for extra cleaning and materials to keep children and teachers safe is otherworldly. Seventeen teachers at a school in Dundee have contracted the coronavirus. In September, capitalism will again triumph as children are ordered back to school and parents back to offices, but this time without masks or social distancing. Safety measures remain clouded in ambiguity, relationships are now transactional, lives expendable and political messaging indistinguishable from “following the science”. This is not the heavily simplified narrative of getting children back into classrooms, or the gaslighting rhetoric of teachers being “heroes”. We are all to some extent craving normality, structure, routine and interaction – but not at the cost of sacrificing lives.
Wednesday, 26 August, 2020
BUSINESS 09 CORPORATE CORNER JS Bank leads the way under SBP Rozgar Scheme LAHORE: According to a statement issued by the State Bank of Pakistan last month, JS Bank once again topped the Rozgar Refinance Scheme processing and disbursement which supports the private sector for payment of wages and salaries leading to avoid layoff of employees and prevent unemployment. The Rozgar Scheme, also known as the refinance scheme, to support employment and prevent layoff of workers, provides concessional payroll financing loans to businesses for wages and salaries, if they commit to not layoff their employees for the loan period. Under the scheme, financing of Rs125.9 billion was approved by banks for 2068 businesses, covering the wages and salaries of over 1.1 million people. Out of this total, the SBP release stated, rankings of banks however, changed within the group except for JS Bank Limited that remained at the top throughout. JS Bank approved approximately 10pc of the total amount, saved thousands of jobs, and supported 195 businesses.
TPL Trakker, Jazz ink MoU for tech collaboration KARACHI: TPL Trakker, Pakistan’s leading IoT Company, has partnered with Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital services provider, to collaborate on innovative new technologies for their customers. Following the partnership, the two companies aim to jointly develop unique solutions to address key challenges for the B2B and B2C markets as well as to support mutual growth. Jazz will have access to TPL Trakker’s Location Based Services (LBS) APIs, powered by TPL Maps, the mapping arm of TPL Trakker. TPL Maps is Pakistan’s first and leading digital location technology provider licensed by the Survey of Pakistan. As a location data powerhouse covering 400 cities, 4.5 million geo-coded address and 600,000 km of road network mapped across Pakistan, TPL Maps will be a key technology partner for Jazz. Capitalizing on each other’s strengths, the collaboration aims to create greater operational efficiencies for Jazz and enable the two companies to bring new innovations to the market.
CaBineT addS 61 new iTeMS To PSQCa'S CoMPULSoRy CeRTiFiCaTion LiST ISLAMABAD
a
GHULAM ABBAS
s the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) failed to test food and non-food items, the federal cabinet has approved the inclusion of 61 new items in the 'compulsory certification mark scheme' of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), an attached department of MoST. The federal cabinet, which met on Tuesday, approved a summary forwarded by MoST, which, according to official sources, was prepared in coordination with the Ministry of Industries and Ministry of Commerce for the inclusion of 61 food and non-food items in the compulsory certification mark scheme. PSQCA, under the law, is authorised to test, certify and give licences to
the compulsory items included in the scheme. Presently, there were 105 food and nonfood items in the list which after the inclusion of the new list has been expanded to 166 items. Taking to Twitter, MoST Minister Fawad Chaudhry claimed that the list was expanded after 10 years, and that "only quality products would now be manufactured and imported in the country". Interestingly, the minister seems unaware of the ground realities of quality and standards of goods being manufactured or imported under the supervision of PSQCA. There were many items in the list which have never been tested by the authority. According to an official source, electronic items like a refrigerator, which was included in the list, has never been tested by the authority. Similarly, the electricity reading metre has also never been tested by PSQCA de-
spite thousands of consumers expressing serious reservations about the quality of metres. Sugar was also part of the compulsory list but none of the sugar mills in the country had obtained a licence from the authority, sources said. Likewise, the cement industry had also rejected the standards of PSQCA, as the authority remained unable to test cement for years. Many sectors have even challenged the certification of PSQCA in courts. "Most of PSQCA testing labs are closed/dysfunctional, while the officials of the authority issue certificates/licences only after taking bribes," an insider claimed. "The inclusion of more items will only add to the bribes of PSQCA officials, who are used to 'selling' certificates and licences to manufacturers and importers. Not a single consignment gets cleared from ports without commissions/kickbacks."
Standard Chartered Pakistan reports 26pc increase in profit before tax BUSINESS DESK The Board of directors of Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited met on Tuesday to discuss the bank’s performance and announce its financial results for the first half of 2020. The bank posted a profit before tax of Rs16.2 billion, which is 26pc higher than the corresponding period of last year. Its overall revenue grew 26pc to Rs23.5 billion, whereas client revenue increased by 27pc year-onyear, with positive contributions from financial markets, retail products and transaction banking. Cost discipline continued with only 4pc YoY increase in operating expenses. The current slowdown in economic activity due to Covid-19 impacted advances’ momentum. The
bank is closely monitoring the portfolio in the backdrop of the changing economic environment and is maintaining adequate provisions, where required. Depicting a growth of 17pc in H1, the bank's total deposits closed at Rs547billion, with current and saving accounts constituting 93pc of the deposits base. The robust performance resulted in an increase of 14pc in total assets to achieve the Rs700 billion milestone. The optimal funding structure of the balance sheet continued to support the bank's performance. Commenting on the results, SCBL Chief Executive Officer Rehan Shaikh said, “I am delighted to announce our first-half 2020 results. The bank has performed exceptionally well and has continued to deliver on all key metrics on the back of a strong balance sheet.”
Medicinal imports rise 11.6pc YoY in July ISLAMABAD APP
KARACHI: Unity Foods, a renowned name in the food sector, had launched a new variant of flour ‘Sunridge Chakki Fortified Atta’ this week. This is the first time that fortified flour has entered the local market and Unity Foods takes immense pride in being the one to introduce it. The product is launched in line with the government’s Food Fortification Programme which aims to eradicate malnutrition from Pakistan.
