Epaper – December 18 ISB 2020

Friday, 18 December, 2020 I 2 Jumada Al-Awwal, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 169 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

Qureshi disCusses regional and global issues with emirati leadership ISLAMABAD/DUBAI

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STAFF REPORT

oreign Minister shah Mahmood Qureshi landed in dubai on thursday morning for a two-day visit aimed at holding discussions with the united arab emirates (uae) leadership on “regional and global issues”. foreign Minister Qureshi called on Vice President and Prime Minister sheikh Mohammed bin rashid al Maktoum on thursday, and conveyed the warm regards of Prime Minister imran Khan. the uae premier warmly reciprocated the sentiments, foreign office (fo) said in a press statement. fM Qureshi discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between

the two brotherly countries, possibilities of enhancing bilateral trade relations and promoting investment, in particular in the field of agriculture. the foreign minister also discussed

matters pertaining to the welfare of Pakistani diaspora in the uae. he further reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening and augmenting existing strong bilateral

Govt to request ECP for early Senate elections: Faraz g

Minister says article 224 (3) of constitution allows elections through show of hands ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

federal Minister for information and Broadcasting senator shibli faraz on thursday said the government, following the law and constitution, would request the election commission of Pakistan (ecP) to conduct the senate elections a month before its stipulated time. the Pakistan democratic Movement (PdM) was opposing early elections as the incumbent government’s priority was to hold the senate elections in effective and transparent manners, he said while talking to a private news channel. the minister said that conducting elections through the show of hands was possible under article 224 (3) of the constitution in order to wipe out horsetrading and make matters more transparent. he reiterated that the government was following all legal procedures to hold the senate elections through a ‘show of hands’ procedure and that it was the ecP’s decision on whether or not the elections were held early. faraz said that the opposition was trying to

delay the elections through power shows as the PdM parties feared losing the senate under open ballot method, but it would fail in doing so. he said that the plunderers and looters had gathered because they were scared of defeat in it. he said that the Pakistan tehreek-e-insaf (Pti) government came into power to run the country’s affairs on the model of the state of Medina and to eliminate the menace of corruption from it. separately, faraz, in a tweet, said that bringing ease in the lives of the people by addressing the problems of inflation, employment and economy on a fast track basis is the target of the government. the information minister said that the economic indicators are better regardless of the covid-19. he said that the Pti government is working hard to bring positive changes in the lives of Pakistanis and will continue to do so under the leadership of Prime Minister imran Khan. he also said that the foremost goal of the government is to tackle the issues of unemployment, inflation and economy on a fast-track basis.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Coronavirus in pakistan CONFIRMED CASES:

448,522 LAST UPDATED AT 8:09 AM ON DECEMBER 10, 2020

PUNJAB:

129,291 SINDH:

199,706 KP:

53,609

NEW CASES:

2,545

BALOCHISTAN:

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

17,838

71

ISLAMABAD:

RECOVERED:

396,591 DEATHS:

9,080

35,441 AJK/GB:

7,833 / 4,804

relations with the uae. he requested emirati PM Maktoum to encourage the uae’s business community to explore immense investment opportunities in Pakistan. wishing dubai expo 2020 a resounding success, Qureshi expressed gratitude to the uae government for enabling Pakistan to participate effectively in the event.

Qureshi was received by islamabad’s consul-general in dubai amjad ali and officials from the Pakistan embassy and the uae foreign ministry at the dubai international airport, radio Pakistan reported. the visit comes at a time when reports suggest the emirates had stopped issuing new visas to applicants from Pakistan among 12 other

nations. however, state Minister for human resource development said there was “no ban on the export of workforce” to the emirates which is host to 1.2 million Pakistan nationals. “during the visit, the foreign minister will hold discussions with the uae leadership on all areas of mutual interest including regional and global issues,” a statement from the Ministry of foreign affairs (Mofa) said. “the foreign Minister will exchange views on bilateral cooperation, in particular trade, investment and the welfare of Pakistani diaspora.” “the foreign minister will also meet members of the Pakistani community and interact with local and international media. the uae is home to the secondlargest Pakistani community abroad.”

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Friday, 18 December, 2020

NEWS

‘HAve you not reAd tHe Constitution?’, MAryAM questions eArly senAte eleCtions

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NEWS DESK

AKISTAN Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz maintained that the incumbent government was afraid after the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) power shows and questioned the validity of its plan to hold early elections.

“Have you not read the Constitution?” she asked on Thursday while addressing a press conference in Lahore.

Maryam said that it was not the prerogative of the prime minister to announce elections and that it fell under the authority of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Did your army of ministers and special assistants not inform

you that it isn't your right?" she added.

She also said that the matter was made more controversial by involving the Supreme Court (SC) in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) bid to hold “show of hand” elections.

"You forgot the show of hands method when the vote of no-confidence motion was moved against the Senate speaker. You used the state's machinery to influence the vote." She claimed that while Prime Minister Imran Khan supported the secret ballot previously, now that the government was “slipping away”, he wanted a different method. She also added that the reasons behind this decision were “not transparent”.

Maryam said that the government could not change the bulldoze the current voting method via an ordinance as it required a

British diplomat lauds Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process The British Commissioner Dr Christian Turner appreciated Pakistan’s role in “the Afghan peace process and maintaining peace and stability in the region,” according to a statement issued by InterServices Public Relations (ISPR). The army’s media wing reported that Dr Turner called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi on Thursday to discuss “matters of mutual interest and the overall regional security situation”. NEWS DESK

CAA submits response in Havelian plane crash case LAHORE: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) submitted its response in a petition seeking to make public the inquiry report into the 2016 air crash near Havelian, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) which claimed the lives of all 47 onboard, including Junaid Jamshed.

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ATR-42 aircraft smashed into a mountain near Abbottabad, 50 kilometers short of its destination, Islamabad, after taking off from Chitral in December 2016. Nearly four years after the incident, the Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board (AAIB) completed its report in November. Citing its contents, a CAA statement pinned the blame on “three latent faults”. They included the fracture of one of the engine's power turbine blades, a broken pin and “probably preexisting contamination” inside a propeller valve. A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar, on Thursday resumed hearing in the petition and asked if the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) found the person responsible for the incident. The court observed the inquiry report would not have been released had it not ordered the authorities to do so. The SHC also chided the officials representing the national flag-carrier and CAA for appearing in the court unprepared. “47 people died in the crash. Did you [PIA and CAA] learn any lesson from the tragedy," the judge asked.

At this, the officials said the two were putting in place strict measures to improve operational safety to avoid such incidents in the future. Subsequently, the CAA submitted its response to the court. The bench directed the petitioner and respondents to submit a rejoinder to the response and adjourned the hearing. Citing the PIA, CAA and others as respondents, the petition argues there were various incidents where ATR planes were crashed and a large number of precious lives lost. It pleaded for a judicial inquiry to fix responsibility on the officials responsible, prosecute them and order compensation to the legal heirs of the victims. STAFF REPORT

Constitutional amendment to do so.

"The Supreme Court cannot make laws, only the parliament can," she stressed.

She claimed that the PTI was attempting to tamper with the evidence. She also brought up the matter of “the longest pending case in Pakistan's history”, referring to the foreign funding case of the PTI. Maryam said that the incumbent government was afraid after the PDM’s rallies, and this is why they were “pressuring the ECP” to hold elections early. "In the photo that you shared of yourself with your dogs during PDM's Lahore jalsa, you weren't calming down your dogs, you were calming your own fears," Maryam taunted.

"You became a self-proclaimed FIA [Federal Investigation Agency] chairman, you became a self-proclaimed FBR

[Federal Board of Revenue] chairman, and now you want to become the chairman of the election commission," Maryam said, taking another shot at PM Imran. She also accused Imran of being the chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in response to a question regarding the top anti-graft body. Similarly, former prime minister and Secretary-General of the PDM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had earlier said the ‘show of hand’ for voting in the Senate polls is practically impossible. He had said the government lacked the common sense and legal prudence to comprehend the intricacies of such constitutional matters.

“I am sure the ECP will not budge to the pressure of the government for early polls for the 51 seats of the Senate”, the former premier had maintained.

SC slams NAB for showing ‘partiality’ in case NEWS DESK The Supreme Court (SC), during a hearing of a fake accounts case, said that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has shown biases regarding the accused.

During the hearing for a bail plea filed by Dr Dinshaw and Jameel Baloch in a fake bank accounts case, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah said: “NAB's attitude, in this case, shows partiality”.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial had pointed out that the main accused was allowed to roam freely, while another person had been imprisoned for 20 months. NAB’s lawyer had replied that only those who did not take a plea bargain or were uncooperative had been arrested.

“This is the reason why everyone is talking about NAB [negatively] all day long,” said Justice Mazhar Ali Akber remarked, slamming the anti-graft watchdog for arresting the elderly Dr Dinshaw yet allowing 27 others to go free.

The bench said that NAB had been 'selectively applying its law on individuals.'

Justice Bandial added that this behaviour is why businessmen have stopped coming to Pakistan and said that the country should follow the example of Japan “where law and accountability go hand in hand”.

“Apart from you and the chairman of NAB, name one person who praises the bureau,” Justice Sajjad Ali Shah asked the prosecutor, adding that the accused NAB authorities arrested are mere “puppets”.

“Some are arrested for petty accusations but some roam freely despite committing major crimes,” said justice Bandial. "Public office holders should be held accountable. NAB is applying its laws selectively."

NAB has been under the scrutiny of the SC recently. Earlier this month, the apex court had observed that NAB had been misusing its power and harassing those accused in cases, particularly those involved in white-collar crimes.

The bench had observed that those charged in whitecollar crimes had been detained for 90 days in every reference, whereas even in military cases, no more than a 40-day remand is granted.

“Why does it not then complete its investigation and file a single reference?” Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar had asked. “NAB should not harass the suspects, nor misuse its powers,” Justice Bandial had said previously.

Furthermore, Senate Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandiwalla had alleged last month that NAB was violating human rights by blackmailing people.

UK to consider extradition of former PM Nawaz NEWS DESK British Home Secretary Priti Patel replied to Adviser to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Shahzad Akbar’s letter regarding the extradition and deportation of the former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, who is currently residing in London and who the Pakistani government wants to be sent back from the British capital, reported a local media outlet.

Akbar had previously in a letter told the British home secretary that the United Kingdom was "dutybound" to return Nawaz to Pakistan. Patel has replied that the British government would be willing to consider the process after a formal extradition request has been filed. However, Patel also pointed out that the UK government is subject to international law and cannot go against the established legal principles.

As such, it was not ready to fulfil the deportation request. It is pertinent to mention that according to the provision of UK law, an extradition request is officially confirmed when the target is arrested and put in detention.

Furthermore, a British flight to extradite about three dozen illegal immigrants from the UK to Pakistan was cancelled by the government at the last minute, reported

PAKISTAN REJECTS EXTRADITION FLIGHT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS OVER NAWAZ ROW The News and British tabloid The Sun. The flight to Islamabad on October 20 was not given clearance at the last minute by the Pakistan government and the UK authorities were left with no choice but to take the deportees back to their detention centres. The cancellation cost the UK around £300,000.

Pakistan had previously warned that it won't accept illegal immigrants if the UK won't return Nawaz.

Akbar had confirmed the cancellation of the flight but said that it was not due to any bilateral tensions. He said the flight would be allowed “after confirmation of documentations and following due protocols”.

Reportedly, the aeroplane was not given clearance as the UK had not carried out Covid-19 tests on the illegal immigrants prior to the flight. “We are seeking the deportation of Mian Nawaz Sharif on principle but it is not linked to any other bilateral issue between the two countries,” Akbar had said.

sHC rejects bail request of former minister in nAB cases KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday rejected a petition seeking extension in pre-arrest bail of former Sindh minister and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani in an Rs780 million graft reference against him. Following the court ruling, the officials from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) sought to arrest the accused but noticed he had skipped the hearing. The agency had filed a reference against the PPP leader in January, accusing him of committing financial irregularities to the tune of Rs735 million as MP between 2013 and 2018. It said after becoming MP, the suspect made bank transactions amounting to around Rs500 million to purchase 150 acres of land and two bungalows in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in Karachi. While the bureau has already arrested other susects in the cases, including Abbas Jakhrani, Abdul Razzak Behrani and Zaheer Masih, Aijaz secured prearrest bail from the SHC in January. During the hearing Thursday, defence counsel insisted the reference was biased and politically motivated. INP

nAB directed to complete probe against Chaudhry brothers in four weeks LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to complete in four weeks investigation against Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and his cousin Punjab Assembly speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in cases pertaining to illegal appointments and accumulation of assets beyond means. During the hearing, NAB Lahore Director General Saleem Shahzad informed the bench, comprising Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan and Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry, the bureau has closed an inquiry against Elahi while the probe into assets of petitioners will be completed in six months. “How can you start an investigation against a person who pays all his taxes and has declared his assets?” wondered the judge. The bench also questioned Shahzad about his assets to which he replied he was in possession of assets worth Rs40 million and draws Rs0.5 million a month in salary. INP

Bilawal terms arrest of MnA Ali Wazir as ‘baseless’ Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the arrest of Member of National Assembly (MNA) and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir was “baseless”. The PPP chairman accused the incumbent government of using “fascist tools” to hinder democracy and said that this attitude "won't bring good results if the regime continue[s] to muzzle the freedom of expression". "Arrest of the elected member of the Assembly in this way [is] against the democratic traditions," he said, according to a statement issued by the PPP. He accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government was crushing public voices. Similarly, MNA and PTM leader Mohsin Dawar had condemned the arrest in a tweet. The PTM said that Wazir was attending an event held to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the Army Public School, Peshawar attack. He was arrested after the event. The Superintendent of Police (SP) Cantt, Tahir Wazir, was heading the police party that arrested Ali Wazir from the limits of the East Cantonment Police Station. Officials said the PTM MNA was wanted by the Karachi Police where a case has been lodged against him at the Sohrab Got Police Station under six different sections on December 6. Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Mohammad Ali Gandapur earlier told a local news outlet that Wazir had been arrested at the request of Sindh Police as a case had been registered against him at Sohrab Goth police station in Karachi. NEWS DESK

Friday, 18 December, 2020

NEWS

‘PolitiCiSAtioN’ of Covid-19 leAdS to CoNfuSioN KARACHI

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AGENCIES

AkISTANI health experts accuse both the government and the opposition of “politicising” the Covid-19 pandemic, which has created a “widespread confusion” among the general public about the disease.

“The government and the opposition have politicised a pure health issue, sending conflicting messages to the general public about the disease,” Dr Rana Jawad Asghar, an Islamabad-based epidemiologist told Anadolu Agency.

Their conflicting messages, he observed, has brought the masses to a point, where they pay no heed to health experts’ advice and warnings. Many believe the disease do not even exist, he noted.

“I cannot blame the public alone.

When they see their leaders inviting the public to the rallies, not wearing masks,

and blaming each other for the spread of the disease, why would they listen to the health experts,” Asghar, an adjunct professor of epidemiology at the University of Nebraska, US, said referring to recent government and opposition rallies and huge public meetings across the country.

