CMYK
20 December, 2020 I 4 Jumada-al-Awwal, 1442 I Rs 25.00 I Vol XI No 171 I 36 Pages I Karachi Edition
UN coNfirms vehicle oN roUtiNe patrol damaged Near loc g
Pakistan summons indian envoy over ‘deliberate targeting’ of un vehicle by indian occuPation force
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
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he united nations has confirmed that a vehicle of the un military observer group in india and Pakistan (unmogiP) was damaged after it was hit by an “unidentified object” near rawalakot on the Pakistani side of the line of control (loc). “the mission is currently investigating the incident,” deputy spokesman to the secretary general farhan haq said in response to a question from aPP at the regular briefing in new york. he said according to details present with him, no one was injured in the incident but the unmogiP vehicle sustained damage. responding to an indian journalist’s question on whether the un was aware of the indian government’s rejection of reports from Pakistan, haq said, “We are aware of what both sides have been saying.” “at this stage, we’re simply aware that a vehicle was hit by an unidentified object, like
i said no one was harmed […] and we are investigating the incident.” he said the incident occurred when unmogiP military observers were conducting routine monitoring activities near rawalakot as part of the mission’s mandate to observe and report on ceasefire violations at the loc in Jammu and kashmir. sharing pictures of the un vehicle with bullet holes on friday, the military’s media wing said the attack was “deliberate” since “un vehicles are clearly recognisable even from long distances due to their distinct make and type and clearly visible markings.” “such illegal and unlawful acts against all established international norms, signify malintent of indian army to target not only innocent civilians residing along the line of control but un Peace keepers as well,” it said. INDIAN ENVOY SUMMONED: meanwhile, the foreign office (fo) on saturday summoned the indian chargé d'affaires over the "deliberate targeting" of the un vehicle by indian occupation forces. "the indian chargé d'affaires was sum-
coroNavirUs iN
pakistaN
CONFIRMED CASES:
454,673
LAST UPDATED AT 8:44 AM ON DECEMBER 19, 2020
DAY'S DEATH TOLL:
NEW CASES:
87
3,179
RECOVERED:
DEATHS:
404,501 SINDH:
202,983 KP:
54,448
9,250 PUNJAB:
130,706 BALOCHISTAN:
17,880
AJK/GB: ISLAMABAD: 7,937/4,814 35,905
moned to the foreign office to register Pakistan’s strong protest at the deliberate targeting of observers belonging to the unmogiP," a statement by fo spokesman Zahid hafeez chaudri said. "the deliberate targeting of a un vehicle, engaged in discharging the mandate of the un security council, constitutes a grave violation of india’s obligations, under the council’s resolutions and the un charter, which includes the obligation to ensure the safety and security of the unmogiP observers," the fo statement said, adding that the stunt "appears to be a new coercive and reckless indian ploy to hinder the observers’ work". "it was communicated to the indian side that the brazen act was a flagrant violation of established international norms and represented a complete disregard for principles enshrined in the un charter." it was also conveyed that the reprehensible act also represented a new low in the conduct of indian occupation forces which target not only innocent civilians residing along the loc but un observers as well, the statement said. the indian side was called upon to desist from such blatant violations of international law, respect the 2003 ceasefire understanding between india and Pakistan, and let the unmogiP perform its role mandated by the un security council, it concluded. a day earlier, the fo had said that indian troops had “specifically targeted” the un vehicle carrying two unmogiP officers in what was termed a “new low” in indian conduct. the unmogiP officers were on their way to Polas village to meet with the victims of indian ceasefire violations when they came under fire, the foreign office had said. the officers were immediately evacuated by the Pakistan army and brought back to the unmogiP field station in rawalakot, according to the inter-services Public relations (isPr). the isPr said the Pakistan army stood in solidarity with unmogiP officials and appreciated the "selfless services rendered by all members of unmogiP in discharge of their un-mandated duties".
US urged to stop India from fanning terrorism ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s ambassador to the united states asad majeed khan has urged the us to play a critical role in stopping indian interference and maintaining peace and security of the region. in an interview to the us magazine, the christian science monitor, khan noted that Pakistan has managed to significantly reduce the number of attacks in the country over the last decade. however, he blamed india for the resurgence of attacks in the country. "unfortunately we see the indian footprint and indian fingerprints all over the place." the ambassador expressed hope that the engagement of the us could support peace and stability in the south asian region. he added that india has successfully painted itself as the innocent target of terrorism. “a certain narrative has been built around indian victimhood – how india has suffered at the hand of terrorists – and much of that blame has been thrown at us." khan said that it is time that the world understood not just india’s destabilizing activities in the region but also its attacks on democratic gov-
France charges four Pakistan nationals in Charlie Hebdo attacks PARIS AGENCIES
french authorities have charged and detained four Pakistanis suspected of links to a meat cleaver attack by a compatriot outside the former offices of the charlie hebdo, a french satirical weekly known for vulgar irreverence, that wounded two people, the national counter-terrorism prosecutor’s office said. the four male suspects, aged 17 to 21, were in contact with the attacker, said a source familiar with the case. they are suspected of being aware of the attacker’s plot and inciting him to carry it out, according to another judicial source close to the investigation. three of them were charged on friday last with “taking part in a terrorist conspiracy” and placed in pre-trial detention. the fourth had already been charged on Wednesday. two were arrested in the southwest gironde department, a third in the northern port city of caen and the last in the Paris region. “they share his ideology and one of them expressed his hatred of france a few days before the action,” said one of the sources. news of the charges comes
ernance and human rights at home under the current hindu nationalist government. referring to the human rights violation in indian illegally occupied Jammu and kashmir (iioJ&k), the envoy said Pakistan would like to see the us pressure india over the revocation of the disputed region's special status and the repressive measures indian Prime minister narendra modi continues to enforce. it is pertinent to mention that Pakistan has also presented the dossier of indian involvement in terrorism to un secretary general antonio guterres among other diplomats. the country seeks to highlight indian aggression against Pakistan and hopes the world community will hold new delhi responsible for its destabilising presence in the region. earlier on friday, the un has confirmed a vehicle of its military observer group in india and Pakistan was hit by an unidentified object near rawalakot on the Pakistani side of line of control (loc). speaking at the regular briefing in new york, un deputy spokesman farhan haq said the incident occurred when military observers were conducting routine monitoring activities. he said the mission is currently investigating the incident.
more inside
PTM leader Ali Wazir sent on 10-day remand STORY ON PAGE 02
one gets death, another life imprisonment for army commando’s murder STORY ON PAGE 02 two days after a Paris court convicted 13 accomplices of the gunmen who massacred charlie hebdo staff in January 2015. to mark the start of that trial in early september, the magazine had in typically provocative style reprinted blasphemous caricatures of Prophet muhammad (Pbuh). three weeks later, a “Pakistani man” wounded two people outside the weekly’s former offices, hacking at them with a cleaver. the assailant, named Zaheer hassan mahmoud, 25, was arrested after september’s attack on terror charges and remains in custody. he told investigators that prior to the attack he had watched
“videos from Pakistan” concerning the satirical magazine’s decision to republish the cartoons. on october 16, a young chechen refugee beheaded teacher samuel Paty, who had shown some of the caricatures to his pupils. less than two weeks later, three people were killed when a young tunisian recently arrived in europe went on a stabbing spree at a church in the mediterranean city of nice. President emmanuel macron’s government has introduced legislation to tackle radical activity in france, a bill that has sparked anger and protests in muslim countries.
Five rockets fired at US air base in Afghanistan STORY ON PAGE 12 in today’s issue
attention Some readers have complained that they are not getting the magazine with their newspaper copy. Please call or WhatsApp us at the following number to register a complaint. Contact: 0307-7338168 irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
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Sunday, 20 December, 2020
NEWS
Coronavirus ClaiMs 87 lives, infeCts 3,179 in a day: nCoC ISLAMABAD
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STAFF REPORT
he second wave of coronavirus pandemic continues to hit the country hard as 87 deaths and 3,179 new infections were reported during the last 24 hours, said the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Saturday. The Covid-19 death toll in the country has now reached 9,250. According to the NCOC, with fresh inclusion of new infections in the country, the national tally of cases now stood at 451,494. Overall, 404,501 people have recovered from the deadly disease so far.
GOVT DECIDES STRICT IMPLEMENTATION OF SOPS; MORE PUNJAB AREAS GO UNDER LOCKDOWN; ANOTHER KP DOCTOR DIES Punjab witnessed the highest death toll from Covid-19 as 45 out of 87 deceased patients were from Punjab. Meanwhile, a total of 4,649 patients recovered from the virus during the last 24 hours. Some 2,486 patients are stated to be in critical condition. As many as 48,075 tests were conducted across the country during the aforementioned period, while 6,264,135 samples have so far been tested. The national positivity rate was recorded
Maryam invited for speech on Benazir’s death anniversary LARKANA: Larkana Bar Association (LBA) has invited Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz to deliver a speech on December 27, the death anniversary of slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Maryam is scheduled to visit Garhi Khuda Bux, Bhutto’s final resting place, on the former premier’s 13th death anniversary at the invitation of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari who invited the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leadership to Larkana to attend the event. Reports citing sources suggest the PML-N vice president has assured the association of her presence. The leadership of the PPP Sindh chapter is expecting all key leaders of the PDM in Garhi Khuda Bux next week. PPP provincial president Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said Maryam with other leaders of the anti-government alliance was expected to participate in the anniversary. INP
at 6.61pc during the last 24 hours. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the positivity rate was recorded at 7.47pc, Balochistan 3.56pc, Punjab 3.86pc, Islamabad 3.57pc, KP 8.19pc, Sindh 9.2pc, Rawalpindi 6.92pc, Faisalabad 2.43pc, hyderabad 6.3pc, Peshawar 9.23pc, Swat 3.7pc, Quetta 1.6pc, Muzaffarabad 4.13pc and Mirpur 7.92pc. According to data, 46pc of ventilators in Multan are being used for coronavirus patients, 41pc in Islamabad, 34pc in Lahore
and 21pc Peshawar. Likewise, 42pc oxygen beds are being used for Covid-19 patients in the federal capital, 40pc in Rawalpindi, 39pc in Abbottabad and 59pc in Peshawar. STRICT IMPLEMENTATION: The federal government has decided strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) across the country after witnessing a consistent rise in novel coronavirus infections and fatalities. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday issued orders for strict implementation of Covid-19 SOPs across the country, besides directing the provinces to comply with the government’s strategy to curb the virus spread. The provincial chief secretaries will supervise the stern implementation of the
PTM leader sent on 10-day remand KARACHI STAFF REPORT
An anti-terrorism court in Karachi on Saturday sent Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader and MP Ali Wazir and four other accused on physical remand after they failed to present a counsel during the proceedings. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police arrested had Wazir from Peshawar on Wednesday in connection with a case registered against him and several leaders of the ethnic movement in Karachi after a recent anti-government public meeting. A first information report (FIR) was registered against the suspects at Sohrab Goth police station, Karachi on charges of committing several offences, including hatching a criminal conspiracy and passing derogatory remarks against state institutions on December 6. During the hearing, the police sought a four-week remand of the accused. however, the court approved 10-day remand and ordered the police to present the suspects again on December 30. The suspects were expected to be presented before an ATC in Malir but the case was later shifted to another
counter-terror court in Clifton. The case was registered on the complainant of station house officer (ShO) Riaz Ahmad Bhutto who said the suspects while addressing some 2,000 participants attempted to create hatred towards different groups and to create law and order situation. Some of the suspects, he said, used derogatory language against security forces, police, Rangers and other state institutions. The case was registered under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), 188 (disobeying order of public servant), 505-B (statements for inducing a person to commit offence against the state) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Other PTM leaders nominated in the case include movement’s chief Manzoor Pashteen, MP Mohsin Dawar, Sana Ijaz, Muhammadullah Mehsud, Noorullah Tareen, Saleh Jan, Mullah Behram, Abdullah Nangyal, Sher Khan Mehsud, Qazi Tahir, Gilaman Pashteen, Dr Said Alam, hidayatullah Pashteen and Javed Raheen. According to Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Mohammad Ali Gandapur, Wazir had been arrested at the request of Sindh police.
Pakistan, Iran open Rimdan-Gabd crossing point GWADAR TLTP
Pakistan and Iran on Saturday opened Rimdan-Gabd border crossing point in a ceremony attended by the ministers from the two countries. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s Defence Production Minister Zubaida Jalal and Iran’s Roads, Transport and Urban Development Minister Mohammed eslami. Among other dignitaries, Pakistan’s envoy in Tehran was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Zubaida Jalal said that Gibd-Rimdan is the second border crossing point between the two countries. The opening of this border point will facilitate the movement of the people as well as goods, the minister added.
“The opening of the crossing would help accelerate economic activities in the bordering region with creating more opportunities for economic and trade ties between the two countries. The border fencing will also improve the security along the border.” It may be noted that Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zareef, in his November visit to Islamabad, had announced that Iran would soon open the Rimdan crossing in Sistan and Baluchestan province. Most of the trade between Iran and Pakistan is done through the land route leading to the Taftan border crossing, and in between the residents of Balochistan in Pakistan and Sistan and Baluchestan region of Iran. Rimdan border crossing is believed to be suitably located for export and import of fruits, livestock, construction material, and petroleum products.
prevention measures in all provinces with the assistance of local administrations, said sources, adding that the violators will face penalties like fines and sealing properties. SMART LOCKDOWNS: Moreover, the Punjab government on Saturday announced to impose smart lockdown in more areas of the province in order to curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic second wave. Provincial government has notified imposition of smart lockdown in several areas of provincial capital city Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and hafizabad. The government has announced lockdowns in those areas, which have become hotspots of the virus with an increasing number of infections. The government has clamped smart lockdown in 22 areas in Lahore, nine areas in Rawalpindi, four localities in Gujranwala and three areas of Gujrat, according to the notification. ANOTHER DOCTOR DIES: Another doctor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Saturday lost his battle against Covid-19. According to the Provincial Doctors Association (PDA), Dr Mohsin, who was performing his duties at City hospital at Kohat Road in Peshawar, succumbed to the infection.
Court extends safdar’s interim bail in sedition case LAHORE STAFF REPORT
A district and sessions court in Lahore on Saturday extended the interim bail of PML-N leader retired Captain Safdar Awan in a sedition case against him. Awan was nominated for sedition in a first information report (FIR) lodged ahead of the October 16 Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) meeting in Gujranwala for allegedly “inciting hate […] against the army” and threatening to forcefully obtain permission for the meeting. The PMLN leader appeared before the court after the expiry of his interim bail. At the outset of the hearing, the defense counsel stated Awan booked in a political case, saying he neither violated coronavirus restrictions nor delivered seditious speeches as the FIR said. A police officer informed the court that Awan has been booked in five other sedition cases as well, which are being investigated. The court after summoning a detailed report from the police in the case extended the bail period until January 16. The Satellite Town police on October 4 registered the case against Awan, PML-N MPA Imran Khalid Butt for making speeches against the army and the government at the latter’s residence in Gujranwala.