First vessel carrying over 60,000MT wheat to reach Karachi today ISLAMABAD APP
The first vessel carrying about 60,804 metric tonnes of wheat from Ukraine will reach Karachi port on Wednesday, which will help strengthen the local reserves of the commodity, besides ensuring smooth supply of flour at sustainable prices across the country. "This reveals the determination of the government to provide relief to masses in wake of the ongoing price hike of wheat flour," said a statement issued by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research (MNFS&R) on Tuesday. It informed that MNFS&R Minister Syed Fakhar Imam had recently visited the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) to supervise the efforts of his ministry regarding the hassle-free import of wheat. The minister was apprised that a proactive approach was being adopted by the ministry, which resulted in strong coordination between public and private sector institutions both in Pakistan and countries from where wheat was being imported. Earlier, MNFS&R Secretary Omar Hamid Khan had also visited Karachi to hold consultations with stakeholders involved in wheat import-chain, including Karachi Port Trust, wheat importers, plant quarantine authorities and Sindh government.
The import of medicinal products witnessed an increase of 11.60pc in July 2020 as compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country imported medicinal products worth $89.337 million in July 2020 as compared to the imports of $80.048 million in July 2019. In terms of quantity, Pakistan imported 2,083 metric tonnes of medicinal products during the period under review as compared to the imports of 1,836 metric tonnes during the corresponding period of last year, showing an increase of 13.45pc. On a month-on-month basis, however, medicinal imports witnessed a decrease of 19.87pc in July 2020, as against the imports of $111.495 million in June 2020. It is pertinent to mention that the country's trade deficit during the first month (July) of the current fiscal year (FY21) dipped by 7.72pc when compared
According to available documents, the new items that were added to the compulsory certification list of PSQCA included shaving cream, skin powder, hair cream, multi-nutrient fertilizer, biofertilizer, Ammonium Sulphate (fertilizer), Potassium Sulphate (fertilizer grade); passenger car tyres and rims, rubber tyres for bicycles, single-use sterile surgical glove, chemical admixture for concrete, sanitary taps, buried polyethylene pipes for supply of gaseous metric series, polyethylene, polypropylene pipes, polypropylene pipes- dimensions, polyethylene upright storage tanks, medical diagnostic X-ray equipment, Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS), coaxial communication cables, Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) and energy star rating for television receivers, and sound system equipment (headphones and earphones).
Govt urged to announce tax incentives for crisis-hit private advertisers PESHAWAR AZIZ BUNERI
The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Tuesday urged the government to announce a 'tax relief package' for private advertisers who it said had incurred huge financial losses during the coronavirus lockdown. The demand was made by SCCI President Engineer Maqsood Anwar Pervaiz during a meeting with a delegation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Outdoor Advertisers Association (KPOAA). The meeting was attended by SCCI Senior Vice President Shahid Hussain, SCCI Vice President Abdul Jalil Jan, KPOAA President Haji Rashid Ahmad, KPOAA General Secretary Asif Hussain, KPOAA Chairman Haji Inayatullah and other members of the association. During the meeting, the SCCI chief was informed regarding issues being faced by private advertisers. The SCCI chief assured that he will take up issues of the advertisers with relevant government departments. He said that the resolution of issues faced by the business community is amongst the top priorities of the chamber adding that the SCCI has always played an integral role in the resolution of matters pertaining to KP business community.
Gold price drops by Rs2,100 per tola with the corresponding period of last year. The trade deficit was recorded at $1.686 billion in July FY21, as against the deficit of $1.827 million in July FY20. During the month under review, exports from the country increased by 6.10pc, from $1.886 billion last year to $2.001 billion, whereas imports dropped by 0.70pc, from $3.713 billion to $3.687 billion.
SLAMABAD: The price of 24-karat gold decreased by Rs2,100 on Tuesday and was traded at Rs116,400, as against the previous day's price of Rs118,500, Karachi Sarafa Association reported. Likewise, the price of 10-gram gold also decreased by Rs1,801 to Rs99,794, as compared to its sale at Rs101,595 on Monday. The price of per tola silver witnessed no change in its price and was traded at Rs1,430, while that of 10-gram silver also remained stagnant at Rs1,226. The price of gold in the international market decreased by $27 and was traded at $1,923, the association reported. APP
market daily
Stocks extend rally with 490-point gain KARACHI STAFF REPORT
Bullish sentiments prevailed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday, as the indices extended gains from the last session amid improved market participation. Global equity markets also displayed a positive trend, whereas crude oil prices headed north from the previous close; WTI crude price appreciating 0.35pc to $42.77 and Brent crude price by 0.72pc to $45.97. "Banking stocks advanced today and were supported by a rebound in prices of exploration & production, oil marketing companies, refinery, chemi-
cals and steel sectors," said a report issued by AHL Ltd. "Expectation of a rebound in the economy and the recent news regarding current account surplus helped index accumulate gains." MARKET SUMMARY: The benchmark KSE-100 Index remained in the green zone throughout the day, touching its intraday high at 40,340.79 after gaining 538.19 points. It settled higher by 490.22 points at 40,292.82. Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index accumulated 726.89 points to end at 64,729.50, while the KSE All Share Index added 335.39 points, closing at 28,266.28. The overall market volumes surged from 371.69 million shares in the pre-
CMYK
vious session to 535.04 million shares (+43.95pc). Average traded value also increased by 36pc, from $88.7 million to $120.8 million. The volume chart was led by Hascol Petroleum Ltd (HASCOL +5.54pc), Unity Foods Ltd Right Shares (UNITYR2 -5.46pc) and TRG Pakistan Ltd (TRG +4.09pc). The scrips had exchanged 50.39 million, 37.71 million and 30.07 million shares, respectively. Sectors that drove the index north included banking (93.17 points), oil & gas exploration (90.99 points) and power generation & distribution (56.48 points). Among the companies, Hub Power Company Ltd (HUBC 51.04 points), Habib Bank Ltd (HBL 34.18
points) and United Bank Ltd (UBL 27.67 points) remained the top contributors. Adding 1.76pc to its cumulative market capitalization, the oil & gas exploration sector emerged as the session's top gainer, with Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDC 1.55pc), Mari Petroleum Company Ltd (MARI 3.16pc), Pakistan Oilfields Ltd (POL 1.91pc) and Pak Petroleum Ltd (PPL 1.15pc) posting decent gains. On the financial side, Lucky Cement Ltd (LUCK -0.59pc) announced earnings per share of Rs10.34 for FY20, as compared to Rs32.44 in FY19; Waves Singer Pakistan Ltd (WAVES -0.56pc) posted an EPS of Rs0.12 for 2QFY20, as against Rs0.34 last year; while Colgate-Palmolive (Pakistan) Ltd (COLG +7.50pc) declared an EPS of Rs84.54 for FY20, as compared to Rs61.01 in FY19.