Citing the example of the US President Donald Trump, who has time and again downplayed the health experts’ warnings regarding spread of the virus, he said Pakistani politicians are practically “doing the same thing.”

“They must stop using the disease to settle their political score,” he said.

Seconding Asghar’s view, Dr Qaisar Sajjad, the secretary-general of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) -- a nationwide body of health professionals -- warned that the public’s “nonserious” attitude along with “politicization” of the issue might lead to a disaster.

“Both the government and the

opposition are taking the pandemic to a point, where everyone gets infected in the country,” Sajjad, who himself is in isolation after getting infected by the coronavirus, told Anadolu Agency by telephone.

“Why would the people get coronavirus serious when their leaders are not taking it seriously,” he contended.

Though the government last month reimposed restrictions, including a ban on rallies and gatherings in a bid to stem the surging coronavirus cases, a defiant 11-party opposition alliance refused to call off their scheduled public meetings.

Tens of thousands of opposition supporters gathered in the northeastern city of Lahore last week as part of their campaign to oust the government of Prime Minister Imran khan, despite the ban. So much so, several government ministers also addressed public meetings despite a ban, mainly in northwestern khyber Pakhtunkhawa (kP) province.

MQM-P to be kept in loop on Karachi projects: PM ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Prime Minister Imran khan has assured Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) that all its reservations will be addressed, and the party will also be kept in the loop in consultations over karachi projects. The prime minister was talking to a delegation of MQM-P that called on him and discussed issues of mutual interest on Thursday.

The meeting discussed the overall political situation of the country including the Senate elections.

The MQM-P delegation expressed its complete solidarity with the government on the elections of the upper house of the parliament.

The premier said that Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed will look into the issues of missing party workers and First Information Reports (FIR), adding that the ministry will act over the matter

according to the constitution and the law.

The session of the coalition partners discussed the overall political situation of Sindh, karachi package and other concerned matters.

The MQM-P delegation presented the party’s reservations to PM Imran in the meeting. The MQM-P leaders raised issues of missing party workers, return of the party offices and delay in development works during the meeting.

The delegation urged the prime minister to play his role for the constitutional right of independent politics and return of the party offices to MQM-P. They also urged the premier to take notice of the disappeared party workers and false FIRs against the party.

Separately, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail called on PM Imran on Thursday and briefed him about the Covid-19 situation in the province. The governor also apprised the premier of progress on Green and Red lines transport projects.

SECP seems unaware of exact info regarding data leak: IHC ISLAMABAD TLTP

The counsel of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Thursday submitted an inquiry report to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against Arsalan Zafar, the SECP additional director and the prime suspect in sensitive data leak issue.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the petition of Arsalan Zafar that challenged the constitution of a committee to investigate allegations of the sensitive data leak. During the hearing, the SECP lawyer submitted the inquiry report against Zafar.

Justice Minallah remarked that the report contains nothing but the details of content which is already available on the portal. Later, the counsel submitted another report regarding a secret data leak.

Justice Minallah remarked that there was nothing confidential in this report as well. After being questioned by the judge, the counsel submitted the third inquiry report to the court and said that the confidential matters are compiled in the report.

To this, Justice Minallah said that the third report has only contained the details which highlighted the

issue that defamed the institution. He remarked that it shows the weakness of the commission. The judge added it seems that the commission was unaware about the exact information regarding the data leak.

Justice Minallah questioned the SECP’s counsel to highlight the points in the report to spot details of data leaks and the genre of the data. He added that it is impossible to run public and secret portals separately by the commission.

He asked the lawyer to read the report carefully and then give legal advice to the client.

“How can the information on a public portal differ from an internal portal or whether the information available with the public portal is false?” he asked. The lawyer replied that the public portal provides basic information. “Why the names of shareholders are not appearing on the public portal,” questioned the CJ IHC. To this, the lawyer said that the information of a private company limited is kept secret around the world.

The CJ IHC remarked which law restricts the disclosure of a private company and what was the reason behind it. The lawyer replied that the question would be about the law that could publicise the details of a private company.

Pakistan-born scientist to receive prestigious research award in Germany NEWS DESK Pakistan-born Asifa Akhtar has been selected as a recipient of Germany's Leibniz Prize, the most important research award in Germany for outstanding work from all scientific areas, which will be awarded on March 15 next year in a virtual ceremony.

The Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize rewards a maximum of €2.5 million per award to its winners.

Max Planck Society is Germany’s most promising research organization and Akhtar is the first international female vice president of the biology and medical section in the society. It was established in 1948 and has since had 18 Nobel laureates emerge from the ranks of its scientists. It is on par with the best and most prestigious research institutions worldwide. Akhtar has been chosen for her groundbreaking cell-biological work on the

mechanisms of epigenetic gene regulation. The molecular-biologist is among the 10 scientists to have received this award. “Congratulations, Dr Asifa! You make both Pakistan and Germany extremely proud with your outstanding contributions to science!” read a congratulatory note for Akhtar by the German Consulate General in karachi. Born in karachi, she obtained her doctorate at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in London, Uk, in 1997. She then moved to Germany, where she was a Postdoctoral fellow at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg and the Adolf-Butenandt-Institute in Munich from 1998 to 2001. She was awarded the Early Career European Life Science Organisation Award in 2008, EMBO membership in 2013, and the Feldberg Prize in 2017. She was also elected as a member of the National Academy of Science Leopoldina in 2019.

Jamat-e-Islami, one of the country’s mainstream religious parties, however, postponed its protest meetings against the government due to a second wave of coronavirus.

LACK OF UNIFORM POLICY: Pakistan has witnessed a spike in Covid19 cases and deaths in recent weeks.

The South Asian country recorded 71 deaths from the virus on Thursday.

With 2,545 new infections over the past 24 hours, the total caseload in the country of 221 million people has reached 448,522, including 9,080 deaths.

Pakistan has tested over 6.17 million people for the virus to date.

The total number of active cases in the country stands at 43,851.

Terming the country’s incumbent risk communication strategy “weak”, Asghar urged the government to come up with a “workable” set of safety precautions and restrictions to contain the raging pandemic.

03

Covid vaccine to be available in Pakistan in feb or March: dr faisal ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Faisal Sultan on Thursday said that Covid vaccine will be available in Pakistan in February or March 2021. Talking to a private television channel, Dr Faisal said that a coronavirus vaccine would be available in Pakistan next year in February or March and it will be free for all the citizens. He said that Covid-19 is rapidly spreading in the densely populated areas of the country and the positivity ratio in karachi is highest. He further said that the Covid-19 vaccine to be procured by the government would be vaccinated free of cost to the Pakistani public. He assured that the vaccine will be procured keeping in view its safety, efficacy and effectiveness. He once again asked the people to fully comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid the spread of the deadly virus.

SC asks IGP to recover abducted girl or face consequences ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday ordered the Islamabad police chief to recover a girl abducted from the jurisdiction of koral police station and produce her before the court by the next hearing. A bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik, put off the hearing of the case until Jan 6. As the court resumed hearing earlier, the IG was found absent from the court. Expressing displeasure over his absence, the court ordered him to appear within fifteen minutes and called for a short recess. The Islamabad advocate general informed that Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed is to visit the Police Line, due to which the IGP could not turn up. TLTP

Friday, 18 December, 2020

04 NEWS

Senior journalist Tariq Mahmood dies from Covid-19 ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist Tariq Mahmood Malik died from coronavirus on Thursday. Various politicians of the country expressed their deepest condolences over the sad demise of seasoned journalist. They said that Tariq's death is an irreparable loss to the media and journalists' fraternity. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator ShibliFaraz expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise, prayed for the departed soul and commiserated with the bereaved family.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its deepest condolences over the sad demise. Tariq had covered the affairs of foreign office for over two decades with great distinction. In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Spokesperson ZahidHafeezChaudhri said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the departed soul and his family and friends. Tariq’s death is an irreparable loss to the media and journalists' fraternity. He will be missed profoundly by his friends, colleagues, officials of the ministry and millions of his viewers and followers.” TLTP

STEP students bag top positions in National MDCAT 2020 LAHORE: Citizens dismiss government's strict instructions of following SOPs for protection against coronavirus while shopping at Hall Road without face masks or social distancing. ZUBAIR MEHFOOZ

CENTrE rEFuSES TO AuTHOrISE PrOvINCES, GB, AJK TO IMPOrT NPB ArMS, AMMuNITION ISLAMABAD

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AHMAD AHMADANI

HE federal government has refused to authorise the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to import Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) arms and ammunition.

According to the sources, the Ministry of Commerce had consulted concerned stakeholders, departments and provinces, and proposed to the federal government to delegate the powers of importing NPB arms and ammunitions to the provinces.

However, the federal cabinet has not agreed with the proposal, but it has declared that the delegation of such powers is against the Article 151 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. The powers to import NPB arms and ammunition will

remain in the hands of federal government.

The Ministry of Commerce had proposed the federal cabinet to make the condition of ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) mandatory for the import of NPB arms and ammunition. It was also proposed that the import of NPB arms and ammunition would be subject to NOC from the Ministry of Interior for Islamabad-based licence holders and from respective provincial home departments for licensees belonging to other cities. While individuals and commercial dealers belonging to GB and AJK would have to obtain arm licence and NOC from the home departments of GB and AJK. However, the cabinet, while returning the summary titled “Amendment in the policy of import of NPB arms and ammunition”, has directed the Commerce Division to bring a consolidated proposal after

FIA submits comments in journalist harassment case ISLAMABAD APP

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Thursday filed its comments in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on the harassment case of journalist Fakhar Durrni. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the case. At the outset of hearing, the deputy attorney general appeared before the bench and apprised that the FIA wants to file its comments in the case. After the comments’ submission, the court adjourned the hearing till January 28.

consulting the Interior Division in the light of new arms license policy.

Moreover, the cabinet has directed the Minister of Industries and Production to formulate a policy for protecting the local arms industry by devising ways of adding value to their products through improved marketing mechanism and augmented quality control.

The sources further told that the custom authorities have expressed serious concern regarding monitoring of imported weapons without any specific import authorisation issued by a government agency.They said that due to the difficulties being faced by commercial dealers in import of arms and ammunition, the Ministry of Commerce deemed appropriate to amend SRO 772(1)/2018, so that the import of weapons allowed under the policy may be carried out without any hindrance.

It is pertinent to mention that the Import Policy Order (IP0) 2020 had banned the import of certain arms and ammunition. However, the import of some arms and ammunition was allowed subject to the conditions listed in the IP0 2020.

Similarly, prior to issuance of SRO 772(1)/2018, the Ministry of Commerce used to authorise the import of arms and ammunition. But the SRO has simplified the import procedures by allowing licence holders to import arms and ammunition without seeking any import authorisation from the ministry. However, this procedure has created some practical difficulties in the import of arms and ammunitionfor commercial dealers, as arms manufacturers and dealers in some foreign countries are not willing to sell their weapons to such dealers, who do not have any import authorisation by a government agency.

LAHORE: The STEP institution has secured top three positions in the National MDCAT 2020 and proved its supremacy in the entry test preparation classes. Hafiz Mohammad Ehsan Arshad got the first position with 197 marks and HafsaEjazsecured the second position with 196 marks. The third position was shared by Syeda Samar Hamdani, Hafiza Amber Fatima Iftikhar, Hamza SaleemBaig, Mohsin Rashid, SanamAltaf and Uzair Nabil with 195marks.

There were no physical classes for the last several months due to coronavirus. However, the STEP took the challenge and started online preparation for entry tests. Earlier in the result of NUMS 2020, the institution’s students also bagged the top three positions along with 9 out of first 10 positions. Moreover, their student SaqlainMushtaq notched the first position in the ECAT 2020. STEP is a project of Punjab Group of Colleges, who started entry test preparation classes in 2016. PR

Hand grenade hurled at Tank DHO’s house TANK: The house of District Health Officer (DHO) Tank was partially damaged in a hand grenade attack here on Wednesday night. According to the details, unknown miscreants took advantage of darkness and hurled a hand grenade at the house of DHO Dr IhsanullahBitani in Mian Lal area. The hand grenade exploded and damaged a portion of the house and a car parked inside it. However the resident remained safe in the attackfortunately.

The police reached the scene soon after the attack, cordoned off the area and conducted search operation for the assailants. A case was registered against the unidentified attackers and investigations were started. INP

PEIRA allows schools to call students on weekly basis ISLAMABAD TLTP

The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) on Thursday allowed the educational institutions, who do not have online teaching facility,to call their students once a week for assigning homework.

The institutes will ensure the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during campus-based classes, according to a notification issued by the PEIRA. However, the regulatory body barred the educational institutions from calling their students during the winter vacations, which would commence from Decem-

ber 26 and end on January 10, 2021. The body also urged the institutions to continue the education of students through online classes.

On November 23, the government had ordered the closure of all educational institutions across the country from November 26 till January 10 next year and directed the institutions to hold online classes until December 24 in order to reduce the chances of infections among students during the second wave of the coronavirus.

Earlier in November, the Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference (IPEMC), subject to final policy of the provincial education departments, had allowed the schools to call their students for one or

two days during a week.It was also announced that the winter vacations would be from December 25 to January 10, 2021.

“These institutions will remain closed from November 26 to December 24 and the winter vacations will be observed from December 25 to January 10, 2021. There will be no physical attendance of students in any class,” Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood had told a news conference after the meeting.

“The students of schools, colleges, universities and tuition centres will be free from attendance since they will continue studies from home. However, students of vocational educational institutions would continue their on-job training at their institutes.”

IHC summons report, directs IHCRA to get functional ISLAMABAD APP

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed the Islamabad Health Care Regulatory Authority (IHCRA) to take measures for making the body functional to address the complaints against doctors.

The court sought detailed report from the IHCRA within one month. The bench remarked that an active health care body in the federal capital is in public interest

for the betterment of health sector.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the petition seeking to activate the IHCRA to hear the complaints against health practitioners.

IHCRACEO Dr Syed Hussain Ali Naqvi appeared before the benchduring the course of proceedings. The benched asked the CEO to apprise the court about the importance of the IHCRA, faults in the authority and ways to make it active for the public interest.

The CEO submitted that he was serving as a senior

manager health services in Canada before accepting this job under legal procedures.

He was hired on this job with a three-year contract.

He is the sole employee of the IHCRA, as the authority has no budget. There is no other employee and therefore, the department is non-functional.

“I have not been paid salary since June. Despite my suggestions, not a single effort was made to make the IHCRA functional,” he said.

The court instructed him to submit detailed report in

this regard to the bench.

Meanwhile, the petitioner’s lawyer Umer Gilani said that: “We have professional doctors and good hospitals here, but some black sheep have damaged the image of this profession. A functional health care body would help to improve the performance of hospitals in the country.”

“Let the IHCRA submit report. If nothing happens, the court would summon the health secretary,” the court remarked while adjourning the hearing of the case till winter vocations.

Friday, 18 December, 2020

PM dirECtS ProMotion oF SMAll And MEdiuM EntErPriSES ISLAMABAD

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APP

RIME Minister Imran Khan on Thursday noted that all economic indicators of the country were on a positive trajectory; however, promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was a must to bring further improvement.