One gets death, another life imprisonment for army commando’s murder ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Saturday convicted two men as it announced its verdict in the murder case of an army major from the elite Special Services Group (SSG). Major Laraib was stationed in Attock and had come to Islamabad in an official capacity. After finishing his duty, he was meeting a friend in G-9 when he was murdered in November last year. Police officials had arrested two suspects, Bait Ullah and Gul Siddique, the following month by mobile phone tracking. Additional sessions judge Muhammad Ali Warriach sentenced Bait Ullah to death while Gul Siddique was handed life imprisonment. The judge also imposed a
fine of Rs500,000 on each of the accused. The verbal order in the case was given Thursday. In a written order issued on Saturday, the judge noted police had recovered an empty shell of a 30-bore pistol from the crime scene. When Siddique was arrested and searched, he also had a 30-bore pistol on him, the verdict said. During his physical remand, Bait Ullah revealed details which led the police to another 30-bore pistol, which forensic tests showed was the weapon used to commit the crime. Further revelations by both suspects also led the police to recover the major’s original computerised national identity card (CNIC), Rs2,000, which were stolen from him, and a brown purse that belonged to the deceased’s friend, the judgment said. It also made note of the officer’s friend’s testimony in which she said that on the night of November 21,
Laraib had picked her up from her hostel and they had gone to have coffee, and later to the F-9 park. While they were in the park, both suspects appeared and Bait Ullah asked the major to “hand over whatever you have”. She said Bait Ullah had kicked the major twice and asked him to hand over his wallet. however, upon his resistance, Bait Ullah shot the major in the head. “From what has been discussed, I am of the opinion that both accused in furtherance of their common intention while committing robbery committed Qatl-eAmd [wilful murder] of Major Laraib, hence they are held guilty and convicted u/s 302-6/34 PPC as Tazeer read with 397,” the verdict read. “The recovery of snatched articles [purse and CNIC] have also proved against both the accused persons. They are also held guilty of retaining stolen property and are convicted u/s 411 [of] PPC.”
Sunday, 20 December, 2020
Gas Crisis intensifies in Pakistan; CnG PuMPs Closed, Pressure diPs KARACHI/ISLAMABAD
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STAFF REPORT
he problem of gas shortage has intensified in Pakistan, with CNG stations being closed in Sindh and Balochistan, while gas supply to stations being suspended in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Both Sindh and Balochistan have announced the closure of CNG stations. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) had said the supply will remain suspended for two days a week — on Mondays and Saturdays. "The decision was taken in light of the availability of gas," the SSGC had said Friday. The SSGC, moreover, said supply to industries will be slashed by 50pc.
The supply to the CNG stations in KP has also been suspended for four days while the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited says it won't be supplying gas to the Punjab CNG stations indefinitely for now. In KP, Quetta and Punjab people are saying they don't have gas in their homes either. Low gas pressure at homes has left families freezing, hungry and worried. In Quetta, low gas pressure was reported in Raisani Town, Arif Road, Mir Ahmad Khan Road, Najamuddin Road, Kawari Road and adjoining areas. Read more about the Pakistan government's thoughts on gas shortage Punjab citizens are saying they have to buy expensive LPG gas because of this. Due to lack of gas, houses, flats, hospitals and mosques have become
Charges framed against MQM leaders in hate speech case KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court on Saturday framed amended charges against accused in the hate speech case, delivered by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder. The court indicted the accused in 21 cases under the amended charge sheet registered at Karachi’s Azizabad, Sachal, Brigade and other police stations. Those indicted in the case included MQM leaders Khawaja Izhar ul hassan, Dr. Farooq Sattar, Rehan hashmi, Qamar Mansoor, Rauf Siddiqui, Mehfooz Yar Khan, Jawed Rahim, Amjadullah and others. The court later adjourned further hearing of the case till January 12. It is pertinent to mention here that MQM founder had been charged by the police along with other party leaders over provoking people to spread violence through his hate speech in August 2016 from London. The MQM founder had also been indicted by London Metropolitan Police over provoking people to spread violence through his hate speech. The MQM founder was charged by the Metropolitan Police under terrorism act upon his arrival at Southwark police station on Oct 10, 2019. STAFF REPORT
Cargo handling at karachi port suspended after health issues KARACHI: The port authorities have suspended lifting soybean cargo from a ship anchored at Karachi Port after complaints of breathing problems in people on Saturday. A ship, Mega Benefit, carrying 67,000 metric tonnes of soybean cargo from egypt had anchored yesterday at Karachi Port. Over complaints of smoke spreading in the area, Chairman of Karachi Port Trust inspected the port area. Local MNA Abdul Qadir Patel had in a social media statement said that eight people were admitted at a hospital due to breathing problems. In January this year 14 people from different parts of the port area had reportedly died and over 400 taken to hospitals for treatment after allegedly inhaling toxic gas. TLTP
cold storages. Citizens are protesting the reduction in the gas pressure. They are saying they are forced to use compressors because of the low gas pressure. Officials of the SSGC, however, are saying Balochistan is getting all the gas it needs. SSGC General Manager Madni Siddiqui said Balochistan is getting 200mmcfd of gas according to its requirement. he said the low pressure is because of the use of compressors. The government has arranged 12 LNG cargoes for January 2021, a statement by the Petroleum Division spokesperson read. he said additional LNG has also been arranged in some cargoes. For January 2021, 30pc more and cheaper LNG is being sought as
compared to the rates and quantity in January 2018, the spokesperson said, adding that the SSGC is facing low gas pressure in Karachi and Quetta. The supply to the CNG sector and captive power plants has to be shut off under the load management plan approved by the Cabinet, he said. Last week, the SSGC had temporarily suspended gas supply across seven areas in Karachi on a Sunday. earlier this month, Geo News reported that a major gas crisis is expected in Pakistan after no bids were received for the first time from LNG suppliers for the first half of January Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Petroleum Nadeem Babar, however, had said all is well and the government has a plan to avoid a gas crisis.
Four teachers arrested as protest near Bani Gala intensifies NEWS DESK Four contractually employed secondary school teachers from Punjab were arrested on Saturday amid a protest near Bani Gala in Islamabad by the instructors demanding permanent employment. As the demonstrators sought to go further inside the Bani Gala area, they were arrested by police just around the corner. According to police sources, the teachers were detained for "interfering" in the discharge of duties by government officials and for violating coronavirus safety protocols. Teachers were repeatedly told that arrests would be made in case of protests, district administration sources said. A heavy contingent of police was then placed in the area, who also drove back the angry protesters with heavy tear gas shelling. All roads leading to the prime minister's Bani Gala residence have been blocked.
A Geo News correspondent, reporting from the scene, said that traffic has been badly affected with cars enroute to Murree forced to come to a standstill and the movement of vehicles to and from Azad Kashmir hampered. The teachers demand that 11,000 of them hired on contract be made permanent. They said their protest will continue until this demand is met. As the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad hamza Shafqaat arrived to hold talks with the group, protesters said they refuse to hold talks with any officer from the district administration. "Protesters have been told that this is not a federal issue but a Punjab issue," the Islamabad DC said. "We hold teachers in high regard and want talks with them," Shafqaat added. he said that while holding a demonstration is the right of every citizen, it is inappropriate to block the road and inconvenience others.
FIA to take action against pilots with fake licences NEWS DESK The government has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to start criminal proceedings against the 50 commercial pilots whose licenses were suspended after an inquiry into a plane crash in Karachi and whose licenses could not be verified. In a written statement, the federal government told the Islamabad high Court (IhC) that 172 of the 262 pilots – whose licenses were declared dubious during an investigation into May 22 Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash – have been cleared after their verification. It said licenses of 50 of the pilots have, however, been cancelled as these licenses could not be verified. The federal cabinet has also approved the summary for cancellation of these licenses. The government told the IhC that the matter of fake licenses has now been referred to the FIA which will soon start criminal proceedings against these 50 pilots. It said none of the pilots holding a fake license will be given any relief under Article 199. On May 22, a PIA plane crashed in a densely
populated residential area of Karachi a few kilometers from the runway while on a second approach after a failed landing. Of the 91 passengers and 8 crewmembers, 97 were killed. Sharing details of the investigation, Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar on June 26 announced that 262 pilots had been barred from flying because of their “dubious” credentials. The pilots in the line of fire included 141 from the PIA, 10 from Serene Airline and nine from Air Blue. The rest belonged to flying clubs or chartered plane services. International publications carried the revelation prominently and the european Union Aviation Safety Agency (easa) suspended authorization for the PIA to operate in europe for six months on June 30. The US department of transportation followed suit and on July 9 it suspended the PIA’s special permit, citing concerns over the flag carrier's safety measures and pilots' "suspicious licenses". The statement told the IhC that the restriction imposed by easa could only be lifted after an onsite or remote audit of the national flag carrier. It said this audit is scheduled to be held in January 2021.
AJK president slams Indian move to build army settlement in Badgam ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan has expressed serious concern over the Indian government’s move to build his first military settlement in Budgam district of occupied Kashmir, where exservicemen, who massacred Kashmiris, would be settled. In a statement on Saturday, Masood said that India has already constructed two military settlements in Jammu region. But India has not build any such settlement in Kashmir valley so far because of effective
opposition by the political parties and freedom groups. however, he maintained that the revenue department of occupied Kashmir has now expedited the process of transferring 200-kanal agricultural land to the military officials for the purpose. Masood added that the latest move of the Indian government has validated our apprehensions that India is swiftly acting to grab the lands of Kashmiris in order to turn the whole Jammu and Kashmir area into its colony. “The construction of such settlements would not only pave the way for turning occupied Jammu and Kashmir into an Indian colony, but the fanatics of RSS and other hindu groups would also be
brought and settled in Kashmir valley in order to arm and use them for massacring the Kashmiri people. “Due to the blockage of internet services in Kashmir valley, thousands of students, studying in India and other areas outside Kashmir, are unable to appear in their online examinations, being held in the wake of novel coronavirus, and their future is in jeopardy. Under a conspiracy, the Indian government is consistently pushing the Kashmiri people into darkness in order to force them to succumb to Indian slavery. But the Indian government would never succeed in its evil designs,” Masood
added. While talking to Government College University (GCU) Lahore Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Asghar Zaidi, the AJK president welcomed the university’s decision to establish a Kashmir Centre of excellence and said that the centre would play an important role in effectively highlighting different aspects of the Kashmir conflict and apprising the new generation of the true perspective of the conflict. “The GCU is an old centre of knowledge that can play an important role in highlighting the Kashmir issue on the national and international levels,” he concluded.
NEWS
03
Pakistani delegation visited israel twice in sharif’s tenure: report NEWS DESK Israeli media has claimed that the Pakistani delegation twice visited Tel Aviv in the tenure of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. According to Israeli media, Nawaz Sharif sent the Pakistani delegation twice to Israel. A religious delegation was led by Moulvi Ajmal Qadri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). Reacting on the matter, SAPM Dr Shahbaz Gill in his tweet said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Vice President Maryam Nawaz should answer what deal her father stroke with Israel and who other members in the delegation were. Founder of Islamic Theology of Counter-Terrorism Think Tank, Noor Dahri while talking to Israeli media had claimed that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, during his tenure, had sent two delegations to Israel in a bid to normalise relations with the country. he said that Maryam Nawaz had tweeted the link of his interview with i24 to embrace Prime Minister Imran Khan and use this as a tool against the PTI government, but she soon deleted the tweet after realising that details of sending delegations to Israel by Pakistan during the tenure of her father [Nawaz Sharif] were exposed in the interview.
Joint air exercise to strengthen Pak-China defence cooperation: CJCsC NEWS DESK Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza on Saturday said that the “Shaheen-IX” joint air exercise would further strengthen and promote friendship and cooperation between the two great nations as well as armed forces of Pakistan and China. The exercise — being conducted at an operational airbase of PAF — was intended to further enhance interoperability of both air forces and has provided an excellent opportunity to learn from each other’s’ experience, according to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). The CJCSC lauded the professionalism of the participants and appreciated the efforts of PAF and People’s Liberation Army Air Force in conducting a bilateral exercise in a befitting manner. Upon his arrival, CJCSC was received by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan. On December 9, the opening ceremony of the exercise was jointly witnessed by Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Air Vice Marshal Waqas Ahmed Sulehri and Assistant Chief of Staff, PLAAF Major General Sun hong. Maj-Gen hong had said, “The joint exercise will improve the actual level of combat training and strengthen practical cooperation between the two air forces”. Shaheen-IX is the ninth in the series of Joint air exercises which is conducted each year in both countries on alternate basis.
Sunday, 20 December, 2020
04 NEWS
PuNjAB gOvT APPrOves exPANsiON OF ‘PANAgAhs’ NeTwOrk AmONg OTher PrOjecTs LAHORE
CM SAYS SEHAT INSAF CARDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO EVERY CITIZEN OF PROVINCE BY 2021
APP
The 47th meeting of the Punjab’s Cabinet Standing Committee for Finance and Development was held under the chair of Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Saturday, which gave approval to several development projects of public welfare. Provincial Minister for Industries Mian Aslam Iqbal, CM Advisor Dr Salman Shah, Planning and Development Department chairman, CM’s principal secretary, and the secretaries of concerned departments were present in the meeting. The CM gave approval for setting up of Panaghas [shelter homes] at all divisional headquarters besides provincial metropolis with the cooperation of Bait-ul-Maal.
“Every citizen of Punjab would be provided a Sehat Insaf Card by 2021, as it is the commitment of the incumbent government,” the CM said. The CM also granted approval for including a 1000-bed hospital at Ferozpur Road in Annual Development Programme (ADP). The project worth Rs2 billion to construct emergency and OPD blocks in DG Khan teaching hospital was approved. The chief minister directed the health department to redress the important issues for the setting up of emergency and OPD blocks at the earliest. The committee decided in principle to revamp the 122-kilometre long road from Taunsa to Chappar, Balochistan via
Zain, Barthi and Kharar Buzdar with Rs9 billion. The road will be constructed by the Punjab government with its own resources while the federal government will be requested to provide funds for the construction of the rest of the portion. The committee approved sewerage work of the urban-road package for DG Khan and decided to establish a Punjab House in Gwadar, which will be constructed by the Infrastructure Development Authority. Revamping of four important roads of Faisalabad, including Samundari Road, Tandianwala Road, Jarranwala Road and Jhang Road, was allowed under the Chief Minister’s Development Package for Faisalabad. The committee also allowed inclu-
sion of irrigation departments’ projects in the ADP under Vohawa Development Package. These schemes include water supply, filtration plants, hand pumps and family park projects. Approval for revamping of seven roads as well as upgradation of Vohawa’s Rural Health Centre (RHU) was also granted. “The people will not have to go to Taunsa or DG Khan for medical treatment after the up-gradation of the RHU. The health department will further improve the medical facilities in health centres,” the CM added. The CM also ordered to make functional the non-operational water supply schemes and launch new schemes as soon
Teacher dies of cardiac arrest after receiving notice from NAB
PESHAWAR: The Peshawar administration has decided to put three areas of the city under smart lockdown from Sunday due to rising coronavirus cases. On the recommendations of the district health officer, the smart lockdown will be imposed from 6pm in Mohalla Aziz Khan, Railway Colony and Falcon Colony Complex. No gatherings will be allowed in these areas. Congregations in mosques have been restricted to five people. Pharmacies, food supplies, emergency services and general stores will remain open. However, other shops and services will remain closed after 6pm. INP
Four women killed in road mishap near Lower Orakzai HUNGU: Four women killed and ten injured in a road accident in Lower Orakzai on Saturday. According to the district administration, a passenger van was en route to Bara Khyber from Lower Orakzai when it fell into a deep ditch near Feroz Khel Banda. Four women killed in the incident while ten other passengers sustained injuries. The administration started rescue activities and shifted the injured passengers to nearby hospitals. Majority of the injured persons are in precarious conditions. APP
Fog disrupts air, rail traffic
THATTA TLTP
A schoolteacher on Saturday died of a cardiac attack after receiving a notice from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a ‘benami’ account case. According to reports, Faheem Ahmed, a resident of Thatta, received a notice from the NAB regarding a ‘benami’ account in his name, showing transactions of millions of rupees. Soon after receiving the notice, he suffered a cardiac attack and died. The sources said that transactions of millions of rupees were detected from a bank account in Dadu, owned by a family in Thatta. The detection caused alarm bells and the NAB authorities sought an explanation in this regard from the account holder. The brother of the deceased, Sheeraz, rejected the allegations and said that they are poor people and they have nothing to do with the transactions of such large sum of money. “I am a security guard while my brother was a school teacher. We were dragged in the case unnecessarily. We did not know anything about the opening of the account. The NAB officials should not drag our family to their offices,” he pleaded. It may be mentioned that ‘benami’ accounts have been used in the country to transfer illegally-accumulated wealth. The NAB authorities had alleged that a fake account in the name of a ‘Kabari Wala’ [recycler] was used by the ‘Sharif’ family to transfer millions of rupees to Salman Shehbaz, who is a son of PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif.