Wednesday, 26 August, 2020
10 FOREIGN NEWS CHIld pUllEd AlIvE from CollApsEd ApArtmEnt bloCk In IndIA, At lEAst fIvE dEAd AGENCIES Rescue workers in western India pulled a toddler alive from the rubble of an apartment building on Tuesday some 20 hours after it collapsed killing at least five people. The emergency services have found 76 people alive, but there are still around 14 unaccounted for following the disaster on Monday evening in Mahad, an industrial town about 165 km (100 miles) south of Mumbai. The rescued four-year-old boy’s cries had been heard beneath the ruins of the five-storey building, which a police officer described as having come down like “a deck of cards”. As an ambulance crew rushed the child from the disaster site, distraught relatives shouted out the names of missing loved ones, while some combed through warped tin sheets, mangled metal rods and broken concrete looking for signs of life. A woman among the survivors described how she and her three daughters fled when the building, which had contained 47 apartments and was home to around 200 people, as it began to shake. “We had just gone a few metres from the building and we heard loud noise. Then there was smoke everywhere. The building collapsed a few seconds after we ran out,” Shabana Lora, told Reuters. Other survivors said they had first thought they were caught in an earthquake, before realising only their apartment block had come down. Government officials said at least five people had died, while 18 of the more seriously injured were admitted to hospital. As the search for survivors continued in the rain, rescue teams tried to remove or stabilise sections of the building in danger of a fresh collapse. According to a police official at the site legal action had been initiated against the builder. The cause of the disaster has not been determined, but building collapses are common, especially during the monsoon season rains, as construction is often shoddy, with builders disregarding regulations and using substandard materials. In 2017, National Crime Records Bureau data shows more than 1,200 people were killed building collapses nationwide. Responding to the latest disaster, Prime Minister Narendra expressed his sadness in a tweet, and said he was praying for the injured to recover.
Gaza in lockdown after first Covid-19 community transmission GAZA
krEmlIn dEfIEs CAlls to probE nAvAlny IllnEss, sAys poIsonInG not yEt CErtAIn
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HE Kremlin said on Tuesday it saw no need for now to investigate the circumstances leading up to opposition politician Alexei Navalny’s grave illness and that a German clinic’s initial diagnosis of poisoning was not yet conclusive. German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday called on Russia to investigate the suspected poisoning and to hold the perpetrators accountable after German doctors found indications of a toxic substance in his body. But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the German clinic had not conclusively identified the substance behind Navalny’s illness and that it was unclear why German doctors were
“rushing” to use the word poisoning. “There must be a reason for an investigation. For the moment, all you and I see is that the patient is in a coma,” Peskov told reporters on a conference call. He added that if poisoning was definitively established as the cause, then an investigation would be launched. “If the substance is identified and it is determined it was a poisoning, then, of course, this will be a reason for an investigation,” Peskov added. Demands for a probe are intensifying, with Sweden’s Foreign Minister Ann Linde on Tuesday saying on Twitter that the “circumstances regarding the suspected poisoning of @navalny need to be clarified by independent investigation.” Late on Monday, top European Union diplomat Josep Borrell also asked
Russia to investigate. CHOLINESTERASE - OR NOT: Navalny, an outspoken opponent of President Vladimir Putin, was airlifted to Germany for treatment on Saturday after collapsing on a plane while flying back to Moscow from Siberia. German doctors treating Navalny at a Berlin hospital said on Monday that medical examinations indicated poisoning with some kind of cholinesterase inhibitor, although the specific substance is not yet known. Russian health officials contradicted that diagnosis, saying Navalny had tested negative for cholinesterase inhibitors when he was hospitalised in Omsk last week. Peskov said doctors at the Omsk hospital had battled for three days to treat Navalny and had possibly saved his life.
Israel strikes Hamas' tunnels in Gaza
Wisconsin city center burns amid protests over police shooting of Black man AGENCIES Arsonists set buildings ablaze and torched much of the Black business district during a second night of unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, triggered by the wounding of a Black man shot in the back by police as his three young sons looked on. Smoke billowed over central Kenosha after police in riot gear clashed with protesters as they defied a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Monday night and Tuesday morning, blocks away from where police gunned down Jacob Blake on Sunday. Blake, 29, survived the shooting, which was captured on video, and was in stable condition following surgery, his father said. Blake had been attempting to break up a fight between two women and was shot in front of his three young sons, civil rights attorney Ben Crump said. Video shows Blake walking toward the driver’s side door of his car, away from two officers who were pointing guns to his back. After he opens the door, seven shots ring out with one of the officers tugging at his shirt. It remains unknown what the
officers may have seen inside Blake’s car. But the incident, the latest in a litany of cases to focus attention on police treatment of African Americans, unleashed outrage in the lakefront city of Kenosha, located north of Chicago and south of Milwaukee. The shooting occurred three months after the death of George Floyd, a Black man in Minneapolis who was pinned to the street under the knee of a white police officer, sparking nationwide protests against police brutality and racism. Unrest flared again elsewhere in the United States with overnight clashes reported in Portland, Seattle and Minneapolis, while in New York City a group of marchers swarmed the Brooklyn Bridge, social media video showed. Portland, Oregon, has been the scene of weeks of protests following Floyd’s death that have sometimes turned violent. Police there once again declared a riot late on Monday and arrested several demonstrators after fires were lit at the offices of a police union. Seattle police said demonstrators set multiple buildings on fire, result-
JERUSALEM
ing in at least one arrest and one officer injured. In Minneapolis, protesters including one man armed with a long gun stopped an armored police vehicle in the street until officers cleared the way with tear gas. Basketball star LeBron James, who has emerged as a national leader on issues of race, lent his voice to the protests, telling reporters covering the NBA playoffs that “we are scared as Black people in America. ... We are terrified.” “Why does it always have to get to a point where we see the guns firing,” said James, adding he believed police had ample opportunity to subdue Blake. FIRES, BASEBALL BATS: Black Lives Matter activists are demanding the immediate firing or arrest of the Kenosha officers, who have been placed on administrative leave. Hours into the curfew, the mostly peaceful demonstration turned violent with some protesters setting off fireworks in front of police. Commercial and government buildings were set ablaze, along with vehicles in car dealership lots.