Chairing a meeting of the National

Coordination Committee (NCC) on SMEs, he said that small enterprises are an important component of the country and their promotion would not only strengthen the economy but would also create employment opportunities.

Federal ministers Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Hammad Azhar, SAPM Usman Dar, Board of Investment chairman, federal secretaries of industries, commerce, finance, energy,

petroleum and law, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) deputy governor, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) commissioner, SMEDA CEO, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) managing director and other concerned senior officers were present on the occasion.

During the meeting, the prime minister was informed that the database of

SMEs was being updated on a priority basis, while the tax form of SMEs was being simplified.

In addition, consultations with all stakeholders were already underway to extend financial assistance to SMEs. A fund will soon be created in this regard.

The premier was further informed that SME Development Authority (SMEDA) was being restructured to further enhance its capacity.

FBR announces 5pc cash back on purchases from tier-1 retailers The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has allowed customers to get five per cent cash back on sales tax paid on purchases from tier-1 retailers that are integrated with the FBR’s online system.

The amount of 5pc of the sales tax paid to the integrated retailers can be redeemed through FBR’s wallet account. According to a notification, an important amendment was made into the Sales Tax Act, 1990 through Finance Act, 2019, under which the customers of tier-1 retailers are entitled to receive cash

back of up to five per cent of the tax involved. The FBR, after one and a half years of the introduction of the law, has launched procedures to pay pack the customers of tier-1 retailers. According to the procedure, customers are required to sign up to the Tax Asaan mobile application of the FBR. By this way, the customers will create an FBR wallet account.

The customers are required to verify the electronically generated invoice through the mobile application As soon as the electronically generated invoice is ver-

ified, the system shall automatically calculate the five per cent amount of the tax paid on the invoice, according to the procedure.

Tier-1 retailers have been defined as retailers who are operating as a unit of a national or international chain of stores; operating in an air-conditioned shipping mall, plaza or center, excluding kiosks; a retailer whose cumulative electricity bill during the immediately preceding 12 consecutive months exceeds Rs1.2 million. NEWS DESK

Motorbike, three-wheeler sales up 18pc in July-Nov period ISLAMABAD APP

The sale of motorbikes and three wheelers increased 18.07 per cent during the first five months (July-Nov) of the current financial year (FY2020-21), as compared to the corresponding period of last year.

As many as 792,228 motorbikes and

three wheelers were sold in July-Nov FY21 period against the sale of 670,954 units in July-Nov FY20, data shared by the Pakistan Automobile Manufacturing Association (PAMA) revealed.

During the period under review, the sale of Honda motorcycles went up 19.33pc, from 430,143 units last year to 512,010 units; the sale of United Auto motorcycles increased 18.19pc, from

144,294 units to 170,549 units; while that of Road Prince motorcycles surged 25.20pc, from 53,889 units to 67,474 units. On the other hand, Suzuki motorbike sales dipped 2.76pc, from 8,967 units to 8,719 units; Yamaha motorbikes sales dropped 18.46pc, from 10,711 units to 8,733; while that of Ravi motorbikes plunged 69.39pc, from 7,686 units to 2,352 units.

Work on 1,100km gas pipeline to start in July next year: SAPM

Govt to request ECP for early Senate elections: Faraz

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum Nadeem Babar has said that construction work on the 1,100-kilometre Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project will begin in July next year to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Karachi to Lahore. In an interview, Nadeem Babar said that Pakistan will have a majority share of 51pc to 74pc in the project, while Russia will own the remainder. He said that Pakistan’s gas distribution companies will be a part of the project, whereas a Russian consortium would lead the construction. Babar said the government also plans to add 150 million cubic feet a day of domestic gas output this month, including 50 mmcfd from the Mari gas field. TLTP

He further said that due to wisely-devised strategies, Pakistan’s economy has been progressing towards betterment, making the lives and livelihood of people safe. “The economic situation was discussed in detail, despite the challenge of coronavirus, economic indicators are positive,” Faraz tweeted while sharing a picture of his informal meeting with the government’s economic team, including federal ministers Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Hamad Azhar and Omar Ayub, and PM’s advisers and special assistants.

CONtINuED fROM pAgE 01

Bitcoin worth more than JPMorgan as crypto sets new historic peak above $22,000 NEW YORK TLTP

The world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, bitcoin, has reached another milestone in less than 24 hours as its price topped $22,000.

Bitcoin jumped nearly 15pc in one day and reached $22,327 early on Thursday, setting a new historic high. It was trading at around $22,200, according to Coindesk data as of 6:57am GMT. After the recent rally, believed to be driven by demand from larger institutional investors, bitcoin’s market cap surpassed $410 billion.

To put it in context, that’s more than the market capitalization of JPMorgan or Johnson & Johnson.

On Wednesday, the cryptocurrency broke past $20,000 and has remained above the psychological level since then. Other major cryptocurrencies also saw double-digit

growth, with ethereum up around ten percent and Ripple’s XRP rising by 23pc.

Earlier this week, the operator of the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) announced plans to launch cryptocurrency indexes next year in partnership with CoinRoutes, a trading software firm based in New York. The exchange is set to provide data for several cryptocurrencies with high market caps.

Argument for Bitcoin’s rise is its growing reputation as a haven asset similar to gold as well as a hedge against inflation as central banks engage in massive quantitative easing and asset purchasing programmes to keep their economies afloat during the pandemic.

Ayush Ansal, chief executive of hedge fund, Crimson Black Capital, believes the rise might not be every just yet. “After being in a wasteland since the infamous bull run of late 2017, crypto, and Bitcoin in partic-

ular, are back,” he said.

“Bitcoin has been threatening the symbolic $20,000 barrier for some time and finally it has broken through. Public interest in cryptocurrencies will be reignited over the Christmas period, as people start to believe in Bitcoin all over again.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has almost certainly contributed to the rebound in Bitcoin. It has changed the order of things and that resonates with many investors right now.

“The resurgence of Bitcoin will once again have Central Banks on red alert. “If they become truly mainstream, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies represent an existential threat to the entire banking system.”

Bitcoin’s growing popularity is reflected in its performance among exchange traded funds or ETFs, with research by wealth manager AJ Bell showing that it was by some distance the best theme for investors in 2020.

Meanwhile, the sale of Road Prince three-wheelers witnessed an increase of 36.69pc, from 3,406 units in 5MFY20 to 4,656 units in 5MFY21; Sazgar threewheeler sales appreciated 44.36pc, from 4,177 units to 6,030 units; Qingqi sales surged 82.75pc, from 4,587 units to 8,383 units; whereas United Auto threewheeler sales rose 27.99pc, from 2,575 units to 3,296 units.

NEWS

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Foreign direct investment falls in negative territory Pakistan’s net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stood negative at $16 million in November 2020 compared to positive $192.4 million in the same month of last year, data released by the State Bank of Pakistan showed. FDI has become negative after a gap of two years, as power and telecom firms operating in Pakistan apparently had to transfer funds to their parent companies in China and Norway, respectively. Short-term investors were, however, seen again making small investments in the government debt securities like treasury bills and Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) in November. Cumulatively, in first five months (Jul-Nov) of the current fiscal year (2020-21), net FDI dropped 17pc to $717.1 million compared to $864.4 million in the same period of last year. NEWS DESK

Food ministry advised not to import additional wheat ISLAMABAD SHAHZAD PARACHA

The Ministry of Commerce has suggested the Ministry of National Food Security and Research not to import additional wheat during March-April 2021, it was learnt on Thursday. As per the commerce ministry, any additional arrival of imported wheat in March-April 2021, when local wheat would be available in Pakistan, should be avoided as it would create an imbalance with support price and discourage local farmers. The MoC stated that decisions in the matter may be taken after thorough consideration of the supply and demand position, quantity of local crops and price differential. According to sources, the government has estimated the arrival of 2.15 million metric tonnes of wheat by March-April 2021, which is already sufficient and does not allow accommodating additional demand. "Additional wheat may tentatively arrive by April 2021 at the earliest (if all goes well), when indigenous wheat shall also be available in the market and provincial governments would be buying it at support price. Therefore, there is a possibility that recipient agencies would refuse the imported wheat in April-May 2021, as recently happened in case of procurement/import of sugar,” a source privy to the development said.

Friday, 18 December, 2020

06 COMMENT

Moving on towards uncertainty

In international dealings, no free lunches For every quid the is a quo

The Lahore rally added no clarity

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UCh is the level of mutual misunderstanding and suspicion that whatever help islamabad extends for peace in Afghanistan, President Ashraf Ghani remains dissatisfied. The USA on the other hand utters a few appreciative words that are invariably followed by ‘do more’ either directly or rephrased in diplomatese.

Pakistan meanwhile gets little for its efforts from the USA, the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban.

Pakistan has bent over backwards to bring Taliban to the negotiating table. islamabad helped start the USTaliban talks in Doha after quietly releasing Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from a Karachi prison in October 2018.

Months later at the request of President Trump, Pakistani officials prodded the insurgents to take negotiations more seriously after the talks appeared to falter. in June 2019, Foreign Minister Qureshi hosted Afghan opposition leaders and Prime Minister imran Khan hosted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Despite this, Kabul delayed the release of all Taliban prisoners and instead called upon the Afghan Taliban to break ties with Pakistan first. in June COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Kabul to meet President Ghani to discuss bilateral issues, border management, the overall regional security situation, the Afghan refugees’ issue, and the Afghan peace process.

Both sides agreed to continue working towards mutually agreed goals. in August Pakistan arranged a meeting between Mullah Baradar and US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad to help restart the stalled talks. early this week Pakistan’s help was again sought by Mr Khalilzad as the USA feared that the three-week break in the Doha talks might get prolonged on account of the Afghan Taliban. To help timely resumption of parleys Pakistan has invited a Taliban delegation which is currently holding talks in islamabad.

Pakistan has failed to get any reward for the help provided to the USA in the extrication of the bulk of its troops from Afghanistan. The PTi government failed to persuade the Trump Administration to go beyond symbolic gestures and pressurise india to resolve the Kashmir issue in line with the Kashmiris demands. The least one expects from the government now is to demand that the USA, the Afghan Taliban and the Kabul Government take out the terrorist networks that launch deadly attacks inside Pakistan from Afghan territory, especially now that they are returning to Waziristan and may even extending their reach to Rawalpindi.

At Penpoint M A NIAZI

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hile PTi stalwarts portray the PDM’s lahore rally as a failure, and while PDM supporters (PMl-N workers in particular) insist that it was a success, all that seems to have been achieved is the end of the beginning. At one level, debate over how big a crowd gathered would only serve in a debate of whether the crowd gathered was bigger than that which imran gathered in 2014, at what was his breakout rally, when he demonstrated enough support for the next step to proceed to, of carrying out the famous sit-in in islamabad. That sit-in is what is credited with allowing him to win the 2018 election.

This means that a successful Minar-i-Pakistan rally is needed to convince the powers that be that islamabad can be carried.

According to this narrative, the PDM is doing exactly what it accuses imran of doing: following an establishment playbook, of using its crutches to achieve power. This means that there has always been a Faustian bargain by politicians: it goes back to the time Ghulam Muhammad, a senior bureaucrat, became Governor-General. Before that, the Governor-General and the PM had been politicians. The Quaid-eAzam and the Quaid-i-Millat became GG and PM. The Quaid died after less than a year, and Kh Nazimuddin replaced him. That arrangement held for the next three years, and when liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated, Kh Nazimuddin stepped down to on fill a dead man’s shoes for the second time. his replacement as GG was not another politician, but a bureaucrat, Ghulam Mohammad. Within five years, politicians were eliminated by the Ayub Martial law.

This was despite having had significant bureaucratic and military representation, what with Muhammad Ali Bogra being a bureaucrat (sort of; he was an ambassador, though he had never joined the civil service) and forming a Ministry of the so-called ‘All the Talents’, because Gen Ayub Khan was Defence Minister and Defence Secretary iskander Mirza became interior Minister, while Finance Minister Ch Muhammad Ali moved up from being Finance Secretary.

Therefore, if one accepts the opposition narrative, control has been tried before. it did not prevent Ayub from trying the experiment of direct rule. it should be remembered that, if the opposition is correct, the Prime Minister has never been untrammelled. The establishment has taken on the role of providing a check, but that has led to the Prime Minister being constantly threatened with a takeover. in essence, the Prime Minister is supposed to be kept in check by the rule of law. however, as other politicians have observed, they have to operate within the system as it exists, not as

PIA still top-heavy Will still have too many employees after VSS

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iA aims to have about 7,000 to 8,000 employees after the current Voluntary Separation Scheme, down from the current count of 14,500 employees, which it currently has for 29 planes and plans to outsource certain functions it sees as non-core, according to a report it has filed in the Supreme Court. That gives it a ratio of 500 employees per plane, which would come down to about 250, which would make it comparable to emirates, which currently has a ratio of 231 employees per plane with 62,356 employees for 269 planes, but would still leave it well behind such airlines as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and etihad, with ratios of 191, 94 and 211 respectively.

One of the major problems with PiA is that it was already losing heavily and was thus a burden on the government, even though it had a huge advantage with the expatriate traffic as the national flag carrier. And then the covid-19 pandemic hit. The aviation industry before had some winners and some losers, but after the pandemic it had been more badly hit than economies as a whole and other industries, because social distancing had led to the imposition of travel restrictions, with flights, both domestic and international, being either banned by governments or cancelled by airlines. PiA was already overmanned, because governments had always seen it as a source of jobs for the boys. This lack of merit led not just to fraudulent degrees being submitted but to rampant unionization. PiA sees saving in entering joint ventures with companies already in the field of engineering operations and inflight catering, saying that this would save it Rs 10.3 billion annually.

Just as the Pakistan Steel Mills employees were to be given a separation package, PiA employees are to be retrenched so that the airline may be privatized. This desire to get rid of loss-making enterprises rather than manage them better does not reflect well on a government which campaigned against the previous government’s privatization attempt. What the government is doing is not likely to be enough to turn around the airline’s flagging fortunes. The purpose of having a national flag carrier, to provide a service to its citizens, should not be forgotten.

US sanctions against Turkey Why did the leader of NATO sanction one of its own members NAeeM KANdwAl

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he USA and one of its longtime NATO allies, Turkey, are suffering a complete breakdown in their relationship. Though Turkey and the USA have a long history of partnership (including years of fending off the Soviets together,) the recent US action has blown a hole in the centre of their alliance. The USA has issued sanctions against Turkey over its deployment of a Russianmade missile defence system acquired last year.

The USA and Turkey have a long history of alliance. The mutual ties between the USA and Turkey were formalized with the 1947 economic and Technical Cooperation agreement. This agreement reflected the Truman Doctrine, through which the U.S. offered support to democratic nations. Turkey joined NATO in 1952, which further solidified its alliance with the USA and the Western world. During the Korean War, Turkey supported the United States and its NATO allies by sending three Turkish brigades to the warzone, and throughout the Cold War, Turkey remained a strong US partner. This alliance then continues into the present day. in 2009, US President Barack Obama chose Turkey as the destination of his first bilateral visit as president. That same year, the USA and Turkey drafted the Framework for Strategic economic and Commercial Cooperation (FSeCC), which furthered bilateral cooperation on technology. in 2013, the U.S. and Turkey created a $200 million fund to help stem extremism.