Peshawar administration imposes smart lockdown in three areas
ISLAMABAD: Christian boys decorate a street near F-6 Sector ahead of Christmas. INP
Peshawar-DI Khan Motorway to boost economic activities in southern districts: CM PESHAWAR APP
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has termed the proposed Peshawar-DI Khan Motorway project as a major step for the uplift of southern districts of the province, saying the project will lead to a new era of prosperity and development in the region. While chairing a meeting to review the progress of the project here, the CM said that the project on completion would create job opportunities, boost trade and economic activities, and provide quality communication facilities for the public. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz, Additional Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir, Secretary Communications and Works Ijaz Ansari, Principal Secretary to CM Shahab Ali Shah and other concerned authorities. The CM directed the relevant authorities to consider
all the available options for the execution of the project and come up with the most feasible and economic option. He said that the project would play a key role in strengthening the provincial economy. The incumbent government would execute the project at any cost. Earlier, the CM was briefed in detail about different aspects of the project, including salient features, estimated cost and various options for execution. It was told that detailed engineering design and PC-1 of the project had been submitted to the Planning and Development Department for approval, which would be cleared by the department within next week for onward submission to the Central Development Working Party. The total length of the motorway will be 360 kilometers with six lanes and 19 interchanges. Two seven-kilometer long tunnels would be constructed in Kohat and Karak districts. The forum was apprised that the project would be completed with an estimated cost of Rs258 billion.
LAHORE: Fog and harsh weather conditions disrupted air and train travel on Saturday. The dense fog led to cancellation of six flights and delay in nine flights at the Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIA). Flight XY-317 from Riyadh to AIIA, flight XY-318 AIIA to Riyadh, flight PK-306 from Karachi to AIIA, and PA-416 and PA-417 from Dubai were cancelled. Flight ER-543 from AIIA to Quetta was delayed by six hours. Turkish Air flight TK-715 was departed from AIIA to Istanbul after five hours of the scheduled time, British Airways flight BA-259 from London to AIIA was delayed by three hours and flight EY-243 from Abu Dhabi arrived at AIIA with a delay of three hours. The train schedule was also affected due to fog in different parts of the country. Trains from Karachi and Quetta were delayed for hours. According to private news channels, the Awami Express was delayed by four hours and 40 minutes. The Pakistan Met Department said that continental air is prevailing and cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country. INP
Another polio case reported in Balochistan QUETTA: Another polio case has reported in Balochistan on Saturday. The provincial health department confirmed that a 16-month old boy in Qila Abdullah area of the province has tested positive for the virus. With the latest inclusion, the overall number of poliovirus cases in the province has jumped to 25. Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus. It mainly affects children under the age of five. It invades the nervous system and may cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this disease. Repeated immunizations have protected millions of children from polio across the world, allowing almost all countries to become poliofree. There are only two countries in the world, Pakistan and Afghanistan, where polio cases are still being reported. TLTP
Passing out parade of 361 police cadets held in South Waziristan TANK APP
The passing out parade of 361 police cadets of the tribal district South Waziristan was held at Manzai Fort on Saturday. The police successfully completed 14-week professional training, which was organised by Gomal Scouts of Frontier Core South. Frontier Corps (FC) Inspector General South Major General
Umar Bashir, Dera Ismail Khan Regional Police Officer (RPO) Yaseen Farooq, FC Sector Headquarter South’s Brigadier Neik Naam Baig, Gomal Scouts Commandant Colonel Mazhar, Tank Deputy Commissioner Kabir Afridi, South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Khalid Iqbal Khattak, and a number of tribal elders attended the ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony as chief guest, the inspector general said that 863
police cadets have successfully completed the professional training at different training centers under the guidance of police and FC trainers. He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police rendered unmatchable sacrifices during the last two decades in war against terror. Establishing a police force would bring durable peace in the tribal areas after their merger into KP. He hoped that the training will enhance the professional ca-
pacities of police to counter crimes more effectively in the newly-merged tribal districts. He examined the professional skills of different training groups and distributed prizes amongst the outstanding performers of the training program. Earlier, the 361 police cadets took oath to fulfill their professional duties with honesty and devotion in accordance with the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973.
Sunday, 20 December, 2020
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UN confirms vehicle on routine patrol damaged near LoC continued from page 01 It was also conveyed that the reprehensible act also represented a new low in the conduct of Indian occupation forces which target not only innocent civilians residing along the LoC but UN observers as well, the statement said. The Indian side was called upon to desist from such blatant violations of international law, respect the 2003 ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan, and let the UNMOGIP perform its role mandated by the UN Security Council, it concluded. A day earlier, the FO had said that Indian troops had “specifically targeted” the UN vehicle carrying two UNMOGIP officers in what was termed a “new low” in Indian conduct. The UNMOGIP officers were on their way to Polas village to meet with the victims of Indian ceasefire violations when they came under fire, the Foreign Office had said. The officers were immediately evacuated by the Pakistan Army and brought back to the UNMOGIP field station in Rawalakot, according to the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR). The ISPR said the Pakistan Army stood in solidarity with UNMOGIP officials and appreciated the "selfless services rendered by all members of UNMOGIP in discharge of their UN-mandated duties".
France charges four Pakistan nationals in Charlie Hebdo attacks continued from page 01 The assailant, named Zaheer Hassan Mahmoud, 25, was arrested after September’s attack on terror charges and remains in custody. He told investigators that prior to the attack he had watched “videos from Pakistan” concerning the satirical magazine’s decision to republish the cartoons. On October 16, a young Chechen refugee beheaded teacher Samuel Paty, who had shown some of the caricatures to his pupils. Less than two weeks later, three people were killed when a young Tunisian recently arrived in Europe went on a stabbing spree at a church in the Mediterranean city of Nice. President Emmanuel Macron’s government has introduced legislation to tackle radical activity in France, a bill that has sparked anger and protests in Muslim countries.
Huawei exec's lawyers open new front in extradition trial: report VancouVer AGENCIES
Canada would violate international law by extraditing a Huawei executive to the United States, her lawyers argue in new documents cited by the Canadian public television channel CBC. Meng Wanzhou's defense believes that their client's alleged actions have "no connection" with the US, according to the CBC, which cites new documents filed Friday in Vancouver court. Meng is wanted in the US on fraud charges related to violations of US sanctions on Iran.
GB reSideNtS PrOteSt ONe-way CUt iN Pia FareS iSLamaBad
a
GHULAM ABBAS
LTHOUGH Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has announced a reduction in fare for its flights to Gilgit Baltistan (GB), residents of the area have expressed dismay over the impact of the cut on one way only. People from the country’s northern region usually travel South to avoid harsh weather conditions in the winter, and were expecting to see a difference in fares on flights on both sides. As per details, tickets at Rs6,915 are only available for flights from Islamabad to Skardu and Gilgit while passengers travelling from Gilgit and Skardu to Islamabad are still forced to pay Rs10,000 to Rs17,000.
On Friday, sharing the details on its Twitter feed, the national flag carrier had announced that it would now be charging a minimum one-way fare of Rs6,915 from passengers travelling from Islamabad to the popular tourist areas of the country’s northern region. Using social media, residents and
Swiss to start Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine jabs after watchdog's OK ZURICH: Switzerland will start getting doses of Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer and partner BioNTech within days after its drugs regulator authorised use of the jabs in what officials called the world’s first approval under a standard procedure. Two months after receiving the application, Swissmedic allowed the vaccine for people aged 16 and older after a rolling review of documents being submitted. That cleared the way for an initial delivery of just over 100,000 doses, which the army will put into deep-freeze storage and send to cantons to start inoculations of vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with medical conditions. A nationwide campaign to vaccinate risk groups can start from Jan. 4. Subsequent deliveries of 250,000 doses a month held out hope that all who wanted a free jab could get one by mid-2021, federal public health agency officials said. With approval of another product expected soon, Switzerland would have enough vaccine in the months ahead, agency director Anne Levy told a news conference in Bern. Swissmedic is also reviewing applications for vaccines made by Moderna and AztraZeneca. Covid-19 cases in Switzerland and neighbouring Liechtenstein have surpassed 400,000 and the death toll has topped 6,000, prompting the government on Friday to close restaurants for a month and urge people to stay home. Although the timing of Swissmedic’s approval took even government officials by surprise, the agency said data showed the vaccine was safe and effective. “The safety of patients is an essential prerequisite, especially where the of vaccines is concerned,” Swissmedic Director Raimund Bruhin said. Sabine Bruckner, Pfizer’s head of Swiss operations, called Swiss approval “a historic moment in the fight against this deadly disease”. AGENCIES
Moot on Pak-Turkey ties discusses military’s ‘influence in politics’ An interesting byplay took place during a webinar organized by Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) to discuss “Pakistan-Turkey Relationship”, where Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul, Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan, was the chief guest. Dwelling upon the commonalities and similarities between Turkey and Pakistan, PPP’s Farhatullah Babar raised the subject of the military’s interference in politics in Turkey and Pakistan. “Turkey and Pakistan have witnessed the hanging of their elected prime ministers by the military and both have seen the military’s growing influence in politics, which Turkey has been able to almost eliminate. He asked the ambassador a very leading question, “Would you, Excellency, share experiences of Turkey stopping the military from interfering in politics?” Realizing that this was a deliberately loaded political question, Ambassador Yurdakul addressed it diplomatically, replying that the
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journey to democracy was not easy for Turkey. It was only because of the will of the Turkish people who were eager to show their trust in the ballot boxes and share opinion about their rulers, being very sensitive about the exercise of this right. “During the rule of Mr Erdogan’s party, emphasis on rule of law and will of people was in the forefront and it was only with peoples’ efforts we were able to uphold the principle of civilian rule. As long as you have the structure in civilian hands we can rule out intervention of any sort. This is what happens in nature, if there is a vacuum in the earth, different elements/chemicals will fill up that vacuum. The best way is not to leave a vacuum.” In his concluding remarks, Mr Ikram Sehgal, Chairman KCFR, stated that during the 2016 Turkish coup d’état, Mr Erdogan was on a holiday, he flew straight into the eye of the storm in Istanbul without wasting time and met the challenge head on. Since the coup was led by
elements in the Air Force, his jet was ordered to be shot down. His pilot used different civilian airline codes to escape recognition. The coup failed because Mr Erdogan was not corrupt and people in vast numbers flooded the streets, not only in Istanbul but in other cities. With the full support of the Turkish Armed Forces, the coup was put down but not without bloodshed. Ikram Sehgal asked when have the people in Pakistan ever come out to support their overthrown political leaders. The coups have always been bloodless because the people knew the leaders were corrupt to the core and had made their lives miserable. Why should they risk their lives for them? Despite anger and disappointment in the face of dismal service delivery the govt carries on if the leaders are perceived to be honest. He said that Army interventions will never take place or be successful anywhere if the political leaders are not corrupt. NEWS DESK
CMYK
youth of the area expressed their anger, saying that “PIA is making a fool of the public as unusual”, adding that “The reduction in fare should have been in tickets of from Gilgit and Skardu to Islamabad As in winter people hardly visit GB.” Meanwhile, citizens of GB have announced a protest rally in Skardu on Sun-
day from Yadgar Chaok to the PIA office. According to Civil Society Baltistan’s active member, Najaf Ali, they would protest against the unjustified fare of PIA for residents of GB as compared to passengers’ domestic flights. However, when contacted, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez said that the minimum fare was applied on both sides of flights. It is pertinent to mention that the announcement came after Gilgit Baltistan Governor Jalal Hussain Maqpoon on December 10 wrote a letter to the PIA CEO to lower fares of the airline’s flights in order to promote tourism in the region. Although the distance from Islamabad to these two destinations was shorter compared to other domestic routes of PIA, the fare for this region remains comparatively higher.
Wall Street investors bet old-school retailers will rebound in 2021 neW YorK AGENCIES
As holiday shopping season wraps up, U.S. equity investors are gauging whether long-languishing shares of brick-and-mortar retailers can sustain their recent rebound in anticipation of a full economic reopening in 2021.The SPDR S&P Retail ETF, which tracks a broad group of retailers such as department and specialty stores, is up nearly 40pc this year. Its gain reflects a rally that has lifted shares of companies in sectors particularly sensitive to the economic cycle, such as industrials and energy, in the wake of recent breakthroughs in Covid-19 vaccines. Those numbers pale in comparison with the massive gains online companies such as Amazon.com Inc, Etsy Inc and Wayfair Inc have notched this year, after the pandemic accelerated a shift toward internet shopping. Some investors, however, believe that more traditional retailers may be able to narrow that gap in the coming year. Their view dovetails with a broader bet that vaccines against the coronavirus will spur widespread economic reopenings across the United States, helping the industries that have suffered most from the effects of COVID-19. “There’s anticipation of people shopping,” said Kim Forrest, chief investment officer at Bokeh Capital Partners. “Wall Street is looking for-
ward to a time when we are not locked down.” Investors next week will have an eye on the University of Michigan’s widely followed consumer sentiment index, which remains below pre-pandemic levels but has recently ticked higher. One source of consumer spending could come from additional stimulus checks to individuals included in a $900 billion coronavirus aid package that Congress has moved closer to approving, said Alex Ely, chief investment officer of Macquarie Investment Management’s small and mid-cap growth equity team. At the same time, brick-andmortar stores that have withstood the economic onslaught from the pandemic may have more solid footing next year as competitors have faltered, said Eric Marshall, portfolio manager at Hodges Capital Management. JC Penney, J Crew, Pier 1 Imports and Neiman Marcus are among the retailers that declared bankruptcy this year. “On the back side of this... there could come a period of prosperity,” Marshall said. Retail shares likely will not advance in unison, as the pandemic has only magnified long-standing trends that will separate winners from losers, investors said. Jason Hans, portfolio manager at BMO Global Asset Management,
expects department stores to resume their underperformance. At the same time, certain specialty retailers could catch up once in-store shopping recovers, he said. He has added to his position in children’s clothing company Carter’s Inc. Traditional retailers’ online presence may also play an important role in determining their fate. Hodges Capital’s Marshall, for instance, owns shares of American Eagle Outfitters, which has substantially increased its online sales. Bokeh Capital’s Forrest said she has gravitated to retailers such as Urban Outfitters Inc, which she classifies as “good real-world merchandisers” - those that successfully lure customers into impulse buys and have potential to translate that strength into online sales. The retail recovery, however, may face some hitches. US retail sales fell more than expected in November, likely weighed down by raging new COVID-19 infections and decreasing household income. Further delays in additional fiscal stimulus could place more nearterm strain on economic indicators. But some investors are willing to look past that momentary weakness. “The fundamentals are going to be much better in the second half of 2021 and 2022,” Macquarie’s Ely said. “But you want to buy six to nine months ahead of when things are great. Now is the time.”