AGENCIES
A full lockdown has been imposed on the besieged Gaza Strip after authorities confirmed the first coronavirus cases spread through the community, raising fears of a potentially devastating outbreak in the impoverished Palestinian territory. Until now, all the cases reported in the coastal enclave, home to two million Palestinians, were linked to quarantine facilities for residents returning from abroad. On Monday, the health ministry said four people from the same family tested positive in central Gaza and investigations were under way to track the source of the infection. A 48-hour lockdown went into effect on Monday night in the entire territory, including the al-Maghazi refugee camp, where the family lives. Businesses, schools, mosques and cafes were ordered shut. As rumours spread, people raced to supermarkets to stock up on food and hygiene supplies. Police vehicles toured the streets using loudspeakers to urge Gazans to abide by the curfew. Gaza's health ministry said the cases were uncovered after a woman travelled to the occupied West Bank, where she tested positive. A health ministry spokesman urged everyone who might have visited a supermarket outside a hospital in central Gaza to quarantine themselves and report to medics immediately. Since March, Hamas, the group that rules the Gaza Strip, has imposed mandatory isolation for 21 days at designated quarantine centres for all those returning by way of Israel and Egypt. Authorities have detected 109 cases in the quarantine facilities since March, and 72 people have recovered. The only death in Gaza was a woman who had underlying health conditions. The 40km-long (25-milelong) area is flanked by Israel to the north and east and Egypt to the south. Both countries have imposed restrictions on movement, citing security concerns over Hamas, which is considered a "terrorist" organisation by Israel and the United States. As a result, most Gazans have had little access to the outside world for years because of the Israeli blockade, which many compare with a permanent lockdown. "Having this happen on top of the existing health system challenges is a matter of concern for us," said Dr Ayadil Saparbekov, head of the World Health Organization's local health emergencies team. "We have been beefing up our support before this event by providing medical equipment and personal protective equipment as well as laboratory testing equipment," he said.
Unrest continues in Wisconsin following police shooting of black man CHICAGO AGENCIES
The unrest following police shooting of a black man in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Sunday evening continued into Monday when crowds tried to cram into the Public Safety Building for a news conference, knocking a door off its hinges. Riot police tried to disperse the crowds with tear gas and pepper spray. Meanwhile, Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian confirmed more than 100 Wisconsin National Guard members had been deployed in Kenosha by late
“We don’t understand why our German colleagues are rushing with the word poisoning,” he said. Navalny has been a thorn in the Kremlin’s side for more than a decade, exposing what he says is high-level graft and mobilising protests. He has been repeatedly detained for organising public meetings, sued over corruption investigations and barred from running in the 2018 presidential election. Peskov said any suggestions that Putin was somehow involved in Navalny’s illness was “hot air”, which the Kremlin would not take seriously. Germany said on Monday Navalny was being guarded due to concerns for his safety. Navalny’s wife was filmed entering the hospital on Tuesday but declined to speak to journalists.
Monday. A video posted on social media shows 29-yearold Jacob Blake walked to a grey van followed by two police officers with weapons drawn. As Blake opened the door to get in, an officer grabbed Blake's shirt to hold him still, and shot him at close range in the back at least seven times. Blake was in stable condition Monday after surgery, his father said in a social media video. Protests erupted immediately following the shooting on Sunday evening. At least three garbage trucks were burned out and windows were shattered at several businesses. A police officer was injured by a brick, said the mayor at the news conference on Monday.
AGENCIES
Israel struck on Tuesday Hamas' tunnels in Gaza, saying the attack was a response to the earlier launch of explosive balloons from the Palestinian enclave. In the overnight attack, Tanks, warplanes and others targeted military posts and an underground infrastructure belonging to Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip, a military spokesperson said in a statement. "The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) remains ready to operate decisively against any attempted terror activity aimed at Israeli civilians or any violation of Israeli sovereignty," the statement read. The Hebrew-language Haaretz newspaper reported that a Qatari envoy was expected to arrive in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday to arrange the transfer of muchneeded financing to the besieged enclave. Tensions have been spiralling over the past days as militant groups in the Gaza Strip fired balloons attached with incendiary and explosive materials into southern Israel.
Israel, UAE agree on healthcare cooperation ABU DHABI AGENCIES
The health ministers of Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed for immediate cooperation between the two countries regarding health, the ministers said in a joint announcement. The ministers, Yuli Edelstein of Israel and Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais of the UAE, "held an excellent conversation for both countries, in good spirits with the goal of advancing cooperation," the statement said. The ministers agreed to appoint a representative responsible for relations between the two countries, specifically regarding the fight against Covid-19. In addition, the countries will set up delegations of businesspeople from the two countries in order to begin joint business ventures. The ministers also agreed that with the decline of Covid-19, the countries will also work to create a student exchange program.
TikTok sues Trump admin over US ban, calling it election ploy WASHINGTON AGENCIES
TikTok has sued President Donald Trump's administration over his order banning transactions in the US, calling it a pretext to fuel anti-China sentiment as he seeks re-election. TikTok and its owner, ByteDance, rejected White House claims that it was a national security threat, saying they had taken "extraordinary measures to protect the privacy and security of TikTok's US user data". They said Trump's executive order on August 6 was a way to further his "broader campaign of antiChina rhetoric" before the November 3 US presidential election. "We do not take suing the government lightly," TikTok said in a blog post. "But with the executive order threatening to bring a ban on our US operations, we simply have no choice." TikTok and ByteDance are seeking a permanent injunction to block Trump from enforcing his order. They say the Trump administration breached their constitutional right to due process by banning the company
without an opportunity to respond. They say he lacked the proper legal authority to issue the order and that he misused the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which allows the president to regulate international commerce in a national emergency. Trump in May 2019 invoked that law to stop what he claimed were attempts by foreign telecommunications companies to commit economic and industrial espionage against the US. The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Federal Court names Trump, the US Department of Commerce and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross as defendants. Trump had for weeks complained that TikTok was a national security threat that might share information about users with the Chinese government. His order called for banning transactions with the app after 45 days. Trump issued another executive order on August 14 giving ByteDance 90 days to divest TikTok's US operations and any data TikTok had gathered in America. ByteDance had acquired Shanghai-based video app Musical.ly in a $1 billion (Dh3.67bn) transaction in
2017, and relaunched it as TikTok the next year. TikTok, best known for short videos of people dancing, which are popular among teenagers, had 92 million monthly users in the US as of June and 689 monthly users globally as of July, the lawsuit says. Under a law introduced in 2017 under President Xi Jinping, Chinese companies have an obligation to support and cooperate with Beijing's national intelligence work. But TikTok said Trump's order was not rooted in genuine national security concerns or supported by the emergency he had declared a year earlier. ByteDance has been in talks to sell TikTok's North American, Australian and New Zealand operations to companies including Microsoft and Oracle. Those assets could be worth up to $30bn, insiders say. Before buying TikTok, ByteDance had not sought approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US, which reviews acquisitions for potential national security risks. The committee later opened an investigation and on July 30 found national security risks associated with the purchase.