Turkey supported Qatar in its diplomatic confrontation with a Saudi and emirati-led bloc of countries that severed ties with and imposed sanctions on Qatar on 5 June 2017. Turkis resident Recep Tayip erdoğan criticized the list of demands released by the countries on 22 June, stating that they undermine Qatar’s sovereignty.

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Asher John

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Deputy Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

however, the PDM is running aground on the it should be. That means that there has to be a successful rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, followed by a long resignation issue. it is mainly a problem for the PPP March on islamabad, in turn succeeded by a sit-in. and the PMl(N), not just because both have large The PDM thus finds itself following imran Khan’s numbers of MNAs (54 and 82 respectively) and Senators (3 and 19 respectively), but because the PPP own example.

One of the most delicate operations will be ob- controls the Sindh government, and the PMl(N) has taining resignations of MNAs. PTi MNAs resigned, hopes of forming the Punjab government, the PPP but were confounded by not having those resigna- will have to dissolve the Sindh Assembly, while mass tions accepted. That was because then Speaker Sardar PMl(N) resignations would remove its chances of forming the Punjab governAyaz Sadiq was inclined to ment. This is quite apart a policy of dialogue, but the from the fact that both parreal drive for conciliation ties’ legislators did not concame from Prime Minister The PDM is apparently test elections merely to Nawaz Sharif, who did not resign. it should not be forwant the prospect of byeon a timetable which will gotten that party legislators elections to the PTi’s 18 seats, most of which were in admit of no deviation, which contain few ideologically committed persons within KP, where it was in office. will see a long march like their ranks, particularly after Whatever his personal inclibeing beaten. it is in victonations, Speaker Asad Imran’s, followed by a sit-in. ries that party stalwarts have Qaiser is as obedient to his It is almost as if Imran’s a chance of winning elecPM as Sardar Ayaz was, so tions. Also, it should not be is likely to accept the resigown dharna is to be forgotten that both the nations without much PMl(N) and the PPP are demur. This is the same porepeated. This time, the parties of ‘electables’, which sition in the provincial asreligious leader, Maulanna means that they are both semblies, in three of which heavily penetrated by those the national opposition is in Fazlur Rehman, is at the very influence peddlers they opposition, while in Sindh a forefront. Unlike Tahirul claim they will rid the counPDM component, the PPP, try of. if the PTi was brought is in office.

Qadri, he is a candidate for to office, then so were both The obvious aim of the the PPP and PMl(N) in the opposition parties is to enPM. He is, for the first time, past, with majorities delivsure that the dissolutions being mentioned in the ered by the same methods. take place before the Senate The PPP has no intention elections in March, because same breath of Maryam of giving up its Sindh govthe present composition of Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto ernment, which it has won the provincial assemblies thrice in succession since mean that the PTi and its alZardari. That might reflect 2008. however, the PDM lies will gain a majority in has set the end of this month the Senate, and thus be able best the possibility that the as the deadline for the handto do what it has not been PDM, far from rebelling ing of resignations to party able to do so far, which is leaders. its path is clear, even legislate without opposition against the establishment, though it was not clearly ansupport. Already, it has been is working according to nounced at the Minar-i-Pakbusy passing laws through istan, only hinted at. the National Assembly one of its old scripts The PDM is apparently which now only await Senon a timetable which will ate approval to become law. admit of no deviation, which Another issue with the will see a long march like PTi gaining a Senate majority is that it will be locked into place until 2024, when imran’s, followed by a sit-in. it is almost as if imran’s the results of the next provincial elections will deter- own dharna is to be repeated. This time, the religious mine the next Senate results. That means any early leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, is at the forefront. dissolution, as demanded by the PDM, will not affect Unlike Tahirul Qadri, he is a candidate for PM. he the Senate majority. however, if the provincial as- is, for the first time, being mentioned in the same semblies are dissolved when the Senate elections are breath of Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto to take place, the seats falling vacant will fall vacant, Zardari. That might reflect best the possibility that the provincial assemblies will be elected, and only the PDM, far from rebelling against the establishthen will there be what will technically be by-elec- ment, is working according to one of its old scripts. tions to the Senate, with some time shaved off the term of those elected.

The writer is a member of staff.

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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After the failed coup attempt in July 2016, Turkey demanded that the US government extradite Fethullah Gülen, a cleric and Turkish national living in the US state of Pennsylvania. however, the US government demanded that Turkey first produce evidence that he was connected with the coup attempt.

Due to perceptions that former US Secretary of State and Democratic Party presidential nominee hillary Clinton was friendly towards the Gülen movement, many erdoğan supporters reportedly favored Republican Party presidential nominee Donald Trump in the USA’s 2016 presidential election. in December 2017, US national security advisor General h.R. McMaster said that Turkey had joined Qatar as a prime source of funding that contributes to the spread of the extremist ideology of islamism: “We’re seeing great involvement by Turkey from everywhere from western Africa to Southeast Asia, funding groups that help create the conditions that allow terrorism to flourish.”

The latest conflict roiling Washington and Ankara is over an anti-aircraft missile system. The Trump administration slapped sanctions on Turkey on Monday over its multibillion-dollar acquisition of a Russian missile system. The long-anticipated move is expected to further stoke tensions between Washington and Ankara in the weeks ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s ascension to the White house and send a message to foreign governments considering future weapons deals with Russia. in 2017, President erdoğan brokered a deal reportedly worth $2.5 billion with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the S-400 missile system. The S-400, a mobile surface-to-air missile system, is said to pose a risk to the NATO alliance as well as the F-35, te USA’s most expensive weapons platform.

Under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which Trump signed in August 2017, Turkey faced potential economic sanctions for accepting the Kremlin’s missile system. Trump had not yet imposed sanctions on Turkey.

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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“Turkey is a valued ally and an important regional security partner for the USA, and we seek to continue our decades-long history of productive defense-sector cooperation by removing the obstacle of Turkey’s S-400 possession as soon as possible,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote in a statement announcing the sanctions.

Why is the S-400 system so important for Turkey? Some experts say Ankara especially wants it now because the 2016 coup attempt included rogue military pilots flying fighter jets with the intention of ousting erdoğan. Such a system could help the president shoot down potential coup-plotting airmen in the future.

Turkish officials denounced a US decision to impose sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry urged the US “to reconsider this unfair decision as announced today”, adding that Turkey “stands ready to address this issue through dialogue and diplomacy in conformity with the spirit of alliance”. The Ministry warned that US sanctions “will inevitably negatively impact our relations, and (Turkey) will retaliate in a manner and time it sees appropriate”. Ankara argues that the Russian system was purchased after the USA refused to sell it US-made Patriot missiles. Turkish officials point to the fact that Greece- another Nato ally- has their own S-300, although that was not purchased directly from Russia.

Why did the USA impose these sanctions?

Turkey has the second-largest army in NATO, a 30member military alliance. it is one of the USA’s key allies, and is located in a strategic position, sharing borders with Syria, iraq and iran. it helped the USA in the Syrian conflict. however, it has seen relations deteriorate with some NATO members and the eU, who have accused Mr erdoğan of adopting an increasingly authoritarian style following a failed coup in 2016. Turkish President erdoğan is an independent ruler. The USA sees erdoğan’s aggressive behavior as a threat.

The writer is a freelance columnist

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Friday, 18 December, 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

Science is important The US planted the first flag on the Moon in 1969 and recently China becomes the second nation to plant a flag on the Moon but to what say still the people of our country do not know is there any scientists in Pakistan or not because they did not see any new invention or a plane that they succeed about it. The world is progressing by its various technology but we have remained backward due to dominating the unique opinions, scientists are not working on new projects. Our scientists just become visible in eid festivals when will it be celebrated. Additionally, The authorizers of science in our country are much more participating in politics despite wreaking new alternations in technology.

Khuda dad Baloch Karachi

Education out of reach

Fashion industry and its environmental implications ration of different beautifying items but only 11 percent among them are certified. it is surprising to know that 20 percent of water pollutants have house gases are contributed to the atmosphere their origin in the textile industries. Textile indusAbId HussAIN RAtHeR by the cloth and shoe industries and if the situa- tries produce 1.5 trillion tons of waste yearly. Action will remain the same the percentage may go cording to reports of the United Nations, 20 tons as high as 50 percent in of fresh water is used in eAUTY has always attracted the the next ten years. Acmanufacturing one ton human soul, so everybody tries to cording to the reports of of cotton while 750 millook beautiful. it is human nature that United Nations, one lion people in world are everybody tries to look different from truck of waste is either There is a need to change without availability of others by wearing fashionable clothes burnt or thrown to the potable water. Accordour behavior, indeed our and following the latest fashion trends. Though earth in every second. ing to reports only 15 Besides the fabric women are famous for following latest fashions percent of the clothes in entire lifestyle, in order to and lifestyles men are not behind in the race. and shoe industries, all world are recycled or save our environment from Fashion trends are changing swiftly and this the industries associdonated for reuse and change has a direct impact on our society. As per ated with the manufacthe rest are thrown as degradation. Above all, the research, fashion is going to be one of the main turing of beautifying waste, and this waste reasons for changing the socio-economic and and decorative items government authorities makes 5.2 percent of are equally responsible political scenario. the total waste yearly should formulate strict laws environmental Though some people are of the opinion that for thrown on the earth. fashions are basic in unleashing the creative ca- degradation and climate for manufacturing industries Textile industries also pabilities of a society, they also have many neg- change. in ancient use chemicals on a large in accordance with the ative impacts on our society. every segment of times, natural ingrediscale. According to exsociety is trying to follow the latest fashion trends ents were used to beauperts, one kilogramme environment protection and those who fail, fall prey to an inferiority tify our face and skin, of chemicals are used to complex. The youth, who are supposed to be the but nowadays different guidelines. We should not prepare one kilomain asset of a nation, are more obsessed by companies manufacture gramme of textiles. And follow the fashion trends at fashions and their ultimate goal in life has be- different types of face 23 percent of the chemshampoos, come to follow the unwinnable race of fashion. washes, icals in the world are the cost of our existence.

The latest fashions are diverting the minds of body lotions, shaving used in fashion indusyouth. They are focusing more on fashions than creams and shaving lotries. Most of the greentheir careers and livelihoods. God has set a limit tions for the same purhouse gases are emitted on every process of the universe. The secret of pose. David Suzuki, a to the atmosphere from beauty lies within the fixed limits and anything Canadian scientist, has written extensively on textile industries. every year, 70 million barrels which surpasses those limits faces destruction. environmental degradation. he writes in one of of fuel oil are used in manufacturing polyester When we adopt the unacceptable fashions and his articles that face washes contain minute plas- which is an important element of fashion induscross the limits we are going to face ruin, because tic particles which are non recyclable and these tries. Silk industry has been famous from ancient these fashions not only have direct impact on our particles are very harmful for aquatic life on a times in fashion world. every year, 70 million large scale. lifestyles and socio-ecotrees are cut for the manufacturing of artificial silk According to one of but only 30 percent of artificial silk is produced nomic system but they the reports, 90 percent from these trees. also affect our environof the waste from ment and climate.

All the above statistics are startling and show kitchens can be recycled how we are making our environment deteriorate like all other inThe youth, who are but 50 percent of the in the race of fashions. We are degrading our endustries, the fashion insupposed to be the main waste from washrooms vironment to make our life comfy and fashiondustry is also one of the can’t be recycled which able. if we are going to go on usin these reasons for environasset of a nation, are more flows with water beautifying chemical items at the same rate, our mental havoc. During through drains and rivers and oceans will be completely filled with the last year, a special obsessed by fashions and rivers and ultimately non-recyclable waste in the near future and the report was issued by their ultimate goal in life has finds its place in the earth United Nations in one will become uninhabitable. Consciousness oceans. Further, 27 bil- and awareness is necessary for saving our enviof its conferences statbecome to follow the lion plastic bottles reach ronment from degradation in the craze of fashion. ing that the fashion inunwinnable race of fashion. the oceans yearly while There is a need of change in the business model dustry is one of the more than 120 billion of the fashion industry. Textile and other products main culprits responsiThe latest fashions are plastic products are need to be recycled and reused. Similarly, minible for climate change.

According to the report, diverting the minds of youth. manufactured by indus- mum or no plastic products should be used in tries.

Surprisingly facewashes and other beautifying items. As long two thousand gallons of They are focusing more on enough, 85 percent of as our life style does not change and we go on water are wasted for the plastic in the world following the latest fashion trends, the fashion preparing just one pair fashions than their careers is used by fashion in- industry will keep producing items harmful for of jeans which is suffiand livelihoods. God has set dustries. One hundred our environment. So there is a need to change our cient for seven years and ninety thousands behavior, indeed our entire lifestyle, in order to need of an individual, a limit on every process of tons of plastic are used save our environment from degradation. Above while the fashion inby the fashion industry all, the government authorities should formulate dustry uses 93 billion the universe. yearly and it is expected strict laws for manufacturing industries in accorgallons of water yearly that 12 billion tons of dance with the environment protection guidewhich can fulfill the waste will be thrown on lines. We should not follow the fashion trends at need of five million the earth by fashion in- the cost of our existence. people. The world over, fashion industries contribute a total of 20 percent dustries by 2050. According to the statistical numof effluents which are harmful to water bodies. bers of world leading environmental institutions, The writer can be reached at According to the report, eight percent of green- more than 10,000 chemicals are used in the prepa- rather1294@gmail.com

Being fashionable can harm the environment

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eDUCATiON was a right but today, it has turned into a luxury that only the rich can afford. The situation of governmental schools in Pakistan is an open secret. The private schools can’t be afforded by impoverished ones. lately, the solution due to the increase in Covid-19 was online classes that itself is a problem in Pakistan. Many areas in Pakistan lack internet, many students lack gadgets, many institutions lack proper equipment and load shedding is another issue over here. Therefore, i request the concerned authorities to make education a priority and make sure every child gets the right of education. afroz MJ TurBaT

Ghalib or Faraz?

The Federal Minister for information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz, while criticizing the opposition, tweeted “ Jiski Bahaar Ye ho Phir Uski Khizan Na Pooch”, “ Whose Spring is this, then do not ask for its Autumn” literally, this poetry was written by Mirza Ghalib but the respected sir named it to his father, Ahmad Faraz.

By this, i recalled my memories. Gone are the days, when i often quoted poetry of such legendary personalities and took credit with pride! asif Murad uMrani Karachi

Political maturity needed OUR political leaders have not learned any lessons from their past follies, and they continue to indulge in dislodging the sitting government in the name of democracy. The coronavirus and bad policies have had a devastating effect on the economy causing excruciating inflation among other things.