Sunday, 20 December, 2020
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ACCHA
Heed the alarm bells Take PDM on board
T
The word is full of meaning for us all
he threat perception from India has suddenly assumed prime importance. We have been told off and on before also that India is likely to indulge in aggression against Pakistan under the cover of a false-flag operation. It appears from statements emanating from a number of important quarters on a single day that the threat has become imminent. During a presser in Dubai, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmud Qureshi revealed that he had learnt through “our intelligence forces” that India is planning a surgical strike against Pakistan. Further that the information of an imminent strike against Pakistan had been shared with relevant capitals. SAPM on National Security Moeed Yusuf called upon the international community to stop India from adventurism. In an interview with an American newspaper, the Pakistani ambassador to the USA talked about the increasing Indian support for terrorist networks in Pakistan. The USA alone, he said, is in a position to play an important role in supporting peace and security for the region. Meanwhile on Friday Indian troops fired at and damaged a UN vehicle carrying two officers of the United Nations Military Observer Group on this side of the LoC. There are reports in a section of Pakistani media that the Pakistan Army has been put on high alert amidst the possible threat of a surgical strike inside Pakistani territory. Dealing with an external threat of this dimension requires social harmony in the country. The Prime Mnister however chose to provoke the opposition alliance by inviting it to hold a sit-in inside Islamabad. Referring to himself as the “long march specialist”, he said he had spent 126 days staging a sit-in against the then-PML(N) government and he was throwing a challenge to the PDM that if they spent even one week in Islamabad, he would start thinking about resigning. The opposition is on the roads for nearly three months now. hopes that the PDM would fail to bring out thousands of people have turned out to be futile. So have attempts to drive any wedge in the opposition alliance. Threats of filing treason cases have not worked either. There is a need on the part of those who matter to enter into talks with the opposition to defuse the situation so that the entire nation jointly fights the external threat.
Rabia ahmed
T
he Cambridge dictionary this month made ‘accha’ available to the english speaking public. As incorrectly pronounced as ‘Iraq’ by the dictionary’s own British and American english pronunciation guide, the word is defined as an exclamation meaning ‘yes!’ and a word of agreement as in ‘that’s good.’ But really, the word is much more versatile than that. There’s the triumphant “Accchha” when Donald Trump lost the elections, a reaction that had little to do with a Republican defeat and everything to do with the defeat of the particular person holding office all that way across the world. Then there is the incredulous eye rolling “Accha!” as when Imran Khan claimed there was no mention of Jesus Christ in history. There are other examples. A disgusted “Accha!” and an incredulous one as a comment on Sheikh Rasheed’s appointment as Interior Minster. Sheikh sahib, if you remember, felt it necessary to add to Imran Khan’s intelligent statement about a possible military confrontation with India by reminding India that Pakistan was a nuclear power with small warheads capable of targeting and destroying particular targets. Sheikh Rasheed was then the Minister for Railways.
Inadequate export industry base
COVID-19 - reflecting democratic and authoritarian systems
A handful of sectors get all the support
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LThOUGh the country’s exports have picked up in the past few months, Pakistan still has a long way to go if it is to compete with regional players such as Bangladesh and India. Last month, on the back of double-digit proceeds, a 32-month high of $2.16 billion was recorded in November, driven predominantly by textile exports, followed by pharmaceutical products, rice and surgical goods. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Ishrat husain, speaking at a recent event, correctly stated that Pakistan’s exports cannot grow beyond the annual $25 to $30 billion unless there is diversification and a move towards new industries is made. One of the fundamental reasons why Pakistan has been unable to achieve this is the disproportionately high level of incentives and support in the form of tax rebates provided by the government to a handful of sectors that make up to 90 percent of total exports. Unless there is a concentrated effort by the government to attract investment into other industries, the situation will remain the same and exports stagnant. It would be unrealistic to expect investors to set up a business that is unlikely to get support from the government while an industry already exists that receives ample subsidies and protections, enabling it to thrive. Another issue is the overreliance on the US and eU markets, that are not growing rapidly enough to justify sticking to them only. In comparison, China and other Asian markets are growing at 5 to 6 percent. China is not only the largest exporter but also the largest trading nation in the world. Pakistan should leverage its strong alliance with the country and tap into its supply chains, providing raw materials and components, boosting its own exports. Another significant impediment to diversifying the export sector is the existence of powerful lobbies that are able to secure and preserve a competitive advantage through the government and other relevant power centres, making it near impossible for new entrants to survive, much less grow. Unless these systemic issues are addressed, Pakistan’s exports will struggle to reach the volume required for it to be considered a serious regional player.
dR imRan ali Sandano
T
he covid-19 pandemic has challenged all the political systems of the world. It has also opened a new debate as to which political system is best to fight against the covid-19 or other pandemics. Many believe that the ‘China Model’ is the best to deal with novel pandemic challenges. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World health Organization, publicly stated that China deserves special praise and recommendation for its response in this crisis. The WhO has appraised China’s response which is also known as the ‘China Model’. It is being discussed particularly in parts of the democratic world as perhaps a better alternative to democracy, because the Western democracies are in deep trouble today. Some people argue that China, in contrast to the USA, has really shown some significant strength within the country and around world, by containing and stopping the outbreak after it first emerged. It is now sending testing kits, surgical masks and medical aid to countries around the world. In many ways people around world argue that being an authoritarian state China (and even Cuba) is playing a very important role and demonstrating its ability as a responsible emerging global power. Some people have even argued that one of the most important lessons of this moment of crisis is the China model. We need to rethink the China model and the values of having an authoritarian government, especially during times of crisis. The Western scholars are strongly disagreeing with these claims. They believe that the opponents of democracy and human rights around the world would very much want to buy into this narrative. They claim that it is deeply ingenuous, and ethically weak. They feel that in the long run it would be dangerous for the world. In 2003, when the world exerienced the SARS (South Asian Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak, China tried to cover up that story. China has also done the same thing in the context of the present (covid-19) crisis. Local authorities in China deliberately suppressed, as early reports coming out of Wuhan of some unknown virus that had emerged, missing an
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Apart from the Western perspective, at this stage, China– as an authoritarian state– has beaten back the pandemic. Cuba is also on the same track to defeat early window responders had to stop that infectious this pandemic, but democratic countries, except New Zealand and South Korea, continue to struggle to disease before it spread around the world. Although researchers in China did eventually re- contain the spread. The USA and europe face a worslease the genetic sequence of the virus, there were a ening situation and may suffer more during the ongoing second wave than lot of attempts to cover up. during the first. There was attempt to detain China disclaims the accudoctors who tried to discuss sation that the Chinese govthat disease. The democratic and ernment delayed in letting the Many scientists even beworld knows about the covidlieve that aggressive action, authoritarian systems are 19 outbreak. China claims just a week earlier could have that it is only Western propabasically both for the cut the number of infections Chinese scientists in China by two thirds. even betterment of the people. The ganda. have made a leading contriin some recent major rebution in combating the dissearch studies, which are also differences emerge when we ease, which has been praised authored by the experts from compare them. In the present by the WhO. Now the vacthe Wuhan Center for Discine is available, it will hopeease Prevention and Control, situation, if we compare which fully control the pandemic claim the same. An indeand will stop the blame game. is delivering in a better pendent study found that if The democratic and auChina acted earlier and remanner, we may find that thoritarian systems are basisponsibly, it could have concally both for the betterment of trol the outbreak. It could authoritarian systems are the people. The differences have prevented 95 percent of doing so. It doesn’t mean that emerge when we compare the disease from spreading to In the present situation, the entire world. the democratic system is bad. ifthem. we compare which is delivThe West believes that If the China Model is working ering in a better manner, we Chinese cover up of the virus may find that authoritarian syswas not the fault of the syswell and getting a good result tems are doing so. It doesn’t tem, but that an authoritarian mean that the democratic sysregime always covers up we should follow it. If not, it tem is bad. If the China Model events and stories deliberwould be better to have a is working well and getting a ately. This is by design. This good result we should follow does not happen by accident. competition in performance it. If not, it would be better to The language of authoritarihave a competition in performagainst unarmed enemy anism is fear and force and it ance against unarmed enemy is also a part of the DNA of (covid-19) rather comparing (covid-19) rather comparing authoritarian regimes. Truth oneself with others, and blamtelling, honesty, and transoneself with others, and ing one another. The purpose parency are not core features blaming one another. should be getting the pandemic of authoritarian regimes. under control, not establishing They claim that democthe superiority of one system racy is much better for telling over another. the truth for obvious reasons, like a free press, civil society, and respect for free The writer is Assistant Professor at Department speech and the existence of opposition parties. A democratic system can play a crucial role in both respond- of International Relations, University of Sindh, He can be reached at ing to the covid-19 pandemic and dealing with the Jamshoro. iiman110@gmail.com challenges of the political and economic aftermath.
The WHO has praised China for its handling of Covid-19
Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami
Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad
a sad, resigned “Acha.” Malala, the youngest Nobel Laureate ever, a young and courageous Pakistani woman we should be proud of, instead her countrymen shunned her following the events that led to her Nobel Prize. Such as Abdus Salam, the theoretical physicist and Nobel Laureate, also from Pakistan. Recently his “Acha!” in the same tone follows the appoint- house in London has been declared a national herment of (Dr) Firdous Ashiq Awan, who in yet another itage site. The house has a plaque on it which reads: cabinet reshuffle recently has been appointed special ‘Abdus Salam 1926-1996, Physicist, Nobel Laureate assistant on information to the Punjab Chief Minister and Champion of Science in developing countries, Mr Usman Buzdar. Dr Awan rolled over from the lived here.’ Yes he did. he had to, because he was not alPPP to join the PTI and was once focusing on the healthcare system not too long ago when she was lowed to remain in Pakistan. ‘Accha,’ (with a pained still with the PPP, and was then unaware of the exis- look and a sigh) for him. It is sad that the pleased ‘Accha’ is rare with reftence of time release capsules. There she stood, staring down at an expelled capsule and her incredulous erence to what takes place in this country. It merits a disgusted ‘accha’ as well as an inand perplexed “accha!” was heard through the corcredulous one that the Presiridors of the drug regulation dent of Pakistan has recently department, and led to the signed off on an order that unfortunate removal from allows chemical castrations office of some people who Far more than the crime is of men accused of rape. were better informed such as Rape is rarely a simple sexthe then Federal Governthe need to concentrate on ual matter. It is mostly a ment Analyst. the attitudes that make such twisted manifestation of The “Accha?!” followand is often accompaing Dr. Awan’s appointment crimes occur, that make them power nied by murder or extreme is aptly followed by a ‘Good violence. For this reason it is Lord!’ particularly since she so common in Pakistan common in feudal societies has recently made the insuch as Pakistan, and even triguing remark that the mask where women have few more common in homes is insufficient protection as rights. But for a government where the fact that a husband the coronavirus can sneak in rapes a wife or a child is igvia the nether regions. that wishes to be seen to be nored, or in this society not Whatever the reason for considered to be rape. This is such appointments, including doing something….accha…., a society where judges are that of Mr Vawda, they serve rarely neutral and officialto do nothing but drop one’s chemical castration makes dom is easily bought off. To opinion of the current govsense for the government castrate or kill a person acernment, if there were space cused of a crime is fraught for it to go any lower. with danger. It is very likely So then there’s the that only the poor will be happy ‘Bohat Acha!’ a ‘Very good indeed’ when the Pakistan born molecular bi- subject to punishment and the rich let off. There is ologist Asifa Akhtar recently won the Liebniz Award, also the danger of the wrong person being accused one of Germany’s most prestigious awards for sci- of a crime on purpose. Far more than the crime is the need to concentrate entific research. It’s good to get such positive news, particularly these days. Ms. Akhtar works for the on the attitudes that make such crimes occur, that Max Planck Society. eighteen scientists from this so- make them so common in Pakistan where women ciety have been recipients of the Nobel Prize. Per- have few rights. But for a government that wishes to haps Ms. Akhtar may one day receive that honour as be seen to be doing something….accha…., chemical well, although again perhaps it’s better not to wish castration makes sense for the government. that on her, seeing the fate of other Nobel Laureates Rabia Ahmed is a freelance columnist. Read more from Pakistan. Such as Malala Yusufzai the activist who merits by her at http://rabia-ahmed.blogspot.com
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Sunday, 20 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
Amir’s exit
Deft, delicate and damning A sequence of timely moves leaves the opposition reeling
Candid Corner Raoof haSan “I sometimes think that people’s hearts are like deep wells. Nobody knows what is at the bottom. All you can do is imagine by what comes floating to the surface every once in a while.” —Blind Willow
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T is heartening to note that even the fiercest critics of the PTI have started acknowledging the deft and delicate moves that the Prime Minister has made to wrong-foot the opposition and compel it to go scurrying for adequate response. his handling of the PDM bust show in Lahore is a case in point. he gave them a free hand to indulge as they would. They did, but the audience to listen to a sterile repeat of unworthy comments was thinly scatted across the small expanse chosen as the arena for the jalsa. In fact, the empty spaces so vividly visible to the drone above far exceeded the ones that were filled up with human presence. For some, the show was highly embarrassing which led to heated discussions within the party echelons with allegations flying across the aisle. Some members were even accused of playing on both sides of the wicket. The opposition had barely recovered from the shock of the drubbing it received at Lahore when it was met with a flurry of initiatives from the Prime Minister. It was announced that the Senate elections would be advanced by 30 days to the first half of February and voting would be held through an open ballot. Now, all political parties have been complaining about hefty sums of money exchanging hands for the purchase of votes in the poll for Senate seats and there have been loud calls to put an end to it. Thus, in one go, the Prime Minister has not only exposed the opposition’s democratic pretensions, but also thwarted its bid to unsettle the Senate elections by staging a dharna at Islamabad. During their respective tenures in office, the PPP and PML(N) did nothing for the cause of ensuring the transparency of the vote. But since the constituent parties of the opposition had been playing to the galleries by calling for adopting remedial measures, it was expected that they would extend their support to the move. But no, they are not happy, yet again. This is so because the real motive of their agitation has nothing to do with winning any so-called respect for vote, or strengthening democracy, or establishing supremacy of civilian rule. The real purpose of the
agitation is to stall the Senate elections and stop the PTI from winning a majority in the Upper house which is vital for it to carry forth its agenda of change and fulfilling its dream of ensuring the welfare of the impoverished and downtrodden communities of the country. The move was enough to check-mate the opposition and its nefarious agenda to stir strife and disaffection in the country and have the PTI blamed for it. Simultaneously, the government spokespersons are daring the opposition to tender their resignations immediately. Understandably, the resignations would be accepted forthwith and by-elections announced as per rules contained in the Constitution. Not unsurprisingly, this led to a spate of angry statements from the leaders of all constituent parties of the PDM, more particularly the PML(N), PPP and JUI(F). Advancing the Senate elections by a maximum of 30 days is allowed in the rulebook and a reference would be moved before the apex court for seeking its opinion regarding holding the vote through an open ballot. If the opposition parties had been sincere in their vows to ensure transparency in the Senate elections, they should have put their weight behind the government’s move. But sincerity does not constitute even a tiny segment of the opposition thinking. Their foremost motive is the removal of the government using all exploitative means and methods. I remember the times when Imran Khan was dubbed a learner in the realm of politics as he was whenever he embarked upon a challenging undertaking, be it in the annals of cricket, building a cancer hospital or setting up a world-standard educational institution in a most backward area of the country. his entry in politics was greeted with an air of disbelief by the people who were uncomfortable with his agenda of change encompassing transparency and accountability. This was so because, instead of serving the needy people of the country during their tenures in the corridors of power, the traditional ruling families had only indulged exclusively in further perpetuating their hierarchical hold and piling up the illicit billions they conveniently stashed away in foreign lands, proofs of which are now available aplenty. Obviously, they would not let Khan deny them their bounties. So, as a matter of policy, all his moves were to be opposed irrespective of what those were, and to what purpose! In the good old times, politics was distinguished along ideological lines– left of centre and right of centre, with a small segment repre-
senting the religiously inclined who mostly used the power of their punch in preference to the sway of their argument. Over time, the ideology factor was eliminated from politics and the division was simply classified as Bhutto or antiBhutto. This has now transited to Imran Khan against the rest with the latter containing representation from divergent backgrounds, most of them in eternal conflict with one another. What binds them together is one common factor: hatred of Imran Khan, not because he is doing any damage to the country by implementing his welfare agenda, but because what he is doing could mean an effective end to their brand of politics. Prime Minister Khan has changed the culture of national politics from obsequiousness and submission before the powerful and the mighty to cultivating the courage and confidence among the ordinary people to stand up to the usurpers and demand their legitimate rights. This does not fit the family fiefdom structure which has been practised in the country by the Sharif, Zardari and other sundry clans who remain determined that their claim to the throne is not weakened and they continue to enjoy their turns at the helm in the future. An impressive number of positive indicators and continually improving governance in multiple sectors has driven fear and desperation in the opposition ranks. They now believe that if Khan gets any more time, their goose would be cooked and their chances of staging a comeback would be all but over. Consequently, they are desperate to unseat him. With the initial phase of their agitation having failed miserably, they are putting everything into the second part of their politics of strife and agitation. Khan has won the first phase convincingly and, with his deft and timely moves, he has the opposition reeling. The problem is that the corrupt conglomerate is not willing to concede in a democratic manner. They want to generate considerable level of violence during the course of the purported march on Islamabad, thus inviting the intervention of the military. I don’t see the opposition has much left in its bag of tricks. Considering the sharp divisions within its ranks, the chances are that the second phase of their politics of agitation will be equally insipid. In the event it does take off, it is likely to crash with but a whimper.