Wednesday, 26 August, 2020
SPORTS 11
anderson Bags his 600th; england ClinCh series 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON
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AMES Anderson became the first seamer to take 600 Test wickets as England's third and final Test against Pakistan petered out into a rain-affected draw at the Ageas Bowl. Anderson had Pakistan's captain and first-innings centurion Azhar Ali caught by Joe Root at slip in his third over of the final day after overnight rain and standing water had pushed back the start until 4.15pm. He was the second-fastest man to the landmark, six balls behind Muttiah Muralitharan, and the first Englishman. Despite Anderson's early breakthrough, England never looked likely to bowl Pakistan out as they followed on on a flat pitch that offered little for bowlers throughout the Test match, particularly with the old ball. Root had Asad Shafiq caught at bat-pad three balls before the second new ball was due, but four overs later he had bumped fists with Azhar. After heavy overnight rain across the UK, it had initially looked unlikely that there
would be any play at all on the final day. The Ageas Bowl ground staff faced a long cleanup operation, with a vast amount of standing water on the covers and several problem areas in the outfield. Following several inspections, the umpires decided that the ground would fit for play from 4.15pm, with up to 42 overs possible. All eyes were immediately on Anderson, who shared the bowling with Jofra Archer from the outset, as Azhar and Babar Azam successfully negotiated his first two overs with several fielders catching in front of the wicket and Joe Root positioning himself as the solitary slip. The moment arrived at 4.37pm, from the second ball of Anderson's third over. The ball pitched slightly short of a length in the offstump channel, nipping away with a hint of extra bounce as it took the shoulder of Azhar's bat. England's slip catching has caused them problems throughout the summer, but this chance could hardly have been simpler for Root, who clung on to take Anderson to the 600 mark. He immediately burst into a broad grin, high-fiving substitute fielder James Bracey,
Coronavirus CatChes up with Bolt, world's fastest man
2010 - with Anderson taking the headlines. Both of the Ageas Bowl Tests in this series were marred by inclement weather, but this
‘All hail Azhar the tinkerman’: Nasser praises Azhar for gracefully combating criticism AGENCIES
World-record sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has tested positive for the coronavirus and is in self-quarantine at his home in Jamaica a week after celebrating his 34th birthday with a big, mask-free party. Jamaica's health ministry confirmed late on Monday that Bolt, who holds world records in the 100-metre and 200-metre sprints, had tested positive after he posted a video on social media around midday saying he had been tested and was awaiting the results. "Just to be safe, I quarantined myself and just taking it easy," Bolt said in the message that he appeared to have taped himself while lying in bed. It was posted with the caption "Stay safe my ppl". The only sprinter to have won the 100-metre and 200-metre golds at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012 and 2016), Bolt said he did not have any symptoms of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Bolt said he took the test on Saturday, the day after he celebrated his birthday at a bash where partygoers danced to the hit, Lockdown, by Jamaican reggae singer Koffee. "Best birthday ever," Bolt, who retired from athletics in 2017, wrote on Instagram, posting a photo of himself holding his daughter, Olympia, who was born in May. Fans wished Bolt a speedy recovery on social media - "drink up your ginger tea," one wrote - although some accused him of carelessness. Another social media user posted a video of Bolt's birthday party, as he was surrounded by dozens of mask-free people dancing in an open field. The user wrote, "No social distance, NO masks!" Among those who attended the party was Manchester City star and England national team football player, Raheem Sterling, who has been advised to self-isolate after his possible exposure. Daily confirmed cases in Jamaica have surged to more than 60 per day across the past four days from less than 10 just a few weeks ago. Jamaica now has 1,612 confirmed cases, with 622 active cases and 16 deaths from coronavirus. Officials put the increase in cases down to the reopening of international borders as well as celebrations during a long weekend in August marking Independence Day and Emancipation Day. They also put the blame at the feet of people who refuse to wear masks and practise social distancing. The rise has raised concerns about national elections that Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for September, six months ahead of schedule. Holness on Sunday suspended all his campaigning activities, including motorcades, home visits and rallies, and asked other parties to do the same. Authorities have also delayed the reopening of schools for one month and citizens are under a national curfew. AGENCIES
embracing Root, shaking hands with Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad and then being congratulated in turn by each of his team-mates. He acknowledged the handful of backroom and venue staff in the ground by holding the ball aloft to them, beaming from ear to ear. That left England with seven wickets to get, and despite Anderson nipping one past Asad Shafiq's outside edge, he was soon taken out of the attack. Babar and Shafiq ticked over towards the new ball, with Dom Bess and Root operating in tandem, while Dom Sibley's part-time legspin was given a first outing in Test cricket. Babar raced towards fifty with a flurry of boundaries off Bess, reaching his second half-century of an underwhelming series by nudging Root through the leg side with the new ball almost due, but Shafiq fell the very next ball, prodding him to Bracey under the lid at short leg. Anderson took the new ball and found sharp movement in his first over, but not long after Root decided that he had seen enough and the captains bumped fists for the draw at 6.05pm. That meant a 1-0 England win - their first series victory against Pakistan since
PAKISTAN’S THIRD AND FINAL TEST AGAINST ENGLAND PETERED OUT INTO A RAIN-AFFECTED DRAW
Former England captain Nasser Hussain on Tuesday praised Pakistani skipper Azhar Ali, saying that he has shown commendable mental toughness, especially at a time when his captaincy was attacked from all corners. “Azhar also only made a very small alteration but it's amazing the difference it has made in both innings of this last Test. Most of all, he has shown incredible mental toughness at a time when his captaincy has been questioned and his side have been struggling,” Hussain wrote in his column for The Daily Mail. Hussain also believed that a slight technical change with the bat, has been beneficial for Pakistani skipper Azhar Ali, during the ongoing third Test against England in Southampton, as he scored an unbeaten century. Azhar was criticised for his belowpar performance by the cricket legends and experts over his failure to grab the opportunity to win the Manchester Test despite being on top and in a better position against the host team. “All too often Azhar got his front leg in the way and was then falling over the crease with his bat coming down at a bad angle. So the bowlers have worked to get his leg across his stumps before producing a nip-backer that gets him plumb lbw,” he said. The adjustment proved beneficial for Azhar as he scored an unbeaten century, 141, in the first innings of the match. “So there comes a time when, if you keep getting out the same way, you have to think, "I've got to make an ad-