Without money, there can neither be development nor a reduction in inflation. The politicians on both sides, in the government as well as the opposition, seem oblivious to the fact that strengthening an economy requires consistent policies, hard work, and continuity in work, which is only possible through collaboration on some basic principles. On the contrary, any party that comes to power in our country wants to start everything from scratch ignoring any work done by the past government. This lack of continuity has put us in an unending loop where we keep restating everything every few years. Our leaders do not seem to believe in the concept that today’s decisions are determined by our actions in the past. The PDM consists of those parties which ruled the country not once or twice, but thrice. They need to introspect their actions, mend their faults, vow not to repeat them in the future. The leaders ought to believe that no one is immune to human oddities and no one is better than the other, at the time of reckoning. Making this as their agenda, the leaders need to hold a national dialogue, proposed by Mian Shahbaz Shareef to take the country out of the crisis we are in. Mere abusing one another for past failures means nothing. raJa shafaaTullah islaMaBad

White collar criminals We only consider robbers who rob cars, rob bungalows, rob people or commit crimes but this is not true. in fact, bandits are the ones who are whitewashing the country in high positions, and they are like termites that are hollowing out the country.

There are many such social evils in our society, in the shape of respectable and well disciplined personalities, but in real they are literate criminal and the big cause of collapse in country, look at the different departments, every one is indulged of corruption and bribe. The real criminals are these kind of peoples who are breaking the backbone of the country, very unfortunately to say, that if you have to take work from any department or any office, you must be belong to a wealthy or resourceful family, otherwise it’s very difficult for you to get your work completed. So the real actions should be taken against such termites otherwise they will destroy the nation and we will be hopeless and also shameless. siraJ ahMed aBBasi KashMore

Women and public transport i wish to draw the attention of your readers and the official on a very serious matter. As is commonly observed our public buses have inadequate space for women to sit in the space provided for them on public transport. Mainly it is because there is not much space in the ladies compartment. On an average not more than 8 ladies can sit comfortably in the space provided. Secondly, ladies usually have small children and they also take up face in the ladies section. Then at times the whole bus is full and men come and sit in the ladies area which is very disturbing for ladies. it is requested through this letter that the traffic police and the bus companies themselves should look into this matter and provide our comfortable journey to the lady passengers. zaiBunnisa Karachi

Friday, 18 December, 2020

08 WORLD VIEW

Spy agencieS explore alternativeS to working from home MOST OFFICE EMPLOYEES ARE USED TO REMOTE WORK BUT INTELLIGENCE-GATHERING IS NOT EASILY DONE FROM THE KITCHEN TABLE

Financial Times

o

HELEN WARRELL

n a visit to the UK spy agency MI5 earlier this month, I was surprised to see an office filled with people. As I was escorted through the building, staff streamed through corridors. We had to wait for a free lift. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Financial Times’s newsroom has

been nearly empty and eerily quiet. In MI5’s headquarters, I remembered the hum of colleagues in conversation.

Spying, it turns out, cannot be done from home. Most office employees have become used to remote working but intelligencegathering — conducted in secure buildings, heavily defended against outside signals or unwanted surveillance — can’t easily be relocated to the kitchen table.

As a result, the majority of MI5 staff still make the daily commute to Thames House, an austere stone-fronted building down the river from Westminster, even in lockdown.

The agency, which is following safety measures, is a useful case study for Covid-19 transmission in workplaces. Public Health England is providing onsite testing facilities and conducting research there.

The biggest hurdle is maintaining dis-

tancing within teams working on active operations, who need to be in constant contact, and these essential staff are mostly in the office. But officials in MI5, and sister agencies MI6 and GCHQ, say the challenge of working safely has led to changes.

Some employees work split shifts to minimise contact — a tactic deployed by counterparts at US spy agencies. Others divide the week between meetings (which they can travel to from home, with a bit of counter-surveillance on the way) and filing classified reports, which has to be done from a secure building. Admin can sometimes be done remotely. The pandemic has also accelerated work on encrypted communication systems to allow spies to talk to each other securely from outside the office.

Sue Gordon, former deputy director of US national intelligence, who spent 27 years in the

russia’s secret organisations are not secret anymore. it seems they don’t care WHAT HAS BECOME CLEAR IS THAT TO EXPECT THE KREMLIN OR ITS SECRET SERVICES TO BE EMBARRASSED WHEN THEY ARE UNMASKED IS TO MISCALCULATE GREATLY

mOscOw Times

t

ANdREi SoLdAtov ANd iRiNA BoRogAN

HERE seems to be a global shift in the secret services world these days — the Russian organizations are not that secret anymore. They do conduct secret operations, but then they routinely and inevitably get exposed — the rank-and-file members involved, the departments in charge and the substances and technologies they use, at home or abroad. This has become a common practice for many of the Kremlin’s supposedly secret and sensitive operations, in cases from cyberattacks to poisonings. And the Kremlin and secret services seem to have adjusted to this new reality just fine.

The Bellingcat unmasking of the Federal Security Service (FSB) operatives involved in the navalny operation and the follow up makes this very clear. The report provides detailed information about a number of FSB operatives involved in shadowing navalny.

It also exposed the role of the nII-2, one of two main FSB research facilities intimately involved in the FSB’s navalny operation.

This information made a crucial contribution to our understanding of what happened to navalny in August, though some key elements of the operation remain murky, particularly the chain of command. Because the nII-2 is a research facility, not an operational unit, there should be some unit in Lubyanka headquarters to coordinate a team with the FSB’s numerous regional departments and update the group with intelligence on the navalny team’s movements provided by local surveillance teams.

In combination with Bellingcat’s previous report on the GRU units and people involved in the Skripal poisonings in Britain, it paints a pretty damning picture of the Russian secret services’ poisoning program. But what became clear some years ago is that to expect the Kremlin or the secret services to be embarrassed is to miscalculate greatly. In 2015, U.S. intelligence and law enforcement applied a “naming and shaming” policy to Chinese hackers, exposing the names and the unit affiliation of the Chinese intelligence agencies involved in hacking in the U.S. It was a revolutionary move in comparison with the traditional responses of passing on a message via diplomatic channels or expelling diplomats. The next year, the naming and shaming tactic was applied to Russian hackers caught inside the Democratic national Committee systems on the eve of the 2016 U.S. election.

The strategy had some effect – in September 2015 the Chinese came to an agreement with the Obama administration to stop industrial cyber espionage (the agreement lasted for two years); in Russia, the FSB cyber unit was purged, losing on the way its head, two deputies and a number of officers.

But in two years it became clear that the attackers had found a way to adjust. When the Skripals were poisoned in Britain and information about the true identities of the attackers — officers from Russia’s military intelligence — was duly exposed, it didn’t have the same deterrent effect as it had on the Chinese hackers. Russia’s military intelligence showed no signs of slowing down and no internal purge followed.

There are two ways to adjust to this new transparent world: You can increase the professionalism of your secret agents, which is an expensive and long-term effort. Or you can start using the kind of operatives whose lack of training combines with toughness, no-questions-asked loyalty and adventurism. Accidentally, Russian military intelligence found itself with large numbers of the second type of operative in the mid-2010s. There was a reason for that: Under Dmitry Medvedev’s presidency, the Defense Ministry went through reforms resulting in, among other things, the downgrading and reduction in numbers of its intelligence branch the GRU. The GRU was so humiliated that it even lost one of the letters, becoming just GU — GlavnoyeUpravlenie, or Main Directorate. Putin reinstated its traditional name a few years later).

When Putin returned to the Kremlin in 2012, his Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was determined to get the GRU back on its feet. For that, the GRU needed more people, but where to get these new people from? The only source of recruits available was the special forces.

These were tough guys — brutal, brave and ready to kill, but by no means intelligence operatives. It was these kind of operatives who were assigned to the operation in Salisbury, and they changed the modus operandi of Russian intelligence.

They get caught red-handed but they are not afraid of that, and that provided the Kremlin with a sort of protection from the new world of transparency. Unlike traditional spies, this lot are not afraid of being exposed, or expelled from the country. They have no exalted positions in an embassy to fear losing. They don’t ask questions about the operation because they live in a world with no difference between war and peace, so no questions about collateral damage either. The training for this kind of operative is cheap, and the supply of potential recruits plentiful.

Putin, an intelligence officer by training, understands this well.

Besides, if you are dealing with a country already accused of so many things, from downing a civilian plane to invading a neighboring country, another accusation won’t change much and could have a liberating effect. The accusations might be even used for internal purposes to paint the country as a besieged fortress facing an incessant information offensive from hostile foreign powers. That the secret services became so adventurous also has an educational and intimidating effect. Almost all the people we talked to while researching our book “The Compatriots” — from an oligarch-in-exile in London to a highly connected priest in Moscow — mentioned novichok. They all understood that the rules have changed, again. So the Kremlin was not as furious after the failure in Salisbury as most experts expected it to be.

The GRU was apparently first to grasp this new reality, and the FSB followed suit. The FSB is in a perfect position to do so. It has large human resources at its disposal, operatives in regional departments who don’t have the bad habit of questioning orders.

Lubyanka also has a new generation of operatives in its Moscow headquarters, officers in their late 30s and 40s who didn’t witness the collapse of the KGB but have been trained and spent a significant part of their careers under one president who never ever wavered in his support for the FSB. So how can one expose somebody who is not afraid of exposure?

Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan are co-authors of “The Compatriots: The Brutal and Chaotic History of Russia's Exiles, Émigrés, and Agents Abroad.”Andrei Soldatov is a Russian investigative journalist and Russian security services expert.

CIA, hopes Covid-19 will encourage more radical thinking. The US intelligence community, she says, has long mulled over how to employ people usefully during the one to two years it takes them to get security clearance to work inside the agencies. There are also questions about whether publicly available information can be analysed outside secure offices.

“I think we’ve needed to change for the past five years, but because there was no crisis we could always defer action . . . As tragic and as difficult as it is, Covid presents an incredible opportunity to do what we need to.”

Ms Gordon believes that agencies have so far had the “luxury” of being able to work at the highest level of secrecy even when not strictly necessary. But they may now be forced to emerge from the bunker.

One striking development has been the increasing usefulness of open source intelligence, from satellite imagery to flight tracking. The investigative website Bellingcat has used these methods to remarkable effect, revealing this week how the Russian secret service shadowed opposition leader Alexei navalny for several years, including in the days leading up to his poisoning with a deadly nerve agent in Siberia.

UK intelligence officials have been considering for some time how they can operate more openly. GCHQ, traditionally the most secret of the UK agencies, launched a new branch in central Manchester earlier this year with a floor designed for public access so spies can collaborate more easily with the tech industry and academics. Located in a shared building, the office still has a top-secret area. But it is intended to mark a move towards a more relaxed, “campus-style” of work, with spies wandering between classified and unclassified spaces. not only does the model encourage collaboration but, if combined with more secure remote working, it could also help recruit a more diverse cohort of intelligence officers who do not want to be based in the south east. A more open approach may help spies to operate more nimbly in future. But Ms Gordon warns that those pushing for change will face opposition. “The intelligence community has got to work out how to manage both new technologies and new ways of working,” she says. “But I think there will be a fierce fight from institutionalists, especially if a vaccine lets us go back to working as we used to.”

how to ensure vips don't receive special treatment on vaccine RUDY GIULIANI ISN'T THE FIRST MEMBER OF THE TRUMP TEAM WHO APPEARS TO HAVE RECEIVED SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR COVID-19 Usa TODaY

i

EditoRiAL BoARd

n the four days that former new York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was treated for COVID-19 at Georgetown University Hospital last week, more than 7,000 Americans died from the disease.

Yet Giuliani, who is now President Donald Trump's personal attorney, was healthy enough to call WABC Radio from the hospital to make an appalling assertion: “If it wasn’t me, I wouldn’t have been put in a hospital frankly.”

“Sometimes when you’re a celebrity, they’re worried if something happens to you; they’re going to examine it more carefully and do everything right," Giuliani added, unconsciously echoing his client's famous Access Hollywood tape assertion that "when you're a star ... you can do anything."

Life-and-death situations bring out the best in some people and the worst in others, particularly those who would emulate the men who tried to elbow aside the women and children when the Titanic was sinking and the lifeboats were filling. The coronavirus has already taken a disproportionate toll on lower-income people who can't work from home, and blatant favoritism in treatment is a recipe for social unrest.

Giuliani, 76, said he was given the antiviral medication remdesivir, which has been in short supply in recent months, and dexamethasone, a corticosteroid. It's unclear if he received a monoclonal antibody, which has had limited availability since the Food and Drug Administration approved it for emergency use last month.

A hospital spokeswoman, citing privacy laws in declining to discuss Giuliani's case, told us that no patients get preferential treatment. But Giuliani isn't the first member of Team Trump who appears to have received therapies that are largely unavailable to other mortals.

Former new Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who was admitted to intensive care for seven days, said he was treated with remdesivir and Eli Lilly's monoclonal antibody therapy. Last month, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson said the president approved him to receive

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' monoclonal antibody. And, of course, Trump himself received an experimental antibody cocktail when he was hospitalized at Walter Reed with COVID-19.

At the same time, a Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy report cited shortages of critical drugs needed to treat COVID patients as the pandemic's second wave began to build this fall. So, as hospitals across the country are overwhelmed with COVID patients and deaths have topped 300,000, it appears to pay to be a member of the president's inner circle.

We're glad that Trump and his associates recovered quickly. But the perception of VIP treatment for the rich, famous and powerful — particularly people who ostentatiously flouted health guidelines such as mask wearing — feeds public cynicism about the nation's health care system.

The issue is especially relevant as the first round of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is distributed this week.

Bioethicists already have expressed concerns that doses of the vaccine will be siphoned to the well-to-do and the well-connected — and away from the frontline medical workers and nursing home residents who are supposed to receive the initial vaccinations.

Some medical institutions have put in place procedures to ensure that medications in short supply are distributed fairly. The new York University School of Medicine and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, for example, created a Compassionate Use Advisory Committee to review requests for experimental drugs.

But Leonard Fleck, acting director of the Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences at Michigan State University, says it largely falls on doctors and nurses to object if they think a patient is receiving special treatment because of wealth or status. That's a difficult stand to take if it's a hospital executive, a big donor or a crony of the president who's pushing for VIP care. "It's where moral courage comes in," Fleck says.

With courage and trust in as short a supply as monoclonal antibodies are these days, it's up to brave health care professionals to ensure that the treatment you get is based on fair criteria, not on who you know.

Friday, 18 December, 2020

Business 09 CORPORATE CORNER

MOC FInAlly SUBMITS FIvE-yEAR TExTIlE POlICy TO ECC FOR APPROvAl MINISTRY PROPOSES INCENTIVES WORTH RS950BN; EXPORT TARGET OF $21BN PER ANNUM ISLAMABAD

KARACHI: Xenith Public Relations (Pvt) Ltd., a leading PR agency in Pakistan and an affiliate of Fleishman Hillard, has been accorded with the “Best PR Agency Award” at the Biz Today Business Awards 2020.