An impressive number of positive indicators and continually improving governance in multiple sectors has driven fear and desperation in the opposition ranks. They now believe that if Khan gets any more time, their goose would be cooked and their chances of staging a comeback would be all but over. Consequently, they are desperate to unseat him.
The writer is a political and security strategist, and heads the Regional Peace Institute – an Islamabad-based think tank. Email: raoofhasan@hotmail.com. Twitter: @RaoofHasan
PROLIFIC Fast Bowler Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket after the final of Lankan Premier League- LPL. in protest over National team management’s unendurable attitude towards him. Pakistani Pacer who had already left test cricket following fitness issues announced to quit all forms of international cricket after he was dropped from the 35 member squad for New Zealand and was also not selected for the home series against Zimbabwe. The fast bowler once considered junior Waseem Akram, represented Pakistan in 36 test matches, 51 one-day internationals and 50 T20 matches made a comeback in 2016 after serving a sentence of five years following his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in 2010 during Pakistan’s Tour to england. his return to the national side received a tepid response from former cricketers and his teammates particularly former Cricketer Ramiz Raja and his mate seasoned All-Rounder Mohammad hafeez blatantly opposed his return to the international arena to represent Pakistan after that ominous incident. Amir’s bowling was analyzed with a hawk’s eye by former cricketers and it was found that he has lost the swing and pace that he had in the early days of his international career which made him unplayable in seeming conditions and on bouncy tracks. The performance of Mohammad Amir against Arch-Rivals India in the final of Champions Trophy 2017 where he removed the top order of the world’s best batting lineup was probably the only significant performance since his return. In his video message, he said that; shabby behavior of team management has caused his untimely exit from international cricket Former Cricket stars including Waseem Akram, Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Akhter, and Rashid Latif have raised questions over the team management and the atmosphere of the dressing room after the startling step of the fast bowler. honorable Prime minister Imran Khan should meet the indignant fast bowler to convince him to backtrack from his decision the way General Zia did to the PM when he was a celebrated cricketer back in the 80s. Furthermore, PCB must call a thorough inquiry into the whole episode. KAMRAN KHAMISO KHOWAJA SuJAWAl
Bleeding Kashmir WhAT credibility UN holds over the Kashmir Issue has been revealed by the recent incident of firing by the Indian troops in Chiri Kot, Poonch Sector on its Military Observer Group’s (MOGIP) vehicle who were appointed by the Security Council in 1951 on the boundary to observe and report the violations of ceasefire line that has ruthlessly vivisected the ‘once known as paradise Kashmir’ against the will of its own people who are unable to visit their next door kith and kin across the borders. If the UN observers are not safe, one can imagine the unbridled brutal massacre of Kashmiris by the security forces on both sides of the border every day. This is turning out to be a sort of war in which civilians’ toll far exceeds armed forces’ themselves which hint towards a deadly pogrom being carried out against Kashmiris in order to wipe out their quest for freedom. The miseries suffered by boundary-line dwellers are inexplicable in sheer words. Battered by the frequent bereavements of their near and dear ones, they are wallowing into deep valleys of despair and grief. Psychological effects remain with the survivors throughout their lives. Imagine how this affects the children. Peaceful slumber is impossible in these vicinities, as the dwellers are always looking towards their doors in fear as if waiting for the knocks of cruel death wandering somewhere nearby. Why is the world so silent on all these brutalities, injustice and oppressions? If an elephant (Kavan) gets lonely and abandoned, a worldwide hue and cry finds him a timely rescue. But when thousands of innocent humans are killed in Kashmir, there is a pin drop silence everywhere. Is it because animals have acquired more worth and status than human lives in today’s civilized world? Why do there exist such double standards? Does human blood hold no worth to the ‘so called modern civilizations’ or are Kashmiris not even considered humans? Why are there no sanctuaries available to humans when even animals manage to get them? Unanimous resolution passed in OIC’s meeting in Niger recently, rejecting illegal and unilateral actions taken by India in Kashmir to try to change its disputed status and demanding her to rescind its derogatory provisions imposed on the people of Kashmir against their will by subjecting them to a more than a year-long barbarous curfew and vicious lock down, fell on deaf ears to India and the UN. Moreover, the exposure of disinformation networks by the eU Disinfo Lab uncovering a vast network of media outlets, think tanks and NGOs serving Indian interests was another outright slap on the ‘so called largest democracy of the world’. RAJA AMIN AfzAl MuzAffARAbAd
We the People QUAID-e-AZAM created a country with the support of the people, who gave him strength and power to force British Colonial Raj to agree for an independent sovereign Pakistan. In this political struggle, common citizens were involved. The paid civil and uniformed servants recruited by the Raj were loyal till the very end, willing to quell any uprising or peaceful protest seeking their fundamental right to decide their own fate. The Raj showered those willing to collaborate with the occupational force with large tracts of lands and titles given to them at hM Pleasure. even after seven decades, the people are still not considered as major stakeholders, although the constitution accepts that the will of the people must prevail through their elected representatives in free and fair elections. It seems to be the least of priorities for those at helm that astronomical escalation in basic food items and utilities has made life miserable for common citizens, although the lifestyle of the paid elite is far better than those in the developed world. Whether gas is available or not, the government refuses to accept it as their failing. After MAJ’s death, the politicians who helped him wage the struggle for independence were systematically sidelined by remnants of the Raj and banned in 1958 from politics under the controversial eBDO. Pakistan became hostage to palace intrigues. MAJ’s vision of Pakistan being a sovereign modern democratic welfare state stood derailed. What MAJ had referred to on 11 August 1947 as the cancer of corruption, which we inherited from India, such as allotment of lands has increased and so has hoarding and smuggling. India revoked all such land holdings given at hM Pleasure in 1950, because legally speaking all lands and titles given by the Raj became property of the state. MAlIK TARIq AlI lAHORe
Sunday, 20 December, 2020
08 WORLD VIEW
IndIa has Worst eConomy In 42 years. Is prIme mInIster modI WatChIng? MODI’S GEOPOLITICAL GAMBITS HAVEN’T JUST PUT INDIA IN THE GLOBAL HEADLINES FOR THE WRONG REASONS. THEY’VE DISTRACTED HIS TEAM FROM ITS ECONOMIC-UPGRADE MANDATE
Forbes
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WIllIAm PeSek
HE only real debate about India’s economy is exactly when things were as bad as they are in 2020. From some vantage points, the 5% inflation-adjusted growth expected for the fiscal year ending in March is the lowest since 2013. In nominal terms, though, the 7.5% rate being projected would be the worst since 1978. now for the really bad news: even these figures could be overly optimistic given the headwinds bearing down on the second-mostpopulous nation. The data reflect the what of where India
finds itself 67 months after narendra Modi came to power pledging a sweeping turnaround. It’s high time for a frank discussion about why 2020 is turning into a shaky period for Asia’s no. 3 economy. Modi rose to power in 2014 promising to supersize the “Gujarat model” that brought him to national prominence. His 14 years running that western state morphed Modi into a folk hero. On his watch, Gujarat often produced growth faster than the national average, fewer regulations, better infrastructure and less corruption. Voters elected Modi to bring those policies to new Delhi. The populist did put some wins on the scoreboard. Modi announced plans to cut bureaucracy and opened sectors like aviation, defense and insurance to increased foreign investment. Passing a national goods-and-services tax was no small feat. Then Modi largely rested on his laurels, shelving deeper reforms amid healthy global growth. now the trade war is sending ever bigger headwinds India’s way. The fallout from
U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs was limited enough to enable Modi to win a second five-year term in May, but the collateral damage is increasing. India would be growing faster if Modi had acted more boldly to upend vested interests. Modi, for example, punted on the truly epochal reforms India needs to compete and become more inclusive: changes to laws on labor, land and taxation. The government slow-walked efforts to clean up a banking system awash in bad loans. Then there are the self-inflicted wounds. A poorly executed move to take all high-denomination banknotes from circulation to attack graft shoulder-checked the economy. A botched GST rollout confused corporate chieftains and actually depressed tax revenues. Modi’s geopolitical gambits haven’t just put India in the global headlines for the wrong reasons. They’ve distracted his team from its economic-upgrade mandate. Modi’s shock move in August to strip Muslim-majority Indian Occupied Kashmir of its special status was posi-
tively Trumpian. A controversial citizenship law that excludes Muslims is fueling protests around the nation. Allies were left aghast in november when Modi scrapped a giant trade deal. Joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership would’ve increased India’s attractiveness to foreign investors. Reformers see the move as an economic own-goal driven more by impulse than strategy. These episodes are worth considering because they suggest Modi the populist rabble-rouser will dominate his second term, not the economic change agent most voters wanted. That’s just fine by certain parts of Modi’s base. It’s his Hindu nationalism that wins Modi such passionate support among certain constituencies. Will that support be there, though, if Modi’s distraction delivers a “Hindu rate of growth” instead? The reference here is to the low annual growth rates India produced prior to a liberalization push in 1991. One reason such chatter stings: the leader Modi replaced in 2014, Manmohan Singh, was the early 1990s finance minister who carried out India’s market opening. The mere suggestion Modi’s India is going full circle—back to the tepid-growth days of the 1970s—is a bitter pill to swallow. Even if it does end up being hyperbole, there can be little doubt India isn’t where Modi boosters thought it would be in 2020.
It’s clear what India needs to do: deregulate, and fast. In other words, dust off the Gujarat model voters thought they were getting and get to work. Instead, new Delhi has relied on the Reserve Bank of India for monetary jolts to paper over fiscal-policy complacency. In fact, Modi is on his third RBI governor at this point. In September 2016, Modi dumped globally respected economist RaghuramRajan, but his repalcementUrjit Patel, it turned out, wasn’t compliant enough and by December 2018 was replaced by Shaktikanta Das. Since then, Das has steadily cut benchmark rates. That, however, took pressure off Modi’s government to do its job. It’s the political equivalent of human nature: it’s always easier to add liquidity than remove barriers to growth and efficiency. Look no further than the Philippines and South Korea these days. Yet all that largess takes the onus off India’s banks, particularly state-owned ones, to write down distressed assets. It also reduces the urgency to get India back on the road toward greater competitiveness and prosperity. This path back to 1978 is the last thing an ambitious nation of 1.3 billion people wants. William Pesek is a Tokyo-based journalist, former columnist for Barron’s and Bloomberg and author of “Japanization: What the World Can Learn from Japan’s Lost Decades.”
Why the World Is out to de-fang faCebook, Can financial crises be predicted? amazon, apple, netflIx and google “WHEN A POLICYMAKER FACES A GREATER THAN 40 EUROPE & US SEEM SET ON CURBING THE DOMINANCE OF FAANG FIRMS. THERE’S LIMITED DEBATE IN INDIA, WHERE ALMOST ALL OF THEM HAVE DONE DEALS WITH JIO Print
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TN NINAN
F there is one thing other than the pandemic that has marked the epochal year which is drawing to a close, it is a changed attitude to a once almost universally admired set of companies that are loosely clubbed together as tech giants — Facebook, Amazon, Apple, netflix, and Google, or FAAnG. Governments on both sides of the Atlantic seem set on tackling what they see as predatory business practices, tax avoidance, and misuse of data, all of it flowing from excessive corporate power in “winner-take-all” or “platform” businesses like search, online shopping, and digital ads. These businesses serve or create essential needs in the Internet age, and have done well in the changed pandemic reality (more online shopping, for instance) even as other businesses have suffered. The charge is that this outcome is in part caused by the misuse of market dominance. Investors aren’t complaining about the resulting prosperity. FAAnG share prices have rocketed in 2020 by close to 50 per cent, on top of some 75 per cent in the previous three years. Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet (which owns Google) have become trillion-dollar enterprises, and Facebook seems on its way there. The big five now account for over a fifth of the S&P 500 index. Power is a by-product of such great wealth, and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook has been described as the most powerful unelected person on Earth, a suprastate personified. He has declared more than once his intention to “protect” the integrity of national elections, which is ironic, given that Facebook has been under pressure to weed out hate speech and fake news. It has been under scrutiny by US legislators investigating secretive political ads, and the subject of reports in the Wall Street Journal for allegedly having got into bed with the BJP’s cohorts in India. Hitherto quiescent governments are getting their act together. Two months ago, the US justice department launched an investigation into Google’s deals with partnership firms (including Apple, which may not have been colluding) to block the distribution of
rival search engines. This week, Texas has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging a deal with Facebook to rig auctions for internet ad space. Earlier, in June, the European Union (EU) imposed a record $2.7 billion fine on Google for skewing search results to benefit its shopping search service. It has investigated Amazon for unfairly using third-party merchant data. And since the FAAnG companies have routed profits through low-tax havens, the EU is also considering a proposal to get more tax revenue from these companies. Separately, the penalty for future misdemeanours may be a percentage of global annual revenue! Meanwhile, Facebook is under attack for squeezing out rival firms offering competing games and services. It is not clear how much the regulatory moves will succeed, and whether the US will undo Facebook’s acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram. All the companies deny wrongdoing. Google is appealing the EU’s fine, but has stopped using an Irish tax loophole, while Facebook is fighting a directive against crossborder data transfer. Meanwhile, Amazon is said to be readying to tighten its grip on markets by using a proposed global e-commerce pact for free data flow across borders. Governments like India’s have protested and framed rules to regulate data transfer. Symptomatic of how these developments have changed perceptions of the FAAnG companies is an article this week on the Atlantic magazine’s website under a headline that declared: “Facebook is a doomsday machine”. The article said: “Central to that brokenness (of the social web) is the unprecedented scale … of Facebook. The company’s huge reach is a fundamental part of what it is, but it’s also a grave threat to humanity.” On their part, the FAAnG companies see themselves as offering solutions to problems like climate change by using artificial intelligence. Civil society activists fear that their outreach into new areas of potential dominance constitutes an expanding threat. There is so far limited debate in India, where virtually all the FAAnG companies have teamed up in different ways with India’s most powerful businessman. It’s an interesting question: Did the government move on a national data boundary wall drive FAAnG to do those multi-billion deals with Jio?