justment here," he said. “Azhar has done that between the last Test and the start of this one and his slight adjustment has been moving his front foot out of the way in his stance, just by a couple of inches, and opening his hips up a bit. “That means he has not been planting his leg in front of off-stump - instead it is in front of middle or middle and leg - and he has looked a lot more confident when England have been targeting those pads,” Hussain said. Maintaining that such a change isn’t an easy task, especially if it has worked well for you in the past, Hussain said: "People will say 'if it is that simple and he can score a century now why didn't he do this before?' but it is not that straightforward." Firstly, it doesn't feel natural at first to change something that has served you well everywhere else throughout your career. Also, any change you make can then lead to other forms of dismissal,” he added. Send these Pakistan coaches on pleasure trips instead of cricket tours: Aamir Sohail Pakistan are on the verge of losing their first Test series in England since 2010, and several former players including Shoaib Akhtar and Inzamamul Haq have slammed the team for their lack-lustre performance in the series. Joining them in the ranks is another former batsman Aamir Sohail who hit out at the current coaching staff for the intensity of the players in the current tour to England. Speaking about the bowling action of the young pacer Naseem Shah in the
3rd Test match at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton at end of Day 4, Aamir Sohail on his Youtube channel said, “Coming to Naseem Shah, he does not have a repeatable action. The follow through of his arm is not consistent. And I have been saying repeatedly that it has been such a long time for our coaches but you don't see any improvement. "So, whose task is this? Why have the coaches been kept? Are they there for a pleasure trip? If they want to go on a pleasure trip, they should be sent on a world tour and let the players continue to play as they are doing," Sohail lashed out. ‘PAKISTAN ARE HEAVILY RELIANT ON REVERSE SWING’: Speaking on the performance of the fast bowlers, Aamir Sohail also added that Pakistan seem to be heavily reliant on the reverse swing to aid their wickettaking abilities. “Pakistan as a team have always relied heavily on reverse swing, and batsman the world over have now done their research and learnt how to play the reverse swing well.” He was also critical of their lone full-time spinner in the squad Yasir Shah. "I saw a little effort in this match from Yasir Shah. He used his driving arm better but unluckily he again conceded more than 150 runs. “This has become a feature of Yasir Shah's bowling that he is conceding more than 150 runs whenever he bowls a long spell. If your bowler concedes so many runs and doesn't dismiss too many batsmen, your chances become very less."
one will undoubtedly be remembered - for Zak Crawley's epic 267 as well as Anderson's milestone.
don't burst coronavirus bubble, Kohli warns ipl stars India captain Virat Kohli has warned Indian Premier League (IPL) players of serious “repercussions” for the tournament if they breach coronavirus safety rules. With all eight teams now in quarantine in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of the September 19 start, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper said: “One mistake from us could literally spoil the whole tournament.” The IPL, originally scheduled to start in March, has been moved from India because of the coronavirus's raging spread across the country, now the third worst hit in the world. Kohli made the warning in a virtual meeting with players which was posted online by the Bangalore team. All teams are in quarantine in Dubai hotels for six days, during which each player will undergo three coronavirus tests. Players can only start training for the behind-closed-doors tournament after passing the tests, and in the tournament bubble they will be barred from contact with anyone who hasn't undergone the quarantine period. But concerns remain about players breaking the bio-security conditions before the seven-week tournament wraps up on November 10. Several sportsmen have found it tough to stay within coronavirus bubbles, including cricketers. England bowler Jofra Archer missed the second Test against the West Indies for a breach, and Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez had to go into self-isolation after a golf outing during their tour of England. 'STRONG CONSEQUENCES': The IPL is a massive earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India, and a contract to be signed by each player is understood to impose financial penalties for coronavirus breaches. RCB's director of cricket operations Mike Hesson warned players that any willful breach of the team's safety precautions would be handled “very seriously”. “If somebody breaks this bubble that we have worked incredibly hard to put in place, it actually affects the whole tournament,” Hesson said. “It's not just RCB, it is the tournament, it is the TV rights, so there will be strong consequences if players choose to do that.” AGENCIES
'Adios Suarez: Speculation grows over Uruguayan's future at Barcelona AGENCIES After six years sprinkled with goals that have brought Barcelona 13 trophies, Luis Suarez may be heading for an unceremonious exit from the Camp Nou. The Uruguayan was Barca's second-highest scorer last season behind captain Lionel Messi. But speculation about his future has grown since he was absent from a list of players Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu declared were not for sale as he promised big changes after the side's seismic 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Catalan radio station Rac1 reported on Monday that the striker had been told by new Barca coach Ronald Koeman that he was not in his plans for next season. Spain's sports papers followed suit on Tuesday: "Adios Suarez" read the front cover of Barcelona-based Sport, while the 33-year-old also appeared on the front of
the other three national sports dailies. "Koeman doesn't want them", said Mundo Deportivo, picturing Suarez, midfielders Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal and defender Samuel Umtiti. "The clear out begins", said newspaper AS, while Marca showed Suarez walking out of a door below the headline 'Clean up at Barca'. Barcelona and Suarez's representative did not wish to comment on the reports, although the Uruguayan made his discontent known in a Sunday interview with newspaper El Pais. "People are talking about the names the president gave, of the changes that could happen, but no-one has told me they want to get rid of me," he said. "I've spent six years at Barca - enough time for them to tell me what they think." Suarez has scored 198 goals in 283 games for Barca and overtook Laszlo Kubala as the club's third-highest scorer of all time last July, only trailing the late Cesar and runaway leading scorer Messi.