Jazz expresses grief over demise of Rashid Khan ISLAMABAD: Jazz has expressed grief over the demise of Rashid Khan, the company’s former CEO. Expressing his deepest condolences, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, Jazz, said, “Rashid Khan was a wonderful human being and a thorough professional. In this loss, we experience the grief one feels for a father figure who often went off the beaten track and paved a new path where none existed before. May God grant strength to his loved ones.” Being a renowned corporate leader and a stalwart of the telecommunications industry, Rashid Khan leaves a legacy of kindness. His contributions to the industry and the overall corporate sector were both long and profound. PR

Engro Fertilizers wins big at APEA 2020 KARACHI: Engro Fertilizers Ltd has been honoured with the prestigious Corporate Excellence Award at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2020. Out of 16 nominations from all over Asia for the Corporate Excellence Award in the manufacturing industry, Engro Fertilizers was selected as the first and the only company winner of the prestigious award from Pakistan.

According to Nadir Salar Qureshi, CEO of Engro Fertilizers, “This award is dedicated to the persistent hard work and efforts of our teams, who have always shown an outstanding commitment to achieving high quality results by adopting global best practices and ensuring sustainability at the heart of our operations.” PR

Another $1bn of Saudi debt paid as Beijing comes to rescue Islamabad Pakistan has returned second instalment of $1 billion of the $3 billion loan given by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia much ahead of schedule, mainly due to pressure from Riyadh, albeit no side officially confirms it. This came possible after China agreed to provide another $1 billion financing line to Pakistan for the second time in this year. Earlier this year, Pakistan repaid $1 billion to KSA in the first quarter of the current fiscal year with China's help. With the latest repayment, Pakistan has so far repaid $2 billion out of the total $3 billion debt. The last tranche of $1 billion will be repaid next month. In late 2018, Saudi Arabia had given Pakistan a $3 billion loan and a $3.2 billion oil credit facility. The money had been deposited in State Bank of Pakistan on December 15, 2018 with a three years maturity period. So far, increased remittances helped Islamabad avoid an eruption of a full-fledged balance of payments crisis as remittances from abroad remained over $2 billion in the last five months. Pakistan returned the instalment of the Saudi loan after getting a commercial loan from China. After repayment of the second instalment, the country’s foreign exchange reserves stand at $13.3 billion. NEWS DESK

‘PTC to set up BPO hub for Asia Pacific, Middle East in Pakistan’ ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC), which is a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, has announced to establish its business process outsourcing (BPO) hub in Pakistan, which will be used to cater the markets of Asia Pacific and Middle East region. "I am excited to share with you all that Pakistan Tobacco Company has announced its plan to set up a BPO organization hub in Pakistan to serve Asia Pacific and Middle East region," Adviser to Prime Minister on Trade and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood informed in a statement on Thursday. Dawood said that the upcoming BPO hub has the potential to create over 3,000 jobs over the next five years, and will also serve as a talent incubator, besides enabling Pakistan to become a services export market and bringing approximately $100 million foreign exchange earnings per annum.

"I wish to thank British American Tobacco and PTC for placing confidence in Pakistan. TLTP

T

GHULAM ABBAS

HE Ministry of Commerce, after revising the initial draft, has finally submitted the Textile Policy 2020-25 to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet for approval.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had last month approved the five-year textile policy for onward submission to the ECC. However, the ministry was unable to oblige due to undisclosed reasons.

According to sources, the draft policy, prepared by the textile division of the ministry, would now be discussed in the upcoming meetings of ECC.

Under the new draft of five-year textile policy, the target of textile exports by 2025 has been set at $21 billion. The division also recommended provision of electricity to the sector at 7.5/kWh cents; RLNG at $6.5 per mmBtu; and domestic gas at Rs786 per mmBtu. Other incentives in the proposed policy include unchanged Long-Term Financing Facility (LTFF) and Export Financing Scheme (EFS) rates; review of LTFF and refinance scheme for SMEs and indirect exporters; and launch of Brand Development Fund.

The proposed policy has been formulated to reduce the input cost of the textile and clothing sector and to make it competitive with regional players,

documents read.

Under the policy, facilities/incentives worth around Rs950 billion would be provided to the textile sector. The impact of electricity at cents 7.5/kWh (all inclusive) is estimated to be Rs250 billion; RLNG -- Rs111 billion; DLTL for textiles and apparel products -Rs400 billion; 5pc LTFF -- Rs75 billion; and 3pc EFS -- Rs109 billion.

Of the $21 billion target, $16.294 billion has been set for value added sector while $4.571 billion for textile sector. According to the draft policy, customs duty drawback rates would be revised, as the government is committed to revitalising Pakistan Textile City Limited and Karachi Garment City Limited.

Pakistan gets foreign loans worth $4.5bn in five months GROSS LOANS DURING JULY-NOV FY21 WERE EQUAL TO 37PC OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET ESTIMATE OF $12.23BN ISLAMABAD SHAHZAD PARACHA

The federal government has borrowed $4.499 billion from multiple financing sources during the JulyNovember period of the current fiscal year (2020-21).

According to data available with this scribe, the government's borrowing has now reached 37pc of the FY21 budget estimates of $12.23 billion. In the corresponding period of fiscal year 2019-20, the borrowing stood at $3.10 billion, which was around 24pc of the annual budgeted amount of $12.95 billion.

As per the documents, the total receipt of $4.499 billion constituted

$1.3 billion or 29pc as programme/budgetary support assistance to restructure Pakistan’s economy; $1.62 billion (36pc) as foreign commercial borrowing to repay maturing foreign commercial loans; $518 million (12pc) as assistance to finance development projects; $60 million (1pc) as short-term credit; and $1 billion (22pc) as safe deposits.

Meanwhile, bilateral and multilateral development partners disbursed $1.87 billion of foreign economic assistance during JulyNovember FY21, as against the budgetary allocation of $5.81 billion, on concessional terms with longer maturity.

Among the multilateral development partners, Asian Development Bank provided $712 million, while World Bank disbursed $694 million. From bilateral sources, France, USA and China provided $33.4 million, $63.8 million and $21.8 million, respectively.

On the other hand, total servicing of external public debt during July-October FY21 was recorded at $2.45 billion against the annual repayment estimates of $10.36 billion for the entire fiscal year. Of the total, $2.03 billion (83pc) was repaid as principal while $415 million (18pc) was repaid as interest on the outstanding stock of external public debt.

PM appoints former Silicon Valley, IBM executive as STZA chairperson ISLAMABAD APP

Prime Minister Imran Khan has appointed Amer Ahmed Hashmi as chairperson for the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA).

According to the ordinance passed on Dec 2 for the establishment of Special Technology Zones Authority, the new authority will focus on the growth of scientific and technological ecosystem in the country, primarily by fostering the development of technology zones and high-tech industrial parks, thereby contributing to the acceleration of the evolution of the national system of innovation.

Headquartered in Islamabad, the federal body will help promote the global competitiveness of the domestic technology sector, as well as provide institutional and legislative support to attract foreign direct investments in the high-tech sector.

The prime minister would serve as the president of the Board of Governors of the STZ Authority.

As a global strategist, IT executive, and entrepreneur, Amer Hashmi possesses diverse global experience in organizational leadership with companies like IBM and MCI Systemhouse. He was the founding CEO of Si3 – Pakistan’s pioneering technology outsourcing firm that helped stimulate IT systems integration in public and private organizations in Pakistan. His work has been featured in Forbes Asia, Businessweek & Financial Times UK. Hashmi spent the last 10 years building a knowledge ecosystem in his capacity as Advisor and Chief Strategy Officer at National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST). He was also the Chairman of Executive Committee of NUST Science & Technology Park and founding President of the Global Think Tank Network (GTTN).

Hashmi is a graduate of York University, Toronto, and has been trained in several technical and specialized programs including executive leadership on ‘Innovation for Economic Development’ from Harvard’s Kennedy School of government.

In addition, mass level training programmes would be launched, especially on industrial stitching, whereas textile marketing strategy would be reviewed.

It may be noted that the country's first ever e-commerce policy is under implementation phase, which would provide an open access to textiles and apparel manufacturers/exporters to tap available business opportunities across the globe. Amazon has already started registering Pakistan manufacturers and exporters, including textile millers.

As per the draft textile policy, the government would offer incentives for international buying offices opening their offices in the country. "Incentives will be offered to encourage women employment in the textile and garment sectors. Moreover, labor laws will also be reviewed to facilitate women’s entry into the job markets," the document read.

Uber launches new delivery interface in Pakistan NEWS DESK Uber in Pakistan has announced the launch of Uber Connect, a delivery tech solution that enables users to send/receive packages and request for deliveries through the Uber app. The additional service will further support the growing community of customers and drivers who have come to depend on the technology company, especially as the country deals with a second Covid-19 wave. Uber Connect is the new interface of Uber Delivery that was launched earlier this year in Pakistan, in response to newer consumer demands generated under countrywide lockdown measures. In comparison, Uber Connect is a more refined and diverse new delivery product which will offer two types of services: one where users can send packages to and from friends and family, and the second one is a stop and shop service like delivery, where drivers can pick up deliveries on behalf of the users from nearby stores and pharmacies. Saad Naveed Pall, General Manager at Uber Pakistan said, “Pakistan is among a handful of countries across Middle East and Africa to launch Uber Connect, based on the success of our delivery service earlier this year. We are proud to be able to use our technological expertise and innovation to design new services that not only bring convenience to the users, but also offer better economic opportunities for drivers.

SHC restricts FIA from taking action against cryptocurrency owners The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued on Thursday a show-cause notice to Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing deputy director regarding action it has been taking against cryptocurrency owners. A division bench of the SHC restrained FIA from taking further action in this regard. “Why is the agency taking action when it has no jurisdiction to do so,” the court questioned, expressing displeasure over FIA’s action against people with Bitcoins. The court has also directed the FIA deputy director to appear in a personal capacity at the next hearing to explain his position. NEWS DESK

MARKET DAILY

Bull-run continues as index gains 406 points KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Bullish run at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued unabated on Thursday, as equities rallied all day long to help the index post significant gains.

Global equity markets also showed a positive trend, whereas crude oil prices inched further up from the previous close; WTI crude price rising 0.42pc to $48.03 while Brent crude price appreciating 0.33pc to $51.25 (at 3:49pm PST).

"The market traded in the positive for the entire session, mainly on the

back of a consistent increase in international crude oil prices, helping OGDC and PPL ramp up significant trading volumes. Among others, fertilizers performed well on the back of input tax adjustment, whereas late rally in HBL saw the banking sector gain reasonable territory," a report issued by Arif Habib Ltd read.

SUMMARY: The benchmark KSE100 Index remained in the green throughout the day, registering intraday high at 43,793.22 (+433.03 points). It settled higher by 406.50 points at 43,766.69.

Among other indices, the KMI-30

CMYK

Index accumulated 1,032.48 points to end at 71,747.61, while the KSE All Share Index added 295.67 points, closing at 30,674.64.

The overall market volumes increased from 433.00 million shares in the previous session to 497.50 million shares (+15pc). Average traded value also rose by 5pc, from $133.5 million to $140.8 million. Pak Elektron Ltd (PAEL +5.39pc), Pakistan Refinery Ltd (PRL +4.29pc) and K-Electric Ltd (KEL +4.92pc) led the volume chart, exchanging 30.35 million, 23.92 million and 15.48 million shares, respectively.

Sectors that painted the bench-

mark index green included banking (+91.19 points), oil & gas exploration (+64.80 points) and fertilizer (+61.01 points). Among the companies, Habib Bank Ltd (HBL +44.20 points), Pak Petroleum Ltd (PPL +32.33 points) and Engro Corporation Ltd (ENGRO +26.75 points) remained the top contributors.

Adding 3.99pc to its cumulative market capitalization, the refinery sector ended as the session's top performer, with Attock Refinery Ltd (ATRL +7.43pc), Pakistan Refinery Ltd (PRL +7.38pc) and National Refinery Ltd (NRL +7.50pc) accumulating decent gains.

Friday, 18 December, 2020

10 FOREIGN NEWS

TURkEy says Will noT REvERsE RUssian s-400s PURChasE dEsPiTE Us sanCTions ANKARA AGENCIES

Turkey will not reverse its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems and will take reciprocal steps after evaluating US sanctions imposed over the acquisition, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions targeting fellow NATO member Turkey’s Defence Industry Directorate (SSB), its chief, Ismail Demir, and three

other staff for buying the S-400s.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday the sanctions were a “hostile attack” against Turkey’s defence industry, and were bound to fail. Cavusoglu said Turkey’s response would be shaped by a review being carried out by the defence sector, along with the foreign and justice ministries, into the impact of the sanctions.

“We will surely take our steps in line with these,” he told broadcaster Kanal 24.

“It is not important whether the sanctions are soft or harsh, sanctions in themselves are

wrong,” he said. “Looking at the content of the sanctions, these are not measures that will shake us to the core or impact us very much.” Turkey says it bought the S-400s out of necessity as it was unable to get defence systems from a NATO ally on satisfactory terms. “If there was to be a step back, it would have happened by now,” Cavusoglu said. The United States says the S-400s pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and to NATO’s broader defence systems. Turkey rejects this and says S-400s will not be integrated into NATO.

Speaking to the state-owned Anadolu news agency, SSB Chairman Ismail Demir played down the impact of the measures, saying they did not affect existing contracts, and covered only a limited number of Turkish companies.

“For instance, a company where the SSB hold a majority stake may be impacted, but there are close to no such firms. There are no such firms on critical projects,” he said.

The sanctions come at a delicate moment in fraught relations between Ankara and Washington as Democratic President-

elect Joe Biden gears up to take office on January 20, replacing Republican incumbent Donald Trump. Asked whether ties could normalise under Biden, Cavusoglu said Washington must address Turkey’s opposition to US support for Syrian Kurdish fighters, and Ankara’s request to extradite a US-based cleric it accuses of organising a 2016 coup attempt.

“If the United States thinks strategically, they need Turkey very much. They say this, but they must do what is necessitated by this,” he said.

Russia's Putin blames Washington for starting new arms race MOSCOW AGENCIES

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday blamed the United States for starting a new arms race, saying Moscow had been forced to develop hypersonic weapons in response. Responding to a question about the risk of a new arms race, Putin told his annual news conference: “It happened already, and this is obvious.” Putin earlier urged Washington to agree a one-year extension of the New START treaty, the last remaining agreement maintaining the nuclear balance between the two countries, which expires in February. He said he believed US President-elect Joe Biden was open to dialogue on the issue, but “we need some reaction from our American partners”. The New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) accord, signed in 2010, limits the numbers of strategic nuclear warheads, missiles and bombers that Russia and the United States can deploy.

Snowmaker Guy Arnaud checks the quality of snow made by the machine during his shift, before the official opening of the Alpine ski resort of Verbier, in Verbier, Switzerland. AGENCIES

New agreement needed to revive Iran nuclear deal under Biden, IAEA chief says VIENNA AGENCIES

Reviving Iran’s nuclear deal under US President-elect Joe Biden would require striking a new agreement setting out how Iran’s breaches should be reversed, UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said.