PERCENT PROBABILITY OF A FINANCIAL CRISIS OVER THE NEAR-TERM, AND A COMPARABLE PROBABILITY OF A RECESSION, A WAIT-AND-SEE ATTITUDE APPEARS ILL-ADVISED” Harvard Magazine
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JONATHAN SHAW
n his memoir of the 2008 financial crisis, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner wrote that such crises are like “earthquakes”— they “cannot be reliably predicted, so they cannot be reliably prevented.” Former Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke ’75 seemed to share that view when he said in a May 2016 talk that the Great Recession was triggered by “a twenty-first-century electronic panic by institutions…an old-fashioned run [on the banks] in new clothes.” And former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson, M.B.A. ’70, said in a 2018 symposium at the Brookings Institution that such crises are “unpredictable in terms of cause, timing, or the severity when they hit.” But what if all these policymakers are wrong? That’s the contention of researchers at Harvard Business School, who find, in two separate sectors of the economy, that the combination of rapid credit growth and asset-price gains during the prior three years is associated with a 40 percent probability of entering a financial crisis within the next three years. “That’s an enormous number,” notes Gund professor of finance and banking Robin Greenwood. And that risk compares to just a 7 percent probability in normal times. The association just “jumps out at you. You don’t have to do any fancy analysis to uncover it,” adds Greenwood, who is coauthor of the Harvard Business School (HBS) working paper, “Predictable Financial Crises,” with professor of business administration Samuel Hanson, Loeb professor of economics Andrei Shleifer (currently also a visiting professor at HBS), and JakobSørensen, a former visiting fel-
low from the Copenhagen Business School. “The predictability we document,” they write, “favors macro-financial policies that ‘lean against the wind’ of credit market booms.” Prior work, notably including a study by Safra professor of economics Jeremy Stein, has shown that expansion of credit often predicts future contractions of gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of national economic output. But using measures of credit growth alone provides only modest forecasting ability, Greenwood says. “You miss an enormous number of crises, and predict crises that never materialized.” In the new study, encompassing 42 countries between 1950 and 2016, Greenwood and his coauthors show that within the business sector, the risk of a crisis increases when credit growth during the prior three years is in the top fifth of the historical range, and stock market valuations are simultaneously in the top third. In the household sector, increased borrowing and elevated home prices are the relevant metrics. Each of these pairings “independently predict[s] the arrival of future crises”—with the probability of a crisis rising to at least 13 percent during the year after those benchmarks are reached, and as high as 45 percent within three years. These data, the authors contend, show that such crises are “slow to develop, suggesting that policymakers have time to act based on early warning signs.” In the rare historical instances when indicators in both sectors flash red, the probability of a crisis occurring within the next three years rises to more than 68 percent, and the outcomes are particularly severe, as has been seen in Japan (1988-1989), Spain (2005-2007), and Iceland (2005-2007). And there are global spillovers among economies, Greenwood points out. When risk is high generally, based on indicators within specific countries, even countries
whose own economies aren’t overheated have an elevated probability of a crisis (where the banking sector becomes “severely impaired, as evidenced by widespread bank failures or severe withdrawals”). There are powerful incentives for acting to prevent such economic disasters in the first place—“taking away the punch bowl,” as the authors put it, channeling the late Fed chair William McChesney Martin, “when the party starts to get out of hand”—because of what happens to a nation’s GDP in the aftermath of a crisis. national output declines—and “never recovers the gap” to the trajectory of economic growth it was on before the crisis struck, Greenwood explains. These events can be “incredibly costly for an economy and for the world” because the damage to future economic growth is lasting (see chart above). Therefore, the authors write, “when a policymaker faces a greater than 40 percent probability of a financial crisis over the near-term, and a comparable probability of a recession, a wait-and-see attitude appears ill-advised.” Steps toward prevention or alleviation in the business sector might include increasing capital requirements for banks that make commercial loans. In the housing sector, increased down-payment requirements on mortgages, by mandating stricter loan-to-value ratios, would have a cooling effect. Indirect corrective actions, says Greenwood, might include “tightening monetary policy to lower the probability or severity of a financial crisis.” But because all such actions have costs, he points out, they must be weighed against the probability and potential impact of a crisis. The trick, he says, is to take small preemptive actions before a crisis can develop. “Taking away the punchbowl when everybody’s already drunk and angry,” he warns, “actually exacerbates the problem.
Sunday, 20 December, 2020
BUSINESS 09
FDA gets Rs248.7m from auction of plots FAISALABAD APP
Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) has collected revenue of Rs248.7 million by auctioning plots at various sites in Faisalabad and this amount would be utilized for public welfare and development projects. This was stated by FDA Director General Muhammad Sohail Khawaja while addressing a meeting on Saturday. He said that a vigorous campaign has also been started for recovery of dues from defaulter allottees of FDA City Housing Scheme. He said that FDA had appealed the FDA City allottees to deposit their dues voluntarily and on this request various allottees had deposited Rs400 million whereas many ones did not pay any heed to FDA requests. Therefore, FDA management has decided to start crackdown against defaulters for 100 percent recovery of dues. He further said that FDA has also auctioned plots in various residential colonies and commercial markets and a heavy amount of Rs248.7 million has collected from these auctions and now these funds would be used for public welfare and development schemes. Chief Engineer Shahid Mehmood, Additional Director General FDA Amir Aziz, Directors Junaid Hasan Manj, Asma Muhsan, Asif Hayat Niazi, Sohail Maqsood, Mehr Ayub and others were also present in the meeting.
APTMA DEMANDs wIThDRAwAL OF FIRs AGAINsT ExPORTERs LAHORE
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STAFF REPORT
HE All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has demanded the federal government to stop the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) from harassing taxpayers and withdraw all FIRs lodged against genuine manufacturers and exporters. In this regard, APTMA Chairman Adil Bashir in a press statement on Saturday said that exports from Pakistan had registered an impressive uplift over the last few months but the potential of further enhance exports may be hindered by certain government functionaries. He alleged that there are glitches in FASTER and WeBOC systems of FBR, which the federal law enforcement agency itself has publicly admitted.
He regretted that instead of correcting the system and making it more efficient, field formations of FBR were lodging stereotyped FIRs against taxpayers, a move which he said may affect business environment. The APTMA chairman claimed that the Lahore Large Taxpayers Office (LTO) recently registered FIRs against leading textile exporters in total disregard to the fact that FBR’s computer system had erroneously uploaded input tax adjustment of sales tax twice. “FBR’s system had uploaded the data twice due to a system error in September 2019 while there was no misdeclaration by taxpayers,” he alleged, adding that this was not a singular incident but systematic error of FBR. He said that initiating criminal proceedings against major reputed companies without confronting
them or issuing show-cause notices is unjustified, adding that naming and shaming all directors of the mills by nominating them in FIRs without even conducting a meaningful inquiry and in the absence of any incriminating evidence was humiliating. He stressed that in case any agency finds a lapse in the compliance of tax laws, it should serve proper show cause notices and no criminal proceedings should be initiated unless and until the case has undergone scrutiny of an impartial judicial forum. “APTMA will offer its own services to FBR in conducting inquiries against tax evaders,” he said. He hoped that federal government would take stock of the situation and issue necessary directions to FBR for immediate withdrawal of FIRs in the larger interest of the business environment in the country and fostering of exports.
Over 500 Japanese IT firms willing to invest in Pakistan: envoy
‘FM’s UAE visit to strengthen trade, investment ties’ ISLAMABAD
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Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is another opportunity for Pakistan and the Emirates to reaffirm their commitment towards strengthening ties in areas of trade and investment, the Foreign Office (FO) has said in a statement. According to the statement issued on Saturday, besides economic matters, the two sides also shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, as well as their cooperation in multilateral arenas. “The two sides also acknowledged the Pakistani community’s contribution to UAE’s success story. Accordingly, they agreed to consider taking steps to encourage people to people contacts between them,” it read further. During the visit, the foreign minister called on UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Shah Mahmood Qureshi paid homage at the tomb of founder of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and offered prayers at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. He also visited the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai and interacted with local and international media.
Govt arranges 12 LNG cargoes for January The government has arranged 12 LNG cargoes for January 2021 in order to meet the energy demand of the country, the Petroleum Division announced on Saturday. In a statement on the country’s gas position, a spokesperson of the Petroleum Division said that one cargo that was scheduled for December 30 and was intended to supply for January, 2021, has been moved a few days ago into January while the volume [gas supply] has been increased in certain cargoes. He added that the load management plan approved by the federal cabinet for this winter remains undisturbed whereby curtailment will be done primarily for CNG and captive power units, as needed. He further said that that Pakistan will be moving 30 percent more LNG molecules this January compared to the period in 2018, at the ‘cheapest ever’ price of $6.34 for a peak winter month. The division informed that the gas demand in cities has increased by nine percent in Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) due to severe cold, whereas, the Sui Southern Gas Pipeline Limited (SSGC) faces similar drops in Karachi and Quetta. The spokesperson informed that with each 1C drop in temperature, the demand for gas increase by 6mmcfd in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. “It is requested to use gas responsibly AND report the use of compressors, an illegal act and major reason for pressure drops,” said the spokesperson. NEWS DESK
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RAWALPINDI: People buying vegetables from the government-established sahulat bazaar at Shamshad. INP
KP govt introduces new account system for TMAs PESHAWAR AZIZ BUNERI
The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has decided to implement the same account system as Punjab, developed in collaboration with the World Bank, to overcome financial difficulties. According to sources with first hand information of the matter, According to sources, more than 50 of 129 Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) in the province are facing financial difficulties and cover all their ongoing and developmental expenses through PLAs. “The Local Government De-
partment decided to introduce the Account 5 system for the Local Council Board after the Accountant General of Pakistan raised objections to Personal Ledger Accounts (PLAs) in KP,” sources added. They said that only two PLAs counts in KP, including the Local Council and Peshawar High Court (PHC), are currently being extended for three months due to the AGP’s objections, but in case of no extension funds transferred to all TMAs would be blocked. It may be mentioned here that the KP government transferred Rs16 billion annual for ongoing and development expenditures but
none of the TMAs were provided with the funds. Earlier, the provincial government wanted to introduce a single treasury account system which could not be introduced due to opposition from the local council. According to Local Council Board sources, the letter sent to the Local Government Department said that the PLAs of all TMAs would be frozen again on December 31. It should be noted that if the PLA of TMAs are not extended, they will be frozen on January 1 and will not be able to use grants given by the provincial government.
More than 500 Japanese IT companies would come to Pakistan once the pandemic subsides as the country expects to face a shortage of 800,000 IT engineers by 2030. This was stated by Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Kinnori Matsuda in a meeting with Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Zulfikar Bukhari to discuss the export of Pakistani IT engineers to Japan. The meeting was followed by a video conference with the Japanese IT companies association. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Information Technology, Pakistan Software Houses Association and embassies of both countries participated in the meeting. It may be mentioned here that Pakistan is working to send its manpower to countries other than the Gulf region and is engaged in talks with South Korea, Germany, Romania and Japan. Speaking on the occasion, the Japanese association said that shortage of IT engineers was intensifying in Japan and apprised the SAPM of about 100 Japanese companies which had contacted the embassy following the Pak-Japan skilled workforce agreement. “Following the skilled workforce agreement, more than 100 major Japanese IT companies, including NEC Corporation, Mac, Sankyo and Orix Japan, have approached Pakistani embassy in Japan,” said the envoy. Bukhari added that under the new vision, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis was expanding its horizon for Pakistani manpower exports to countries other than the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He said that the ministry was in close contact with South Korea, Romania, Germany and Japan and sending manpower to Japan was the top priority. “I will be making an important visit to Japan next year,” the SAPM said, adding that 2021 would mark a new beginning for Pakistan-Japan relations. Bukhari voiced hope that in 2021 the ministry would pave the way for Pakistani IT engineers to work in Japan and Japanese IT companies would also be welcomed to set up training centres in Pakistan. He said that after the Japan visit, a Pak-Japan IT conference would be held in Pakistan and that Japan would soon become the second largest market for Pakistanis after the Gulf countries.
Apple puts supplier Wistron on notice after Indian factory violence NEW DELHI AGENCIES
Apple Inc has placed supplier Wistron Corp on probation, saying on Saturday it would not award the Taiwanese contract manufacturer new business until it addressed the way workers were treated at its southern India plant. Early findings of an Apple audit in the wake of violence at the Wistron plant in India’s Karnataka state showed violations of its ‘Supplier Code of Conduct’, the Cupertino, California-based tech giant said in a statement. Contract workers angry over unpaid wages destroyed property, gear and iPhones on Dec.
12, causing millions of dollars in losses to Wistron and forcing it to shut the plant. Apple said Wistron had failed to implement proper working hour management processes, which “led to payment delays for some workers in October and November”. Wistron on Saturday admitted some workers at the plant in Karnataka’s Narasapura had not been paid properly or on time, and it was removing a top executive overseeing its India business. Apple said it will continue to monitor Wistron’s progress on corrective action. “Our main objective is to make sure all the workers are treated with dignity and respect, and fully compensated promptly,” Apple said,
adding that it continued to investigate issues at the plant, which is located some 50 km outside of the southern tech hub of Bengaluru and assembles one iPhone model. “This is a new facility and we recognise that we made mistakes as we expanded,” Wistron said in a statement. “Some of the processes we put in place to manage labor agencies and payments need to be strengthened and upgraded.” Wistron said it is re-structuring its teams and setting up 24-hour hotlines for employees to make anonymous complaints. “Apple has sent a strong message to its suppliers, telling them unequivocally that they need to adhere to its standards,” Neil
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Shah of Hong Kong-based tech researcher Counterpoint said. “In the long-run it should make suppliers more cautious and likely create fewer such public-relations headaches for Apple.” MANUFACTURING SETBACK: The Apple probation will delay Wistron’s smartphone production and hurt its manufacturing push in India where it had committed to invest some 13 billion rupees ($177 million) over the next five years as part of New Delhi’s production-linked incentive plan for smartphone manufacturing. Wistron had plans to make another iPhone model at the Narasapura plant and was planning to hire up to 20,000 workers in a
year’s time, a source told Reuters previously. But it could not cope with the rapid scaling up of manpower and breached several laws, Karnataka state officials found after an inspection of the plant following the violence. The number of workers rose to 10,500 from the permitted 5,000 in a short span of time, the Karnataka factories department said in a report, which was reviewed by Reuters. “The HR department has not been adequately set up with personnel of sound knowledge of labour laws,” the report of the inspection, which was conducted on Dec 13, concluded.