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BLAMED FOR BAYERN HUMILIATION: Suarez recognised that he was among those blamed for the humiliating loss to Bayern, the club's heaviest defeat ever in European competition, but said the answer was not to get rid of every player who had spent a long time at the club. "Everyone looks at those who have spent the most time at the club. That's normal, but it's also foolish," added Suarez, who joined Barca from Liverpool in 2014 for a then club record fee of 82 million euros. "Look at when Real Madrid were beaten by Ajax last year and they said Toni Kroos was finished, they wanted to retire Luka Modric, they said Sergio Ramos was a disaster and no-one was worth anything. "Then the next year they did better, and everyone was saying they were all superstars. Everyone knows when there is a defeat people take shots at everyone. I honestly believe there is a lack of coherence, patience and above all memory."
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RUDE oil prices rose on Tuesday, headed toward a fivemonth high as US producers shut most output in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of Hurricane Laura even as rising coronavirus cases in Asia and Europe capped gains. Brent futures rose 79 cents, or 1.8pc, to $45.92 a barrel by 11:33 a.m. EDT (1533 GMT). US West Texas Intermediate (WTI)
crude rose 55 cents, or 1.3pc, to $43.17. That puts both benchmarks on track to settle at their highest since March 5. Energy companies cut production at US Gulf Coast oil refineries after shutting 82pc of the area’s offshore crude oil output as a double-storm assault threatened heavy rains and strong winds. While the remnants of Tropical Storm Marco are expected to dissipate off the coast of Louisiana, the US National Hurricane Center projected Hurricane Laura would strengthen into a major Category 3 storm over the next couple of days as
UAE cancels meeting with US, Israel over F-35 deal row: report ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates cancelled a planned meeting with the United States and Israel over differences on the possible sale of American F-35 fighter jets to the Gulf state opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to a media report, last week, US President Donald Trump announced that an agreement is under review for the UAE to buy the fighter jets, and a US defence official hinted that a deal could be reached in six months. The US has sold the F-35 jet to allies - including South Korea, Japan and Israel - but sales to the Gulf require a deeper review because of American policy for Israel to maintain a military advantage in the Middle East. According to the US news website, Axios, the UAE shelved a planned meeting with the US and Israel on Friday, after Netanyahu came out publicly to deny knowledge of the proposed arms deal between Washington, DC and Abu Dhabi. Axios said the Emiratis wanted to send a message, adding that the Gulf state felt that Netanyahu's statement violated an understanding between them - following their historic announcement on August 13 of the normalisation of diplomatic ties. "They (UAE) were particularly angry that he (Netanyahu) told members of his Cabinet that he would raise his concerns about the deal with members of Congress," the report said. The report added that the F-35 deal is a "top priority" for the UAE, which considers it as linked to the normalisation accord with Israel. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is currently in the Middle East to promote the agreement between UAE and Israel, which was brokered by officials of the Trump administration. On Monday, he said the US would ensure Israel retains a military advantage in the region. "The United States has a legal requirement with respect to qualitative military edge. We will continue to honour that," Pompeo told reporters after a meeting with Netanyahu. Netanyahu said he had been reassured on the issue by Pompeo, who began his tour in Jerusalem. Pompeo's regional visit, which is also aimed at building a front against Iran, will take him to Sudan, the UAE and Bahrain. Pompeo pointed out that Washington had also provided the UAE with military support for more than 20 years, measures he described as needed to stave off shared threats from Iran also Israel's regional rival. "We're deeply committed to doing that, to achieving that and we'll do it in a way that preserves our commitment to Israel and I'm confident that objective will be achieved," Pompeo said. Meanwhile, the Palestinians warned the Trump administration against trying to sideline them in its Middle East diplomatic push. "Recruiting Arabs to recognise Israel and open embassies does not make Israel a winner," Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said. "You are putting the whole region in a lose-lose situation because you are designing the road for a forever conflict in the region." AGENCIES
it churns toward the Texas-Louisiana border. “With around 2 million barrels of oil production being offline, it is somewhat surprising that crude is not significantly higher,” Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA in New York, said. Producers have shut more than 1.5 million barrels per day of Gulf Coast offshore oil production, according to a Reuters tally. That is nearly 14pc of the nation’s total output. “Overall, hurricanes may be limiting supply this week … but the market will soon again focus on the
biggest hurricane of them all, Covid-19,” Bjonar Tonhaugen, head of oil markets at Rystad Energy, said. Europe is seeing a rise in coronavirus cases, including re-infection. Two re-infections were reported in Europe and one in Hong Kong this week. Elsewhere, US and Chinese trade officials have reaffirmed their commitment to a Phase 1 trade deal, giving a boost to financial markets on Tuesday. Meanwhile, US crude stockpiles likely fell for a fifth straight week, according to a Reuters poll.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Sudan on Tuesday as the second stop in his Middle East tour in a bid to urge more Arab countries to normalise ties with Israel. Pompeo, the first American top diplomat to visit Sudan since 2005, arrived on a historic "first official nonstop flight" from Tel Aviv, he tweeted from the plane. Israel remains technically at war and has no formal diplomatic relations with Sudan, which for years supported hardline forces under its former strongman Omar al-Bashir. But its new transitional government has vowed to break with the Bashir era following his ouster last year amid popular pro-democracy protests. Pompeo was to meet Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and Sovereign Council Chair General Abdel Fattah elBurhan to discuss continued US support for the civilian-led transitional government "and express support for deepening the Sudan-Israel relationship," the State Department said. Sudan, which has launched sweeping social and political reforms, now hopes Washington will soon take it off its blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism as it seeks to fully re-integrate into the international community. Closer ties with US ally Israel would help, and both sides have already taken a series of steps, muddied however by mixed messaging from Sudan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Burhan in Uganda in February and later announced that the two leaders had agreed to cooperate towards normalising ties. Sudan's cabinet later denied that Burhan had made such a promise, which remains highly controversial in
much of the Arab world. More recently, Sudan's foreign ministry spokesman Haider Badawi said he was in favour of such an accord, but foreign minister Omar Gamaledinne then said the issue had "never been discussed by the Sudanese government" and promptly fired the spokesman. The coalition of parties and civil society groups which led the protest movement, the Forces of Freedom and Change, argued Tuesday that the government has "no mandate" to normalise ties with Israel, pointing to "the right of Palestinians to their land and to a free and dignified life". THAWING US RELATIONS: Pompeo's regional trip, also taking in Bahrain and the UAE, comes in the wake of the landmark August 13 announcement of a normalisation of relations between the Emirates and the Jewish state. Speaking in Jerusalem on Monday, both Pompeo and Netanyahu said that they were hopeful that other Arab states would follow suit — in part to boost an alliance against their common arch foe Iran. Sudan has been under US sanctions for decades because of the presence of militants, including Osama bin Laden, who lived there for years in the 1990s before heading to Afghanistan. While the US lifted a 20-year trade embargo against Sudan in October 2017, it kept the country on its list of state sponsors of terrorism, and Khartoum has been lobbying hard to have that designation lifted. Sudan has been in talks on compensating victims of Bashir-era AlQaeda attacks, including the 2000 USS Cole bombing in Yemen and the simultaneous 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Since January Washington has upgraded its diplomatic representation in