Biden, who takes office on January 20, has said the United States will rejoin the deal “if Iran resumes strict compliance” with the agreement that imposed strict curbs on its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of sanctions. After President Donald Trump quit the deal and reimposed US sanctions, Iran responded by breaching many of the deal’s restrictions.

Tehran says it could quickly reverse those steps if Washington first lifts its sanctions. In an interview with

Reuters, Grossi, who heads the International Atomic Energy Agency that polices Iran’s compliance, said there had been too many breaches for the agreement to simply snap back into place. “I cannot imagine that they are going simply to say, ‘We are back to square one’ because square one is no longer there,” Grossi said at IAEA headquarters.

“It is clear that there will have to be a protocol or an agreement or an understanding or some ancillary document which will stipulate clearly what we do,” he said.

“There is more (nuclear) material, ... there is more activity, there are more centrifuges, and more are being announced. So what happens with all this? This is the question for them at the political level to decide.”

Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium is more than 2.4 tonnes, 12 times the cap set by the deal, though still far below the more than eight tonnes Iran had before

signing it. Iran has been enriching uranium up to 4.5 per cent purity, above the deal’s 3.67 per cent limit though below the 20 per cent it achieved before the deal. Iran is enriching uranium in places where it is not allowed under the deal, such as at Fordow, a site dug into a mountain.

More recently it has started enriching with advanced centrifuges at its underground plant at Natanz, where the deal says it can use only first-generation IR-1 machines.

“What I see is that we’re moving full circle back to December 2015,” Grossi said, referring to the month before the deal’s restrictions were put in place, after which large amounts of material and equipment were swiftly removed. “If they want to do it (comply), they could do it pretty fast. But for all of those things we had a charted course,” he said.

Top EU court finds Hungary guilty of breaking asylum rules BRUSSELS AGENCIES

Hungary has broken EU laws on protecting vulnerable migrants and refugees by denying them a right to apply for asylum and forcibly deporting people to the Serbian border, the Court of Justice of the European Union said on Thursday.

Hungary said the ruling was moot as it had already closed the transit zones in concern.

The ruling, which legally requires Hungary to change its policy or potentially face fines, is the latest rejection by EU institutions of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s anti-immigration measures since a migration crisis in 2015.

“The court holds that Hungary has failed to fulfil its obligation to ensure effective access to the procedure for granting international protection,” the EU’s highest court said in a statement.

It rejected the Hungarian government’s position that the migration crisis, when millions of people fled the Middle East and North Africa for Europe, was a justification for breaching EU rules in the name of public order.

During the peak of the crisis, Orban ordered Hungary’s southern border to be sealed, blocking a route for hundreds of thousands of migrants and trapping people in so-called migrant transit zones on its borders until May this year.

Orban has built much of his political ideology around a strong anti-immigration stance. He vetoed a 1.85 trillion euro ($2.26 trillion) budget and recovery package for the EU earlier this month because he said it would have forced Hungary to accept migrants it did not want. Justice Minister Judit Varga said in a Facebook post that the EU court’s ruling was “devoid of purpose” with the camps closed. She added Hungary maintained strict border control.

“We will continue to protect the borders of Hungary and Europe and will do everything we can to prevent the formation of international migrant corridors.

Hungary will only be Hungarian... as long as its borders remain intact. Therefore, not only our thousandyear-old statehood but also the future of our children obliges us to protect our borders.”

In a ruling in May, the court said the migrant zones were essentially illegal detention centres, forcing Hungary to close them.

The court also found in Thursday’s ruling that Hungary was wrong to forcibly expel non-EU nationals into Serbia, which is not a member of the EU, ignoring EU rules and guarantees.

As it closed the camps, Hungary hardened rules to bar future asylum applicants, contending it borders “safe countries” where they faced no violence so international law did not mandate Budapest to allow them to enter Hungary.

EU extends economic sanctions on Russia for another six months BRUSSELS AGENCIES

The European Union prolonged on Thursday its economic sanctions on Russia for its intervention in Ukraine by another six months, the bloc’s council of governments said in a statement. The EU hit Russia’s energy, financial and arms sectors over Moscow’s role in the conflict in Ukraine, and prolonged them repeatedly as the Kremlin vows not to return the Crimea peninsula to Kyiv and a frozen conflict has taken hold in Ukraine’s east. The sanctions will be formally prolonged until July 31, 2021, with leaders considering the next rollover in June.

Prominent Ukrainian politician dies from Covid-19 complications KYIV AGENCIES

One of Ukraine’s best known veteran politicians, Gennady Kernes, died in Germany in the early hours of Thursday from complications caused by the coronavirus, local authorities and members of his family said. Mayor of the largest eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, Kernes, 61, went into politics after making his fortune in the post-communist 1990s. After protesters toppled proMoscow Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014, he supported calls for Kharkiv to become independent from Kyiv’s pro-European leaders. In 2014, Kernes, one of Ukraine’s most prominent Jewish politicians, was shot in the back by an unknown assailant. After the assassination attempt, he used a wheelchair. He contracted coronavirus in September, and was later moved to a German hospital.

Friday, 18 December, 2020

MOhAMMAd AMir rETirEs FrOM inTErnATiOnAL crickET LAHORE

P

STAFF REPORT

AKISTAN fast bowler Mohammad Amir on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket. The 28year-old claimed that he could no longer play in an atmosphere where he did not feel welcome in the national team.

Asked if he was leaving the sport altogether, he said: “No, I am not going away from cricket. If you have seen the atmosphere here and the way I have been sidelined, I got a wake-up call when I was not selected in the 35-man squad,” Amir told a private news channel.

“I do not think I can play cricket under this management. I think I should leave cricket this time. I am being tortured mentally. I do not think I can tolerate any more torture now. I have experienced a lot of torture from 2010 to 2015. I was away from the game and sentenced for my mistake. I am being tortured again and again.”

Amir added that the only people who supported him were former captain Shahid

Afridi and former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi. “Sethi and Shahid Afridi were the two people, whom I

Australian Open to start on February 8: ATP MELBOURNE AGENCIES

The Australian Open will start on February 8, three weeks later than scheduled, the ATP Tour said on Thursday in releasing an update of its calendar for 2021 revising the first seven weeks of the season.

The start date of the main draw of the tournament was originally slated for January 18 and Tennis Australia have been locked in drawn-out negotiations with local government over Covid-19 health security measures.

Organisers were still unable to confirm the start date on Thursday.

This year’s Wimbledon tournament was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, while the US and French Opens went ahead with the players confined to biosecure ‘bubbles’, unable to leave their hotel rooms except to train and play.

The state of Victoria on Thursday recorded a 48th straight day without a case of community transmitted Covid-19 but many health restrictions remain in place in Melbourne, and international travel to Australia is still strictly limited.

The ATP said men’s qualifying for the year’s first Grand Slam would take place in Doha from January 10-13 before players relocate to Melbourne to enter quarantine for two weeks.

Players, including reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, had warned organisers against expecting competitors to go straight from quarantine into Grand Slam matches.

The ATP tournament scheduled to take place in Adelaide has been moved to Melbourne to be played in the week commencing January 31 alongside another men’s warm-up tournament in the city.

A shortened version of the ATP Cup men’s team tournament, which made its debut this year in cities around Australia, will take place in Melbourne from February 15 before the Grand Slam begins on the following Monday.

The ATP season will now open with tournaments in Delray Beach, Florida and Antalya in Turkey from January 5-13 before preparations for the trip to Melbourne Park begin.

The Auckland Classic and New York Open will not take place this year, the ATP said, while the Maharashtra Open in India and Rio Open in Brazil will be rescheduled.

“The reconfigured calendar for the start of the 2021 season represents a huge collaborative effort across tennis, under challenging circumstances,” said ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi. “Health and safety will continue to be paramount as we navigate the challenges ahead.”

will thank forever. Both of them supported me at a tough time. I returned after completing the sentence of five years, it is not like

I returned after a year... The rest of the team was no agree to play with me,” he added.

Later, the PCB said Amir had confirmed to Chief Executive Wasim Khan that he had “no desires or intentions of playing international cricket” and should therefore not be considered for selection.

“This is a personal decision of Mohammad Amir, which the PCB respects,” it said in a statement. Amir, who was jailed in 2011 for his part in a spot-fixing scandal, served three months in prison and a five-year ban from all forms of cricket before returning to the national squad in January 2016. He had retired from Test cricket last year to focus on the white-ball game.

After joining the national side, the leftarm bowler had excelled in limited-overs cricket and helped Pakistan to the Champions Trophy title in 2017. But last month, he was dropped from the squad to tour New Zealand.

Amir, who has 259 wickets across all formats, was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers in last year’s 50-overs World Cup in England with 17 wickets, as they missed out on a semi-final spot.

Virat Kohli rescues India in first Test against Australia ADELAIDE AGENCIES

India captain Virat Kohli forged two half-century partnerships to rescue his side against Australia before falling victim to an almighty mix-up on the opening day of the day-night first Test at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

The right-hander sacrificed flair for efficiency in his industrious 74 as the tourists reached 233-6 at stumps after opting to bat in the series opener.

Wriddhiman Saha, on nine, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who is 15 not out, will return on Friday hoping to continue India’s march towards the 300mark. Earlier, Mitchell Starc removed the scoreless Prithvi Shaw with the second delivery of the day and Pat Cummins castled fellow opener Mayank Agarwal (17) later in the opening session to give Australia a strong start to the four-match series.

Cheteshwar Pujara, Australia’s nemesis when India won their first series Down Under two years ago, proved more difficult to dislodge and eked out 43 runs from 160 deliveries before falling to Nathan Lyon. “For a 300-plus total, it’s important to play well in the first two sessions,” Pujara said to explain his dour batting. “The wicket was fresh, the bowlers were fresh, so you could not

play your shots so early... it was important to be patient at that stage.” The usually aggressive Kohli proved he could be an excellent accumulator too as he followed his 68-run partnership with the obdurate Pujara with an 88-run collaboration with deputy Rahane before being sold down the river.

Rahane’s indecision over a single resulted in Kohli being run out after a resolute knock which included eight fours. On a day when boundaries were

scarce against Australia’s disciplined bowling, Kohli had looked determined to make his mark on the series in his only Test before he returns to India for the birth of his first child.

It triggered a mini-collapse with Rahane, who made 42, and Hanuma Vihari (16) joining Kohli in the hut as the hosts struck with the new ball in front of a restricted crowd of 21,000.

All-rounder Cameron Green debuted for Australia in the match.

SPORTS 11 Liverpool go clear at top, Everton beat Leicester LONDON AGENCIES

Roberto Firmino’s 90th-minute header sent Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, whose 11-match unbeaten run came to an end on Wednesday. Tottenham began the night ahead on goal difference and will rue some golden chances after the break but Firmino’s goal sparked joy amongst the 2,000 fans allowed in at Anfield. Theo Walcott scored against his old club for Southampton who moved into third spot with a 1-1 draw at struggling Arsenal who, for the second match running, ended a game with 10 men. Everton backed-up their weekend win over Chelsea to beat fourth-placed Leicester City 2-0 away and move into fifth spot. Sebastien Haller’s stunning bicycle kick secured a 1-1 draw for West ham United at home to Crystal Palace for whom Christian Benteke scored and was later shown a red card. Leeds United struck three times in the last 11 minutes to sink Newcastle United 5-2 at Elland Road. Fulham edged out of the bottom three with a 0-0 draw at home to Brighton and Hove Albion. All eyes were on Anfield though where Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham were to face the biggest test yet of their title credentials against Juergen Klopp’s champions. A fascinating clash of styles ensued with Liverpool dominating possession but Tottenham carving out enough chances to have ended Liverpool’s long unbeaten home run in the Premier League, which now extends to 66 matches. Liverpool went ahead through Mohamed Salah’s deflected effort but Tottenham levelled from their first attack when Son Heung-min raced on to Giovani Lo Celso’s through ball and drilled a shot past Alisson. Tottenham offered more threat after the break and Steven Bergwijn burst through into the box but his shot cannoned off the inside of the upright. Seconds later Harry Kane headed wide from a corner with the goal at his mercy. The visitors paid dearly for their missed chances as Brazilian Firmino sent a bullet header past Hugo Lloris in the final minute of normal time. Mourinho and Klopp had a lengthy discussion after the final whistle with the Spurs boss saying he told his Liverpool counterpart that the “better team did not win”.

“I thought he was joking, but he was not,” Klopp said. Arsenal snapped a run of four successive home league defeats as PierreEmerick Aubameyang cancelled out Walcott’s opener at the Emirates Stadium but the hosts are now six matches without a league win and pressure is growing on manager Mikel Arteta.

He was not helped by a red card for Gabriel after he hauled down Walcott in the 62nd minute. “We showed some resilience and character to hang in there for so long against a really dangerous team,” said Arteta. Everton have rediscovered the form that sent them to the top of the table earlier in the season.

Richarlison gave them a halftime lead and Mason Holgate doubled their advantage after the break. “It has been a good week. We have found consistency defensively and that was the reason for these two results,” Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said. “The season is long but at the moment it is good.” Leeds and Newcastle were locked at 2-2 after 77 minutes but goals from Stuart Dallas, Ezgjan Alioski and a cracker from Jack Harrison secured the points for Marcelo Bielsa’s vibrant side.

From bubble 'prisons' to BLM, cricket confronted reality NEW DELHI AGENCIES

Cricket lost a chunk of the year’s fixtures, including a World Cup which had to be postponed, and players were banished to a life in “luxury prisons” when the game staggered back onto its feet still bearing the scars of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The sweet sound of bat meeting ball fell silent in March when New Zealand were renewing their trans-Tasman rivalry in Australia and the Pakistan Super League Twenty20 competition was nearing its business end. The novel coronavirus outbreak forced players indoors, leaving several cricket boards, including some of the more affluent ones, in the red.

Half a dozen Test series could not be played, creating a calendar logjam and forcing a change to how the finalists for next year’s World Test Championship (WTC) would be determined.

The women’s Twenty20 World Cup, which Meg Lanning’s Australia clinched on March 8 before a record 86,000-plus

crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, had a narrow escape but the men’s tournament was not so lucky.

Even as the pandemic raged on, the governing International Cricket Council (ICC) waited until July before postponing the Australia edition of the tournament to 2022. While the game endured a rare fourmonth lull, boards introduced cost-cutting measures to deal with the pandemic’s financial aftermath.

Several boards, including Cricket Australia, furloughed the lion’s share of their workforce, while the England and Wales Cricket Board narrowly escaped what its chief executive Tom Harrison later described as “financial oblivion”. The ECB postponed the inaugural edition of The Hundred competition, while their players, men and women, accepted pay cuts.

International cricket finally resumed after a 117-day hiatus when England hosted West Indies in a three-Test series in bio-secure venues at Southampton and Manchester in July. This “new normal” of living in isolation and playing behind

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closed doors provided the game with a template to continue in extraordinary circumstances.

While the immediate reaction of the action-starved players was that of relief, the strain of bubble-life soon manifested itself.

England all-rounder Tom Curran pulled out of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia citing bubble fatigue, days after compatriot Tom Banton withdrew from that Twenty20 tournament for the same reason. “It can be quite tough,” South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada said after experiencing bubble life in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the United Arab Emirates.