Sunday, 20 December, 2020
10 FOREIGN NEWS Teenage suicide bomber kills 3 in northeast Nigeria KANO: A teenage girl killed at least three people when she blew herself up in a crowd in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, militia and humanitarian sources told AFP Saturday. "We evacuated three dead bodies and two people who were seriously injured from the scene," said aid worker Abubakar Mohammed. The attack happened in the town of Konduga, about 38 kilometres (24 miles) from the regional capital Maiduguri. The attacker set off her explosives among a group of men at a hangout next the local chief's home, said Ibrahim Liman, an anti-jihadist militia leader who gave the same toll. Konduga and surrounding villages have been repeatedly targeted by suicide bombers from Boko Haram, which typically attacks soft civilian targets such as mosques, markets and bus stations, often using young women as bombers. At least 30 people were killed last year in Konduga when three bombers detonated their explosives outside a hall where football fans were watching a match on TV. Boko Haram and a splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million since 2009. The jihadist conflict has spread into neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to end the violence. AGENCIES
India's coronavirus cases pass 10 million NEW DELHI: India surged past 10 million coronavirus cases on Saturday, official data showed, the second highest in the world although new infection rates appear to have fallen sharply in recent weeks. Total cases were 10.0 million, up just over 25,000 in 24 hours, with 9.6 million recoveries and 145,136 deaths, according to the health ministry. In September, the vast nation of 1.3 billion people had been recording daily new cases of almost 100,000 and looked on track to surpass the United States as the worst-hit country. But the pandemic has accelerated in the US and appears to have lost momentum in India, despite the country being home to some of the most crowded cities on the planet. The United States, with a population a quarter the size of India's, has been reporting upwards of 200,000 new cases in recent weeks, 10 times as many as India. India's fatality rate is also considerably lower -- less than half that of the US. Brazil has also reported more deaths at 185,000. Residents in the capital New Delhi told AFP they were still worried but were more comfortable than before about leaving their homes. "Obviously the fear levels have come down over time. Initially, it was more scary. Now we don't worry that much," housewife Huma Zaidi said. "But we are still taking precautions like wearing masks when going out and avoiding social gatherings." India has lifted restrictions on most activities to boost the struggling economy, although some states and territories have reimposed curbs to stem the spread of the virus. AGENCIES
Two dead, hundreds flee floods in Philippine storm MANILA: At least two people were killed and hundreds forced to flee their inundated homes in the Philippines as torrential rain triggered flooding and landslides in the storm-battered archipelago, officials said Saturday. Huge waves smashed into a coastal village on Lapu-Lapu island in the central province of Cebu on Friday night, wiping out dozens of houses and leaving around 290 people homeless, Mayor Junard Chan said on Facebook. Photos posted online by the mayor showed piles of wood and bamboo near the few houses still standing after the region was drenched by heavy rain. Rescuers retrieved the bodies of two elderly women who were killed when a landslide hit an area of Mahaplag town before dawn in the nearby province of Leyte, officer Racquel Hernandez said. A boy was also pulled from the rubble of his home and treated for his injuries, Hernandez told AFP. About 1,500 people were forced to leave their homes on the major southern island of Mindanao as floodwaters engulfed 13 villages, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons every year, which typically wipe out harvests, homes and infrastructure in already impoverished areas. The latest storm comes after a succession of typhoons in recent months pummelled the country, taking the lives 148 people, destroying hundreds of thousands of houses, wrecking cash crops and leaving swathes of the country without power. AGENCIES
UK dIScUSSeS acTIoN afTer coNfIrmaTIoN New covId STraIN SPreadS more qUIcKLy LONDON AGENCIES
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RITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed with his senior ministers on Saturday what urgent action to take after it was confirmed that a new strain of the Covid-19 virus could spread more quickly and lead to a surge in cases. The BBC reported that London and southeast England would be placed in a new higher tier of restrictions and the government would cut back on a planned relaxation of the rules over Christmas, but gave no further details. Johnson will hold a news conference at about 1600 GMT during which he would discuss what his plans are in light of a rise in infections across London and southeast England linked to a new, more transmissible variant of the virus.
England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said that while there was no current evidence the variant of the novel coronavirus caused a higher mortality rate or impacted vaccines, urgent work was underway to confirm this. “We have alerted the World Health Organization and are continuing to analyse the available data to improve our understanding,” Whitty said in a statement. Britain reported 28,507 new Covid-19 cases on Friday and 489 deaths, with the reproduction “R” number estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.2, meaning the number of cases is rapidly increasing. Johnson said on Friday he hoped England would not need a third lockdown after Christmas and has so far resisted calls to change plans to ease restrictions for five days over the festive period, allowing three separate households to meet indoors. Much of the country, including London, is cur-
Thailand reports jump in local Covid infections linked to shrimp market BANGKOK AGENCIES
Thailand has nine new local coronavirus infections, the biggest one-day rise in local transmissions in more than seven months, health officials said on Saturday. The nine cases are connected to a shrimp market in Samut Sakhon province, near Bangkok, where four infections were reported on Friday, officials told a briefing. The cases started with a 67year-old woman, who sells shrimp in the market, who was confirmed to have the infection before three of her family also
tested positive. There is no need for a lockdown yet but steps will be taken if cases keep rising, Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for Thailand’s COVID-19 taskforce, told the conference. “If the number of cases won’t come down tomorrow or the day after and become a cluster with unfound origins, we will choose measures from light to strong to handle it,” he said. Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said late on Friday the situation was not worrisome and more than 2,000 people in the area had been tested and more tests would be conducted. Local cases have largely
been found in people observing quarantine after having been in close contact with an infected person. Most of Thailand’s recent cases have been imported. Thailand has kept infections at just 4,331 cases and 60 deaths, but its tourism-reliant economy has suffered from a travel ban imposed since April to curb the outbreak. The country on Thursday further eased restrictions to allow more foreign tourists to return. The government predicts about 8 million foreign tourists in 2021 after 6.7 million expected this year. Last year’s foreign visitors were a record of nearly 40 million..
China says will vaccinate 'key groups' over winter, spring BEIJING AGENCIES
China will focus first on vaccinating high-risk groups over the winter and spring before widening the inoculation to the general public, a senior health official said on Saturday. Zeng Yixin, vice minister of China’s National Health Commission (NHC) and director of the State Council’s vaccine R&D working group, warned that China’s COVID-19 prevention efforts were under increasing pressure as temperatures fall. “During the winter and spring seasons, carrying out novel coronavirus vaccination work among some key population groups is of great significance to epidemic prevention,” he told a briefing. China aims to actively build group immunity, and the vaccination of high-risk groups - which in-
clude workers in the cold chain industry, customs, healthcare, markets and public transport - is just the first part of a “step-by-step programme”, he added. China has included two candidate vaccines from Sinopharm and one from Sinovac Biotech Ltd in an emergency-use programme launched in July, targeting specific high-infection risk groups such as medical workers and border inspectors. It has also approved a vaccine from CanSino Biologics Inc for military use but has not approved any vaccine for use among the general public. China is planning to vaccinate as many as 50 million people before the start of the Lunar New Year holiday in Feb. 2021, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. It said that Beijing would distribute 100 million doses of vaccines made by Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech.
rently in the highest of a three-tier system of restrictions to curb the pandemic’s spread. The Daily Telegraph newspaper said ministers could now announce curbs on travel between southeast England, including the capital, and the rest of the country. The BBC said these areas would now be placed in a new “Tier 4”, with a tightening of rules for Christmas. “Failing to act decisively now, will mean further suffering,” Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said on Twitter. “We must keep asking ourselves ‘are we doing enough, are we acting quickly enough’.” The opposition Labour Party said the tiering system had failed to curb the virus’s spread. “It has been apparent for some days that the virus is again out of control in parts of the country,” said Jonathan Ashworth, Labour’s health spokesman.
Lab-grown meat makes historic debut in Singapore SINGAPORE AGENCIES
Lab-grown chicken meat made a historic debut at a Singapore restaurant Saturday in a culinary first that its creators said could help reduce the environmental damage involved in human food production. US start-up Eat Just said earlier this month that its product had been approved for sale in the city-state as an ingredient in chicken nuggets after Singapore became the first country to allow the sale of meat created without slaughtering any animals. Consumption of animals is an environmental threat as cattle produce the potent greenhouse gas methane, while logging to create pastures destroys natural barriers against climate change. The company on Wednesday said it had made its first commercial sale of the product to 1880, a restaurant in Singapore's Robertson Quay, a posh riverside entertainment centre. The restaurant began serving the cultured meat on Saturday evening, saying its first diners were students aged 14-18 who had been invited to the launch after showing "a commitment to building a better planet". The launch, however, was closed to the media because of measures against the coronavirus. Entrpreneur Marc Nicholson, who founded 1880, described serving cultured meat as a "revolutionary step towards solving climate change and creating the opportunity to feed the world without overwhelming the planet". Eat Just chief executive Josh Tetrick said this week that the launch "moves us closer to a world where the majority of meat we eat will not require tearing down a single forest, displacing a single animal's habitat or using a single drop of antibiotics". Demand for sustainable meat alternatives is rising due to growing concerns from consumers about the environment and animal welfare, but other products on the market are plant-based. Meat consumption is projected to increase more than 70 percent by 2050, and lab-grown alternatives have a role to play in ensuring a secure food supply, the company said. There were concerns that lab-grown varieties would be too expensive, but a spokesman for Eat Just said the company had made "considerable progress" in lowering the cost.
Central African rebels form coalition as UN chief appeals for calm BANGUI AGENCIES
Leaders of the three main armed rebel groups occupying large areas of the Central African Republic announced a coalition Saturday, ahead of next week's elections and as UN peacekeepers deployed in response to fresh attacks. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for calm and for all sides to work together to ensure credible elections there. But the rebels' announcement could further fuel tensions already on the rise in the troubled country ahead of a presidential and legislative vote on December 27, where the opposition fears massive electoral fraud.
The armed groups had decided "to combine all of our movements into a single entity, called the Coalition of Patriots for Change or CPC, under a unified command," they wrote in the statement. The CPC invited "all other armed groups to join". They also urged its members to "scrupulously respect the integrity of the civilian population" and to allow vehicles belonging to the United Nations and to humanitarian groups to circulate freely. The authorities in Bangui had not yet reacted to the statement Saturday. The UN mission in the CAR, Minusca, said on Friday that its blue helmet forces were on "maximum alert" to prevent armed groups from disrupting the elections.
According to UN and humanitarian sources on Friday, the rebel militia have secured control of key routes leading to the capital Bangui. "Reinforcement of the MINUSCA resources, including with air assets, is a response to the violence committed by these armed groups and which also affected Yaloke and Bozoum", towns just over 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Bangui, killing two members of government forces, the UN mission said. UN APPEAL FOR CALM: In New York, UN chief Guterres condemned the escalating violence and called on all sides to work towards ensuring conditions conducive to the holding of credible and peaceful elections, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a
statement. The UN chief called on all parties to "resolve their differences peacefully... in the interest of the Central African people who have for too long suffered from violence and instability." The government on Wednesday accused former president Francois Bozize of a "plan to destabilise the country," while the opposition says it fears massive electoral fraud. Bozize, who recently returned after years in exile, has been barred from running in the election by the country's top court as he had been sought in a international arrest warrant filed by the CAR on charges including murder, arbitrary arrest and torture. The CAR spiralled into conflict in 2013, when Bozize, was ousted by as president the Se-
leka, a rebel coalition drawn largely from the Muslim minority. The coup triggered a bloodbath between the Seleka and so-called "anti-Balaka" selfdefence forces, mainly Christian and animist. France intervened militarily in its former colony and after a transitional period, elections were staged in 2016 and won by president Faustin-Archange Touadera. Inter-communal fighting has receded in intensity in the last two years, but militia groups hold sway over two-thirds of the country, often fighting over resources. This new coalition, the CPC, unites all the groups that emerged from the Seleka force with anti-Balaka fighters against Touadera's regime.
Sunday, 20 December, 2020
SPORTS 11
IndIa crumble to record low as quIcks fIre australIa to vIctory ADELAIDE
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USTRALIA crushed India by eight wickets inside three days of the first Test at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, skittling the tourists for their lowest innings score in 88 years of Test cricket and taking a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. Josh Hazlewood (5-8) and Pat Cummins (4-21) turned a tight day-night Test on its head in a devastating spell of pace bowling to open the day, ripping through the much-vaunted Indian batting line-up in less than two hours to dismiss the tourists for 36. Australia’s batsmen, playing without pressure, chased down the victory target of 90 runs with some ease, opener Joe Burns giving his confidence a much-needed boost with an unbeaten 51 that included the six which secured victory. If the tourists were shell-shocked, the hosts were also taken aback by a turn of events which few would have predicted when India came out to bat with a 62-run lead and nine second-innings wickets in hand. “We were expecting a real dogfight right to the end, late day four, maybe day five in this Test,” said Australia skipper Tim Paine. “Again, it shows the talent we have with the ball and when our boys execute, and there’s anything in the wicket, that’s what can happen.” The margin of victory will be a hefty
blow to India’s morale as well as their hopes of repeating their maiden Test series triumph in Australia two years ago. None of India’s batsmen, including the prolific ViratKohli and stalwart CheteshwarPujara, managed to get into double figures -- only the second time that has happened to any team in a Test match. Their innings score of 36 was the lowest in 544 Tests going back to 1932, worse than their previous low of 42 against England at Lords in 1974. Only two countries have managed fewer runs in the long his-
tory of the format. “It is very hard to put (my) feelings into words. We had a lead of 60 when we arrived today and just collapsed completely,” said Kohli, who lost for the first time in 26 Tests where he had won the toss. “When you work hard for two days ... to get yourself in a good position and then literally in an hour, you put yourself in a position where it is impossible to win, it really hurts.” That turnaround was down simply to the irresistible bowling of Cummins and Hazlewood, who in one early
ninth round of quaid-e-azam trophy begins today
spell combined to take four wickets for no runs over 29 balls, delighting a socially distanced crowd of 15,026. Hazlewood later removed WriddhimanSaha and RavichandranAshwin in successive balls and even though he was denied a hat-trick, the big paceman bagged his eighth Test five-wicket haul in his next over when he sent back HanumaVihari caught behind. The tourists will be without Kohli’s leadership for the remaining Tests in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane as the skipper returns home for the birth of his first child, but they will also be sweating on the fitness of Mohammed Shami. The paceman took a blow to the forearm from a short Cummins delivery and was unable to bat on, bringing a premature end to India’s dismal innings when he retired hurt and headed off to hospital for scans. The win extended Australia’s record in day-night Tests to 8-0 after their first meeting with India under the lights, but victory had not looked by any means certain even as recently as Friday afternoon. Paine was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 73 on Friday that helped Australia stay in touch with India’s firstinnings tally of 244 by scratching their way to 191. The decision to look past Cummins and Hazlewood might have been a case of not being able to choose between them after what the former thought was up there with the very best outings for Australia’s pace unit in recent years.