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Pompeo in Sudan to urge other countries to normalise relations with Israel AGENCIES
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Khartoum from the level of charge d´affaires to posting an ambassador. The Pompeo visit comes as Sudan is in deep economic crisis — having suffered decades-long US sanctions and the 2011 secession of the country's oil-rich south. Grappling with high inflation and the coronavirus pandemic, the country badly needs to attract more foreign aid and investment The United Nations says more than 9.6 million people — almost a quarter of Sudan's population — is suffering from severe food insecurity. "They are extremely keen to have US sanctions lifted and they are under heavy UAE influence," said Cinzia Bianco, a research fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. While Bashir is on trial over a coup that brought him to power over three decades ago, the new transitional government in Khartoum is at pains to distance itself from his legacy. It has agreed in principle to hand Bashir over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for his role in the Darfur conflict on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Conflict broke out in the Darfur region in 2003 when ethnic minority rebels staged an uprising against the government, citing marginalisation and discrimination. Khartoum responded by unleashing the feared Janjaweed militia, mainly recruited from Arab pastoralist tribes, in a scorched earth campaign that left 300,000 people dead and displaced 2.5 million. Hamdok has made finding a peace deal with rebel groups a priority, in order to bring stability to restive regions that also include Blue Nile and South Kordofan.
KARACHI: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Tuesday issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for domestic and international flight operations amid coronavirus pandemic. Director air transport of the CAA issued a notification of the SOPs, announcing that they would remain effective from August 26 to December 31, 2020, and would also be applicable on the chartered flights operating from within the country. The SOPs are given below. Only passengers and airport staff will be allowed to go beyond the parking area and no protocol will be allowed. Protocols of any sort will remain suspended for the passengers and they could only be dropped before the departure lounge of the airport. The plane would be disinfected before departure. The crew members would be bound to wear PPE kits, surgical flights and gloves during the flight. The managers of the country-wide airports have been made responsible for implementing upon the fresh guidelines. The airlines will be bound to provide complete details of the passengers to the airports Health department officials would perform coronavirus tests of all passengers. All luggage and cargo shall be disinfected by the airline soon after landing. Boarding passes shall be issued with a gap of at least one adjacent seat. All the passengers are required to wear surgical masks throughout the duration of the flight. STAFF REPORT
Russia calls on BRICS countries to trade in national currencies MOSCOW: The Russian trade minister has called on the members of the BRICS trade alliance to increase the volume of settlements in national currencies to be more independent from Washington’s policies. Denis Manturov suggested the possibility of boosting non-dollar settlements during a videoconference with fellow BRICS trade ministers. According to Manturov, trade in national currencies is a key aspect of the cooperation of the five-nation alliance that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. “Rational, balanced use of this tool will help to increase the stability of our countries' economies and reduce dependence on US’ policies,” he said. Manturov called on the fellow ministers to use the BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB) more actively, which was specifically created for these purposes. The fivenation block has a combined nominal GDP of $21 trillion and represents more than 40 percent of the world’s population. The NDB, with an initial capital of $100 billion, was established in 2014 and formally opened for business a year later. Manturov said that Russia’s response to the coronavirus outbreak and government stimulus measures will prevent the national economy from falling more than five percent. “Through the ongoing efforts, we expect to contain the contraction of the economy within five percent by the end of 2020, and return to growth already next year,” he said during an online meeting of BRICS Ministers of Industry. The minister noted that Russia launched a $77 billion recovery plan to offset economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic. The package aims to support structural changes in the national economy, including through stimulating high-technology industries and encouraging non-energy exports. While the coronavirus was less damaging to the country’s economic performance in the first three months of the year, the impact of the pandemic was seen in the second quarter. AGENCIES
Coronavirus cases, deaths slow in most regions: WHO GENEVA APP
The coronavirus pandemic is still raging worldwide, but fresh World Health Organization data indicates its pace is easing in most regions, with the biggest slowdown seen in the hard-hit Americas. More than 1.7 million new coronavirus cases and some 39,000 new deaths were recorded last week, the WHO said in a situation report published late Monday. The numbers for the seven-day period ending on August 23 mark a five-percent decrease in new Covid-19 cases globally and a 12-percent drop in new deaths compared to a week earlier. Despite the slowdown, the fresh numbers pushed the global total since the start of the pandemic to well over 23 million cases and more than 800,000 deaths. With the exception of Southeast Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean, all regions registered declines in new numbers, the UN health agency said. The Americas remain by far the hardest-hit in the pandemic, accounting last week for half of all newly reported
cases and 62 percent of deaths. But the region also saw the biggest slowdown, with the number of new cases decreasing 11 percent and new deaths falling 17 percent from a week earlier, driven in part by reduced transmission reported from the United States and Brazil -- the world's two worst-affected countries, the data showed. The WHO meanwhile cautioned that several countries and territories in the Caribbean had reported large increases in cases, and suggested this could be linked to growing tourism. WHO's Southeast Asia region -- the second-most affected -- accounted for 28 percent of all new cases and 19 percent of all new deaths reported globally last week, with both categories swelling four percent compared to a week earlier, the data showed. India continues to report the vast majority of confirmed cases and deaths in that WHO region, with 455,000 new cases last week. That brought its total to well over three million and with more than 6,700 new deaths pushed its toll up to over 56,700. In the Eastern Mediterranean region too the number of cases continued to climb last week, rising four percent
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from a week earlier, but new deaths in the region dipped for the sixth week in a row. Meanwhile in Europe, where the number of new cases has been steadily climbing in recent weeks, the pace slowed slightly, by one percent last week, the data showed. New fatalities in Europe continued to slow, falling a full 12 percent compared to a week earlier.