“You cannot interact. You have basically lost your freedom. It is almost like luxury prisons,” the 25-year-old said in a virtual news conference, another innovation forced by the pandemic.

India captain Virat Kohli said the toll that bubble-hopping takes on a player’s mind should be considered when determining the length of cricket tours. “These things have to be seriously thought about,” said Kohli, who celebrated his

32nd birthday inside the IPL bubble. The IPL, meanwhile, proved a resounding success despite being held in another country and outside its original window with a new title sponsor. However, Covid19 concerns earlier this month burst the bio-secure bubble in South Africa, prompting England to return home after abandoning their ODI series.

Cricket also threw its weight behind the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, with several teams taking the knee.

The ICC, which elected New Zealander Greg Barclay as its new chairman in November, diluted its code of conduct to effectively approve such shows of solidarity for racial equality.

Australia began their summer of cricket with a ‘barefoot circle’ in Sydney in a powerful stand against racism and a recognition of indigenous Australians.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s relentless campaign to convince top teams to shed their security apprehensions and tour the country bore fruit with England, New Zealand and South Africa committing to visit in 2021.

Friday, 18 December, 2020

PrAyEr TImINGS

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:38

12:04

3:24

toP us general meets taliban in Qatar, Calls for reduCed violenCe KABUL

t

AGENCIES

HE top US general held unannounced talks with Taliban peace negotiators in the Persian Gulf to urge a reduction in violence across Afghanistan, even as senior American officials in Kabul warned that steppedup Taliban attacks endanger the militant group’s nascent peace negotiations with the Afghan government.

Gen Mark A. Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, met for about two hours with Taliban negotiators in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday and flew Wednesday to Kabul to discuss the peace process with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Milley’s meetings came amid a new drawdown of US troops, although under current US policy a complete pullout hinges on the Taliban reducing attacks nationwide.

“The most important part of the discussions that I had with both the Taliban and the government of Afghanistan was the need for an immediate reduction in violence,” Milley told three reporters, including one from The Associated Press, who accompanied him to

Qatar and Afghanistan.

“Everything else hinges on that.”

Under ground rules set by Milley for security reasons, the journalists travelling with him agreed not to report on either set of talks until he had departed the region. It was Milley’s second unannounced meeting with the Taliban’s negotiating team; the first, in June, also in Doha, had not been reported until now. Although Milley reported no breakthrough, his Taliban meetings represent a remarkable milestone — America’s top general coming face-to-face with representatives of the group that ruled Afghanistan until it was ousted 19 years ago this month in the early stages of what became America’s longest war. Milley served three tours of duty in Afghanistan, the first in 2003 and the last in 2013-14.

Gen Scott Miller, the top commander of US and coalition forces in Afghanistan, said in an interview at his military headquarters in Kabul on Wednesday that the Taliban have stepped up attacks on Afghan forces, particularly in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar, and against roadways and other infrastructure. “My assessment is, it puts the peace process at risk — the higher

sPy ComPanies using Channel islands to traCk Phones globally LONDON: Private intelligence companies are using phone networks based in the Channel Islands to enable surveillance operations to be carried out against people around the world, including British and US citizens, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has revealed following a joint reporting project with the Guardian.

Leaked data, documents and interviews with industry insiders who have access to sensitive information suggest that systemic weaknesses in the global telecoms infrastructure, and a particular vulnerability in Jersey and Guernsey, are being exploited by corporate spy businesses.

These businesses take advantage of some of the ways mobile phone networks across the world interact in order to access private information on targets, such as location information or, in more sophisticated applications, the content of calls and messages or other highly sensitive data. The spy companies see phone operators in the Channel Islands as an especially soft route into the UK, according to industry experts, who say the attacks emanating from the islands appear to be targeted at individuals rather than cases of “mass” surveillance. The Bureau understands that the targets of this surveillance have been spread across the globe, and included US citizens as well as people in Europe and Africa.

Ron Wyden, the Oregon senator and privacy advocate, described the use of foreign telecom assets to spy on people in the US as a national security threat. “Access into US telephone networks is a privilege,” he said in response to the Bureau’s findings. “Foreign telecom regulators need to police their domestic industry – if they don’t, they risk their country being cut off from US roaming agreements.” Markéta Gregorová, the European Parliament’s chief negotiator on trade legislation for surveillance technology, called for “immediate regulatory, financial and diplomatic costs on companies and rogue jurisdictions” that enabled these practices.

“Any commercial or governmental entity, foreign or domestic which enables the facilitation of warrantless cyber-attacks on European citizens deserves the full force of our justice system,” she told the Bureau. The investigation has found that private intelligence companies are able to rent access from mobile phone operators and this can then be exploited to allow the tracking of the physical location of users across the world. They are also potentially able to intercept calls and other private data, including bank accounts and emails. These intrusions, which are very widely exploited, rely on commands designed to help phone operators track their customers’ whereabouts. Such commands, known as “signals”, are sent via a kind of global switchboard for the telecoms industry called SS7. These are vital to the functioning of telecoms networks, and are a routine part of ensuring accurate billing when roaming overseas. But they can also be used by sophisticated state and corporate security agencies for more questionable purposes. AGENCIES

the violence, the higher the risk,” Miller said.

Miller meets at least once a month with Taliban negotiators as part of Washington’s effort to advance a peace process.

Speaking in the same interview, Ross Wilson, the ranking American diplomat in Kabul, said he also sees growing risk from Taliban violence. He said it has created “an unbearable burden” on the Afghan armed forces and the society as a whole. In the socalled Doha agreement signed last February by the United States and the Taliban, the administration of President Donald Trump agreed to a phased withdrawal of US troops, going down to zero troops by May 2021 if the agreement’s conditions are upheld.

One condition is a reduction in violence by the Taliban, leading to a nationwide ceasefire. The Taliban also agreed to begin peace negotiations with the Afghan government, which are in an early stage.

The Taliban have demanded a halt to US airstrikes, which have been conducted since February only in support of Afghan forces under Taliban attack.

Miller said he was saddened by what he called the Taliban’s deliberate campaign to damage roadways, bridges and other infra-

DUBAI AGENCIES

An annual Gulf Arab summit has been put off to January while parties locked in a rancorous row that led to a boycott of Qatar work towards announcing a tangible deal, though a final resolution is likely to take longer, informed sources said.

The dispute, in which Saudi Arabia and its allies severed diplomatic, trade and travel ties with Qatar in mid-2017, has seen movement with Riyadh earlier this month saying a final solution was within reach.

The other nations involved were more circumspect when welcoming progress in mediation efforts by Kuwait and the United States, which wants Gulf Arabs to be united against Iran.

Four sources familiar with the matter said they expected an announcement to coincide with the summit, which is normally held in December and has not grouped Qatar’s emir together with leaders of the boycotting states since 2017.

A Gulf source said a deal, to be finalised by ministers ahead of the government leaders’ summit, could result in a set

structure as part of the militants’ effort to limit the Afghan government’s ability to reinforce its troops.

“Military commanders on the ground are now starting to do things that are not conducive to peace talks and reconstruction and stability,” Miller said, adding, “Clearly, the Taliban use violence as leverage” against the Afghan government.

Miller said he is executing Trump’s order to reduce US forces from 4,500 to 2,500 by January 15, just days before Joe Biden is sworn in as Trump’s successor.

Miller said troop levels are now at about 4,000 and will reach the 2,500 target on time.

Biden has not said publicly whether he will continue the drawdown or how he will proceed with the Doha agreement negotiated

by Trump’s peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad.

Biden has not laid out a detailed plan for Afghanistan but has made clear he prefers a small US military footprint and limited goals. He has acknowledged that he dissented from then-President Barack Obama’s decision in December 2009 to vastly increase troop levels in hope of forcing the Taliban to the peace table.

“I think we should only have troops there

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to make sure that it’s impossible for [...] ISIS or al-Qaida to re-establish a foothold there,” Biden told CBS News in February. Trump has argued for withdrawing entirely from Afghanistan but was persuaded in November to reduce the force to 2,500 and continue the current missions of counterterrorism and training and advising Afghan forces.

Some believe that the further thinning of US forces in coming weeks could lead to renewed Taliban gains on the battlefield and a weakening of the Afghan government’s position at the peace table. Stephen Biddle, a defense policy expert with the Council on Foreign Relations and professor of international relations at Columbia University, says the main contribution of US forces at this stage is political rather than military.

“In military terms, the war is a slowly decaying stalemate,” Biddle said in congressional testimony last month. “The US presence can slow the rate of decay at the margin, but we cannot reverse it absent a major reinforcement that seems highly unlikely. This means that if the war continues, the Taliban will eventually prevail regardless of plausible variations in the size or nature of the US troop commitment.”

Milley’s visit comes in the 20th year of a war initially aimed at overthrowing the Taliban regime, running al-Qaida out of the country, and laying the groundwork for a global “war on terrorism.” It turned into something more ambitious yet less well-defined and became far more costly in blood and treasure. Looking back on the longstalemated war, Milley earlier this month proclaimed the US and its coalition partners had achieved “a modicum of success.”

Saudis pushing for Gulf dispute breakthrough at summit: report of principles for negotiations or a more concrete move involving reopening airspace to Qatar as a show of good faith. “Things are moving fast but are still up in the air. Negotiations for a final resolution will take months and months,” the source said.

Another source close to the matter said that when Kuwait announced progress there had been promises that all leaders would attend the summit, but talks on reopening airspace, which Washington has been pushing for, had still run aground.

SAUDI TAKES LEAD ON QATAR: A foreign diplomat in the region, who also expected full participation at the gathering, said that a preliminary deal however may be followed by a renewed impasse.

The Saudis appeared keener than their allies, the diplomat said, and Doha was

willing to hold out for a comprehensive deal, especially given that US Presidentelect Joe Biden has pledged to take a firmer stance with Saudi Arabia.

“The Saudis are keen to demonstrate to Biden that they are peacemakers and open to dialogue,” the diplomat said, adding that the Gulf powerhouse is likely to convince reluctant allies to fall into line.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and non-Gulf Egypt accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism, an allusion to Islamist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood. Doha denies the charges and says the boycott aims to curtail its sovereignty. The UAE is at cross purposes with Qatar in Libya and over the Muslim Brotherhood, also key issues for Cairo.

“If there are countries that still support

terrorism and extremism in the region, then this will be a problem,” UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan told a news conference this week when addressing the dispute.

Qatar says any resolution should be based on mutual respect, including of foreign policy. Doha had been set 13 demands, ranging from closing Al Jazeera television and shuttering a Turkish base to cutting links to the Muslim Brotherhood and downgrading ties with Iran.

A senior Omani diplomat said some issues like Turkey required more time but that “there are shifting sands” after a rare telephone call between Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month. “I see light at the end of the tunnel,” the diplomat said.

Chinese capsule returns to Earth carrying moon rocks BEIJING AGENCIES

A Chinese lunar capsule returned to Earth on Thursday with the first fresh samples of rock and debris from the moon in more than 40 years, offering the possibility of new insights into the history of the solar system and marking a new landmark for China’s rapidly advancing space program.

The capsule of the Chang’e 5 probe landed just before 2:00 am (1800 GMT Wednesday) in the Siziwang district of the Inner Mongolia region, the China National Space Administration reported.

The capsule had earlier separated from its orbiter module and performed a bounce off Earth’s atmosphere to reduce its speed before passing through and floating to the ground on parachutes. Following recovery, the capsule and its cargo of samples were flown to the space program’s campus in Beijing to begin the process of disassembly and analysis, the space administration said.

The mission achieved new firsts for the lunar exploration program in collecting samples, launching a vehicle from the moon’s surface and docking it with the capsule to return the samples to Earth, the administration said. “As our nation’s mostly complex and technically groundbreaking space mission, Chang’e 5 has achieved multiple technical breakthroughs ... and represents a landmark achievement,” it said.

Two of the Chang’e 5’s four modules set down on the moon on Dec. 1 and collected about 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of samples by scooping them from the sur-

China thanks Pakistan, other Countries for Providing suPPort for Chang’e-5 lunar mission BEIJING: China on Thursday thanked Pakistan and other relevant countries and international organisations, including European Space Agency, Argentina and Namibia, for providing support and assistance for Chang’e-5 lunar exploration mission. “The Chang’e-5 lunar exploration mission has received support and assistance from relevant countries and international organisations including the European Space Agency, Argentina, Namibia, and Pakistan. China expresses its heartfelt thanks to them,” Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson, Wang Wenbin said during his regular briefing held here. He informed that in the early hours of this morning, Chang’e-5 successfully returned to Earth after completing its 23-day space journey. The mission of the lunar exploration project Chang’e-5 was a complete success. “Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the State, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent a congratulatory message. We are all deeply inspired and excited,” he added. Wang Wenbin said that as China’s most complex aerospace system project with the largest technological span, Chang’e-5 marks a major step forward for China’s aerospace and will contribute to the deepening of mankind’s scientific understanding of the origin of the moon and the evolution of the solar system. He remarked that the pace of human exploration of space is endless. But “there is nothing difficult, as long as you are willing to climb”. APP

face and drilling 2 meters (about 6 feet) into the moon’s crust. The samples were deposited in a sealed container that was carried back to the return module by an ascent vehicle.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping, in a statement read out at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center, called it a major achievement that marked a great step forward for China’s space industry. Xi expressed hope that mission participants would continue to contribute toward building China into a

major space power and national rejuvenation, state-run Xinhua News Agency said.

Recovery crews had prepared helicopters and off-road vehicles to home in on signals emitted by the lunar spacecraft and locate it in the darkness shrouding the vast snow-covered region in China’s far north, long used as a landing site for China’s Shenzhou crewed spaceships. The spacecraft’s return marked the first time scientists have obtained fresh samples of lunar rocks since the former Soviet Union’s

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

Luna 24 robot probe in 1976.

The newly collected rocks are thought to be billions of years younger than those obtained earlier by the US and former Soviet Union, offering new insights into the history of the moon and other bodies in the solar system. They come from a part of the moon known as the Oceanus Procellarum, or Ocean of Storms, near a site called the Mons Rumker that was believed to have been volcanic in ancient times. As with the 382 kilograms (842 pounds) of lunar samples brought back by US astronauts from 1969 to 1972, they will be analyzed for age and composition and are expected to be shared with other countries.

The age of the samples will help fill in a gap in knowledge about the history of the moon between roughly 1 billion and three billion years ago, Brad Jolliff, director of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences at Washington University in the US city of St. Louis, wrote in an email. They may also yield clues as to the availability of economically useful resources on the moon such as concentrated hydrogen and oxygen, Jolliff said.

“These samples will be a treasure trove!” Jolliff wrote. “My hat is off to our Chinese colleagues for pulling off a very difficult mission; the science that will flow from analysis of the returned samples will be a legacy that will last for many, many years, and hopefully will involve the international community of scientists.”

Chang’e 5 blasted off from a launch base in China’s southern island province of Hainan on Nov. 24 and appeared to have completed its highly technically sophisticated mission without a hitch.