Mohammad Wasim appointed new chief selector till 2023 World Cup SALEEM YOUSUF CONFIRMED AS CHAIR OF PCB CRICKET COMMITTEE
LAHORE: The penultimate round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2020-21 will start from Sunday (today). The first-class event, which has produced exciting contests in its previous rounds, promises riveting red-ball cricket, as the battle to secure the top two positions on the six-team points table continues to heat up. The four-day match between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Central Punjab, scheduled to be held at the National Stadium, will be broadcast live in Pakistan through PTV Sports and the PCB’s YouTube channel. Both the teams are enjoying an impressive run of form, as they have consecutively won their last three matches.KP enjoy a 29-point lead over second-ranked Northern after their last win over Southern Punjab (SP) by 10 wickets. In another fixture, Asad Shafiq-led Sindh will challenge SP at the State Bank Stadium. SP were at the end of a 10-wicket pounding from table-toppers KP in their last outing. They set a four-run target for the opposition after they were forced to follow-on. The opposition easily managed to chase the target in mere three balls. APP
liverpool thrash Palace 7-0 to go six points clear LONDON: Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah each netted twice in a scoring masterclass as the visitors thrashed Crystal Palace 7-0 to record their first away win in the Premier League since September and move a provisional six points clear at the top. Japanese midfielder Takumi Minamino wasted no time in repaying Juergen Klopp’s decision to start him instead of Mohamed Salah by scoring with just over two minutes on the clock before Sadio Mane twisted and fired home from the edge of the box to make it two in the 35th minute. Firmino added a third just before the break, flicking home to finish off a glorious counter-attack that swept the length of the field, and Jordan Henderson added a fourth seven minutes into the second half as Palace fell apart. Firmino scored his second with a brilliant chipped effort in the 68th and Mohamed Salah came on to score with a simple header before netting with a fine curling shot into the top corner five minutes from time. AGENCIES
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manchester city's aguero calls for patience amid injury woes
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday appointed former Test cricketer Mohammad Wasim as the chairman of its selection committee until the 2023 World Cup. The cricket board has also confirmed former wicketkeeper-batsman Saleem Yousuf as chair of its Cricket Committee. The 43-year-old Wasim will replace MisbahulHaq, who stepped down in October to concentrate on his job as head coach of the national team. The PCB said in a statement that Wasim's appointment was approved by the board chairman Ehsan Mani following the final round of online interviews held on Thursday and Friday. "This is a performance-oriented world and, as such, my philosophy will be to promote meritocracy and select squads according to home and international conditions and requirements," Wasim said in a statement. "As a chief selector, I will always be willing to make the hard calls, if these are in the best interest of Pakistan cricket." Pakistan will have a hectic 2021 as it has planned to host at least four international teams — South Africa, New Zealand, England and the West Indies — besides playing in the Twenty20 World Cup in India. Wasim's first assignment will be to select the Pakistan team for next month's two-Test and three Twenty20 home series against South Africa. "We have a busy 2021 year ahead and I will focus on being positive on selections that not only address our short-term needs but also fulfill our
MANCHESTER: Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero says he is struggling to shake off the knee injury that has sidelined him for a majority of the season and needs more time to return to full fitness. Aguero, City’s record goalscorer, has made just six appearances in all competitions this season after missing the start of the campaign following knee surgery. The 32-year-old Argentine featured as a substitute in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion but missed a training session on Friday. “It is difficult,” Aguero told British media. “Sometimes my knee is good, sometimes a little bit bad. I am doing everything to help the physio and medical staff to improve. I need a little bit of time but I came back in the week, and I hope to be at my best. Now I need time, but it is a long season.” City are ninth in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Liverpool, but Aguero is confident his side will be able to mount a title challenge. “We always believe that we can challenge for the title. In the Premier League, you win two games and then you’re near the top. We need to be calm, play the same way, because City always fights for the titles. Always,” he said. AGENCIES
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long-term ambition," he said. Wasim is currently the head coach of the Northern Cricket Association, which is in second place in the ongoing domestic first-class tournament. The PCB said there will be no change in the composition of the selection committee and head coaches of the six teams, competing in first-class cricket, will continue to serve on the panel. As such, PCB will appoint a new head coach of the Northern Cricket Association, who will later join the selection panel. Wasim, who is from Rawalpindi, played 18 Test matches and 25 one-day internationals for Pakistan between 1996 and 2000. He scored 783 runs in Test matches that included a century on debut against New Zealand. He also served as coach of the Sweden men's team in 2018 before being appointed as Northern Cricket Association head
LPGA unveils record prize money for 2021 season DAYTONA BEACH AGENCIES
The LPGA will distribute a record $76.45 million in official prize money in 2021, the tour announced on Friday, with 34 events scheduled across three continents next year. The tour is looking to bounce back after the Covid19 pandemic hit its 2020 schedule, forcing the cancellation of several events including the Evian Championship, one of the five women’s golf majors. “We can all agree that 2020, while certainly not the 70th anniversary year that we expected, was a year that
we will never forget,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “As we look to 2021, we are recapturing the momentum that we had at the beginning of 2020 and we are excited about our future, which will include news of new title sponsors and several significant purse increases.” The prize fund for the 2020 season had previously been valued at $75.1 million. The tour said its yearly Asia swing had to be pushed to late April and early May as a result of the pandemic. The first full-field event of 2021, the Gainsbridge Championship, will run from February 25-28 at a Florida host venue, which has yet to be decided.
coach last year. Yousuf has previously served as a member of the PCB's selection committee from 2013-2015. The PCB Cricket Committee also includes the representative of match officials Ali Naqvi, representative of current cricketers Umar Gul, representative of women cricketers UroojMumtaz and representative of former cricketers Wasim Akram, according to a statement by the PCB. The committee advises chairman Ehsan Mani on "cricket-related matters, including but not limited to the performances of the national cricket teams and their managements, domestic cricket structure, high-performance centres and playing conditions". “The committee has the powers to invite relevant personnel for its quarterly meetings to assist as part of its evaluation, assessment and recommendation process,” said the PCB statement.
Qatar unveils fourth 2022 World Cup stadium DOHA AGENCIES
Qatar inaugurated the fourth of eight 2022 World Cup venues, the Al Rayyan Stadium, when the country hosted the Amir Cup final between Al-Sadd and AlArabi on Friday. Al-Sadd, coached by former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez, beat Al-Arabi 2-1 to lift their 17th Amir Cup title after Algeria forward Baghdad Bounedjah scored twice. “It is a wonderful football stadium,” FIFA President GianniInfantino said in a statement. “The atmosphere is incredible, with the seats
extremely close to the pitch... I am sure this will be a perfect football arena in 2022 when it hosts matches during the World Cup. The country is very well prepared for the next FIFA World Cup and on track to host a memorable instalment of the tournament – the first in the Middle East and the Arab world.” The Amir Cup final’s date coincided with Qatar National Day and the country is scheduled to host the 2022 World Cup final in exactly two years’ time. The 40,000-capacity venue will host seven World Cup matches up to the round of 16. After the World Cup, the precinct surrounding Al Rayyan, which includes six training pitches, will be transformed into a regional sporting hub for the local community.
Sunday, 20 December, 2020
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TRUmp SAyS CybERATTACk ‘UnDER ConTRol’, plAyS Down RUSSiAn RolE WASHINGTON
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RESIDENT Donald Trump Saturday downplayed a massive cyberattack on US government agencies, declaring it "under control" and undercutting the assessment by his own administration that Russia was to blame. "I have been fully briefed and everything is well under control," Trump tweeted in his first public comments on the hack, adding that "Russia Russia Russia is the priority chant when anything happens" and suggesting without offering evidence that China "may" also be involved. "There could also have been a hit on our ridiculous voting machines during the election, which is now obvious that I won big, making it an even more corrupted embarrassment for the USA," he added, in his latest baseless allegation of mass fraud in the November 3 vote, which was won by Democrat Joe Biden. Trump's response came a day after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an interview that the attack -- which cyber experts say could have far-reaching impact and take months to unravel -- was "pretty clearly" Russia's work.
"There was a significant effort to use a piece of third-party software to essentially embed code inside of US government systems," Pompeo told the Mark Levin Show on Friday. He was referring to widely used security software from Texan firm SolarWinds. "This was a very significant effort," Pompeo added, "and I think it's the case that now we can say pretty clearly that it was the
US planning to close last consulates in Russia: report WASHINGTON: Donald Trump’s outgoing administration is planning to close the two remaining US consulates in Russia, media reports said, as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office amid high tensions with Moscow. The US will close its consulate in the far eastern city of Vladivostok and suspend operations at its post in Yekaterinburg, CNN reported, citing a December 10 letter sent to Congress from the State Department. The move comes in “response to ongoing staffing challenges for the US Mission in Russia in the wake of the 2017 Russian-imposed personnel cap on the US Mission and the resultant impasse with Russia over diplomatic visas,” the report said, citing the letter. Ten diplomats assigned to the consulates will reportedly be relocated to the US embassy in Moscow, while 33 local staff will lose their jobs. “No action related to the Russian consulates in the United States is planned,” CNN cited the letter as saying. AGENCIES
Sudan sends more troops to Ethiopian border KHARTOUM: Sudan has sent "significant military reinforcements" to the border with conflict-hit Ethiopia, state media said Saturday, days after the army said troops were ambushed there by Ethiopian forces. Soldiers were deployed in the eastern Al-Fashaqa border region, the site of sporadic clashes, where Ethiopian farmers cultivate fertile land on territory claimed by Sudan. The area also borders Ethiopia's troubled Tigray region, where fighting broke out last month, causing over 50,000 Ethiopians fleeing the conflict to cross into Sudan in recent weeks. "The Sudanese armed forces continued to advance on the front lines inside Al-Fashaqa to recapture the stolen lands and take up positions on the international lines," Sudan's SUNA news agency said. Sudan's army said troops were attacked on Tuesday evening in an "ambush by Ethiopian forces and militias inside Sudanese territories". Sudanese media said four soldiers were killed and 27 wounded, although the army did not confirm the reports. AGENCIES
Russians that engaged in this activity." Russia has denied involvement in the attack. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, without identifying the source of the hack, said Thursday that the attack poses a "grave risk" and that thwarting it would be "highly complex." President-elect Joe Biden has expressed "great concern" over the breach while Senator Mitt Romney, a Republican,
blamed Russia and slammed what he called the "inexcusable silence" from the White House. Among the government agencies affected, according to media reports, are the State Department, the Treasury, the Commerce Department, the Homeland Security Department and the National Institutes of Health -- as well as the Energy Department, and the National Nuclear Security Administration, which manages the nuclear weapons stockpile. Microsoft said Thursday that it had notified more than 40 customers hit by the malware, which security experts say could allow attackers unfettered network access to key government systems and electric power grids and other utilities. Roughly 80 percent of the affected customers are located in the United States, Microsoft president Brad Smith said in a blog post, with victims also found in Belgium, Britain, Canada, Israel, Mexico, Spain and the United Arab Emirates. "It's certain that the number and location of victims will keep growing," Smith said. NATO said Saturday it was checking its computer systems but had found "no evidence of compromise." The European Commission said Saturday it had not found any computer system intrusion but was "analyzing the situation."
Path to post-Brexit deal blocked by fish dispute BRUSSELS AGENCIES
Intense haggling Saturday over EU fishing rights in UK waters threatened to sink negotiations on a post-Brexit deal and plunge crossChannel trade into chaos. Fishing is now the main obstacle to securing a pact by January 1, when Britain leaves the EU single market, after progress on the other main issue of guaranteeing fair competition. "It remains very blocked," one EU diplomat told AFP. Another said Brussels had made Britain its last offer on fishing access and it was down now to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to decide whether he wants a deal. "If Britain doesn't accept the latest EU offer it will be a 'no deal' over fish," he warned, adding that London has until the end of the year to decide. The EU's pointman in the negotiations, Michel Barnier, has proposed EU fishermen giving up nearly a quarter of the value of the fish they currently catch in UK waters. Britain is understood to be holding out for getting back much more than half. The UK has suggested this compromise last for three years before it is renegotiated, whereas Europe is holding out for double that.
"It's all down to numbers now," the second European diplomat said. EU fishermen expressed alarm that "we are in the throes of being sold down the river," in a statement from the European Fisheries Alliance. It urged Barnier to stick to protecting them, saying: "The shape of a deal, as currently stands would give a huge blow to the European seafood sector which is made up of more than 18,000 fishermen and 3,500 vessels with an annual turnover of 20.7 billion euros." Time, though, is short to reach an accord. The European Parliament has highlighted a deadline of midnight (2300 GMT) on Sunday to receive a deal for review if MEPs are to ratify it before the end of the year. Their UK parliamentary counterparts are in recess, but can be recalled within 48 hours to do likewise. But EU capitals are not binding themselves to the European Parliament's deadline. France's European affairs minister, Clement Beaune, warned that only "a matter of hours" was left, echoing words used by Barnier a day earlier. But, he told French radio talks will not be called to a halt even if they go past Sunday. "We won't do that because what is at risk is whole sectors like fishing, like sustainable competition conditions for our businesses," he said.
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Death toll rises to 16 in Somalia suicide bombing MOGADISHU: The death toll from a suicide bombing in Somalia has risen to 16, after a number of people hurt in the blast succumbed to their injuries overnight, security sources told AFP on Saturday. Initially, six people including three senior military officials were killed Friday when a suicide bomber attacked a stadium in the Somali city of Galkayo, ahead of the planned arrival of the country's prime minister. But a local security official told AFP by telephone on Saturday: "The number of people who have died in the blast increased this morning, 16 people, most of them civilians, died, according to the information we have." Police official Ahmed Abdiasiz said "the location where the blast occurred was overcrowded... so that many people who sustained serious injuries died later. Apart from the members of the army nearly ten civilians also died in the blast". The Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place as a crowd waited for the arrival of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble. AGENCIES
Turkish hospital fire kills 9 Covid-19 patients ANKARA: At least nine coronavirus patients died on Saturday after an oxygen tank explosion triggered a fire at a hospital in southeastern Turkey, the health ministry said. The blaze in an intensive care ward of the hospital in Gaziantep broke out when a tank on an artificial respirator exploded. "We are profoundly saddened by this tragedy," Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said before a planned visit to the hospital. All the victims were patients who had been hospitalised with the coronavirus. Other patients affected by the fire were transferred to other hospitals. Turkey has recorded more than 1.9 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 17,600 deaths since the pandemic began a year ago. Faced with a surge in cases, Turkey strengthened restrictions put in place at the end of November with a total curfew during the weekend and partial one during the week. AGENCIES
Five rockets fired at US air base in Afghanistan KABUL: At least five unguided projectiles have been fired at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, a major US compound north of Kabul, local officials have said. No reports of damage or casualties have been immediately available. The rocket attack on the base occurred on Saturday, according to Wahida Shahkar, spokeswoman for the Parwan province governor. Five projectiles were fired at the base, while local police were able to locate a vehiclemounted launcher and defuse seven more. The attack did not inflict any casualties among civilians, Shahkar said. She was not able to provide any detail on possible damage or casualties within the premises of the US airbase. An unnamed NATO official has confirmed the incident to AP, adding that initial reports on the incident suggested no damage had been done to the airbase. So far, no militant group has claimed responsibility for the rocket barrage. It also remains unclear whether any attackers were apprehended by local security forces. TLTP
Armenians march to mourn war victims as PM faces calls to resign YEREVAN AGENCIES
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan led Saturday a thousands-strong march in memory of those killed in clashes with Azerbaijan as the Caucasus country began three days of mourning amid persisting tensions. Pashinyan has been under huge pressure from the opposition to step down after nearly 3,000 Armenians have been killed in six weeks of clashes with Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno Karabakh. As Armenia began three days of mourning for the victims of clashes on Saturday, the opposition kept up pressure on Pashinyan to resign over the handling of the conflict and what they say is a humiliating peace deal with Azerbaijan. Accompanied by top officials, Pashinyan led a thousands-strong procession to a memorial complex in the capital Yerevan where victims of the conflict are buried. "The entire nation has been through and is going through a nightmare," Pashinyan said in a video address ahead of the memorial march. "Sometimes it seems that all of
our dreams have been dashed and our optimism destroyed," he added. The opposition has called the 45-yearold leader a "traitor" for agreeing to end the war on Azerbaijan's terms. Pashinyan, whose wife and son were at the front during the conflict, has said he has no plans to quit and the peace deal was Armenia's only option, ensuring Karabakh's survival. 'BEG FOR FORGIVENESS': Many critics said on Saturday the leader should stay away from the memorial cemetery where the procession headed. "He must not desecrate the graves of our children," Misak Avetisyan, who lost a son in the war, told reporters. The grief-stricken father said the prime minister should get down on his knees and "beg for forgiveness". Many critics chanted "Nikol the traitor" as authorities dramatically beefed up security at the cemetery. The war ended in November with a Moscow-brokered peace agreement that saw the Armenians cede swathes of territory to Azerbaijan which has been backed by close ally Turkey. The opposition were to hold a separate
march later in the day. Pashinyan's critics have called on supporters to stage a national strike from December 22. A member of the Pashinyan-led procession said the prime minister should not be blamed for the mistakes of previous leaders. "He is not guilty of anything," said Karo Sargsyan. Pashinyan, a former newspaper editor, was propelled to power in 2018 after he channelled widespread desire for change into a broad protest movement against corrupt postSoviet elites. But after the war with Azerbaijan, many now say Pashinyan has betrayed Armenia's interests. Numerous public figures including the influential head of Armenia's Apostolic Church, Catholicos Garegin, have called for Pashinyan's resignation. As part of the peace deal Russia deployed nearly 2,000 peacekeeping troops to Karabakh. Moscow said on Friday that a Russian mine clearer was killed by a blast in Karabakh when an explosive went off earlier this week. More than 5,000 people including civilians were killed during the fighting between the ex-Soviet rivals, who also fought a war in the 1990s over the mountainous region.
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